The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-01-05

uauiiug anu Doaruug the FlOrlda, IL IL Cohceoed In
oil the discussion going on here that 1t is our duty
to be prepared for whatever contingency may arise
The feeling In army and navy circles Ii more than
heated. 1t Is quite warke. There are few, how
ever, who believe that the matter will come to
blows. As prominent man said tonight, who u
well informed on both Sides AIMS Is q
game OF Brag The administration Is SIMPLY trying
10 go the Don one better ana make him throw up
his handn
Everything Is quiet at the Spanish Legation.
General Sickles aud Secretary Fish have been
together this evening, though OF course. nothing
known as to the nature OF their conference.
curious theory has been preached among some
OF the diplomats which looks towards the idea
OF medlatory Intervention In Cuba, by
the United States and Great Britain. men,
Der Of one OF the best informed OF
the minor European Legations suggests that
it would be an excellent card for Great Britain to
play as she Is most anxious to secure the perma-
nent friendship Of thus nation, and the chief result
of such an Intervention would finally be
the cession OF the Island OF Cuba
to the United States, proposition which
he said the London Times has distinctly
favored. Such q mediation, II made would he on
the ground OF Spain's lncapacty or want of desire
to put an end to the barbarlsm exist
ing in Cuba, and especially as to
the last order or valmaseda relative
to the enforced serdOm of the Chinese coolies. Our
diplomat points to late historical presidents for
such Intervention In tine action OF Spain herself as
well as Of Great Britain, France aud Prus.
sia 1t is suggested also that some such
policy as this may be at the bottom OF
the harmony now prevailing In the Cabinet which
has hitherto been divided on tine Cuban question.
Robson and Belknap expressing the average army
ana navy sentiment, as 1t filters through
their bureau chiefs and boards with
Grant, whose own predictions ore undoubtedly
those Of the average army oflcer on such ques-
tiOn are ana have been always inclined to an active
pr0-Cuban policy.
General BabcOck, who seems to have become the
residuary legatee OF Secretary Rawlins views, has
been an untirlng worker in behalf Of the Cubans.
The private secretary is not one OF the Cabinet
proper, but belongs to more potent one, that OF
the kitchen. Secretaries Fish and Boutwell, have
been the aciive antagonists or all the Cuban
furry; the one ON account Of his peace
policy, Washington Treaty and Geneva con-
ference Matters ana the other on account
oil the funding operations his department had
undertaken. Messrs Creswell and Delan0 are only
makeweights, generally leaning toward the pacific
course. The presence OF Attorney General Williams
VIII, without doubt, strengthen the pro Cuban view.
None of these things augur we'll for peace, and the
assumptions of Spain, whose pride and arrogance
always cloud her reason are such as almost to do.
termine III advance what may be the issue
Of the present differences. Saying nothing
OF the very doubtful pretence for right
of search, which appears to be set up IN the
Florida case, 1t Is even contended ON the Spanish
side that the conduct Of the United States
government during the Cuban insurrectlon has
been like that Of Great Britain during the
rebellion OF which We have complained.
and are now complaining, and that In attempting
to suppress the troubles in Cuba. knowing to what
extent they have been prolonged by American aid
and the asylum Afforded In this country to Cuban
patriots, that Spain has right to 90 to the
utmost limits In preventing further assistance
from suspected vessels. In support Of this 1t Is
cited that her war vessels have for months block
AIDED both the Florida and the Hornet, ana,
reasonable as 1t may appear, there Is actually
Spanish assumption that, In justice, the
United States Is bound to compensate Spain
for the cost Of the menacng fleets as much as
Great Britain n bound to pay the millions claimed
at Geneva for the expense OF our war vessels sent
In pursuit OF rebel cruisers.
The information exclusively published In
these dispatches relative to the proposed
action OF our government In connection with
the Hornet has been admitted TO be substantially
correct by both the State Department and the
Spanish Legation. There is no reason to doubt
that Captain davenport will bring the Hornet out
or the harbor of Port Prince unless overpowered
by o superior force.
Two or three nice points arise from this expected
action The Hornet has been forciby detained or
b0ckaded In that harbor by the Spanish cruisers.
AS consequence che is largely indebted
for ship stores TO Haytien merchants. 40
cordlng to maritime law o lien always
vi no oh Ialn md no
tion arises Mt once as to whom Hayti, acting in be-
half OF her own citizens. is to look Tor the
payment OF their claims Spain cOmpels
the Hornet TO remain In the neutral
harbor and incur a large Indebtedness, and
then the United States stepSIn to remove her from
this anomalous position. IL Is believed the Hayten
claim will be laid against this government as hold
Ing the Hornet, but that we shall have valid dc.
mand on Spain for reimbursement. Another ques-
ton which Is being discussed is what will be the
character Of the Hornet, after Captain Davenport
takes possession ana puts regular crew on board
Will she be for the time being United States vessel
or still remain what she claims to be, an unarmed
merchant vessel liable. as the spaniards claim TO
he Overhauled and submit to having her papers
searched as the Florida has beenP
In the meantime, while waiting the issue which
must soon be reached, there is deep anxiety felt In
all quarters. Returning COngressmen, OF whom
there are number In town, express this feeling
quite openly. The United States steamer Worcester
OF 9, 600 TONS and carrying sixteen guns, is being
rapidly fitted out at Boston, as the flagship OF Rear
Admiral Lee commanding the North Atlantic
squadron and all her officers have been ordered to
report.
The Secretary Of the spanish Legation arrived
here this evening from New YORK, and was at the
Legation forseveral hours
What Our Government Will Demand Of
spain in the Cnse Of the FloridR-Spanish
Outlay on the Insurrection Successes Of the
tubans.
WASHINGTON, Jan. A. 1872
From sources altogether reliable 1t Is ascertained