The New York herald., 1873-12-20
CUBAN MATTERS IN THE CITY.

The Disposition OF the virginius-The
Question Of Her Owncrship-TheE Edgar
Stuart Expedition-Opinions of the
Cubans on tho Future Action OF the
Govcrnment-WhaI Will Bc Done
with the Virginfus' Prisonerss
An air OF desolation and gloom hung over the
headquarters OF the Cubans in this city yesterday.
That this was in part the result or the incement
weather ID probable; but the unexpected re-
suit OF the Virginius question had its naturally
depressing effect. A HERALD reporter, who
called during the day. found the ultimate dis
position OF the iiibuster steamer the chief point
OF interest to some, while others regard it with
entire indifference This is owing to the fact that
the vessel had been 10 the employ Of one circle or
clique OF the Cuoans, with whom the other has
only this in comnon--that they desire the advance
ment of the same cause. while differing entirely
upon the means and instrumentalities TO be used.
"wHo owNEs THR vRGINIUs," :"
was the point blank question asked o member OF
the former by the reporter, as the vessel was re-
ferred 20 in conversation.
'Mr. Patterson, OF this city, is the bona fde and
sole owner OF her. and upon her return here or to
such otner port as she may be taken he will put
in his claim Tor her."
''ias no Cuban any claim on her ~
'None whatever. General Quesada chartered
her upon certain conditions. one OF which was
that she was to be returned to New York alter a
certain time and restored In good repair to her
owner.n
.sWhere is the Generals,
s'Ie is out Of town. | do not know where. I
understand he will be absent about month";
"And until the question OF the disposition OF the
VlrglniuS is settled, preSumeY'
Gndienantlyl .IIis absence has nothing what
ever to do with the Vrginius.n
ApoogiziDg for What seemed . NAL a propos re-
mark, the reporter then touched upon the alleged
preparations Tor another expedition with
THE EDGAR STUART,
now lying at Baltimore. general expression OF
increduity followed. ..lLr said one, ''such an ex-
petition is contemplated we know nothing about
it or where the funds are to come from. The
Cubans mere have certainly not supplied Them. on
her previous voyage the Edgar Stuart left New.
London In April, 1872 and landed her cargo on the
coast OF Cuba on the nrst days OF the following jan
uary. She was compelled to put in at Kingston,
and subsequently, went to Aspnwall At the latter
place she underwent extensive repairs, ana a
Cuban gentleman here In order to complete the
expedition. That money has never been repaid,
and remains lien on the vesSel.n
at Is not the usual custom TO advertise an ex-
pediton Of this KIND" said another, .'andI don't
believe in it.n
In. conversation with another prominent Cuban
gentlemen during the day he expressed to the re-
porter much anxiety as to the future course OF
the United States toward the Cubans In their
efforts to carry arms and mdt6riet OF war TO the
island, and stated that the impression was that
the government here would exercise greater vigil
lance than heretofore to prevent the expeditions
being sent Off, in order TO avoid any future COM
plications. GAS those engaged in the PERT and
CatharIne Whiting expeditions IN 1869 we're ar
rested and imprisoned here we fear the same
course Will be pursued In the future, and we are
even in doubt IN reference TO the Vlreinlns prs,
judicial investigation. And. II TINS Is so, many OF
the more prominent Cuoans here may be 1mpli
Some weeks have passed since the reception OF
any news rorA Cuba Libre. but hopes are enter
tanned that win the increasing strength and acili
ties OF those in the neld regular communication
will soon be established.