Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1873-12-04

from three million seven hundred Thousand
bales. The season for picking has been un-
usually fine thus far, yet the result may be
modified by an exceptionally favorable sea-
son in the latter part of November and De-
cember, or by storms affecting, iniuriously,
the saving of the top crop The State per-
centages, on comparison with last year, are
calculated as follows North Carolina, 80 ;
Georgia, 81 Florida, 81 !; Alabama, 81; Mis-
sissippi, So; Louisiana 80; Texas, 112; Ar
kansas, 1902; Tennessee, 102. These figures
would be much lower but for increase of area
planted. The estimated total area is, in round
numbers, nine and half millions
THE CUBAN QUESTION.
WASHINGTON RUMoRs.
A Washington despatch of Friday says
that nothing has occurred since the capture of
the Virginius and the executions which fol-
lowed, to show the Spanish Government is in
Auenced by any but friendly desire to pre-
serve peace between the two nations, and, if
possible, to cultivate stronger relations Of
friendship. This Government will act toward
Spain as toward all other countries in cases of
controversy, and await, with proper respect,
replies to our complaints. There is, however,
anxiety expressed for intelligence from Spain
ola decisive character, in order that Congress
may, in the Presidents message, be made &C
quainted with all the facts. There are indi-
cations that dispatches have been received by
both Secretary Fish and Admiral Polo, the
Spanish Minister, from Madrid, of charac-
ter which gives more, than heretofore, promise
of peaceful solution of the present compli-
cations; and it is known that these gentle
men were in private conference for several
hours, at the residence of Mr.. Fish, comparing
dispatches, and discussing generally the situ-
alton of affairs. 1t seems to be the impress
sion, that instead of our Government having
to wait for reports from Minister Sickles, con-
cerning the Spanish Cabinets views, the
Spanish Cabinet has conferred extraordinary
powers on Admiral Polo, to communicate di
rectly with our Government, through the Sec
retary of State. At all events, the Spanish
Minister is now brought into more intimate
communication with Secretary Fish, than at
any time since the present trouble began.
A prolonged Cabinet meeting was held on
Friday in which earnest attention was given
to the questions pending between the United
States and Spain. 1t was remarked by a
cabinet officer after the adjournment, that the
business was in such condition that single
telegram on either side might change the
whole course of proceedings 1t can be con-
fdently said that the question has assumed a
more favorable aspect than it has bore recent
ly, and that there are strong reasons for ex-
pecting results entirely satisfactory, and it
can be added, on the same competent authori-
ty, that although nothing has as yet been
reducedto precise terms, the s'Tuation is very
hopeful.
The Star gives the following as the points
of the arrangement between Secretary Fish
and Admiral Polo: The surrender of the
Virginius the usual salute to the flag; the
restoration of the surviving members of the
crew proper indemnity for the families of
those executed.
A despatch to the Herald says the follow
ing are the points of a peremptory demand
presented by the United States government to
the Spanish Cabinet:
First. The formal delivery of the Virginius
to officers of our government in port of the
United States.
Second. The release and restoration to our
protection Of the surviving captives
Third. A money indemnity to the heirs of
all taken from on board the Virginius and
put to death.
Fourth. The trial and punishment of Gen
eral Burriel and all other responsible officers.
Fifth. The immediate and unconditional
abolition of slavery in Cuba as the source of
all the pending difficulties and complaints.
The correspondent says the Spanish author
tiles object to the points above made, and that
he has reason to believe the objections have
been sent forward.
Among the many conflicting statements
from Washington is one to the effect that the
punishment of the Cuban officials or the abo-
lition of slavery in Cuba, do not enter into
the controversy.
SPANISH INTELLIGENCE.
The agent Of the Associated Press at Madrid
is authorized by Minister Sickles, to say that
there is no foundation for the report published
on the 21st, to the effect that he (Sicklcs) had
broken offhis official relations with the foreign
Minister, and that he expressed the opinion
that war is inevitable The agent is author
lied to state that there is no foundation what
ever for the despatch that the official and
personal relations between Minister Sickles
and the Spanish officials are unchanged, and
that Sickles has not expressed any opinion as
to the result of the pending question.
A letter from Havana says the people there
would refuse to allow any order from Madrid
to deliver up the Virginius or make any other
reparaton for her seizure and the execution
of her crew to be carried out. Preparations
for defense are being actively pushed forward
and guns are being mounted at all suitable
points. Advertisements appear in the differ
ent papers for an unlimited number Of labor
ers to work on the arsenal The volunteers
have orders to drill two or three times week.
A Madrid despatch of the 25th says there was
cabinet council the previous day, in which
note, to be sent to the Government of the
United States, was under consideration. 1t is
also denied that the Spanish Government is
disposed to submit the question to the Empe-
ror of Germany for arbitration.
A Havana despatch of the Oath, says that