The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-15
THE VIRGINIUS SURVIVORS.

The Survivors OF the Santiago Murder in
Great Distrcss-How England Takes
Care OF Her Subjec ts--Result OF nm In
terview with Com issioner Shields.
1t seems as II 1t were utterly impossible to drive
the Notwithstanding affair out OF the public
memory. The diplomatic termination OF the mat
ter was bad enough, but it seems outrageous TO
allow some Of the poor fellows who have escaped
the murderous guns OF Burriel to perish OF hunger
in the streets Of New York, as they have been on
the point Of perlshing within the last few days.
Yesterday Alfred Parker, negro, who says he is
subject OF England; Francesca Pacheco, PHILIPPE
Marti Leonard Alvarez, Andrew villa. John Free.
man, Cubans, and Benoit Gardet, Frenchman,
ali OF whom constituted portion Of the crew of
the Virginius, called at the United States Court
and sought an interview with Commissioner John
A. Shields which that gentleman readily granted
and the following additional chapter Of surerings
came 10 Light
Parker, who Is an intelligent man and speaks
with much readiness acted as spokesman on be-
half Of the party. Addressing the Commissioner
he made a statement substantially as folows:-
''When we were permitted to land in this city
Garder went to the French Consul and applied to
him to be sent home, but the Consul answered him
saylng:-Imust refuse to have anything to do with
You. Those who have been instrumental In BRING
look after you.' The Cubans, when they sought as
sistance from the Cuban League. were informed that
they must endeavor to help themselves Finding
no hope in this direction they went to . boarding
house, No. 143 Greene street, where they we're per-
United to remain until yesterday, when, having n 0
more money to pay Tor their board they were
only q few Of them being enabled TO obtain q cup
Of coffee EACH" On reaching this point Parker said
al want to ask Your Honor II you cannot find some
means of sending the men home r'
Commissioner Shields do not know what can
do for you. wish 1t was in my power to help yOu,
but fear am pOwerIess in the matter. However,
small consult the District Attorney ana ascer-
tain from him If anything can be done.
The men having stated that they were very
hungry and badly in want OF food were directed to
street. They accordingly went there, were sup
piled with abundant food and informed In the
kindest manner that they would be cared Tor there
until something better could be done for them.
Subsequently Commissioner Shields had an in
terview with the United States District Attorney
This official told the Commissioner that the crew
OF the Virginius had been informed that they
could be sent to the receiving ship until the govern
ment had completed arrangements for forwarding
them to their homes; that, in place Of accepting
In this manner, they took themselves rom under
the protection Of the government, leaving the gov
eminent officials powerless to render them any
service.
Parker was asked by Commissioner Shields, .'You
do not appear to be asking anything for yourself
Let me inquire Of you what Is the reason OF that ~
The reply is one that may be very strongly rec
commended to Mr.. Secretary Fishs attention:-'I
am subject OF England, and she always takes care
OF her people. The British Consul win take care
Of me and maze provision for sending me home"
1t may be safely suggested that We have not yet
heard the last OF the VirgtniuS afrair.