The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-05-13
SECRETARY OLNEY,S ACTION.
Even Temporary Clemency May Mean the
Downfall of the Spanish Ministry.

WASHINGTON, May u.-With the ac-
ton OF tho Spanish Government I'm post
poning the execution of the sentence OF
death imposed upon the members OF the
Competitors crew, the extreme gravity
OF the situation has disappeared. for the
present at least. This action was taken
after the most urgent representations on
the part OF this Government respecting
the treaty provisions, which. it was con-
tended, as announced in the Herald this
morning. applied 10 the pending incident.
SPANS reply gives the United States op-
portunity TO present its views as to the
application OF the treaty Of 1926 aud the
protocol OF 1871 10 the cases or the Amcri-
cans under arrest.
With the receipt OF this information
from Spain the fears held by administra-
ton officials OF the immediate execution
OF the prisoners have been somewhat al
layed. Some Apprehension still exists
that. Notwithstanding the most strenu-
GUS representations that may be made
supported by good legal argument. the
Spanish Ministry, In order 70 maintain its
existence. will find II necessary TO direct
the execution OF the death sentences
The Ministry Is not as strong as II might
be, ana Is apt 70 fall at the slightest
change Ia the tide OF public sentiment in
Spain. From the statements made I'm
Spanish newspapers It is quite evident to
the officials here that public sentiment IS
strongly against any Communication Of sem
tence IN addition tho authorities believe
that Spain IS desrons Of settling the iili-
clustering question for good and all. and
Is using the Competitor incident as a
means to this end.
The State Department. in accordance
with SPANS suggestion. will prepare 4
legal argument, setting forth the views
OF this Government with respect TO the
application 20 the Competitor case OF the
treaty of 1925 and the protocol OF 1871. 1t
is the contention Of the department that
the Spanish authorities take too narrow
view OF the provisions OF the protocol.
AS stated IN the Herald this morning.
they declare that It applies only 10 Ameri-
cans residing In Cuba. The members OF
the Competitors crew were not residents
OF the island, and consequently did not
come within the provisions OF the protocol
This construction IS regarded here as very
illberal. and the department officials de-
clare that when the convention was ne
gotiated ii was Intended 10 apply TO all
Americans. Ii IS believed by the officials
that IL the case of the prisoners is not
covered by the protocol the treaty Of 1885
has an application. This treaty provides
that for any offences committed by Amer
leans in Cuba they shall be prosecuted by
order and authority Of law only, and shall
have opportunity for legal defence. Even
If captured with arms in their hands. as
claimed. the prisoners are guaranteed a
fair trial and permitted 70 select counsel
for their defence.
There IS some discussion in naval cir
cles as 10 the ACCESSIBILITY Of bringing
ships home from Aslatic waters. The
Charleston will slil for the Pacific coast
from Chemulpo about June lst. and I I'M
derst0od to-day that the cruiser Olympia
was also being spoken OF with regard "a
her roturn 10 homo waters The Olympia
is very efficient ship. and would be OF
great service in time Of war. II Is pos
sible that the authorities fearing adverse
action in the Competitor case. may decide
now to order the Olympa's return. Sec
rotary Herbert called on Secretary Olney
this afternoon IN the latter's Office at the
State Department, and while the Com
petitor incident might have been referred
10. 7 was assured that his object I'm call
ing upon the Secretary Of State was in
duced by a private matter. The lack
OF money for naval repair and construc-
ton work prohibited the issuance Of any
orders for haste on vessels at navy-yard;
and ship-building yards. even II the au-
thorities desired TO give them.-New York
Herald.