The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-16

| THE PROSPECI FOR CUBA
/ is very favorable. The Spaniards are every
where abandoning the towns and encamp-
ments in the insscriof, because they have no
longer the strength to defend ell the country.
1t is my opinion that they intend retiring to
the sea coast and trying to maintain them
selves; butas soon as we can procure cannon
and organize thoroughly our army we shall
| ATTACK THEM IN THE TOWNS.
There was moment, about a year ago,
when we were reduced to terrible extremities,
and we wanted everything, clothes, ammuni-
ton, arms; but to-day we have all things, and
in great part taken from the enemy If the
war should continue we hope to profit by
the experience of the past, and to continue
our system Of attacking the enemy, which has
produced such good results. In fact,
WE ARE NOW LIVING ON THE ENEMY.
We take from him clothes and food and
whatever else we may need. In the beginning
we acted with too much generosity, setting at
liberty the Spanish prisoners, even after the
proclamation Of the Spanish government an
nouncing that
ALL TAKEN IN ARMS WOULD BE SHOT,
and that even the women captured in the in
surgent districts would be subject to ten
years imprisonment or deportation to Fer
nando Pc. Several times have made efforts
to induce the Spanish government to carry on
the war in civilized manner, but without
result. The Spaniards have resorted to the
most barbarous expedients to subdue us. Six
different commissions have left Havana with
THE INTENTION OF AssAssINATuNG ME.
Three returned, having abandoned the en-
terprise, and two of the others are supposed
to have persisted The third was man who
presented himself to enlist in the body guard
Of General Quesada
SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS ABOUT HIM
caused his arrest, and concealed on his person
was found knife. Beng questioned, he con-
fessed that he had been sent from Havana with
the mission to assassinate me. Of course he
was at once hanged, but these circumstances
show you to what lengths the Spanish authori-
ties are capable of proceeding 1t is pleasant
to record that during the four years of the in
surrection
NO ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE ON MY LIFE,
and without precautions. Every one is at
liberty to come in here. Only at night there
is single sentinel on duty before my door.
THE STRENGTH OF THE CUBAN ARMY.
HERALD CoAMss1oNER-What may be the
number Of the armed force in the field?
President CEspEDEs-That is somewhat diff
feult to answer correctly. Owing to the con-
dition of disorganization to which we were
reduced year ago, good deal of disorder
crept in, and the difficulty of communicating
with the generals, as well as the absolute want
of paper and ink with which to make reports
rendered it impossible for the generals to fur
nish the proper returns. At one time
WE DID NOT HAVE PIECE OF PAPER
as big as this envelop on which to write
communication, and were obliged to write on
the leaves of the trees; but, speaking generally
l think we must have
FROM TEN TO TWELVE THOUSAND ARMED MEN
in the field, with about an equal number of
convoyeros and servants, who perform service
in the army. The strength of our forces is
also liable to great fluctuations.
IN THE MOMENTS or DEFEAT
large numbers dispense or desert, and, when
any success has been gained, the army is sud-
denly augmented to On extraordinary extent.
We have been lately receiving large accessions
from the Spanish ranks principally from
THE CUBAN VOLUNTEERS,
many Of whom come over to us with their
arms and ammunition. In the district of
Bayamo am informed, in letter lately re-
ceived, that nearly four hundred volunteers
have presented themselves, mostly white men,
and large proportion of these have brought
with them their arms. The same things hap
pened in Mayari after our attack. believe
that in time all the Cuban volunteers will
eventually take sides with us against Spain.
Should this happen our triumph will be
assured.
THE CASE OF MR.. HENDERSON.
President Cespedes paused for moment;
then, suddenly changing the topic of converse
ton, asked what was the reason for the
HERALD sending out second commissioner.
Explained to him that Mr. Henderson had
been instructedto see him president Cespedes),
and that, according to the telegram received
from Cape Haytien, he had failed in the mis-
sion. Mr.. Bennett had entrusted me with the
fulflment of it, and at the time of my de-
parture no word had been heard from Mr..
Henderson, and nothing known Of
THE INTERVIEW HE PRETENDED TO HAVE HAD
with President Cespedes in Camaguey.
President CEsPEDEs-When I read the ac-
count of that Imaginary interview, looked
on it as rase de guerre, adopted by the
proprietor or directors of the HERALD to
cover your arrival and to draw of the atten-
ton OF the Spanish authorities.
COULD NOT HAVE SEEN MR. HENDERSON
a., fl,a 9Th of Nouonnb or for WOO than or, q