ompatriots
in arms. Tunicu informs us that a grand bazaar, with this object in
view, is now being promoted by these energetic senoras, and when Dona
Mercedes hears of this, she and her daughters are soon busy at their
favourite occupation. Tunicu says that the proceeds of the bazaar will
not be wholly devoted to the purpose for which it is publicly announced,
but that a large amount will be set apart for the purchase of arms and
accoutrements; it being whispered that another fillibustering expedition
is contemplated, and that great hopes are entertained of its safe
departure from America. He says that an important landing has been
lately effected at Guanaja--a small town on the Cuban coast--where
Manuel Quesada, the newly-appointed general of the Cuban army, has
arrived with eighty well-drilled men, 2,700 muskets and necessary
ammunition.

Besides the bazaar money, large amounts are raised by giving public
concerts and by an occasional dramatic performance at one of the Bowery
theatres, at which a stirring drama founded on the Cuban revolution is
presented.

The concerts, however, prove more attractive and remunerative;
especially if it is announced that a young and lovely Creole, attired as
'Liberty' and holding a Cuban flag in her hand, will sing a patriotic
ballad. Equally effective are recitals from the famous Cuban
poets--Heredia and Placida. When the 'Himno del Desterrado,' by the
first-named author, is given, it is always received with great applause
by the Cuban members of the audience and by those who understand the
beautiful language in which this favourite poem is written. But nothing
pleases the mixed audience of Cubans and Americans half so well as when
a renowned pianist favours them with a performance on the piano of a
'Danza Criolla.' At the first strains of their patriotic melody, the
Creoles present become wild with enthusiasm. The Cuban ladies wave their
handkerchiefs with delight, while their brother-patriots stand on their
seats, and for the moment drown their favourite music with loud and
prolonged cheering, accompanied by shouts of 'Viva Cuba libre!' (Long
live free Cuba!) 'Muerte a Espana!' (Death to Spain!) and other
patriotic sentiments.

The American people are unanimous in their sympathy for the Cuban cause,
and the sentiment is popular even with the New York shopkeepers, who
already offer for sale 'Cravats a la Cespedes,' 'Insurrectionary
Inkstands,' and 'Patriot Pockethandkerchiefs.'