The New York herald., 1872-08-21
His Arrival in New York Yes
terday from Cadiz.
Nineteen Months in a Span
ish Dungeon.
He Tells the Story Of His Imprisonment and
What He Knows Of Secretary Fish-The Cruel
Treatment He Was Subjected To-His
Claim Against Spain and What
He Thinks Will Come Of It.

After days of anxious watching DR.. John Emile
Houard, who has obtained during the past year
more than national reputation, arrived here by
the Alexandria, Of the Anchor line, running be-
tween New York and Cadz. AS the steamers arri-
val was telegraphed from Sandy Hook number Of
friends and sympathizers met together at the
wharf to give the exile a welcome home. These
were mainly Cubans residing here, but among them
were mixed some Americans, though no one Of an
Official character. When finally the steamship
neared her dock rush was made for the gang
plank and before Dr. Houard had time TO appear
on deck he was almost submerged, as 1t were, in q
sea Of congratulations. 1t seemed q tussle as
to who should have his hand first The stranger in
his own land was quite overcome by this Affection
ate welcome, and his voice almost failed him as he
attempted to answer the thousand questions which
were put to him at the moment.
HIS APPEARANCE.
DR.. Houard Is a man Of apparently about forty
years Of age, OF medium height. His hair is dark
and no gray is visible in IT, while his beard, which
he wears long, Is Of somewhat lighter color. He
wears no mustache, which gives him somewhat
singular appearance. His face Is exceedingly
brown from tanning under the hot sun Of the
south OF Spain, and his eyes have a thoughtful,
somewhat solemn look as Of o man who had SUI.
fered much. This look is carried out by his ges.
ture, which is stately and slow. Every movement
indicates the gentleman of refinement and culture.
lie was dressed IN suit OF black.
After mutual congratulations had been exchanged
for some time. Doctor Houard drove from the
steamship with q couple OF friends to the Astor
House, where he registered his name, taking room
1913. During the afternoon q large number Of
friends mainly Cubans, called In to see him.
reporter OF the HERALD was despatched to look
after the distinguished gentleman and after some
difficulty in tracing him up to the city finally met
him at the Astor House ITSELF where he called in
later in the afternoon. An introduction was OBJ
tanned through distant relative Of the Doctor, and
the reporter stated the object OF his VISIT Dr. Hou
ard expressed himself as
VERY MUCH GRATrFIED
at seeing the representative of the HERALD, and
said that before he communicated anything he
wished to thank the press OF America for the man.
ner In which 1t had befriended him when
apparently he had no friends. He stated
Of the American press anS the
NEW YORK HERALD, which had advocated his cause
from the first In the strongest manner, and he had
no doubt had nnaly succeeded in making Congress
REPoRrER-what do you think, Doctor, Of the ac-
Dr. HoUARD~i knew so little Of what was going
on outside my prison walls that, indeed hardly
IKE TO give an opinion against the government
sun ~ sSeIus w mc thclr uCtlOu WuS very
and long drawn out think Secretary Fish might
have acted more promptly In this way, think,
have right to complain. The government had all
the proofs before 1t that was both an American
citizen and totally innocent of the charges brought
against me. and think, under the circumstances
might have abbreviated, or at least aeviated, my
sunerngs somewhat. However, when once
CONGRESS TOOK DOMINANCE
or the matter things went along with considerable
swiftness. General Sickes In particular acted as
promptly as could wish, and as soon as he had
once received his instructions from the government
lost no time In seeing me liberated. have also In
particular to thank Mr.. Duffy, the American Consul
In Cadiz, for his uniform kindness TO me, total
stranger to him. He sympathized with me 30
deeply that had ] been his own brother could not
possibly have been treated with more consistently
Kind feeling.
REPoRrER-I presume you intend presenting
your claim Immediately 10 the government
DR.. HoUARD-Certainly. i shall repair 10 Wash
ington In day or two and present my claim. I am
not quite certain as TO what sum shall demand
But j am entitled TO pretty round sum, not only