The New York herald., 1872-12-30
The Heraid's Second Mission to Cuba
Fighting stili Going On.


Special Commissioner 10 the Island of Cuba,
Mr. James J. O'Kelly. 1t will be seen there
from that Captain General Ceballos has de-
cided not to repeat his extension of protection
to HERALD correspondent. The grounds on
which he bases this refusal to perform grace
full act are certainly not conclusive. In all the
points which he calls to his aid in giving
his explanation pleasant face there is
one which win be noted as the most promi-
nent-namely, the offence to Spanish authority
in doubling Spanish statements about the in
surrection. However this hasteur may satisfy
Castilian pride, it is not enough. The exist
ence Of the insurrection is not denied by the
Spaniards, but it is by them reduced on paper
to mere handful Of naked, starving negroes,
under the command of o few white despera-
does. The Cuban sympathizers, on the other
hand, aver that the patriots cannot be beaten,
and the careful investigations of our late Com
missioner 60 good way to confirm that belief,
while pointing out the faint chances Of ultimate
rebel success. To investigate such q state
Of affairs is worthy the best efforts of an inde-
pendent journal. Carried on as is this war
with oil the atrocities of old barbarism, it is
disgrace to our civilization, and any steps
which would lead to its cessation should be
hailed in the heart of every human being with
pleasure Vapid oratory and rhodomontade
on the Cuban side and rabid rage among the
Spaniards have been the insecure data from
which the outside world has endeavored to
form an opinion of the standing of the
rtia in, xpor rIa uyoe1,xy
tality of the multitude for Cuba Libre
drives Spain into i ill-temper with
America, and the meaningless utterances
Of the President in the same vein do not
improve our relations with the Spanish gov
ernment A hollow sympathy for the in
surrection satisfies President and people,
while everything which can aid and comfort
the Spaniards is at the same time accorded.
1t has been for four years one long story OF
| professed friendliness to the Cubans and
active assistance to Spain. We wish to see
this anomaly ended. The investigation of
Mr.. Henderson laid bare part of the story
and shed new light on some of the most
interesting features Of this deadly strife.
In our anxiety to learn the whole
/
the position vacated by Mr. Henderson. We
cannot, therefore, characterize the refusal Of
the Captain General to allow Mr.. O. Kelly the
same facilities as his predecessor otherwise
than as grave mistake on his part. It matters
little whether Mr.. Henderson left Santiago de
Cuba because of the laborantes, the volunteers
or the vomito. The courtesics which he re-
ceived we are grateful for, and believe that it
could not possibly injure the cause Of Spain
to have them renewed for his successor. Con-
vinced, however, that our present Commits
sioner will use all honorable efforts to fulfil
his mission, now made doubly perilous, we
can only regret the mistaken policy which
needlessly hampers him at the outset
The cause Of Mr.. Hondersons departure
from the island has been made the source Of
many speculative efforts among the Spanish
press in Cuba From the Diario, which edi-
torially gives General Riguelme's side of the
story, we copy elsewhere an article on the
matter. The reasons it advances are puerile,
for we do not credit the idea that the man who
braved danger in entering the insurgent
camp would run away from so much Of the
yellow fever as appears in Cuba in the Winter
months. The explanation made by Mr.. Hem
derson, that he considered his mission COM
pleted, and that he left simply at the first op-
portunity, covers the question beyond cavil.
It is certainly convenient for the Spanish au-
thorities to have such bogies as the laborantes
and the vomito OF hand to account for anything
which they may think needs explanation.
The news telegrnphed us from Havana,
under date of Saturday, viii give increased
force to the interest excited in regard to the
HzRALp's mission. Two considerable fights
have taken place in the insdfseht districts,
the advantages in each being with the rebels.
Although details are wanting and likely 20
be for some time, the fact Of two defeats, with
heavy loss to the Spaniards, is admitted. The
town Of Holguin, place of six thousand
inhabitants, in the Oriental Department, was
the scene Of the most remarkable Of these ex-
ploits. The fort Of the town, left undefended
by the regulars and unoccupied by the volun-
tears (the former having departed on on ex-
pedition), was suddenly captured by the insur-
gents under Vicente Garcia. The volunteers, un-
aware of this surprise movement, on marching
to garrison the fort were met by heavy fire,
and lost they admit, twenty killed, although
report places it nearer sixty. The hardy rebels
held their position all night and retreated
unhurt, after inficting what damage they
could, before daybreak. At Mayari the rebels
similarly surprised the town and sacked sew
eral houses before the authorities were
aroused. A detachment Of marines, sent
ashore to drive out the insurgents,
were badly cut up, losing twenty men.
The insurgents, it is stated, carried
off their dead and wounded. In view
Of the spaniards claiming the victory, either
the Cuban loss must have been very slight or