As the crisis in Cuba mounted, the liberal press was repeatedly warning against a new Carlist insurgency, allegations usually refuted by "Correo Español". Small Carlist groups indeed resolved to violence and de Cerralbo tried to prevent the phenomenon. The pretender seemed decided not to weaken the country while at war with the United States, but the situation changed following the disastrous peace of 1898, as Carlos VII made some moves interpreted as preparation to another Carlist war. Cerralbo, widely considered the leader of the doves and confronted by the hawks like Llorens, was rumored to be dismissed soon. Quoting health reasons he left Spain and distanced himself from the conflict, finally handing his resignation as Jefe Delegado in late 1899. The notice was accepted by Carlos VII, who nominated Matías Barrio y Mier as the new political leader.