Connecticut western news., 1874-01-09

Details of TheiI, Releasc--The Prisoners
 Led to Believe that They were on Their
 Way to Execution -- Their Joy on
 Boarding the .JuniNta.
 The prisoners captured on the Vir- ginius have been delivered to the U. 5. steamer Juniata, and taken to New York. A correspondent says:
 It appears that the Spanish authori- ties to the last moment kept the poor wretches in ignorance of their prospec- tive release, and with base inhumanity led them to suppose that they were to be executed. Priests were with them taking their confessions and dying dec larations, and imploring them to look to God for pardon. They were taken out of prison in despair, but, on their way to the slaughter-pen, as they sup posed, their eyes fell upon the Juniata flying the flag of the United States When they realized the truth n scene occurred which beggars description. The enthusiasm knew no bounds. They were speedily transferred to the deck of the Juniata, and gave vent to the most extravagant but touching demonstra- tions Of joy, embracing each other, some crying, some kissing, and others audi bly, offering thanks to the Almighty for their deliverance from the horrors of their dungeon and the prospect of an ignominious death. On the night be- fore the surrender the officers and crew of the Juniata were stationed at quar- ters, her guns being turned on the city. The Spanish volunteers having been excited to an open riot by the rnmor that the surrender was to take place, a large number of volunteers went in body to the Governors palace and begged permission to attempt the cap ture of the Juniata, saying that they could do it with knives alone. The Governor refused to grant permission. Officers believe that the application was made in earnest.
 On the arrival of the Pinta at Santi- ago, orders came to the ship from Com mander Braine for the paymaster to issue all blankets andpea-j jackets in his department to the prisoners, who were hardly fit to be seen in their rags. This was speedily done, but as there was still great destitution, orders came for every man to give their own blankets and wearing apparel in the good cause, promise being made that all would be replaced on the arrival of the ship at Key West. The officers and men cheer fully complied with this order, only preferring that it should be issued as request, in which case they would have obeyed with just as much alacrity. Every heart was touched by the pitt able condition of the prisoners. The poor fellows report that they were bar barously treated. They say that when the officers from the Tornado boarded the Virginius, one of them, i'll hauling down the flag of the United States, tore it into ribbons, and trampled on it, as- serting with an oath, " This IS what l have wanted"
 The situation in Santiago dc Cuba is reported very serious. A large majori- ty of the population is ill sympathy with the Cuban cause, but the Volun- teers control everything with high hand. It is believed that the surrender would not have been made at last but for the firm stand taken by Commander Brain and the prevailing impression that he would proceed to extreme meas ures if there was any trihing or post ponement. Only week ago twenty five citizens of Santiago were arrested, and after mock trial had been gone through with, without any evidence be- Ing adduced aga1nst them, they were told to go home. On the way they were cruelty waylaid and killed, onlyone es- caping he was riddled with bullets and dangerously wounded. Americans are continually in fear for their lives, and bitterly complain that nothing has been done to redress their wrongs. It is not safe for an American officer to go ashore alone in Santiago. All along the river line Spaniards are erecting new batteries.
 The surrender took place at Moro Castle, six miles below Santiago. A re- ceipt was given for the prisoners. It was reported in Santiago that when it was found that the Virginius had been lowed out of the harbor of Havana, a large number of naval officers of high grade rendered their resignations to the Home Government by telegraph.