Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-06
GEN. LEE AND CUBA
Discussion as to the Meaning of His
Appointment.
MUCH DEPENDS ON bis INSTRUCTIONS
influences That Will Surround
Him in Havana.
THE NEGRO QUESTION

AS the day draws near for the departure
of General Lee for Havana, discussion as
to the full meaning of his appointment is
Renewed. That it has a meaning not ex
pressed in the commission he holds is
firmly believed In ordinary crcum-
stances he would hardly have been selected
for the post. While man of education,
and possessed of much pei sonal popularity,
his training in affairs has not been in the
line of such business pertains to con-
sui generals Office. He has mad no diplo
matte experience, and he does not read or
sreak Spanish. 1t is held, therefore, that
| in addition to his regular duties he will
| sLme those of a special commissioner, in
structed to inquire into the size and ma
ture Of the revolution now in progress in
Cuba.
Well Fitted for the Task.
For such an inquiry General Lee is well
| fitted. He knows what war is-how it
should = carried on, and what the legiti-
mate penalties are. Coming as he does
of fine race. and fighting as he did under
| great and humane commander, and
| against the superb soldier who granted
the terms of AppomattoX, his judgment
about every honorable phase of the arbitra-
ment of arms ought to be excellent 1t
doubtless is. So that, if left untrammeled
by untoward instructions by his superors
and admitted upon his arrival on the scene
to opportunities for thorough and i'm
partial examination of the whole situation.
his reports ought to contain matter of mo-
ment.
Much Depends on His Instructions.
But, as is pointed out, very great deal
depends on General Lees Instructions and
on the effect on him of the environment of
his post. He has his Instructions and, hav-
Ing accepted the Office, he will of course,
obey them. What do they comprehend?
Are the Presidents latent sympa thies with
Cuba! Would he be glad tc recognize the
insurgents as belltgerents? Does he hesitate
because of 4 lack of convincing information
about the contest? Some Of his friends con-
tend for this. Or, on the other hand, does
he side in spirit, as in official action with
SPAN. Does he agree with her that the
volt IN Cuba does not rise above the level OF
an lnsurrection, and should be treated as
such? And if he can get American sol
der TO take that view of matters will ne
continue to keep hands of and let the bloody
Weyler have his way far as he can make
it?
~ Influences at Havana.
In Havana Gen. Lee will be surrounded
wholly by Spanish influences. The Spanish
size of the question VIII be presented to
him at length and in strong lights Gen.
Weyler may be expected TO welcome the
rev official with due ceremony, and with
the intention of fayorably impressing him.
That will mean much Soldiers know how
to entertain soldiers, and reach each others
chummy side. But who will speak for the
iLsurgents? Where and from whom is Gen
Lee to get his information about them? Is
he to so out and seek them? WIN Cen
Weyler permit that? VIII Gen Lee ".
dertake that? And, if he try such a course.
what is likely TO be the result? Nav Gems
Gomez and Maceo reasonably be expected
to receive stranger into camp direct from
conference
Neyler, permit him to inspect the situation,
and then see him safe on his return to the
Spanish lines? The insurgent leaders do
not know Gen. Lee, and the fact that he
represents Mr.. Cleveland would not recon-
mend him to them al all. They are well ad-
vlsed about affairs in this country. They
know that, so far,they have had no counte-
rance at the White House.
Question of White Supremacy.
Still another point is suggested. General
Lee is southern man and an ex-slave
holder. That in the ordinary affairs of
lie, insures kindly feeling on his part
for the black man. But how will he be af-
fected by the denunciation which he will
hear in Havana Of General Maceo. who is
mulattc and of his men, the majority of
whom are blacks? The Spanish will tell
him in Havana that, if the insurgents win.
Macco will post himself at the head of af-
fairs and set up second Hayti in Cuba
The island, they will assert will no longer
be fit place for the whites but all will be
Under the domination of the blacks. They
will roll th"!r drums and their eyes and
assure him that they are fighting for white
supremacy. VIII that sort of talk influence
General Lee? Those familiar with the tricks
OF the Spaniards are very certain that he
will hear great deal of it.
All things considered, therefore, General
Lee has an Interesting journey before him,
and commission to execute calculated to
keep him very anxious and busy man.