MR. HOWARD. I wish for information on this subject, and I think we all stand in need of it; and I should be very much obliged to the Senator from Massachusetts, if he is able to do so, if he would give us a statement of the amount of military force actually in the field in Cuba, or the amount of force that is available; and whether the insurgents have established a civil government for themselves,--whether it be or be not in operation as a government. On these subjects I confess my ignorance. MR. SUMNER. The Senator confesses we are in the dark, and on this account I consider the debate premature. We all need information, and I understand it will be supplied by the Department of State. There is information on the precise point to which the Senator calls attention, and that is as to the number of the forces on both sides. I understand on the side of the insurgents it has latterly very much diminished; and I have been told that they are now little more than _guerrilleros_, and that the war they are carrying on is little more than a guerrilla contest,--that they are not in possession of any town or considerable place. Such is my information. MR. HOWARD. Have they any government? MR. SUMNER. I understand they have the government that is in a camp. With regard to that the Senator knows as well as I; but that brings us back again to the necessity of information. MR. HOWARD. Any civil government, any legislative power for the actual exercise of legislative functions? MR. SUMNER. I think there is no evidence that there is a legislative body; and I must say I await with great anxiety the evidence of their action on the subject of Slavery itself. What assurance have we that slavery will be terminated by these insurgents? Have they the will? Have they the power? I know the report that they have abolished slavery, but this report leaves much to be desired. I wish it to be authenticated and relieved from all doubt. It is said that there are two decrees,--one to be read at home, and another to be read abroad. Is this true? And even if not true, is there any assurance that the insurrectionists are able to make this decree good? But while I require the surrender of slavery from the insurrectionists, I make the same requirement of Spain. Why has this power delayed? MR. MORTON. I ask the Senator if Spain has not recently affirmed the existence of slavery in Cuba and Porto Rico, especially in Porto Rico, by publishing a new constitution guarantying the existence of slavery? MR. SUMNER. I am not able to inform the Senator precisely on that point. I do know enough, however, to satisfy me that Spain is a laggard on this question; and if my voice could reach her now, it would plead with her to be quick, to make haste to abolish slavery, not only in Cuba, but in Porto Rico. Its continued existence is a shame, and it should cease. * * * * *