The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-12-10
Progress o. the Revolution I'm Cuba.

Progress % tho Revolution In Cuba.
The retreat OF the Spanish garrisons from
the inland towns of Puerto Principe and Las
Tunas to the coast marks definite change in
the character Of the war in the island of Cuba
and indicates the military policy which the
colonial government probably aims to pursue
in the contest with the Cuban patriots or re-
the OLD line Of interior garrisons by which
the island has been held and concentration
of the forces on the available points Of coast,
where they can always be in safe communica-
ton with Havana, the centre of government
and Of supply. This concentration has its
Spanish army great facilities for supply and
movement and will enable It to concentrate for
action against any point that may become vital
to the new republic.
On the other hand, il is On abandonment to
tho republicans of one half of the territorial
extent of the island, with the exception of
few fortified ports and leaves under their con-
l troll approximately one-third of the population
from which to organize tho means Of defence
| for the new order of things. The Eastern
Department, which has been given up to
the revolution, from its mountainous
character and sparse population and produc-
ton, affords the least facilities for military
operations and the greatest advantages for
defence. The island is there one hundred and
fifty miles wide, and the length of the portion
now occupied by the republicans is not less
than three hundred miles. IL is the great seat
of the grazing industry of Cuba, which, no
doubt, has contributed to the rapid spread of
the revolt. The Western Department, which
is as yet undisturbed, is the great seat of the
slave population and agricultural wealth.
From Puerto Principe two highroads ira
verse the island westwardly-one on the
northern and one ON the southern side. Along
these 1t appears that two bodies Of the
patriots are marching westward upon the great
seat oil sugar culture and wealth. A. the last
reports one Of these was advancing under the
Count Of vilamar upon Santo Espirtu, an in
land city Of thirteen thousand inhabitants,
while the other, pursuing the northern road. had
appeared in the vicinity OF Maron, port on
the north coast twenty-five leagues east of
Sagua Ia Grande. That tho disposition of the
native inhabitants Of the Western Department
is favorable to the cause Of Independence
q well known to the colonial government !;
but how far the republicans win venture to
penetrate the popilous districts with their adj
vance will in great measure depend on their
possession OF arms aud munitions. With these
they scantily supplied, and still greater
need is that Of men skilled in military organi-
nstion and movements. All tho names that
| have thus far appeared in the accounts of sheir
| movements. with the exception Of one or two
Dominicars, are lawyers and planters, who
| have never before grit on a sword.
| The slave population forms ono Of the most
important clements in this contest and one
| which has as get been but little affected. OF
| four hundred thousand slaves in Cuba not
| over seventy five thousand are held in the half
| Of the Island that has thus far been brought
under The influence OF the movement, while
! Of The quarter OF a million Of the FREQ colored
/ population fully one hundred Thousand reside
1 IN the Eastern Department and ara favorable
to the revelation. Many Of tho Cuban plantc1
alyocaia Tie abolition Of slavery, but desire lts
gradual rather tl,au its sudden extinction.
NJ. tew or thcul, however, arc disposed to
liberatc and arm their negroes, aud few are
reported to have done 80 already. This feel
ing may be Increased by tho fall iu The value
Of slave property, which has begun 70 be expe-
ranced. ~ will bo seen by our Havana letter
polished in another coluur.
Further adyiees from clue scene 81 operations
will be looked for With interest, "a the revol "a.
ton s.now approaching Geld where It viii
seriously affect our commercial Interests.
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MAR,so HASTE StowLN--Ciladstono 10 ,'i'
formation of bis Cabinet a few names wcr'
furnished by cable despatch last night 10 hav
I 10, been officially gaze'ted for places. Johr
! Brights does not appear among them no
that Of any other very prouiaeut man, Coz tha
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