The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1895-05-16
o,psHAM HAS CALLED FOR MIN
1sTER HAzELToN'S RES
IGNATION.
u,zELTON WANTS TO SEE THE
CHARGES.
III Strongly Intimates That the Admit
rovs Desire to Play Leading Lady
While in Venezuela Brought
About the Charges.

Washington, May 12.-The diplomatic
4.ouble concerning United States Minis
Tor Hazelton, resulting from serious
oborges made by Admiral Meade, as
oiven exclusively in the Associated Press
dispatches, was the absorbing theme in
naval and diplomatic circles today. Mr..
Hazelton has received dispatch from
Hon. r. B. Smalley of Vermont through
whose influence he was appointed MIN
lister to Venezuela, saying he would ar
rive in Washington tomorrow to give
nersonal attention to the case. 1t IS
now known definitely that Secretary
Gresham, in dispatch to the minister,
called for his resignation. The minister
desires to see the specific charges ana
before rendering his resignation VIII en-
deayor to have his side of the case pre-
sented to the president.
Assistant Secretary Uhl expected the
written resignation to be rendered yester-
kIay and asked for it in an interview win
HE minister in the morning and again
hi 3 o'clock, but Mr.. Hazelton asked that
action be deferred until the arrival OF
Mr.. Smalley, with view to putting,
feels that his future standing is at stake
\ and this is more to him than the retention
of the diplomatic mission, which he Will
undoubtedly resign. =,
The correspondence relative to Mr.. Ha-
Zelton's return has been brief. Secretary
Gresham said that facts had come to the
knowledge of the president which com
PEELED him to call for the minister's i'm
mediate resignation.
Mr.. Gresham spoke with deep regret
of the necessity of this course. No spe-
cific charges were mentioned. Mr.. Ha-
zelton's dispatch in answer asked per-
mission to leave for Washington to re-
sign. His purpose was to come here
and learn the charges, but by inadvertance
he requested that he might return "to
resign" This last phrase was construed
to mean a resignation and accordingly
Assistant Secretary Uhl has asked that
the resignation be submitted in accord
ance with the dispatch.
Mr.. HaZleton is much depressed over
the condition of affairs He speaks frank
ly in defense of himself, although re-
served as to departmental matters. He re-
ferred today to several features of Ad-
mira Meade's visit to Venezuela, show
ing in the judgment of the minister the
animus of the charge.
One of the occurrences was in the pres
ence of President Crespo of Venezuela.
1T had been arranged" said the minis
ter, "that l should pursue the usual
course of Officially presenting the admiral
to the president. When, however, the
president entered unexpectedly, Admiral
Meade advanced to him, shook his hand
and began speaking to him in Spanish
The president was noticeably surprised,
knowing the arrangements made for an
official presentation. At the first Oppor-
tunity | stepped forward and thereupon
formally introduced Admiral Meade to
the president and the admiral presented
his staff officers. 1t was evident that
the admiral was nettled that his informal
greeting had not suficed, although it was
contrary to the honor due a president and
contrary to express arrangement"
Mr.. Hazleton also speaks of his trip
from Caracas to Laguyra on the train
bearing the admiral, at which time the
admiral did not call on the minister, as is
said to be due from an admiral to the
representative of the United States gov
eminent. When Laguyra was reached
Mr.. Hazleton says, Sunday prevented
his calling on the admiral on his flagship,
the New York, as the rules of the navy
forbid salutes and like courtesies on Sun
day. When he called the next day, Mon
day, and was asked to the ward room,
MI. odJ Ehunill dl uC
manded peremptorily, "Why did you not
call yesterday" The minister says he
avoided controversy by saying he pre-
ferred not to call on Sunday, knowing
the admiral would remain until Monday
night. He says the courtesy shown him
on the flagship was so scant that it was
evident that his departure was desired by
the admiral. He received, however, the
usual salute of II guns due United
States minister on leaving the ship.
Captain Glass commanded the brig
which conveyed him ashore and in the
course of the trip Captain Glass stated
that the rules of the navy forbade Sun
day salutes and like courtesies.
Mr.. Hazleton will first seek to answer
the charges and if he prevails on the de-
partment to withdraw the request for his
resignation he will seek leave of absence
Sence.
HAZLETON INTERVIEWED.