Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-06-13
C0NSUL-GENERALL LEE
Ills Arrival In Habana The Leading
Topic Of Talk There.
RIGHT MAN IN THE RIGHT PLACE.
Tint Is the Opinion of Everybody
I'm the Cuban Capital-Thc Gene
rails Activity WAR situation Fn-
yOrablc to Insurgents.

HABANA, June 10, via TAMPA, FLA,
June 12.-The arrival of Consul-General
Lee is the leading topic of conversation.
His friendship with President Cleveland,
his fame as a warrior in the civil war IN
the United States, has given rise to
great deal of comment in both Spanish
and Cuban circles. Ever since his arrival
his movements have been watched, mis-
actions scrutinized. and his sayings ana
lyzed. No parsonage has ever attracted
more attention in cuba than does General
Lee at present. His commanding appear
ance and manly department have won for
him the greatest respect and considera-
ton. and everybody agrees that he Is the
right man in the right place. In these
critical times, when the destinies OF Cuba
are on the turning point, it is plain that
a man of great capacity and character is
necessary to meet whatever emergencies
may arise. and General Lee. to all ap-
pearance Is the proper man for this situa-
ton. Many gueses have been made as to
his future action, many comments as TO
his inclination. but no one has been able
W ltkfAl lAiut nlo hds biih NNihSss HN
only thing sure is that since his arrival
he has been very busy visiting General
Weyler. with whom he has had several
interviews regarding the competitor
prisoners and other Americans confined
in Spanish fortresses for alleged political
crimes. 1t is surmised. also. that he Is
gathering data from all reliable sources,
for IL is known that many prominent men
bankers and merchants of standing and
means. have been calling on him for the
last few days, and surely they must have
all given him material on which 10 base
his official report on the economic situa-
tion Of the island.
The Cuban sympathizers here have
taken advantage of his presence to en-
deavor TO seduce him to their side by ad
dressing TO him all sorts OF complaints as
to their wrongs and sufferings. \ letter
addressed TO the Consul has been printed
anonymously. and Is circulating from
hand TO hand. and although It is whis-
pered that the original document has been
signed in his presence by prominent citi-
zens. almost all property their
names are withheld for fear Of persecu-
ton by the Spanish authorities. The
document is very well written. and states
in plain, straightforward words the real
situation of the island. IL proves I'm un-
mistakable terms that the Cuban problem
cannot be solved by the Spaniards. for
even II they should grant home rule on
the Canadian plan, 1t would never work,
because Of two powerful objectionable
army and the debt. They consequently
believe that the only practical solution IS
American Intervention to save the island
from the ruin which is staring her In the
face.
AMERICANS JOYFUL.
The Americans specially have good rea-
son for feeling joyful on the arrival of
Consul Lee. for they know they have a
good friend and a staunch supporter OF
their rights. lie has already given proofs
Of his interest in all that concerns his
fellow-citizens by obtaining Dawley's re-
lease AMI forcing the aui'lorities H. rilti-
gate the condition of the Competitor
prisoners. who were lodged i'm miserable.
filthy, and unhealthy quarters I'm the Ca
bana fortress, by transferring them TO
better accommodations.
The war situation continues favorable to
the Cubans. The rainy season that pre-
walls helps them considerably. Yellow
fever and other tropical diseases are
decimating the Spanish troops fearfuIly.
The hospitals are overstocked and the
death-rate is frightful.
Gomez and Maceo continue operating
throughout the whole country at their
will. without interference from anybody
the former in Camaguey and the latter in
Pinar del Rio.
new leader has appeared in the field.
who is now attracting attention. ahd who
will surely give the Spanish considerable
trouble. l refer to Calixto Garcia. Vague
rumors have arrived here that he has
captured Jigani his native place. and
that he gave General Gasco a crushing
defeat in the Ventas de Casaova engage
ment, lately reported.
TOWN CAPTURED BY INSURGENTS.
HABANA. June l2.-Further news re-
garding the attack by insurgents upon the
town OF San Antonio de Rio Blanco. I'm
Habana province. is TO the effect that the
troops made a spirited defence but were
compelled to withdraw, and the rebels
captured the town. The insurgents burn
ed a number OF buildings, including the
Town Hail. ten stores and several resi-
dences.