The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1873-11-15

out and supplying with all necessary stores,
the vessels now under orders to leave with the
least possible delay for Cuba and other points
IN tie west Indies. Rear Admiral George Fl.
ton. will sail from Norfolk Monday in the
Worcester, tor Havana. Specific instructions
have been given him by the Government to re
port daily to the Department by telegraph from
Key west anu not to rely upon the Havana
caDe which is under the control of the Spanish
authorities 1t Is only eight hours run from
Havana to Key West with fast tug or des-
patch boat, from which point kilograms will be
started
Secretary Robson is we'll satisfied with the
condition of the vessels of our navy. and prom
lnent naval officers join with the Secretary in
declaring our absolute fitness to meet the great
est emergency that may arise
So far as ordnance is concerned, the navy is
in an efficient state, having Oh hand at the va
riOus navy yards most of the ordnance which
armed our vessels during the rebellion. 1t con-
sists of 10 eleven and niue inch guns weapons
of the most Formidable character.
While the President cannot declare war; he
is determined to place the naval service of the
country in such state of efficiency that it
may be ready for immediate use should the
present war clouds assume such dimensions as
to determine Congress upon making formal
declaration.
Should rupture occur between the two gov
ernments, it will be the policy of the United
island of Cuba, which can be easily done under
the protection of our iron clads, and other YES
sells of war:
1t has been mentioned by prominet cabinet
ofhcers that 10, 600 men would in all prObabili-
W De In excess If the number of troops reQuir-
ed to establish beyond a chance of failure of
the authority of the United States in Cuba
Members of the cabinet do not hesitate to
express their views as to their full endorsement
to the general desire for full reparation of the
n citizauc md 90
flag: but as to the absolute intentions of the
government, not one who has been approached
this evening considers himself at liberty as al
ready indicated, to speak. Greater unanimity
never characterized session than that of to-
day.
The President, while he guards to the ut
most the extreme rights of American citizens,
and defend the policy which has been dpter-
mined upon, will also make earnest recommen-
dations to Congress in his forthcoming mes
sage
The Secretary of Slate has received no fur
Their particulars of the Virei JUS massacre. with
the exception of despatch from Consul Gen
eral Hall showing that the executions were
precipitated by the Spanish authorities at San
tiago de Cuba, in order to anticipate any inter-
terence on the part of the home government.
Evidences accumulate upon these facts Later
this evening official dispatches were received
from Consul General Hall at Havana, but they
contain no allusion whatever To any further
executions than those reported ON the morn
ings of the 4th, 7th and 9Th nsts., and from
this it seems probable that there have been no
other executions and the rumors to that effect
to-day are believed to be unfounded.
Minister Sickles was to have had consuta-
ton with the Spanish Munster of Foreign At
fairf at Madrid, yesterday afternoon at four
O'Clock, hut in consequence of the arrival in
that city of the news Of further executions, af-
ter the murder of the first four prisoners, the
Spanish officials, expressing intense regret and
At m q n mo- cd tn, Mintc-
ter Sickles reasonable delay IN holding the
intended council, and accordingly brief post
ponement had been arranged
HAVANA Nov. 14-The trials of all the pris-
on-rs taken or board the Virgiuus have been
concluded. Only eighteen will be saved from
death OF these saved several are eneg neers
or fremen who were ignorant of the destina-
ton of the expedition, and four or five will be
set at liberty. The others will probably lie con-
demned to the chain gang. The Spanish Gen.
Basonez reports that he encountered strong
force of insurgents at Sacra, in the central de-
partment On the afternoon of the 7th inst The
fighting began at four o'clock and ended at
eight o'clock in the afternoon. The rebels
were defeated and ronted, fyiag IN all direc-
tons Over 100 were killed and large num-
Der wounded. The loss of the Spanish troops
| was "a killed.
HAVANA, Nov a. Evening.-The Diario oil
| Ciehfuegos says 81 of the Virginius captves
were shot at Santiago on the 10th inst No
| particulars of these additional executions have
| yet been male public here.
What the Spa ish Press Says.
| MADRID, Nov IA The Imporaial has long
article today on the executions at Santiago 1t
endeavorS to show that it is not possible fof the
| United States government to make any de-
maud on Spain in consequence of these pro
ceedings 1t argues that the great majority of
American people want to see the Spanish re-
public united aid successful President Grant
aud his advisors know this and are not likely to
imperil the hopes of Republiransm in Spain
by pr cir-itating complication abroad wheu in
terval troubles demand all her strength.