The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-04-07

beaten in the battle OF MonreaL the new Captain
General Of Catalonia WIZ be, y Il said, General
cha. In short, the wheel OF revolution Ia turning
SO rapidly that it threatens to ny from its axis.
President Figueras Mt Barcelona.
BARCELONA, March lS, 1873.
Another week OF intense anxiety has been ex-
perienced by the Inhabitants Of this CITY, Just two
years ago. at this very date, the French capital
Witnessed the prelude Of the bloody drama enacted
by the Communists during the succeeding weeks
Those who witnessed the Paris movement cannot
fail to see the points or similarity In the present
position Of Barcelona. Precisely the same volcanic
symptoms which preceded the outbreak at Paris
have appeared at Barcelona. the second capital OF
Spain and the most important city In point Of COM
merce and Industry,
The city comprises large foreign element.
There is q representation of many nationalities.
There are Frenchmen OF the worst revolutionary
type and there Italians OF the Garibald school,
in addition to large numbers OF natives from the
various Mediterranean isles, violent hot-blooded
characters. Among them are incendaries, CON-
munists and people who feed on insurrectionary
movements In general. The population OF this
city has always been accused OF French proclivj-
ties, OF a prideection to initiate French manners
and customs; in fine, to take models
from France rather than from the rest Of
Spain. Not only as q seaport does Barcelona
afford shelter to large numbers OF laboring men
but there are many cotton and other factories
within the immediate neighborhood OF the city.
The uncertain state OF the country has thrown
large majority OF workinRmen out OF employ;
many cotton factories are closed, while others are
reduced to short time. The streets are throngcd
with men clamoring for bread, and the rulers OF
the city have taken advantage OF the crisis.
Rather than give them work the prospect Is held
out to continue life or idleness with a premium
at the rate OF two pesetas per day-that is, forty
cents In a word, the men are enlisted as volun-
teers; a musket and red w0ollen cap are
provided them, and thus corps IS organized
to serve as convenient tool OF the leaders.
These volunteers have taken possession OF the city
since the 9th instant, and mob rule has virtually
continued ever since. The leaders, on being in
terrogated, inform you that the movement had
been necesstated by the fear that the rcactonists
that is, those who were opposed to republican in.
stitutons-had meditated q coup d'6tGt; that Car
list forces were on the march to Barcelona. Thus
far the gstarda ciu the best troops in Spain. have
had charge of the city for police purposes. But
that was not deemed sufficient; the Bank, all gov
eminent buildings, including the Post ONCE and
telegraph station, received guard OF the newly
imprOvised volunteer army. These men, as al
ready stated, receive forty cents per dicn and are
thus better paid than the regular army.
Having taken possession OF all public edifces,
where they occupy the best apartments, the time
is agreeably spent in smoking, drinking and gam
bling. The red Nag has SO far not been hoisted,
but the national dag has been suppressed on all
public ana private buildings. The city continues
under the unusual aspect OF being entirely denuded
OF bunting, with only one exception, that OF the
nag over the residence OF Mr.. Ruggles, the United
nftnvs hna
nag during the presence in port or our men-of-
war, the Consular Stars and Stripes are making a
gallant show. But no other nag may be seen in
any part OF the city. Fear OF exciting the mob for
bids hosting the old Spanish colors while the reds
have far, hesitated to display the emblem Of dis
order and communism. The middle classes, shop
keepers and all those who have little property to
look after, necessarily living In state of indie
scribable fear and alarm. Under the crcum-
stances that class OF persons are secretly armlng
and organizing forces to meet an emergency, and
not to be taken unawares Any moment may
bring about conflict.
DEMANDS OF THE FEDERALIsTs.
There exists, apparently, the widest confusion
in the ideas OF republican leaders. Only on one
point center their demands namely the establish
ment OF federal Republic; they stoutly aver that
no other form OF government answers their pur-
the immunties and privileges claimed by the
ancient province OF Catalonia. Rather than give
up State rights they Will prepare for separation
from the rest OF Spain. In fact, it is well known
that in secret conclave the act Of secession was
read to and accepted by the members OF the Junta
OF Barcelona. When this fact became known in
Madrid 1t caused considerable embarrassment to
the executive government while in this city the
excitement was boundless. The position forcibly
recalled the events OF Paris two years ago. Not
unlike Mont yaerian, which held In check the
Communists OF the French capital, there is Fort
Montjuich, which dominates the city OF Barcelona.
This stronghold, about seven hundred and fifty
feet above the level OF the sea, could destroy the
city, and In case OF conflict between the two
political parties there is no telling what conse-
quences it will lead to.
PRESIDENT FIGuERAs IN HIS NATIVE PROVINCE.
When the news reached Madrid that Cata-
lonia contemplated having recourse to Sc
eession 1t was resolved that President Tigue-
ras should at once proceed to Barcelona
for the purpose OF comforting with her citizens,
and, pending the Presidents arrival 1t was re-
solved by the men who had taken Charge OF the
affairs OF the city not to take further action
Senior Fgueras is native OF Barcelona. lie counts
numerous friends among the influential classes, as
well as many warm supporters among the moderate
republicans For moment, therefore, there was
a truce, and it seemed almost as II q victory had
been obtained over the Reds, who, in their turn,
became less violent. The cable has informed YOU
OF the enthusiastic reception which President Fig
ueras received on his arrival
AMERICAN NAVAL HoNoRs TO SENIOR FTGuERAs
Among the first who visited the President
was Captain Bryson, of the United states
steamer Brooklyn, and Commander Hggin-
son, OF the Shenandoah, who accompa-
MED by their aids, were introduced to His
Excelency by Mr.. Ruggles, United States Consul
at Barcelona. sehor Figueras was highly pleased
at the mark OF attention, and in reply to a few
words from Captain Bryson His Exeellency ex-
pressed with much warmth his appreciation OF
American institutions, and the admiration and
esteem which he bore towards Americans az a law.