New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-04-20
MIR. HALE AND THE SPANISH MISSION.
tvpnsf pUp nuH cOnpRSpnNnRNT

IRON OUR OWN CORRESPONDENCE
! LONDON April 5-The deplorabe scandal in re-
spect TO Mr. Hale which, few years ago. was spread
about in some circles in Madrid and was then in some
way hushed, has ut last become only too public
Since the early days of Mr. Hales ministry, docu-
ments which on their face compromised him very
greatly have slept in the records OF the Spanish State
Department. Among those who knew what those
documents contained there was disposition to let
Mr. Hale finish his term of office and go home with q
reputation diminished no doubt, by his glazing in
competence, but unstained by the public charge of
defrauding the Government TO which he was ac-
credited. His refusal to resign, and his demand to
be retained another four years have exhausted even
Spanish patience When it became known that he
expected to continue Minister, steps taken,
account of which prefer to give in the shape of Off
cial reports and ministerial comments.
The following an extract from the report Of the
session Of tho Spanish Cortes, March 81 published in
the official Gazette de Madrid, on the morning Of
April .s -
Ds,ufv Sr. FtrENTE ALCAZAR-I desire If there
be 10 objection that there should be laid before the
Cortes set of documents originating in the Depart
ments Of Finance and of State in consequence OF the
introduction of goods for commerce by Mr.. Hale.
Minister of the United States ayang himself Of his
diplomatic franchise.
THE MINISTER OF FrYANCE-I have no knowledge
Of that set of documents, but to oblge the gentle
IIf MINISTER OF SrATE-I am not familiar with
that set of documents. but l will have them I'M
mediately examined and il there be against
it, shall be glad TO crafty Sr. Fuente AcaZar by
LAYING them on the table of the Cortes
Sr. FUENrE ALCAZAR-The documents are IN the
Department OF state"
To those who have known the reports current in
Madrid, this short colloquy is significant enough,
without comment. To those who now hear of them
for the first time their import will appear from the
following article, translated from the POltcd, the
known organ of Marshal Serrano, President of the
Council, and head Of the Provisional Government.
In leading article on the morning of April !, the
Politicd says;
I'VE were greatly surprised by the question put
by Senior Fuente Alcazar to the Ministers or state
and of Finance, to whether they had any objection
10 lay before the Cortes certain oi1clal documehts
drawn mp some two years since against the Hon. Mt
Hale, Minister Plenpotentiary of the United States
in Madrid, for he inrodIcton Of conrs6and uTder rs
diplomatic franchise Although we had some knowl.
edge of this fact in the time Of Calonge Minister OF
State never TO DO forgotten, in whose ministerial
rule this Gagitious delinquency was committed; we
on the floor of the Cores the revelation OF 50 scan
daous an affair ..L
the documents but that they would bring them TO
the Chamber if there should be no impeachment We
hope there may be none for to-day we learn tnat the
reanest of Senior Fuente AcaZar OF great interest,"
and liz made with the view of defending an innocent
man now accused in the United States III consequence
OF that affair The Senate at Washington Is also oc-
cupied with the matter at the present moment"
The whole Of the story limited at In these papers
have known for some time 1t is simply an accusa-
ton of smuggling. Many people IN Madrid have
known il. Some three years ago it was whispered
about and l am told there was then disposition
In official quarters to publish the whole transaction.
Powerful influences suppressed 1t. am not at lib
erty 10 say what influences, to state the contents
of the documents which are now called for My be-
lief is that they have already been sent to Wash
ington. Mr.. Hae's friends-Mr. Fogg for instance
who tried to throw doubt on my statement that
Mr. Hale has no influence with the Government Of
SPAIN may now Judge for themselves of his position.
They SEQ what is done on the mere hint that Mr..
Hale is to be retained as Minister. Senior Alcazar.
who moves for these papers, Is member of the Gov
eminent majority. The Pot!ioa is, as / have said,
Serranos organ, and it does not wait for the produc
ton of the documents 20 denounce the act to which
they refer as a 1agitions delinquency.
l am not in position to say whether Mr.. Hale
ever offered any explanation of the transactions
referred to, or whether he has any explanation now
to offer sincerely hope he has-f0r il the charges