The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-06-06
GEN. LAYTON IN NEW YORK.
What the Minister to Austria Has to
Say About " ar and Politics.


Gen. A. r. Lawton, minister to Austria,
whose arrival in New York was noticed in
the dispatches OF the MORNING NEWS few
days ago, will remain in New York day
or two, and will then come 10 Savannah,
stopping a day or two in Washington to
report to the staCo department, and also in
Philadelphia. Ia interviews in New York
lie said that he would return to his post in
the latter part of July.
There is no political significance what
ever TO my visit" said Minister Lawton.
The fact that | came over SO soon after
our minister to France is merely a coin
cidence. was able to get leave Of absence
at this time. and as / rad some personal
interests to attend to, and Mrs. Lawton
was anxious to come, we are here"
What Is the war feeling in Austria"
"lhe European war question * such a
complicated one that it is very difficult TO
speak intelligently on it, Besides, do not
consider myself in IA position to speak with
any degree of knowledge on the subject
Mark that | do not set myself up as an
authority or a prophet on the subject.
do not, however, share with many in the
bel et that war is SO sure TO come. | do
not think it very likely that there will be a
war. Events may have transpired on the
Continent since l left Austria, ten days
ago, that would entirely change my belief
10 such all ex lent are affairs strained that
day might bring about occurrences that
would make war inevitable.
austria does not want a war. | am sure
Of it; sure that the Emperor is for peace,
and believe the people are. At the same
time Austria is not neglecting to make all
preparations for war. Her army is in
good shape and very strong, but while such
Is the case she means to honestly keep TO her
treaty with Germany and Italy.
mo, do not feel at liberty to discuss the
current political events of the country, and
as to what has happened during my absence
do not want to speak hastily"
AS to American politicsp
''Oh, dear me, | must ask questions on
that score instead of answering them. So
they are talking Thurman as a candidate
for vice president, and he will accept?
Well, it shows that man can never be too
old for politics. Comment on its No, no;
not so suddenly.
did you see Mr.. BlaineP the general was
asked.
"Oh, yes; several times. 1 dited in his
company in Rome only month ago"
Mr. Blaine appeared to be a cue for Min
lister Lawton, for he went on to say that the
man from Maine was making a record over
in Europe as a society man.
He appears to have been improved little
by his trip, as far as can see Mr.. Blaine
used to be a very robust man, you know.
Now he is anything but robust. He has
aged greatly, think. He has been failing
in health for several years. and looks as if
he had some serious physical disorder. His
appearance is not that of well man by
any means"
Odd Mr.. Blaine make any allusion to
political mattersT
well, no; he didn't say anything in a
direct way to me. At times he joked about
politics."
From what you have seen of Mr.. Blaine
abroad do you think he would accept the
nomination for the presidency if rendered
him by his party"
II do. Not only would he accept it, but
he would bow his acceptance"
Have you read Mr.. Blaine's letters from
Florence, Italy and ParisP'
II have read his Florence letter, yes; but
not the one from Paris. l should be much
surprised, however, if Mr.. Blaine would
decline the nomination if it were really
urged upon him."
Gen. Lawton looks as If Austrian air
agreed with him. He Is in good health and
spirits. 1t is regarded as an odd coincidence
that the United States ministers to Eng
land, France and Austria should all be in
this country at the same time.