The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1855-01-12
Interesting from spain.

THE POLICY OF ENGLAND AND FRANCE IN ENLIsTIEG
TIE SPANISH LEGIoS--cUBAN FILIBusrERos TO BE
PUT DOWN.
Madrid dec. gay Correspondence Of London rimesl
The report that spanish auxiares about to be
listed by England Tor the war in the Cimea has been
vived within the last few days. Yesterdays Nacion
spoke OF body OF 900 volunteers be paid by Eng
land and France, commanded by spanish hali-pay OFF,
and distinguished general and in exchange for
which the Anglo French squadrons, combined with the
Spanish should undertake 10 crush any flibustero at
tempts on Cuba II is not very clear why Spain should
receive naval assistance In the Antilles, except mat
ter Of Iiendness and good nature the part OF the
allies, certainly not equivalent for Spanish legion
to be part Of the regular Of SPAIN the reciprocity
would be Ineligible, but by recruiting $4,000 yolun
teers, and employing 500 900 half pay officers
England would be rendering this country great service
Ihave to believe that any overture has yet
that inquiries have been set foot with view
enable that OF England decide whether Spain would be
good recruiting ground rsrsana, knowsds. and o.
with experienced military men, both Spanards and
foreigners induce to think that IL would-o limited
extent. The number OF troops named above is too
large-larger think, than could be obtained OF de-
srable class. Enough only should be taken to act
light infantry to the British amy which, in fact his
light infantry cxcep. in name Toe British nantry
emphat caly infantry Of the line. Light infantry
drill does not suffice to make light infantryman.
The spabards, lightly loaded, and. spare, active
officers, the FIRST light infantry IN the world
number 10 be raised here. they should I'll. IL possible
have served in the Spanish army This would b. an
number
soldiers lately discharged Basques and Galatians soud
be preferred they the best soldiers in Spain have
little doubt that in Catalonia excellent battsons
might be raised When say this, tase it for grated
that English pay and conditions would be accorded
the Spanish volunteers. II would need that to tempt
him. for the Spaniard does not leave his native land
willingly once in the Crimes he would be too busy to
be liable TO nostalgia In respect British regulations
must be departed from In his favor There must be
rigging OF trianges. That would shock him, aud in
ducs desertion. During the civil war, have known
Spanish soldiers, especially Of Zurbano's and other
conduct on the line of march but that was a far
lighter punishment than would be a couple of
dozen from the cato. nine-tails. And really do
not think that Spanish soldiers require corporal punish
ment They are very obedient and su coordinate, and
have great reverence for their officers This brings
to another point, rather difficult to decide upon. How
should such legion be oicercdf English officers would
perhaps be preferable 70 any others, sufficient
Der could be found acquainted with the ,neaage ma,
it's and character Of spanish sol tiers That however
would be impossible and IL would be necessary
TO give tie preference to Spanish officers at least up
the rank of captains inclusvey. Some good foreisu
officers, French and Poles, who have been long IN
the Spanish service, might also be selected | go
upon the superstition that the troops required
for immediate service, and that there would NOT be
time as with the Portuguese troops in the Penin-
salar gar, Tor long organization before they were
brought face to face with the enemy. II 10
solved that the whole Of the officers from the genearl
commanding the division downwards, should be
spanierds particular care ought 10 be taken In the
lection Of those who should all the higher ranks. With
English psy and allowance, the field officers nms.
sons and especially those OF and of the
general in com mand would appear 80 desrable Ia MANY
Spanish military men, that would assuredly be
great deal OF intriguing 10 obtain them. No regard
should be had TO anything but well ascertaned merit
Friendship and favoritsm might easily prove the ruin
Of such force a. have here supposed The most OBJ
yious and the best plan would DO leave the selection
10 the British mini,ter hero he consulting with Gene
raj Espartero and 0'DonuslL Him self military man
having served as British Commissioner with the army
during the civil war, and being also we'll acquainted
with Spain and the Spanish character, Lord Howlen
could hardly fail TO make good choice OF officers
The Cuban Slave Trade.
In the British House Of Commons on December 22d
Fir g. PErHE asked whether any information hai been
received that the Government Ia Spain had given
eject 10 those DEGREES relative the abolition OF the
slave trade and the reg rEton Of slaves the island OF
Cuba which issued about the month of June last
Also whether the number Of cruisers on the coasts
Of Cuba had been increased, promised last see
sion, and In conformity with the report Of the Select
Committee on Slave Trade rrestes9
Lord RrssEl1, in reply had 70 state that the lata