The crew have been subjected to a severe examination. Each man has had to make a statement before the court. The master and mate of the vessel swore that the _Silver Heels_ left New York bound for Wilmington, N.C. Her cargo consisted of one hundred tons of coal designed for sale in Wilmington. On account of head winds she could not approach the coast, but was buffeted about until a few days ago, when she cast anchor in Wilmington harbor. The two officers declared that no other cargo than the coal had been on board, and that there had been no passengers. The collector found the amount of coal in the ship that the master and mate swore was there--and so far everything goes to prove that they have been telling the truth. The statements of the crew have been sent on to the Government, and the vessel will be kept in custody as long as it is necessary in order that a proper investigation may be made. * * * * * After thinking matters over, the Spaniards have decided that President McKinley's Message was not so friendly to them as they at first supposed. They have arrived at the conclusion that the part of the Message which refers to intervention on our part in case Home Rule does not succeed, is highly offensive to them. Senor Sagasta is reported to have said that if the United States should try to interfere between Spain and Cuba, Spain would be found ready to protect herself and defend her national honor. The heads of the Government then decided that Spain ought to increase her navy, so that she should be ready in case of trouble. An endeavor has been made to raise funds for this purpose, and one of the Spanish Senators has suggested that a public subscription be opened for the purpose. A meeting of the Carlists has been called to protest against the interference clause of the Message, and the Spaniards generally are much annoyed over it. General Weyler has not allowed the opportunity offered him by the present unpopularity of the United States to pass him by. He has been doing his best to convince the people that his recall was due to our interference, and that, had he been allowed to remain in Cuba, the island would have been pacified in a very short space of time. He and his friends have been working industriously to raise him to the position of a popular hero, and, taking advantage of some of the President's remarks about the cruel methods of warfare employed in Cuba, he says that he feels proud of the fact that the President attacks him, as it is a proof that his conduct was displeasing to Spain's enemies. Following up these remarks, which were published in all the Spanish papers, Weyler determined to visit Madrid and pay his respects to the Queen. He and his friends evidently hoped that there would be some popular demonstration in favor of their idol.