New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-02-20


ness. The Governments paper asserts that they
agreed not only to 10 but to IS per cent and increased
the number of the bonds There is small belief how
ever that the Generals plan was entered into with
love and enthusiasm, as planters and merchants of
all kinds have plain dislike of and unfaih IN the
Governments taxes and finances. 1t is possible that
some called and chosen to whom the concession
of 10 per cent was really in the nature of forced
loan, and matter of engineering rather than volun-
teering. Yet the Governments financial idea has
charm of its own which ought to strike the business
mind at once. The planters are to pledge their es-
tates the payment of the 10 or 10 percent In other
words, in time of conaagratiOn, they are TO offer
their burning houses security. SO much for that
aspect of the loan The Spanish interest on the
island is wealthy. and must needs be devoted and
for this the Government ought to itself
of better plan for raising money than tho pre-
scented. But few Cubans can take part in 1T without
misgving or insincerity. Men do not make them
selves martyrs outright in Cuba Iii hard to refuse
defy the Government to its face, Whoever does is
between the sword and the wall. Journalists have
preached autonomy and Cancellation knowing that
nothing would come of it, and believing quite
otherwise. The current of Cuban sympathy runs un-
derground down to Villa Clara and Yara. The au-
thorities have been lodged outwitted, undermined,
of influence have been indicted in the courts in strict
form of law, though all have escaped the country.
Mr. BramOso one Of them, was an Alderman OF the
city, and in conformity with usage took an Alder
mans part in tho councils OF tile Captain-General.
lie the presiding officer as required by law, at
the Vlanueva Theater on the night of the massacre
and the Spaniards insist that he gave his word for
good order. His friends say, however, that Mr. Bra
mosio only promised that the proceedings of the
evening should not if he could help it, transgress the
bounds of the previous night, when the revolution
was cheered without accompanying violence. But
as his life threatened after the night in question
he procured passport from tho Cortni,
left the country 1t is said by his enemies that
he BETRAYED plot against the Government. in which
he was mover, and along with it the names of his
complotters before leaving Havana. Those who
know the man best scOut the story as utterly untrue
But it Is known that BramOsO is accused of treason
in having been member of the revolutionary junta
in the capital.
Rest assured that the insurgents have not come to
terms Ny authority for information as to this fact
is particular and important. The Peace Commission
ers report that they could not reach Cespedcs. One
of them sought MarmOl, who had neither business
nor wish to treat. He had burned the IL plantations
around Santiago de Cuba he himself said, because
the planters had promised him aid and were fOOling
him to gather their crop and make OIL Quesada, who
was found at the head of well armed force, was
equally averse TO the terms which the Commissioners
had to offer, but referred the matter to Cespedos.
Arrange. one of his generals supposed to favor the
plan of autonomy went into Puerto-Principe at re-;
quest of its Governor and under truce and safe con-
duct, but was killed by Spanish soldiers the
town. His hostage, Mr. Correa, saved from the fury
of the insurgents by the brother Of Arrange IS
believed to have quit the Governments service in
disgust consequent upon the assassination of his own
enemy. The only indication within my knowledge
as TO terms given by one of the chief rebels is
tanned in letter Of one of the best and ablest Of
them to Captain General Dulce This brief letter is
here pnbshnd fe~ tho fret time and 10 almost liter
ally as follows:
ISM: Desiring only the welfare Of Cuba, will agree
70 what Won Offer provided National Militia il esab-
lshed within the isle and that its liberties secured
from tie fluctuations Of Spanish politics"
This letter, which is as short as one OF Lneolns,
agrees with what have heretofore said as to prop
ostiOn of the Tevolutoniss to turn their arms and
men into militia Of the island, the liberty thereof
being granted These terms were deemed impOssi-
BILE. They were probably limited in answer to terms
more indefinite and equally impracticable to the
rebels am not certain of the of their author.
but am at liberty TO guess that the letter quoted
written by Carlos Manuel Cespedes. As have said,
the terms Of autonomy demanded by the insurgents
near Villa Clara and CamerOnes doomed by the
loyalists but cover for worse designs; but have
no doubt that very many of the rebels would accept
the plan of autonomy if were possible that it would
he rendered them literally and in good faith. Fail
ing this, be certain that the whole meaning Of the
revolution is independence.
An order issued to-day stTangcs all the liberties Of
the ISLE and restores martial law if not the inquisi
ton. II is despOtic order. No new harm is done
TO the press for Duce has practically strangled it
already. There is truly no such thing here as q free
press though fifty papers have come ont of the late
rush Of liberties to the head. While he suppresses
Cuban opinion Dulce has taken pains to chain up
the ferocity of the Spanish press The relentless and
even savage temper provoked in some Of these jour
nails by the western outbreaks will strike general at
tention and admOnlsh the friends Of Cuba Of what
mag be to come. ave have to meet those who OPP
pose us with fosse Of blood and % wall of fire."
exclams the Diario. 1.-THE state must dispose of
everything at hand without asking questions" says
the same paper. The Preasd is for disposed to
cOncede something to its bugbear Of autonomy, but
takes fire again with the question: If they reply
to our amnesty with the burning OF mills and plan.
tatOns, what remains to us but the severest meas
ures They laugh at the honor of Spain. As God
lives il shall not bep The Voice Of Cuba makes threat
of war without mercy" and in an atrocous article
urges and approves moblawthat is to say of the mob
which fired volleys into the crowded parquet Of the
Vilanueva theater. Worse STILL it accepts war Of
determination welcomes despotism of all kinds and
calls upon the Spaniards to rally 10 the field after
making sure that no traitors are left behindo-a
PLAIN lntimaton that obnoxious Cubans ought TO be
assassinated This language addressed directly to
the armed men who so lately terrorzed over Havana,
and who were reckless and pitess, as we have seen
For the credit of the Spanish side, the 70. de Cuba
] hno, irdrinnd 10 rrnlor 49,