New-York tribune., 1873-12-17
AFFAIRS In CIlEA.
rnE AUTHORITY OF SPAN DEcRrrr


resources of Spain and weakening her power. Cas-
telar is not strong enough to oppose the exac-
tons OF fOIegn governments, which nearly all tend
to the destruction of Cuba, and the longer bis
declining power is respected and obeyed in Cuba the
greater ~ the probability that the object of these
foreign demands will be accomplished.
DECEPTION or PRESIDENT GRANTS MEssAGE-EF-
FfCT OF THE REFERENCE TO THE vWGrNIUs
AND CUBAN sLAvERY-CoNJECrUEEs As 70 TIE
MODE OF sugEENDEE-TUE BRITISH wAH-vEssEL
SIoBE At HAVANA.
PROM A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OY THE TRIBUNE.l
HAVANA, Dec. u.-President Grants message has
Jnst been received by mail from the United States.
aud there is very general feeling Of relief expressed
at the official intelligence given concerning the
settlement of the Virginius complications. The
violent threats of demagogues having become more
moderate. there is now a disposition to comply with
the terms of the protocol and while many Spanards
feel their humiliation, they inwardly thankful
that the penalties imposed for their summary and
sanpnary action at Santiago dc Cuba and else
where are not worse. That portion of the message
which charges Slavery with being the primary canse
of the condition of affairs the island Is regarded
with the greatest nncasiness and aversion.
IL is the general opinion among American resi-
dents that the settlement OF the Nrginius compii-
cations, upon the basis just agreed TO- would have
provoked far less hostility among the Spanards on
the island were it not that they believed that II
was the intention of the United States to demand
abolition of Slavery. which at present they will
not allow all their fortunes are identified with
the institution. The suggestions of the President,
therefore. have been regarded as something of n
moral, if not material, mepace which they are
afraid will lead to "a systematic attack upon Siay-
ery which will in the end deprive them of
II I,I. hnvy fail
that Slavery on the Island of Cuba has had its day.
and that "A short time will witness It's entire dcstTue
tion IL is with "A view TO prolonging Involuntary
scryitude that the planters eudeavornt To have
the emancipation of the slaves postponed for 10
years by which time they hope TO have either made
sufficient out of their slaves or be in position TO
ask for another extension with greater chances for
success. Should this Is years extension be granted.
the slaves will be held in system of servitude akin
10 that of peonage but they will be none the less
slaves throughout their term Of servitnde.
The planters very generally willing to pay for
the prolOngaton of involuntary seryitude whether
under the of slavery or peopage, and II ls cal
culated that if they taxed 800 per head for
every slave whose liberty viii be restrained for 10
years the Administration and its adherents here
will be benefited to the extent of between S;0oCOOW
and $40 OOOOO0 The Minister of Ultramar is under
of the slave question. and among the most con
spicu0us subjects treated of in his report to the
Home Government, it is said, will he the condition
of the slaves their relation to the island. and the
measures which should he taken to secure their
freedom IN manner that will not impair the pros
pcrity of their owners. The free negroes in Havana
ave alive TO the Importance of the question, and
short time ago appointed committee which waited
upon the Minister and asked him his intentions.
He treated them cordially, and said that he would
consider the question of Slavery thoroughly.
The Virginins still lies of the Nayy-Yard, and
continues to attract the attention of all who are IN
her vicinity. She is still reported to be leaking
badly and is otherwise in poor condition. As threats
bad been made by some of the more big0ted Span
iards destroy the vessel the guards were doubled
and other precautions taken that the threats might
not be executed Despite all their vigilance, how
ever it is understood that Spanish medical oieer
attached to the navy attempted TO hire the snip yes
terday morning, but was discovered and arrested
before much damage had been done. Several sail
OTIS, who were his accomplices were also arrested,
but there was disposition to suppress the scan
dsl they were all released. The affair created
much comment in the political circles OF Havana,
where the matter was believed by some ana
rejected by Others The survivors of the Virginius
iDcarcersted at Santiago de Cuba were removed
from the prison 10 the MORO Castle at that place.
The reasons for the change were not made known;
but il supposed that the Governor disuusting
the popuace concluded that the prisoners wonld be
safer within the fort Later the prisoners were re-
moved and transferred to Cienfuegos by the Spanish
wal vessel Bazan. This excited great deal OF dis
cussion, and il was reported that, dnring tho
Journey eighteen of the survivors had either es-
capped or been slaughtered by the pOpulace. have
made inquiries at official sources and am informed
that there was no truth in the rumor that all the
unexecuted prisoners were still alive Eight had
been sent TO the hospital, two bad Deen re-
leased, and one was IN service on
board Spanish gunboat The remainder were on
board the Bazan which had been ordered pack 70
Santiago, where it will remain until the proVslons
Of the protocol have been complied Win.
Interviews with Captain General Jovellar elected
the information that he felt himself Thoroughly apie
to carry out the conditions of the protocoi, and
that he had no doubt but that the people OF the
island would obey the orders Of the Home Govern
ment Much conjecture ia expressed ~ to the man
in which the Virginius will be delivered 70 the
United States. The British vessel Niobe which
arrived here two days ago With view to ascertain
ing the reasons for the removal of the prisoners
from Santiago de Cuba, has been lying IN the
harbor. and the impression has gained circulation
| that perhaps it was tho intention OF the
| authorities on both sides TO avail
thamselves Of hor presence and mako
her tho medium Of the transfer. But this III not
credited in American circleA Gen. Burriel. who
var repOrted " having been ordered 70 hsdrd Tor
We purpose sl explaining hs sstiss Ut esAGsS0 -