The Wilmington daily Republican., 1895-05-13
HASELTON AND MEADE.
Our Minister to Venezuela Talks
of His Recall.
HE IS NOT YET READY TO RESIGN.

The Minister VIII Urge n Hearing Before
Mako Defense-The AdmiraIs Brusque
Manner In President Crespo's Presence.
WASHINGTON, May 1s-The diplomatic
trouble concerning United States Minister
Hasclton, resulting from serious charges
made by Admiral Meade, is the absorbing
theme in naval and diplomatic circles.
Mr. Haselton has received dispatch from
Hon. b. b. Smalley, of Vermont, through
whose influence he was appointed min
lister to Venezuela, saying he would arrive
In Washington today to give personal at
tention to the case.
1t is now known definitely that Secre-
tary Gresham in a cable dispatch to the
minister called for his resignation. The
minister desires to see the specific charges,
and before rendering his resignation will
endeavor to have his side of the case pre-
sented to President Cleveland. Assistant
Secretary Uhl expected the written resig-
nation to be rendered on Saturday, and
asked Tor II at an interview with the min
lister in the morning and again at 8 o clock.
But Mr.. Haselton asked that action be de-
ferred until the arrival Of Mr.. Smalley,
with a view to putting in defense to the
standing is at stake and this Is moro to
him than the retention of the diplomatic
mission, which he will undoubtedly re-
sign.
The correspondence leading up to Mr..
Haselton's return has been very brief, and
entirely by cable. Secretary Gresham's 8
dispatch stated that facts had come to the
knowledge of the president which COM
PEELED him to call for the minister's inn
mediate resignation, Mr. Gresham spoke
with deep regret of the necessity for this
course No specific charges were men
toned
Mr.. Haselton's dispatch asked per-
mission to come to Washington to resign
his position. His purpose was to come
here and learn the charges, but by mad
vertence he requested that he might re-
turn "to resign" This last phrase was
construed to mean resignation, and ac-
cordingly Assistant Secretary Uhl has
asked that the resignation be submitted
in accordance with the dispatches.
| Mr.. Haselton is much depressed over
| the condition of affairs He speaks frankly
IN defense of himself, although reserved as
| to departmental matters. Hc referred to.
| day to several further features of Admiral
| Meude's visit to Venezuela, showing, in
! the Judgment of the minister, the animus
| of the charges. One of these occurrences
| was in the presence of President Crespo, Of
| Venezuela
"It had been arranged" said the min
| ister that I 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 opportu-
nifty stepped forward and thrreupun for
mally introduced Admiral Meade to the
| president and the admiral presented his
staff officers. 1t was evident thut the ad-
mral was nettled that his informal greet
ing Of the president had not sutllced, al
though it was contrary to the honor duo a
| president, and contrary to express ar
rangement."
| Mr.. Hasolton also speaks of his trip
from Caracas to Lagunyra on the train
bearing the admiral, ut which time the
admiral did not call on the minister.
| When Laguayra was reached Mr.. Hasel.
ton says sunday prevented his calling i'm
mediately 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 Monday
and was asked to the ward room Mr.
Haselton says Admiral Meade demanded
perumptorily: "Why did you not eull yes
terdayf' The minister says he avoided d
controversy by saying he preferred not tC
call on Sunday, knowing the fleet would
remain until Monday night. He says the
courtesy shown him on the flagship wa
SO scant that 1t was evident his departure
was desired by the admiral. He received
however, the usual salute of seventeen
guns, due United States minister or
leaving tho ship. Captain Glass, of tht
cruiser Cincinnati, commanded the git
conveying him to shore, and in the courst
of the trip Captain Glass stated that TIN
rules Of tho navy forbade sunday salute:
and like courtesies.
Mr.. Hasulton will FIRST seek to answe
the charges and If he prevails on tho de
partment to Withdraw the request for hi
resignation he will seek leave of alb
| 6pnCe,