The New York herald., 1869-10-13
CUBA.
Illness OF tho Captain Generai-FiGhf in the
Eastern Department-Eiunicipal C0rpOra-
tions Renewing Their Allegiance.

EastcFu Observation-Disclosures C0FpOrU-
tions Renewing Their Allegiance.
HAVANA. Oct. II, 1862.
Captain General De Rodas was tagen sick yester-
day, but today he is better.
Several skrmishes have recently taken place in
the Eastern Department, during which thirty insur-
gents were killed. The Spanisrloss is not gwen.
hgnt occurred near Santi Espirltu between the
FORCES OF Spain ana Cuba. The Spanish Colonel
odaly was wounded. The Cubans lost ~ killed.
Municipal corporations IN various parts OF the
Island are sending to Captain General De Rodas
Their adhesion to the existing order OF things, to.
gether with expressions Of loyalty to Spain.
The Cuban Question In Wasl.ington-- What
the Government Has Aimed To Do-The
Neutrality Laws TO be RigidIy Enforced %
The SickIes Note Not Discourteous-No
Complications With spnin-No European
Alliance Tor the Retention Of Cuba.
WASHINGTON, Oct. IL. 1869.
There have been so many rumors In connection
with the facts relative TO the Cuban question: that
the real situation OF affairs seems generally to be
lmperlectly understood. But 1t Is known that ever
since the present administration came into power
Efforts have been made in good faith to enforce the
neutrality laws, both against the Spanish govern
ment and the agents OF the Cubans in this country
on the presentation or reception OF such Official or
other trustworthy Information, either from our own
officers or those acting for the Spanish
government as justified proceedings In the
premises. While seduously ondcavorlng to strictly
observe our treaty Obligations with spain. the
government has not been unmlndrul OF those duo by
spain to the United States. Our government has
frequently been approached by agents or alleged
ministers acting III behalf OF the Cubans desiring the
recognition OF belli2erent rights; In other words
that they may be placed on the same national foot
ing with spain And the United States government
has also been asked to follow the example OF Mexico
and Feru ana other South American republics, and
thus Officially encourage the Cubans in their str 10 IL
against spain. The not acquiescng In such
appeals are based Oh the law OF nations the condl
ton OF the lsland not Justifyng, IN the opinion or
dag. Nor has any satisfactory evidence been pro-
duced to show that there is de Jaco government OF
the Cubans possessing the powers essential TO It's
maintenance and character
Inc sympathy OF the Government has always been
with the Cubans, bat thus under the peculiar exist
ing circumstances attending the question, could
he distinctly manifested oy official acts In connec-
lion with the movements In the field; but 1t Is known
mat the government has recently sought to induce
SPAN 70 consent TO the independence OF the island
aud thus avoid further bloodshed. There was not
a. has been frequently stated, any offer OF '.media
Lon' BY Minister Sickles as the use OF that word
would imply or suggest the existence OF war be-
tween equally recognized powers and was, there
fore avoided IN the correspondence and interviews
with the Spanish government Tno good
onices' Of the United States have been ten
deled, as they can always be employed between
parties one OF whom Is not acknowledged by the
otner, without the Implication OF any recognition of
NATIONALITY, or even DcllSefeucy. Inc tender or
good offices" was supernduced by certain parties
who had visited the Spanish capital, in order 10
erect an accommodation. They represent TO tnls
government that they had had interviews with
some Of the most influential statesmen ana soldiers
OF the Regency, who were favorable TO the proposed
plan OF adjustment, which contemplated the pay
Inent by the Cubans OF the estimated value OF The
public buildings fortihcations, &C., and the abolition
OF slavery in the island While there seems 10 be an
earnest and honest disposition to acquieSce In such
an arrangement, 1t was suggested tnat the CuDans
must lay down their arms before negotiations
ha nod nnf n lip,ttn
Cubans promptly refused to assent; for In such an
they would be at the mercy OF the Spaniards,
without guarantee OF securing their object,
namely-tnelr national independence. Rendered
poWerloss by the surrender oil their means OF defence
their only alternative would be submission Besides,
or those who, 1t was represented favored the
plan did not feel at liberty 10 openly advocate the
surrender OF Cuba, as. IN their opinion 1t would DC
admission that the Spanish government was not
sufficiently strong to deal with It's rebellious SUBJECTS
and that such surrender would also serve to compll
cate the troubles already existing In Spain. fhe
noe or Minister tickes rendering The good ocesi
OF the United States courteous IN Its terms with
due respect to Spanish pride. II gave no offence,
contrary TO the assertions TO that effect both IN
Europe and the United States.
Nor is 1t true that the spanish government sought
to influence foreign Powers in It's behalf for the
retention OF Cuba The reply OF the Spanish govern
ment 10 the note OF Minister Slckles was equally
courteous. While II was deemed mpolltlc TO enter
terms suggested, the Regency nevertheless ex-
pressed It's thanks to the United states Tor the tender
OF their friendly offices. The tender having been
declined, the note was Withdrawn in con-
formity with diplomatic usage The ques-
ton, as q consequence now stands exact
IL as 1T did before the offer was made,
leaving no unkind feeling between the two coun-
tries, and nothing to regret on either side Thus
the sympathy OF the Administration was manifested
not In assisting the Cuoans by facilitating reinforce
ments of troops and supplies of arms Tor this would
have been in violation OF treaty obligations with
spain, but in way justified By the Jaw OF nations
and in the interest OF peace.
The government Notwithstanding the rejection OF
the tender OF good offices, would doubtless renew II
OF future time, should circumstances justify the
repetition X VIII meantime pursue the course
already indicated, namey:-Enforce the neutrality
laws ami hold itself in readiness TO the cause
OF Cuban independence In such manner as may not
ate treaty obligations. But IL VIII not allow
any other European power preferring to follow the
path OF peace, afrordng the best means OF accom-
plishing all the ends desirable In republics and as
slsting those who struggle for independence.