The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-11-24
THE SPANISH FL0TILLA.
A Seizure to be Made
To-Day.
SENIOR ALFARO'S AFFIDAVIT.
Five Spanish Frigates En- Route
to New York.
Excitement in Diplomatic Circles
in Washington.

in Washington.
OPERATIONS OF THE JUNTA.
Contrary to the expectations Of the Cuban Junfa
and Others the seizure OF the Spanish gunboats by
the civil authorities did not take place yesterday In
consequence OF the time required Tor completing the
necessary documents. separate libel has to be
made out for each gunboat, one copy Of which is
served the vessel another ID sent to washington
another 10 deposited with the United States Marshal
and the fourth % retained by the United States Dis
tzlCt Attorney. Thus 100 documents are necessary
for the simple act OF taking possessQn Of the thirty
vessels. THESE, together with all the accom-
panying papers, were to have been completed
last evening. and 1t Is expected that
the seizure will be made this morning. At q late
hour yesterday Judge Pierrepont telegraphed to
Washington for further instructions but the nature
OF the reply has not transpired.
THE LIBELLING AFFIDAVIT,
upon which District Attorney Pierreponts action is
based, was made by Senior Afaro OF the Junta. This
gentleman has been closely watching the vessels
from the day the first keel LAID until the present
time and through discreet agents he has kept him.
self posted respecting every movement made in con-
nectlon with them. AS soon as the Spanish govern
ment the formal demand for their surrender he
drew up an adavit, setting forth the character Of
the gunboats, stating that their armament and NUM-
tions had already been conveyed to Havana; that
tine Officers and crews intended for them were pre-
sent In the harbor and that their evident purpose
was not only to make war upon an established
government in Cuba with which the United States
was ct peace, but to relieve the Spanish squadron
and enable 1t TO resume hostites against the friendly
nation OF Peru. This afndavit having been placed
In the hand OF Judge Plerrepont measures were at
lating to the subject.
1t having been suggested to Senior Alfaro that
eordine the neutrality laws onehaf the proceeds
from the sale Of vessels condemned for violation Of
said laws goes to the informer that gentleman an
nounces that should the gnnboats be condemned and
sold he shall present to the treasury of the Junta
whatever amount may accrue to him from the trans
action.
The gunboats are still in the hands Of the naval
authorities, some officer from the Navy Yard beng
constantly on duty with tug at the wharf where
the gunboats are lying. revenue cutter is
anchored out in the stream, and every precauti0n is
taken against any one OF the vessels stealing away.
The sum to be paid for them by the Spanish govern
ment has been kept profound secret. but some
idea may be formed Of their cost from the fact
shat the sails OF each vessel contracted for at
$4,000, making $4,000 for this item alone. As the
sails are small and few in number the total contrac
price OF the vessels, estimated from these figures
must be rather heavy bill for Spain 70 pay In the
present condition Of her finances.
THE CUBAN JUNTA
u In the best of spirits over the new aspect OF
off nd ha hao duuo Of RraaI duo v
was crowded yesterday with enthusiastic Cubans.
Half q dozen officers OF the steamer Cuba,
seized at Wilmington, were assembled about
the place most OF the day. and Notwithstanding their
own disappointment in not being able to carry out
their purposes with the new Cuban war steamer,
seemed to be scarcely less pleased than the Cubans
themselves at the prospect of assistance TO the
from the United States auth critics. The apartments
OF the Junta were thrown open, and the secrecy
which has usually characterized business there was
wholly dispensed with. Only one or two members
Of the Junta were present. anu at times the head
quarters were left entirely IN the charge OF the
attendant, who busted himself desk in the ante
room while visitors strolled and out OF the apart
menta and spread thems Ives about as II
1t were . sort Of moving day and the
occupation Of the Junta had ceased. Occasionally
member or the Junta would drop In, chat with his
1~4udluIuuCcSs buOhc D CIxdNettc WuHC uS ioohcu
over the papers, and then DRIFT out again. evidently
In q very comfortable frame Of mind.
In an upper room, at some distance from these
headquarters o very different scene was presented
Here the members OF the Junta sat In council
around long table, and two secretaries
at an adjacent desk were busily writing
The proceedings OF the council were secret and
whenever the meeting was disturbed by callers all
business was suspended until the visitor had left
The nature OF their deliberations Will transpre in
day or two, however, with important results 10 the
Cuban interests involved in the seizure Of the gun
boats.
The Junta claims that according to established
precedent the Spanish gunboats must be condemned,
and cites the case OF the privaeer Joseia Segunda
which, In the year 1920 was sent out by the colony Of
Venezuela, while that colony was insurection
against Spain and before there had been any recog-
milton Of the beligerency OF the insurgents. This
privateer captured a Spanish merchantmen and
brought her prize into an American port. The
spanish government made demand for the sur
render Of the vessels and the United States Supreme
Court decided that although Venezuela had not yet
been recognized as . belligerent the existence Of
war between her and spain was everywhere
known. and that she was by her mainte
nance OF the war virtually an Independent
STATE Upon this decision the request of Spain was
denied, and the vessels were declared to be the
lawful property Of the insurrecttonary colony OF
Venezuela. The Junta applies this theory to the
situation IN Cuba. aud argues that the same prln
cipal the United States must recognize the Cuban
republic as State at peace with the United States
and prevent Spain from carrying on any operations
against Cuba from America ports. The Cubans also
place great reliance upon the action Of Congress,
now about to assemble, and are highly gratiaed and
encouraged by the numerous petitions being signed
by the American people praying for the recognition
Of Cuba by the United States. In addition to the
memorials which have been signed BY thousands In