The New York herald., 1873-11-26
THE MASSACRE.

Interview with Passengers from Cuba
What Mr. Mattos, from Santiago dc
Cuba, Has To say-Allegcd Trenchery
on the virginius-The Boat Captured
ny the Patriots at Manxanillo-Inter-
eating Details.
AS the gray dawn broke over the Narrows yes.
terday the steamer Crescent City, commanded by
the wen known Captain Curtis, was seen forging
her way towards New York. Hardly had she pro-
greSsed mile when, thanks to q stout rope, a
HERALD reporter swung himself board and a
minute later found himself in the purser's snug
gerry. The purser kindly consented to introduce
the reporter to several OF the passengers who
gave their views respecting the virglnius tragedy
and affairs IN Cuba in general.
The following is the statement of Mr. Louis N.
Mattos, a resident OF Philadelphia, who was at
Santiago de CUBA during portion of the massacres
OF the unfortunates captured on board the vir-
ginus:-
Iarriyed at Santiago de Cuba on the Sth OF No.
vember, on a flying visit to some OF my friends
resident in that city. People who sympathized
with the Cuban cause were afraid to express their
opinions openly on the subject OF the slaughter, on
the 4th of November, OF General Ryan, General
Varona, General jose, Jesus del Sol and Mr.. Pedro
Cespedes. All friends of Cuba Libre bewailed,
however, from the bottom OF their hearts, the
brutal butchery. was stopping in the same house
WIN tne "1ScIF' OF the court martial, ana
from him / cleaned what was transpir-
ing with reference to the trial. / did not care to-
ask too many questions on the subject, for the
matter was one which panied me to my hearts
core. did not go to see the executions Of the un-
fortunate Victims for l could have done no good
by being present; and, to be frank with you, L
could not have mustered courage to have wit
messed the irghtful sight. The jubilations In
Santiago de Cuba immense, as you can I'M
agine and the Spaniards were simply beside them
selves with JOY over the capture OF the 'pirate"
Vrginius. AS soon as l could leftth city OF
blood TO return TO the United States.
THE ATTACK ON MANzANlLLo.
called, on my way back TO Havana, at Man.
zanillo which is, to the best OF my Judgment about
three-quarters OF mile square, with population
of about 5000 souls, and obtained some information
which has not yet been published respecting the
attack that city by the patriot forces. In spite
of the Dombastic reports made by the military
tackled Manzanillo on the 11th ana had been
badly beaten in the attempt. although they at
tackled tn The 1t on every side 50 , far 50 80, good;
what the real Iacts OF the case are. The patriots,
numbering about 1900, attacked the place at
looted about $4,000 worth OF property and lost
about SO men in the task. In many OF the houses
pillaged the wounded patriots lett bloody traces
In one store showcase, containing about
$4,000 worth OF gold work ana DIAMONDS was cap
tured that our friends In the 'Mambih will have
as many watches and chains as they want. am
tod that the patriots are determined to avenge the
Virginius massacre in the most relentless fashion.
No quarter will be given to Spanish prisoners IN
the future, believe Tor all ideas OF mercy on their
side towards spanish prisoners must surely be
| banished from the Cuban mind by the Santiago,
| massacre The quality OF mercy is twice blessed
know, but there are exceptions to every rule, and
considering spanish barbarity and the heavy odds
! against which the Cubans are fighting, to give
is foolish and weak, to qualify 1t by no stronger
name.
| A SPANISH POINT OF VIEW.
Another passenger was Mr. Jose Vega, tobacco
merchant, OF No. 1877 Pearl street. This gentleman
believed that the Spanish authorities were justified
in the capture and execution OF the Virginius
pirates. He said -'How is 1t that the 100 men ON
board the Virginius maze no attempt at defence,
but allowed themselves to be captured by the Tor
nados boat like so many sheepS They had arms
and boats but failed to use either.
do not consider that the Spanish govern
ment is to blame at all in the Vir-
ginius matter. You must not forget that
nearly all the Cuban hbustering expeditions have
been ntted out in American waters, and that the
Spanish government cannot help feeling very in
dignant over the NATTER
Mr.. Vega is q devoted admirer OF Spanish rule,
and once was presented with sword on account
OF his patriotism by the Spanish volunteers. He is
| now q resident Of Brooklyn.
| 1t is reported by one OF the passengers Of the
| engineers Of the Virgtnius have been spared, on
| account OF services rendered TO Spain. The same
| informant told the HERALD reporter that the
Spaniards are working day and night in strength.
ening MORO Castle and other forts in and around
ha " Havana