The New York herald., 1873-11-28

get his sentiments were unsuccessful. The Secre.
tary of state had also number OF visitors, but to
all the correspondents he was not at home.
THE HERALD's SPECIAL FROM MADRID,
announcing the grave situation, was printed In the
morning papers and was the subject OF discussion
among members OF Congress, who congregated In
the rotundas OF the hotels VIII 1t be peace or war
was asked by everybody. The gravity OF the
situation was not helped by the report at noon
that the virginius had been scuttled and SUNK
THE SPANISH MINISTER,
who has been overtaxed by the demands OF his
government at this juncture, was peaceful to-day,
and said he had not the slightest idea OF rupture
OF friendly relations.
THE PRESIDENT TO DELAY HIS MESSAGE -
The President sald tonight that it might be
necessary for him to delay sending his message
to Congress until Tuesday. lie was unwilling to
finish 1t until he could positively state what the
attitude OF the Spanish government was ON the
pending question.
Colonel Mosby arrived tonight, and will to-mor-
row tender mis- services to the President. The
Chief OF the Bureau OF Ordnance has issued orders
for the distribution OF shot and shell on hand at
the close OF the rebellion and OF which there is an
abundance OF every description. There are also 20
new l5-inch guns ready for mounting.
The Adjustment Not Yet Immediate
Rumors COMMUNICATIONS De-
spatchos from spain-Thc President In
WASHINGTON, Nov. 27, 1873.
1t is stated on what Is believed to be good
authority that our government has extended the
time ior definite reply from Spain to the demand
OF our government, and 1t can be said, coming
from an Of1cial source, that negotiations are still
In progress; but affairs are in such a condition
that not even an In ntmation can be given of their
character. There is reason for saying with cer-
tainty that
THE PROSPECT rs NOT so FAVORABLE >,
for an adjustment OF the virginius difficulty as
several days ago there were grounds for believing.
The report that the Spanish Cabinet had agreed to
surrender that vessel was predicated mainly ON
professions OF amity ana the expression OF a will
ingness on the part Of the CASTELAR, Cabinet to do
everything compatible with honor In satisfaction
OF the wishes OF the United States, and also, from
the friendly assurances OF Admiral Polo, the Spanish
ernmenr yesterday and to-day was in receipt OF
DISPATCHES FROM MADRID OF AN ELABORATE CHAR.
ACTER,
giving the result of the interviews between Min
lister Sckles and the Spanish Minister for Foreign
Affairs on points in controversy not yet con-
cluded, nor from presen. indications, is 1t
probable the matter will soon be termi-
mated by negotiation, although it is hoped
there will be something definite to
lay before Congress on the DAY the Presidents
Message shall be transmitted to that body. AS the
negotiation is still pending there can be no truth
in the report, freely circulated to-day, that Minis
ter Sickles had lett Madrid ior Paris; and as to the
scutting OF the vrgInius in the port OF Havana
another rumor which, extensively prevailing,
found few believers-lnquiry at an official source
tonight tailed to confirm Its truth.
THE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY OF STATE CONSULT
ING.
. The President this morning called at the resi-.
dence OF Secretary Fish, with whom he had a con-
sultation on the pending negotiations.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 81, 1873.
private despatch received to- night from wash
ington says that the State Department has re-
ceived information that the yirglnius has been
sunk in Havana Harbor and tnat Mr.. Sickles, not
receiving satisfactory answers to his demands,
has asked for his passports,