The New York herald., 1873-12-12
CUBAN MATTERS IN THE CITY.


ment Among the Spanish Volunteers
Tho Majority Clamorous for War-In-
teresting Letter from Havana-The
Memorial OF tho Slaves to the Colonial
Minister-The Mass Meeting This
Evening.
Later advices from Havana indicate that there
Is a division OF sentiment among the members OF
the Casino Espahol touching the settlement OF the
Virginius affair, and to this fact is attributed the
contradictory statements made in reference to
their action. The more wealthy and intelligent
portion, represented by such men as Zulueta. Pol
lido, Durafiona, Ibafias and Mamesto are in favor
Of yielding obedience to the home govern
ment, and so avoiding collision with the United
States, which they know would be ruinous to the
large they have in the island. based upon
the existence of slavery. The others, made up of
ignorant and brutal men. employed as truckmen,
porters, longshoremen, &C., are represented Dy
Ramon Herrera and his Fifth battalion OF volun-
teers They style themselves "Spanards, without
conditions" and, independent OF any feeling OF
patriotism or love OF the national integrity, favor
a war, which they consider would prove q benefit
to them in giving them an opportunity OF
sAcKING THE HOUSES
and estates OF the wealthy Cubans, and so furnish
ing short road to the $4,000 or 5000 which they
aspire to obtain before returning to their native
number who have been engaged in fitting out ves-
sells for the slave trade-an occupation pretty much
ruined by the insurrecton-and who hope to
retrieve their losses, in case Of war, by preying
American commerce. These two compose large
majority OF the resident Spaniards, ana as they
are louder, more 0verbearing and aggressive than
the conservatives, the Cubans are still hopeful
that their action will prevent settlement and
that war will ensue. gentleman OF intelligence
residing In Havana and ostensbly in entire accord
with the Spanish government, writes that the
feeling in favor Of war is so strong among the
more ignorant classes, that, though the Virginius
question Is settled, no effort will be spared to
precipitate collision, and, therefore. the Amer
leans in the island likely to be in very pre- car
ious position.
yesterday, an interesting letter from Havana was
read from which we make the following ex-
tracts
We are greatly rejoiced here with the hopes en-
tertaned that the time has come al last wnen the
United States, realizing the position they hold IN
America, will come TO US with the light OF her
civilization and save US from continuance OF the
horrors we have suffered Last night received
information from reliable source that the patriots
nave again entered Manzanillo, Bayamo and an
other place, called La Bequita. The Spaniards now
hold very few places In the Eastern Department and
Camaguey, and their attention is entirely taken up
the threatened war with the United States. The
patriots are in absolute possession OF
OF the island. IL is certain Castelar, has
telegraphed to the authorities here urging them
TO give up the Virginius and the American prison.
ers to the United States, and II they decline TO do
so they will be punished with all the rigor OF the
law As the result OF this the Captain General and
the Political Governor rendered their designations
and at meeting held under the direction OF the
Admiral OF the port by the naval officers they intl-
mated that they would pursue the same course.
The report that the American government has
Uiy Gyp Ia
has cooled the ardor OF some, who are willing TO
deliver up anything II the question OF
SLAVERY Is NOT TOUCHED
On the other hand, the more desperate part OF
the Spaniards-the hackmen, coalheavers and
the prospect OF settlement. fearing they will lose
the coveted opportunity OF satiating their blood
thrstiness on the poor Cnbans, knowing the bar, nar;
armed as II is. there exists great dread or the
uture the part OF the natives, who are not per-
mitted arms.
THE SLAVES TO MINISTER soLER.
A delegation from the slaves Of the island pre-
lister OF Uitramar, on the 9th OF November last =:
To His Excellency Minister soLER:-
We have the honor to address you as the representa-
ali negro In this island salute Your Excel.
representative Of the democratic and federal Republic
We snxiOusy await relief knowing you % bs invested
Here we call your attention to The greatest Of humanits
r that breaking Of the chains sha
have long been worn by those oppressed and greatly
bear in MIND mat the services they
have rendered and willing render the country,
how great their suerings have BEEN how their families
have been broken and their interest lost sight though
humble and obedient Permit me. Your Excel
lency to attract your attention Your kind face r
s M oud a so g
existence, and which threatens In the future ,nm
you have arms TO take from with your ,,
hand, the stain which disgraces the spahisn ~ War
Excellence win act in our behalf wl rebound 70 the
glory OF Spain and Of yourself ~ ne xva snansh
sSsi' CUBA InS Vssa Ts Il E,"s1 Ma sr !. Uir@%ar5
sOLER,s REPLY. -, - =, .,,.
Iem .waro ~ ths seasons which acuated you in this
petition and say to you that my nrst mission Is 70 ue
strov hi harris rous institution that dsgraces modern
wi. DAi Ths government considering this mattor
ana ssS vou 10 have patience and confidence and the
thing will 20 that neither you nor the countrys
s,,s Ss,tss "a w viii m have cause regret the decision
the writer OF this letter expresses the opinion
that. Notwithstanding Soler's efforts, II viii DO i'm.
possible to abolish slavery wthou. arcs, Hs closes