New-York tribune., 1873-12-22

the horizon could be seen volume Of dense black
smoke almost obscurng the faint outlines of the hull
and the spars Soon, with the beginning of the traffic
ofthe who had occasion to pass the late
anchorage of the vessel discovered her absence and
Immediately OWNED that she was on her way to be
restored to the United States. Their fury and
crations although profound, did not urge them to
violence; but groups assembled and discussed the
situation, denouncing CASTELAR, Jovellar, the Vonn-
teers, Casino. and everybody at home and abroad
who was identified with the Government. In the
popular places of resort the Indignation of the Occu
pants was intense. and fonnd vent in the uterance
of sentiments TO the effect that they would rather
die a thousand times" than give up the vessel
and thus tarnish the honor of their country. At
night the excitement took a more dangerous FORM
and excited the apprehensiOns of the people who
abroad of q repetition Of the OIL the oc-
casion of the massacre of the students.
AT about o'clock in the evening the worst species
of Havana mob assembled on the " Plaza de Armas,"
In front of the Captain Generals palace, and formed
meeting for the consideration of their alleged DIS
honor. They charged that they had been deceived
and cheated by the officials but were particularly
enraged at the colonels of Volunteers whom they
tainted with cowardice or being In league with the
Island officials who had treacherously conniyed at
declared that he should have been killed, and
that the Captain General and his staff and ad-
visers also deserved death. Finally, one man, who
appeared to 10 a leader of the mob
coatless, rough, and rugged stood npon platform
of some kind and addressed the multitude. He
deprecated their violence, and asked them what
ti,ey .roposed TO do IF You carry your threats of
vengeance into execution said he, yOu will be
opposed TO the Government which Will all its
power to subdue you. Better make the best of the
situation and do nothing rashly.' The speakers
rude logic and not dispeasing oratory had great
effect in appeasng the wrath of the people But II rs
questionable whether they would have dispersed
without some violent had ii not been for the active
efforts of detachment of cavalry which was co
operating with the Guardia Civil and the other
guardians of the public peace. About dozen were
arrested and conveyed to the Punta and Guiana
where they are still confined. The Volunteers de-
nounce the mob, and say the members should all
have been arrested. The Captan-General, together
with members of his staff. was the balcony Of the
Palace where they witnessed the turmoil
There is a strong monarchical element among the
Spanish aristocracv of the Island and they do not
cherish kindly feelings toward the Spanish Repub-
lie. They would willingly another change in the
form of government and would materially assist in
bringing il about. As soon the agitation has sub
sided il is very probable that Csptain-Genera Jo-
vellar and his staff will retire from their positions
and new men be sent from Spain to take their
places The Minister of Colonial Affairs is not pop
uar and it is very probable that ms continuance IN
Office will be very short. The officials here are al
most as much disgusted at their positions as; the
people are with their officials. general change,
therefore, in not unlocked for.
Strange to relate the only mention yet made OF
the departure OF the Nrginius in the press of Ha-
vana is a three-line paragraph in kt GorO fr'9io.
No notice is taken of the demonstration in front OF
the Captain Generals palace last evening. 1t is
misnomer TO term these sheets newspapers. They
are simply published for the purpose of molding
public opinion. The journals comment strongly
upon that portion of the Presidents Message which
relates TO Cuba and the DGrio says that whoever
informed them that the Message was very moderate
in tone was very much mistaken. The most extra
ordinary confession which has lately appeared in
any journal of Havana is in the leader of
the DiGrio of this date, entitled Men and
Money! i'm which attention is called 10 the grave
and imminent danger from the insurrection, and an
addition of 10000 men and $S0OO0O0 is demanded to
be used in suppressing the revolt. Unless this is
done soon saws the DiariO it will he practically too
late Great alarm has been created by the statement
that in consequence of the depreciation of the cur
rency the Government would exact hereafter pay
ment of all duties in gold. The officials, however,
found il necessary to deny this statement. They said
that the Minister of the Colonies and the heads Of
the Government were in consultation with proml-
nent merchants and others endeavorDg to place the
finances on a sound basis1 with gold at 81. they Will
find some difficulty in putting out the SlOVOOJO OF
additional paper (which is in contemplation at any
thing like remuneTstive rate.