New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1870-03-24
CUBA.
HOW AND WHY UNITED STATES CONsUL PHILLIPS
WAS COMPELLED TO LEAVE SANTIAGO DE

HOW AND WHY UNITED STATES consul PHILLIPS
WAS COMPELLED TO LEAVE SANTIAGO DE
CUBA.
KINGSTON, Ja.. March 10.-The steamer Darien of
the French Transatlantic line arrived here yesterday
from Santiago de Cuba bringing number OF passeh-
gers, among them being A. L. Phillips, esq., United
States Consul at Santiago dc CUBA, VINO mas peeh
compelled TO fly the country in consequence OF hav-
ing discovered that an attempt on his life was TO
have been made on Tuesday night last. 1t appears
that about three weeks ago number of respectable
citizens were arrested at Santiago. of whom was
a Senior Portuondo naturalized American who was
subsequently assassinated at st. Juan. Immediately
after the arrest of this gentleman Mr. Phillips pro-
tested against the act and as soon as he heard the
news Of the murder, communicated the same 10 MS
Government A few days later the American sloop
Champion from Aux Cages, and bound to this port
put into Santiago in distress, but owing to some
slight informaty in her papers the vessel
was seized by the authorities, the captain
and crew made prisoners, and the vessel herseH
moored under the bow of a Spanish gunboat.
The captain applied TO be allowed to communicate
with his Consul but was refused Somehow or other,
bov,eyer he got ashore, saw the Consul and placed
the entire matter before him. protest against the
proceedings of the authorities was entered by the
Consul who advised the captain to surrender the
vessel entirely to its captors and subsequently de-
onded the instant release Of the captain and crew.
This was complied with and for safety the men
were dispatched to one of Mr. Phillipss estates in
the country. The first night the captain was on
shore an attempt was made to poison him. fortu-
natev the necessary antidotcs were taken, and the
captain recovered. The Consul of course complained
of this yillany and in the hight Of his troubles the
steamer from Havana arrived with copies of the
Havana papers containing dispatch of Mr. Phillipss
70 his Government with reference to the condition OF
the country the came dispatch which Mr.
Fi-h sent 10 Congress. In this dispatch,
Mr. Phillips had expressed tie OPINION that
the Volunteers at Santiago were opposed to the
CAPTAIN General and that it was their wish to place
Valmaseda at the head of affairs This statement
caused the greatest excitement and the Volunteers
themselves held meeting, at which it was decided
70 assassnate Mr. Phillips that night. Fortunately
Mr.. Phillips learned their intention, and immedi-
atelv. in company with M Ramsden, the British
Consul, waited upon the Governor and demanded
protection. This the Governor confessed himself
unable to afford and be advised Mr. Phillips as
friend to leave Santiago instantly, or he would net
he responsible for whatever might happen. Hear
ing this from the chief of the Government. Mr. Phil
Inns Immediately returned to the Consulate and de-
termined to take passage in the French steamer,
which had lust arrived for the States, via Jamaica.
Temporary successor was appointed and Mr.. Phil
Inns escorted by Mr.. Ramsden and the Secretary to
the Governor went on board the steamer, having
been forced to leave his interests and an immense
amount of landed property in the hands OF the Gov
eminent and the Catalan Volunteers.