It seems that some soldiers brought their colonel word that they knew where they could lay hands on $14,000, and they said that if they were allowed to go and seize it they would bring it to the colonel to pay the regiment, which otherwise would mutiny. The colonel allowed his men to set off on their shameful expedition, and learned that sure enough they had obtained the money. What was his surprise and indignation to find that, instead of bringing it to him, they had deserted to the Cubans with their booty. While the promised reforms are being put into practice without delay, the new Captain-General is, it is said, making active preparations for war. The winter campaign against the rebels is to begin at once, and it is believed that severe fighting is ahead. It remains to be seen whether the soldiers will do better under General Blanco's leadership than they did under Weyler. * * * * * You will be interested to know that the trial of the _Competitor_ prisoners takes place in Havana this week. The Spanish Government evidently wishes to settle this matter, which has been a grave source of difficulty between Madrid and Washington. Under General Weyler's rule it was impossible to get these men tried, but Blanco has brought orders that they be tried immediately, and it is rumored that if they are found guilty they will be pardoned on condition that they leave Cuba and never return to it. The _Competitor_ case was explained to you in No. 40 of THE GREAT ROUND WORLD. Briefly, she was a schooner engaged in a filibustering expedition, and was overhauled and captured by the Spaniards. All the persons on board escaped but five, three of whom were sailing the ship, and claimed to be American citizens. The defence made by these men was that the filibustering party had taken passage for Florida, and had given no indication of being engaged in any unlawful pursuit till the vessel was out of sight of land, when they took possession of her, and forced the captain to carry them over to Cuba. [Illustration: Cuba] This defence was not believed, and the men were sentenced to death. Our Government interfered on account of their being American citizens. A protest was sent to Spain, and a new trial was ordered. This was over a year ago, but by one means or another Weyler always contrived to prevent it. It is reported that this _Competitor_ case was one of the main objects of General Woodford's mission, and that the pardon of these unfortunate prisoners is in response to the President's request. If all we hear is true, the _Competitor_ prisoners will only be a few of the many persons whom General Blanco has been authorized to pardon. It is said that all persons prosecuted for rebellion, and all rebels accused of other crimes, are to be pardoned by the new Captain-General.