The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-01-23


Gals.
The Spanish government has again hoaxed John
Bull into the belief that it will set free all the "eman
cipados who were brought to this island up to the
year 1886 1t has even gone further for IL has per-
suaded the old gentleman into the belief, that not
only the African slave trade shall be put an end to-
but that the days Of slavery in Cuba are mbered,
and will be soon brought to an end. Thus we ind
the ordinance issued to which referred In my last
letter. and which has been followed by another ad.
dressed to the Lieutenant Governors of the various
departments into which this island is divided for.
bidding them to permit the int oducdon of any more
cargoes Of Africans and which is also succeeded by
set of regulations tixyseven in number, providing
for the introduction of free laborers from Spain
tan, and from China. But those parties who have
had their eyes open with respect to the subject well
know that all This is sheer deceit, done merely to
quiet John Bulls somewhat anxious representations
and admOnitions regarding the too fragrant manner
in which the Africans have been landed. almost in
the very presence Of the Spanish island authorities
whose eyes and ears were closed with stufling Of
golden ounces, so that they could neither hear
see what was going on before their sight and within
their hearing.
do very well to cheat old John Bull into quiet
ness; hut il the Captain General were ia earn.
est about not permitting the introduction
Africans he would not have issued these
high sounding prOclamati0Ds, with 4" such o mighty
fuss and pother," but he would have acted as did
the "good General Concha" o lew years ago, aud
have called before him the slave traders and the
heads Of those mercantile firms known TO be eng aged
in the disgraceful traffic, aud said to them: "Gen
tlemen, this odious business in which you are en-
peged IL contrary to the humanity and philanthropy.
Christian feelings anu civilization " the age in
which we live. 1t must cease; you must not expect
70 In al -. 1ana anf fr,ne
slaves on this island whilst am entrusted with Its
government but, as the planters must have aborers
send proper ships to Spain and 10 China, whence
free laborers may be obtained in abundance"
But no; instead OF thus acting bona fde, the Cap.
tain General has issued the proclamations or " or.
dnances" before referred to- whilst but very brief
period since it is kno wn he declared that if Africans
were placed upon any estate or plantation tney were
beyond his legal control, and he had not the power
to remove them; hor, indeed, as l have heard it
stated to punish either the buyer or seller of the
slaves. Under these circumstances it is extraordi
nary how some men can indulge in the belief that
the Gays of the African slave trade are at length
brought to an end. No. no! Mark my words, this
is all 'ganm0n," and SO the results will prove.
There have been between eight and ten thousand
OF African slaves introduced into this island during
alive at this period of the ensuing year, if an equal
number at least OF Africans will not have been in
troduced into Cuba during its twelve .nunths.
Christmas has passed, or gatner the Christmas
holidays are passing, very agreeably.. The night
before Christmas Day there were grand supper at
almost every house in the city whilst at midnight all
the churches were opened and high mass was So
lemnized. The music at the Cathedral was very
beautiful. have rarely heard an organ Of finer tone
Of greater power tany not in this hemisphere;
nor do think have ever heard q more excellent
performer on that instrument than / did on that
night at the Cathedral Of this city. There was
great deal Of drumming and dancing through the
night amongst the negroes, but at daylight all this
ceased.
The theatres were opened on Christmas night, and
there were bull fights and cock fights In more than
one Establishment on Christmas Day. There have
been nothing but balls and rotS ever since, which
an informed will continue until the week after New
Years Day. GUALrERIo.
HAVANA, Dec. 20, 1853.
Management Of the Cuban Customs Ertensive
Political Arrests More about the Treaty ,cith
England-Report OF a Second Incaston of the
Island The Lone Star Order' and the Gou
errment-Ls there a Traitor in the Camp ?-1he
Sugar Crop Cholera, Ferer, and the Cash Mar
kct.
You have no doubt heard of the intention of the
Captain General of Cuba to make quite stir among
the Office holders in the custom-house. will tell
you that he also intends removing Office holders from
other departments. Bribery eaters into the transac
tions Of every public servant.
from Spain to make fortune and then return homo
home to enjoy it, and they employ every means to
obtain that end. The other day an officer of the
customs observed gentleman stepping from brig
to the wharf with bundle under his arm and &C
costed him. On examining the bundle he found 1t
to contain ten pounds Of fine sewing silk but ex.
pressed his willingness to allow him TO take 1t on
shore if he would give him one hundred dollars.
av,lf hn kctvx
of the thread for few days and the sold it
to friend Of mine on his own account. Such trans
actions are frequent. Every officer, from the Cap
tain General down, has made money in a like man
ger.
There is great excitement here in consequence OF
the imprisonment OF forty different persons who were
supposed to be engaged in issuing the Appeal 70
the Down ,rodden Soss OF Cuba" Their relatives
have used every possible means to get them liberated;
but have been repulsed by being told that their
further attention to the matter would cause the gov
eminent to imphcate them, although they might
claim that the ties of relationship the only cause
Some If them ~i be garOte5, and others put to the
chain gang, which s more Objectionable.
have understood that the Captain General made
come assertions, whilst IN conversation with men,
Der of certain commercial house In Havana, tina {
would tenG to prove that there existed between Eng
land ard Spain treaty Of late adoption, which he
feared might have tendency of shaking the good
feeling existing between the PEG lie of Cuba and the
governneLt Of Spain, but that he determined TO
carry It out at all hazards conformity with his in
structions. feel no doubt in the matter Of there
berg a heavy concession made on the part of Spain
in favor Of Englands wishes and En gland herself has
excused the delay of its fulment because she secs
the necessity for it,
see by the papers that it is the intention
OF the Junta" 10 send force of four thousaod
men to invade Cuba shortly. They may have
intenced to do so; but so long the United States
government feels bound to put them down fliouster
ing will never succeed, unless the "Juntap is more
cautious n its movements. The government Of Cuba
have persons in their employ who are members of
The Lone Star association, and Of the "Junta' Also
who psid to report everything IF any Importance
which may transpire before either body, AID from
the Captain General it is conveyed 10 the Spanish
Minister at Washington, uoless Of a very important
character in which it is transmitted 70 the Min
lister INN sdiaiey who infor the President Of the
same.
know the above TO be the case.
feel satisfied that the sugar crop in Cuba will be
good one potw outstanding the great loss Of negroes
hx ck..I.ra Tho h.a hscxa 80