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

to the American flag on Christmas Day is to be
waived. This matter, such of irritation to
the Americans and of rejoicing to the Spaniards Is
not regarded in the spirit in which the waiver was
made. Forgetful of, or blind to- the magnanimous
position of the United States in the whole of the
Viginius diplomacy, the ultra-Spaniards can stu
nothing in this abnegation but weakness and
fear of the power of Spain. few OF the
Spanish Liberals, who stand almost isolated
in their support of the Republic. are not az
blind as their mOnarchcal countrymen, and are dis
posed TO admit that there consideration IN
the United States for the feelings of CASTELAR,, his
associates in government and the adherents OF the
young Republic in Spain. They, in some degree,
acknowledge that there is disposition to aid in the
establishment of liberal ideas in Europe. Not 20
the slavehOldng, aristocratic, moneyed classes oil
the Spaniards. Now, that there is no immediate
danger of their bank accounts strong boxes being
affected, they are AZ valiant possible, and tax
now of what they would do if they only had war.
Matters are gradually resuming their normal con-
dition. and while politics and scandal continue to be
the topics at the cafes there is less violence in the
debate and strangers enabled to make their ap-
pearance at the table without exciting unfavorable
comment or unpleasant looks.
Perhaps the most important of coming events Will
be the retreat of Senior Soer Pa, the Minister OF
Colonial Affairs. Yesterday, III company with some
Liberal friends called upon Senior Soler, and after
a short delay in the large anteroom, filled with
numerous politicians awaiting audience. was
presented to the Minister, who extended to me
cordial greeting. OF necessity our conversation was
brief and of very general character Senior Sober Is
man in the prime of life, and rather below the
medium size. He is broad-chested and inclined to
corpulency. His head is large and well formed, and
pair of clear. searching eyes light up an intelec
tual countenance which is pallid in the extreme
His beard is worn in the Spanish fashion, and he
presents a fine type of the Spanish statesman. HIS
mode of speech is clear and decisive, and his SEN
fences crisp and well turned.
In response to my inquiries he rapidly stated that
the cause of his visit to Cuba desire to see for
himself and REPORT to the Home Government the
condition of affairs the Island, and also such 10
forms were necessary to remedy existing ievlls
and prevent their future recurrence. First among
these was the question Of slavery. He had thor
oughly investigated the question, and while fully
resolved upon the necessity for its total and rreyo
cable abolition, he was as yet unprepared to state
in what form the abolition should come He had
the project in his mind. but it was still in crude
state and would require time and study TO develop
it into perfect ischeme. He hoped to devise some
plan which would be alike serviceable to the cause
of humanity and acceptable to landed propnetors,
who would be affected by the reform.
These reforms required study AS to his pros
pective recommendationsl to the Madrid Gov
eminent he did not feel at liberty to
mention them as vet. at all events not until they
had been submitted to bis colleagues in the Spanish
Cabinet. They would be such as in his best judg-
ment adapted to the requirements of the Island
Whether these reforms would be adopted was amat-
ter which lay with the COrtes. He was in favor
of liberal policy with respect to the Island Govern
ment, and would recommend snch policy. as he
sympathized with every true friend of the Island.
As to the financial condition Of the Island that could
not be improved in day. 1t might be ameorated
for time, but permanently to arrange the finances
would require time and careful attention. and until
more careful thought had been given to the subjecr,
he would not speak in detail Throughout the con-
versation the Minister was exceedingly courteous
and very diplomatic, evadng the leading questions
with ready and graceful tact The Liberals have
great faith in his ability and hope for great results
from his recommendations
The commercial condition of the Island is in poor
state Few of the traders are doing anything
like fair business, and are buying and selling only
for immediate necessities The high rate Of ex-
change has seriously affected many houses Of good
reputation, and were they pushed for money many
would have to fail. The most recent failure Of
sequence was announced on Saturday the 2oth in
commercial circles. The house in question
that of Cabargas a. Co., ship chambers and dealers
in exchange, in ORelly st. Their liabilities amount
to S75 900 and their assets, consisting largely of
real estate are not available To add to the trouble
the sugar crop is reported to have suffered largely
from the dronth, that there will probably not be
an average crop. Gold consequently continues to as
cend. and is now quoted at SO.