New-York tribune., 1874-01-01

Commander L. s. Flllebrown; Executive oihcer'
Lieut. Commander, Is. IL. McCalla; navigator
Lieut.. J. McGOwan, jr.; Leutenants, +. A. faine'
C. C.. Cornwell, C.. W. Jarboe; Masters L.
T.. Paine, f.. b. Barry; Surgeon. d. Lindie.
burger; Assistant Surgeon, VIM ). Dickson; Clle1
Engineer. s. w. Magee; Paymaster, l.. A. fraiey'
Ali on board were reconcled to leaving the Euro
pean station n the prospect OF war, but they were
somewhat disappointed to find the prospect faded.
The Alaska and Congress are hourly expected, ana
the Wabash will not be much later in arriving The
steamer City of Galveston from New-Orleans for
New-York put in here to-day on account of broken
stem. She will repair at the Government COCK ana
proceed tomorrow to NewYOrk.
ASPECTS OF THE sTAIION-LIFE ON TIE FLEEI-
NAVAL NEWS IND GossIP-sLAvERY IN 1873.
LFRoM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUSE.l
KEY WEST, Dec. 22-Key West thrives on war
and rumors Of war. From West Indian village,
lazily basking in tropical sunshine, 1t has within
the last few weeks been transformed into an Amer
lean town of bustling activity Not that there Is an
immense amount of business done here even now
but the arrival OF vessels of war with naval officers
quick to come ashore, and mail steamers with un-
wonted loads Of passengers, has infused some
thing of life into the place, and one can
now find other topics of conversation than
the warmth of the weather and the length of the
days and nights. In truth it is not an unpleasant
place for either family or a fleet to vile away
Winter During the % December days of my So
journ here the temperature has been uniformly that
of late May OF early June in New-YOrk 1t Is warm
enough to bring linen suits into requisition during
the day. while blankets lie folded at the foot of the
bed at night; but delicious sea-breeze is nearly
always stirring, and plunge into the Gulf for
surf bath is in order at any hour of the day
blocn np
the breakfast-tab we can fall into the popular
habit of the natives and chew and IN every
dooryard splendid cocoanuts in all stages of
maturity hang temptingly little out of the reach
of our walking-stcks 1t is wonder that Key
West has not long ago become fashionable Winter
waterng-place, aud that many naval officers on
this station deny themselves the luxury of having
their families here at least during the months from
October to May. There is good hotel OF limited
capacity, and pleasant houses may be rented for
prices which do not seem exorbitant.
The scent of spoil has also brought hither
few specimens Of other kinds OF bros
of prey, which were very familiar to the
American people during the late civil
war; But thanks to the mystery in which diplomacy
has shrouded its movements, and made the question
of War or No War one of uncertain solution. these
are not yet numerous enough to be troublesome.
The latest addition to the stock of sports is an i'm
portation from the Lone Star State and comes In
the form of faro bank, which has thus far made
an unsuccessful attempt to supersede the Old
fashioned naval game of poker. The fmanagers Oh
this institution are gentlemanly pair, looking like
retired cotton factors, and too good to gamble on
Sunday.
THE TRIBUNE has been fu''y advised by telegraph
of the naval movements heTeabOuts. The fleet was
slow in coming but it is here, and is prepared and
anxious for brush with Spain, Cuba, or almost
any other foreign Power. AS soon as few more
vessels come in it is probable that there Will be
exercises enough to keep officers and men pretty
constantly employed. There will be boat drills,
inspections, feet exercises and various other Daneu
vers. If tho European Squadron comes over and
the ships now fitting out in Northern nayy-yards are
sent down to Key West fast as they arc ready we
shall have here a naval spectacle worth seeing.
of the finest indeed except lbatto scenes. that this
country has ever afforded Rear-Admiral Gustavus
H. Scott, who commands the North Atlantic Squad
rom is in personal appearance not unlike Gen.
Robert T.. Lee. He is a man upon whom the Gov
ernment and the people can confidently rely, with
the knowledge that in peace or war he will dis
charge with energy, ability and sound discretion
any duty with which he may be intrusted. There
is some speculation as to what will be done IL Rear
Admiral Case, who commands the European
station. comes over with his squadron.
as he probably will In that event, it will no doubt
be to the interest of the Government and more
agreeable to all parties interested for Admiral Porter
or Vice Admiral Rowan to take command, with the
fleet organized in two divisions, each under Rear
Admiral. 1t is already reported that this will be
DONE and that the Tennessee will be the flagship OF
the commanding officer of the combined fleets. The
vessels now here the Worcester flagship, Colo
RADIO first rate), POwhatan second rate, Wyoming
third rate) Pawnee receiving aud hospital shlpb
Saugus, Mahopac, and Manhattan (iron-clads fourth
rate), Despatch, Fortune fourth rate, and May
flower fourth rate). The Ossipee has gone north
with the Virginius and the Pinta is en- route hther
from Santiago. The Despatch has proved exceed
ingly serviceable, and is remarkable for speed.
Lieut.. Commander Frederick Rodgers, the COM
manding officer, is fitted for any duty requiring
tact pluck, or skill and his corps of officers all
that could be required for the delicate duties with
which they are intrusted.
A case of slaveholding in tho United States has
lust been brought to light in this place. Some
months ago an old Cuban refugee being very sick
his children sent to the island for an experienced
nurse, who had been owned by them since the in
fancy of the head of the family. The woman was
brought over with her three children and nursed
the old man 30 faithfully that at his death he be-
queathed to her his bed, bedding, and other furni-
ture Incensed by this disposal Of the property, his
daughter refused to let the old woman have it. and
burned it in the yard of the residence. The
family then resolved to keep from the poor negress
the knowledge of her freedom and in order to do 50
kept her steadily at work under their eyes
during the day and locked up at night In the
starved This went on tor months. aud the
facts finally by accident came to the knowledge
of q philanthropic Engshman, who having py
stratagem satisfied himself of their truth cSned tho
Attention of the United States Marshal and Dstrct-