The New York herald., 1873-12-07
THE QUESTION IN WASHINGTON

Congressmcn Endorsing Mr.. Fish's
Coursc-Delay a Gain-If Spain Needs
Time Before Delivering the virginius
We Are Not Ready to Seize Cuba
Growing Approval of a Possible Pro-
tectorate for Free Cuba-Jovellar's As
surance OF Executing the Madrid
Orders.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 1873.
A large number OF Senators and Representatives
avaied themselves to-day OF the rule Of the State
Department setting apart the Saturday OF each
week during the Congressional season to their
exclusive service.
| CONGRESSIONAL OPINIONS.
| Most OF the callers had word or two OF opinion
on the Cuban question to express and an inquiry
| to make for the latest news from Havana and
Madrid.
COMBINATION OF FISH.
So far as opinions went, they were not dissatis.
tying to Mr.. Fish. whose course received ample
commendaton, coupled with assurances that the
administration could count on an undivided sup
port In Congress in any further measures neces-
sary to uphold the
HONOR AND RIGHTS OF THE NATION
against the rule OF the mob at Havana Both the
red to the subject expressed the hope that the
Spanish government would stand to its engage
ment
TO SURRENDER THE VESSEL
and be able to do 1t In a suitable manner without
unreasonable delay.
MR.. FISH CONFIDENT.
Mr.. Fish is represented be strong in the belief
that the terms OF the protocol between Admiral
Polo and himself win be effectively carried out
t,a,v vhaa
Of time that we could consistently grant
NO CHANGE AT MADRID.
No confirmation OF the rumor that the govern
ment at Madrid was endeavorng to change the
protocol itself has been obtained thus far. on the
contrary. the assurance that Tho present negotia-
ton is one OF delay only, In executing the actual
delivery, Is repeated tonight with much inststence.
NO NEWS FROM CUBA
There have been no Official reports from Havana
to-day OF character to produce additional dis.
quietude. II anything the situation is regarded as
more favorable to the prospects of an entirely
peaceful end OF the troubles connected with the
vlrginius.
GAIN DELAY.
A little delay, Ii Is explained in well informed
circles, is mutual advantage Ii Spain Is not
ready to make delivery OF the vessel according TO
agreement, the United States are hardly prepared
to take forcble possession, ior the moment but
win be in a very short time.
THE WORK FOR WAR GROWING.
Since publicity has been given in these de-
spatches to the intentions OF our government, to
give q wide scope to any armed Intervention it
may be constrained to make in Cuban affairs,
there is growing desire in some quarters
that the turbulent Havanese may keep the way
open for our interference by continuing the EN-
barge they have placed upon the Captain General
in deterrug him from executing his orders from
Madrid.
OUR CUBAN PRoTEcroRATg
The idea OF an enforced American OCCUPATION
terminating with the dctation OF terms TO all par.
ties on the basis of virtual Cuban independence
or the actual separation OF free Cuba from Spain,
has taken hold OF many influential minds In Con-
gress, and will doubtless find expression before
long ON the floors OF the Senate and House; but to
the present moment there is no disposition on the
part OF the administration to press the opportunity
OF Intervention; and, without further change OF
policy or new stirening OF resolution at the
White House, IL Will only be entered into as
LAST RESORT,
resulting from the defiance OF the savehodng
factions at Havana
CAsTELARS CONCESSION,
The Spanish government is admitted to have
conceded the most important point OF the dispute
in agreeing to give the vrginlus up after so hotly
contending that her capture was legal and proper
and her actual transfer TO the government
OF the United States after all, means q long
and doubtful litigation OF her character and liza
bty, resulting possibly, in the virtual conviction
OF the authorities here OF derecton OF duty in not
bringing her to trial before, instead OF after
capture,
DISPATCHES sroPPED.
Under orders from Madrid, tho Transmission OF
unofhcial dispatches from Havan.s calculated 10
further inname popular feeling N sne united
states was interdicted Yesterday.
JovELLAR's PROMISE.
In confirmation Of his assurance Of Thursday