The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-03-13
CUBAN MATTERS IN THE CITY.
Tho Friends OF Free Cuba in Good
spirits-Cespedes Possibly Still Alive
Proximate Arrival of General Rafael

inc Ff1cn08 Oh Free CuOa In GOOD
spirits-Cespedes Possibly Still Alive
Proximate Arrival of General Rafael
Quesada-What Is the Agency Doing!
The Cuban exiles, who mostly congregate about
Exchange place, express their satisfaction at the
actual condition OF affairs in their fatherland.
They think that the crisis for which all have been
30 long and earnestly watching, cannot now be
far OF. One OF the best proofs OF this is
thought to exist in the unprecedentedly
rapid rise in the price Of gold, re.
Gently teegraphed from Havana. wealthy
Cuban merchant stated yesterday to representa-
tive OF the HERALD that the last advlces from the
Island show quotations in gold to have reached
l3s premium, as compared to Spanish bank notes,
and that no one could be found to accept thirty
days bill on London at any reasonable figure be-
yond this enormous rate. The Cubans believe that
with finances IN this deporable state it will be I'M
bic number oil troops to the front. 1t Is well known
that the volunteers. Notwithstanding their
loud ron patriotism patriotism Will not move
ing the spanlards send 10000 men to the h held
1t will cost not less than 800 man, altogether
$1,0O0O00 in gold. IN addition to the regular es-
tlmated war expenses OF $4,50o,0o0 per month
ment for years back. But this additional expense
in putting any considerable number OF reinforce
ments in campaign would be but an item in the
contemplated new levies did reach the front they
would hardly be sufficient to repair the very heavy
losses suffered by the Spanish army during the
past twelve months. In the meantime the in
surgents are everywhere growing holder, and, If
possible, more confident or success.
The CubanS here claim that their compatriots
have passed into the Vuelto Abajo: that is, the
western department OF the island, or that portion
OF it that lies between Sagua la Grande and Colon
In proof OF this they cite the fact that the CON-
handing general OF the Cinco Villas district re-
Gently held a long conference with Captain General
lar q a 40 ira a ra
assuming in his territory. 1t Is reported that the
negroes aided by small bands OF patriots who have
OF Baga, are out IN force. These insurgent bands
are burning plantations, destroying prop
and spreading amay in al d fs
new aggressive movement may account for the
sudden rise in gold just reported from Havana.
Some OF the friends and relatives OF Carlos
Manuel de Cespedes, while generally accepting as
true the news OF the ex-Presdent's death, still
think It not impossible that he may YET be Ia the
land OF the living They argue that 1t IS not likely
Tor Cespedes to be the only one of his party to al
into the enemy's hands. The men who accom-.
patriots. and It is not likely they would
allow OF their beloved leaders, be-
Ing captured without an obstinate resistance.
Lney wouiu not abandon him so easily. But II
Cespedes were really captured or killed, the
Spaniards would have made much more Of noise
ABOUT tnan has been done. They would have placed
his body on exhibition for identification. as was
Done WIN Agramonte; the Spanish press would
death and capture. and, above ali. every endeayor
would have been put forth to take him alive For
these and variety OF other reasons the friends Of
Cespedes still entertain gimmer OF hone thar the
grand, central figure OF the revolution. aronnd
whom all its gories cluster, may yet be alive.
General Rafael Quesada lett New Orleans nv rail
last night en- route to New York. His sister Mrs
Carlos Manuel Cespedes, sailed from this cttv for
Kingston, Jamaica, to JOIN other members OF the
ex-President's family, and learn whatever other
particulars can be gathered about his fate
Active sympathlzers with the Cuban cause are
looking with anxious eyes to the agency under
Mr.. Aldama's care. They say that he and his
friends have not only all the power, but also the
money, to be found among exiled Cubans, and II no
does not speedily ft out a strong expedition the
country Will DO dissatisfied with his admins.
tration.