New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-12-06
OPINIONS IN WASHINGTON.

OPINIONS IN WASHINGTON.
SPAIN THOUGHT UNABLE TO ENFORCE HER ORDERS
PROBABLE STATEMENT OF THE MADRID GOV
ERNMENT-wuY no UNITED STATES VESSELS
WERE AT HAVANA.
GENERAL PRESS DisPArCHl
WASHINGTON. Dec. 1.-The news from Havana
published this morning occasions very great inter
est in all quarters The Cabinet officers who have
been called upon to-day have no important news to
communicate There was full attendance at the
Cabinet meeting, and probability OF prolonged
session.
MANY speculations exist as to the results of the
DELAY in the delivery of the Yrgiuius to this Gov
eminent by the Spanish authorities in Havana The
opinion is expressed that Spain will be unable TO
enforce her order to have the captured steamer and
the survivors of the Santiago de Cuba butchery
given over to thi. Government.
The visitors at the Executive Mansion this morn
ing were comparatively few, but included several
members of both Houses of Congress. In the various
interviews these gentlemen had with the President
or Spanish relations were a prominent source OF
comment.
has been said that Spain will probably If it be
found impossible for the CASTELAR, Government TO
enforce its official DEGREES upon its subjects in Cuba
makes an official admission of the fact that her
authorities are powerless to obey the win of the
Spanish Republic; that revolution exists there.
and that the United States Will have the counte-
nance Of Spain in Selling the Yrgnus i'll the haIbor
of Havana.
No one IN any quarter thinks that this Government
will recede in the slightest degree from the position
decided upon by the Cabinet and accepted by Spain
There are the usual indications of activity IN the
Navy Department, such as have prevailed ever
,ince the beginning of the complication. The Ord
nance and Engineer Corps eff the War Department
have made very great progress IN preparing Tor
placing all the Notifications and prominent harbors
along the coast in most excellent condition. The
Secretary Of the Navy is still in daily conference
with the prominent bureau officers OF that Depart
ment and a system of operations, IN case OF abso-
lutte necessity for striking decisive blow, Is with
out doubt definitely decided upon. The Secretary
Of the NAVY receives by every mail and frequently
during the day by telegraph, information from diff
ferent officers of the service to the progress that
smade in getting lships and material in readiness
for active service.
The diplomatic branch of our Government is not
10 hopeful now as 1T was several days ago Of the
ability of Spain TO carry out its orders, although the
honest intentions Of the CASTELAR, Government are
admitted The suggestion of modification of the
protocol that the Virginius may be delivered to a
third party to await adjudication, does not at present
meet with any official favor.
The statement as published to-day that there was
not one United States naval vessel at Havana yes
terday accounted for by the fact that 1t was part
OF the arrangement between Secretary Fish and the
Spanish Minister that there should be no show of
menace whatever on our part. This could not fail
TO increase the excitement at Havana and elsewhere
in Cuba while the plan of release was intended to
be effected yesterday in the quetest manner posi-
BILE.
There is no excitement in any quarter concerning
the Virginius question. although some curiosity Is
expressed TO learn the actual condition of affairs at
Havana. it being supposed the censorship at that
city deprives the kilograms sent to the United
States of some of their interesting features.
The Official adyices are Withheld from the public for
prudential considerations, although it is said they
contain nothing Of marked importance. The Cab
met to-day talked over the situation. but nothing
was done to change the position of affairs. The de-
lay IN delivering the Virginius occasions much dis
appointment, but this is not believed TO be the
fault Of the Madrid Government The embarrass-
ments surrounding the matter are appreciated and,
therefore, without formal prolongaton of time
the Administration will wait until the delivery can
he effected in way that will give the least offense
20 Spanish pride. 1t is believed, from what has been
privately said in official quarters that il was NOT
agreed between Secretary Fish and Admiral Polo
that the yrgnus should be surrendered at the port
of Havana but that the vessel should be taken from
the harbor and conveyed beyond its Jurisdiction and
then delivered to such United States vessel as might
be sent to receive it, preparation being made to give
timely notice of the transfer 1t is considered that
this course would give less occasion for ofense than
If one or more of our ships should go directly to
Havana for that purpose. Our Government leaves
70 Spain the fulllment Of its obligation, but If this
should prove impracticable the facts will be reported
70 Congress for its action.
Ttyu 1,ppI IND IN CNCIAND