New-York tribune., 1874-01-02
CUBAN AFFAIRS.
INTELLIGENCE FROM HAVANA.


AMERICAN NAVAL OFFICERS IN TIM LoUvRs-CHRIsr>
MAS EVE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS OF GEN.
BURRIEI-THE SEARCH FOR THE MISSING COR
RESPONDENT.
IYRoN A SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE fTRBUNE)
HAvANA, Dec. 27.-The political situation in Ha
vana remains unchanged. There is O great dearth
Of news from the interior, both sides apparently
resting from the prosecution Of the civil war; which
has devastated much of the island. The military
officers at Havana are engaged in discussing the
best measures for the suppression Of the rebellion
but they are much further now from satisfactory
suits than they were four or five years ago, when
the rebellion first sprung into life. IL there have
been any engagements the Spanish authorities
have, as usual. suppressed the news, and
from Cuban sources it is difficult to
obtain facts as their interior correspondents are
obliged to use suchl tedious modes of transmission
that it takes weeks and often months to cOmmuni-
cate intelligence Since the defeat of the Cazadores
de Valmaseda and the death Of Col Vilches, no in
telligence of interesting character has arrived
here from the Cuban army The changes in the
Administration and the dissensions which exist in
the agencies and juntas of the North are not re-
garded favorably by such of the Cubans as care to
express their views, even to an American. Wblle,
as matter OI course, tha Cuban people inwardly
rejoice at the victories Of their associates ry
they maintain an exceedingly quiet appearance.
avoiding anything like ostentation, stunning con-
spicuOus gatherings, and generally seeking to make
themselves as little obnoxious as possible to the
Spanish element which 80 largely predOminates In
this city.
The Americans have not forgotten the peculiar
condition Of affairs of the last few weeks, and while
they attend to their business with characteristic
regularity, they are averse to entering into large
contracts extended time, the situation fs liable
TO change at any moment, and from comparative
tranquility we may be ushered into most sanguinay
revolution. One of the most interesting events OF
the week has been the arrival of the fleet dispatch
boat Pinta, Capt. Gorringe. The novel spectacle OF
an American vessel of war in the port of
Havana caused some talk, and great deal
OF attention was directed toward the vessel
The officers, in full uniform, landed on the
PIERS and separating, pursued the various objects
which had brought them to the port. At first it was
thought that there might be some prejudice ex-
hbted against them, but all passed without the
slightest demonstration except that of surprise and
curiosity In passing the CaptanGencraPs palace
and other public buildings where the Volunteers
were on guard, and large number were seated in
conversation, there was very general raising, and
a most graceful salute made by the Volunteers,
which was politely returned by the officers of the
Pinta At the Louvre, the famous cafe which has
been the scene Of 80 much intrigue and political
demagOgism. the officers were not as gracefully
noticed AT this place the officers OF the
Spanish army and navy are accustomed to
congregate, AZ indeed all the Hayanese. There were
many Spanish officers of both branches of the ser
vice; but there no sautation, only d gaze OF
mingled curiosity and sulenness. To the civilians
they were subject of considerable attention. and
formed the main topic Of conversation. by some
chance after entering, the American officers had
taken seats in what is known as the Spanish cor
nerr and the other fequenters Of the caf6 thought
that there was method in their selection of
seats But no incident occurred TO mar the general
harmony of the evening.
The uncertainty attending the political situation
and the dangers to which largo congregations of
people give riso hero has prevented anything like
the cordial observance Of Christmas Day here that
is characteristic Of the day in the North On
Christmas eve the streets filled with groups of
dan gerous men of all nations principally Cubans,
Spauiards, negroes, mulattoes, and Chinese, who
play guitars tambournes. castanets, and other
musical Instruments At midnight they are intoxi-
Gated and heaven help the man who falls into their
clutches From midnight until daylight they con-
gregate in the park before the Tacon where they
dance and shrek and make night hideous. This
year Noche Butnd, as it is called here, has been
anticipated with much apprehension by the
better class of people. The guards are doubled
and mounted patrols secured tho streets,
and other precautions were taken. Ii Is for this
that have not to chronicle series Of dreadful
crimes In the evening there were, in the churches,
services under the name of la misa del gollo known
IN the North among the Roman Catholics as Mid
night Mass.
Intelligence has reached here that the Edgar
Stewart fitting out in the North is intended for the
Cuban service. Whether this is true or not, it is
generally reported that tho Tornado, which left
this port some days ago. has received orders
to pursue the Stewart and if she proves to be Of the
same character as the Vrgnius not to take her. but
In sink her wherever found. The commander of the
Department Of Santiago, Gen. Burrel, has issucd an
order condoling with his men upon the delivery Of
the Vrgnius aud the surrender of the prisoners but
felcitating them upon the manner in which they
obeyed the instructions Of their superiors lie still
remains at Santiago and will probably not go to
Spain for some time to come.
Much regret has been expressed by the American
colony in Havana ut the mysterious disappearance
of Mr. Ralph Keeler, the correspondent of The TRIB
USE at Santiago Mr.. Keeler left Santiago about
the time of the transfer of the prisoners from that
place to Cienfuegos. and took passage on board the
steamer Cienfuegos. The vessel arrived at Manza-
milo with Mr.. Keelers baggage, but heiwas not on
board. 1t is not known here whether Mr. Keller
started with the vessel and was lost overheard or
whether he was loft behind and met with foul treat
ment in Santiago. At first it was supposed that he
had simply missed a steamer: but now the grayest
apprehensions are entertained. Beyond the fact of
his disappearance, other positive information is
known The officials are making inquiry, and il is
hoped that something will be learned as to his dis
nnnoarnnce Althnuah only q YerY short time in