New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-12-30

u. s. authorities had taken all the statements from
the rescued prisoners. Whatever the rescued men
needed they no donbt would be supplied WIN on
board. After the inquiry had concInded' "hat
course would be adopted no one appeared TO know,
Can't Brown, a New-York ship broker who claimed
10 be an intimate friend of the executive oihcer OF
the Juniata, was also informed that the officer
might be allowed to ashore to HIM, Dut ne
certainly would not be allowed TO 20 on boaid
until the orders from the Government naa
been rescnded. The CnbaDs finding their efforts
fruitess were evidently under the impression that
the United STATES authorities had determined 10
hold the :escned men as prisoners and some OF the
talked about seeking the aid Of the courts by means
of q writ of habeas corpns; but wiser eounseis al
last prevailed AT o'clock in the afternoon few If
any of the Amigos were aware that any oil the res
cued men would be landed and tins want OF knowl-
edge doubtless accounts for the fact that so few
Cubans were present when the landing took place
The leaders of the Cuban societies doubtless thought
it the wiser course TO keep the majority Of their fol
lowers in ignorance of the intended landing OF the
Virginins passengers until after they had left the
custody Of the United States authorities. Even at a
late hour last evening many Cuban residents did
not know that the rescued men were IN the city.
Capt. Chandler accompanied the party on the
Rocket to the Juniata, which was still where she
had anchored Sunday night. As the Rocket APP
preached the sloop of the prisoners were seen
eagerly peerng over the side, trying to distinguish
their friends on the Rocket, who were IN turn
waving their hats and calling different ones
by name, as they began TO recognize them'
When the Rocket came alongside, the de-
light of the prisoners found emphatic ex-
preston Hats and garments were waved IN
air, shout upon shout went up, hands were clasped
together in token of friendship and the whole scene
wasan inspiring one. The thought of their narrow
escape so fresh in their memories, aud OF their
present safety which they had not until this moment
begun to realize the sight Of friends and OF those
who were mourning the loss of their compatrlots
who had fallen victims to Spanish cruelty; these
things and the excitement which they created were
shown in the pale faces and fearful eyes to be seen
on every hand The greeting on board the Juniata
was of the most afiectionate and impressive
nature For some minutes the prisoners
and their friends were joined in the
most endearing embraces the form of greeting
which Cubans always employ. Until this reception
was over those who there to converse with the
prisoners stood back The occasion seemed almost
sacred and outsiders felt more ike withdrawing
and leaving the party to themselves than inruding
upon the sanctity of the hour. sister of John
williamson one of the Santiago victims, also a
Meagre came on board to welcome their living
friends. 1t was a trying hour for them. The story
that they desired most to hear was the hardest to
tell and the most painful to hear.
At about D. IN Lieut. De Long began to call off
the names of the prisoners who in response passed
one by one from the Juniata TO the tugboat await
ing alongside to take them ashore. When all were
aboard the latter and she began to move away, the
h,la nd fha lea1 af
made the air ring with cheers. The first round was
given for the captain of the English steamer Nibe
who was instrumental in saving their lives. Then
Commander Braine remembered with another
round which followed by Others for the officers
of the Juniata Their joy knew no bounds at the
prospect of regaining freedom, and they turned
their eyes to the landing which they were now APP
preaching.
Meanwhile number of persons who were stand
ing near the landing stairs OF the Navy-fard had
seen the Rocket leave the Juniata, her decks lined
with the rescued prisoners This removal Of the
men from the Junata had evidently not been ex-
pected, for one of the bystanders made the remark
They appear to be landing them now :" to which
friend replied: THAT is pity. There are none of
the Cubans here to receive them" The Rocket at
first backed slowly away from the Junata, but in
mid-stream she headed toward the landing place.
As the little steamer passed the Vermont receiving
ship some of the sailors on board the latter
waved their hats token of welcome to
the unfortunate men who had so narrowly escaped
death at the hands Of the Spaniards. This demon
straton of kindly feeling was no sooner perceived
than three rousng cheers rang from the deck of the
Rocket and the dark mass suddenly became ami
mated AS those Oh board waved their hats in return
Nothing further occurred until the Rocket steamed
up to the landing place at about $40 p m, when the
mingled sounds of Cuban and English words were
heard by those on shore. The rescued prisoners
were distinguished from all else on board by being
clothed in navy blue and then it was perceived that
some of the members of the Cuban societies were
present the Rocket to take charge of the men and
escort them to some place Of temporary lodging at
least, for the night As soon as the Rocket had
been made fast the men, evidently overjoyed at being
once more on free soil, rapidly scrambled or leaped
upon the wharf where they gathered in groups.
conversng with those who had waited for their land
ing 1t then perceived that some Of the men were
very much shattered in health, and one was so
weak that he had to be led along his emaciated face
plainly telling the suferings that he must have been
compelled to endure This poor fellow was too weak
to speak. As he was being led along, two ladies
companied by little bow, attred in black, who had
watched the landing, burst into tears, the younger
lady remarking How these poor fellows must have
suffered The men having all been landed the
representatives Of the Cuban societies then led the
way, and the whole party started of in somewhat
irregular procession to the NsvyYard gate, thence
along York st. and Fulton Ferry for New-York-the
uniform of blue and the sailors canvas bags plainly
telling bystanders and pedestrians that something
unusual had occurred. When it became known that
these were the Virginius prisoners, the crowd in
creased in numbers.
They were led by the representatives Of the Cuban
Junta to the Cuban restaurant in Pine-st., where |