The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-14

GENERAL FITZHUGH LEE.
land. and having the instance of a mill
tary office thoroughly implanted by years
OF service. Will bee capable Of dealing with
the subject of the rebellion there as the
President desires il should be dealt with.
General Lee does not speak Spanish. but
aside from this is said 10 be well fit
ted for the place-a man Of strong deter
mination not easily turned aside from his
purpose.
CAPTAIN FOWLE'S APPOINTMENT.
The appointment OF General Lee TO this
post caused a vacancy I'm the Lynchburg
virginia. c0llcctOrshp of internal reve-
nue.. Co which place he was appointed upon
the death of the late incumbent, Mr..
Shepherd. This vacancy has been prompt
ly filled by the nomination, at the same
time of Captain William II. Fowle who
is now tho chief clerk Of the office under
General lee. Captain Fowle is the first
cousin of the wife Of General Lee. and
his appointment is said TO cause some
surprise among the politicians of Nir-
giuia. the leaders Of the party in that
state apparently feeling that the office
was Of some importance. that they should
at least have been consulted before the
choice was made. IL is plain 10 be seen
that while the promotion OF General Lee
SIS satisfactory 10 the Virginia delegation
1T fiIlAlf Allf lAhf ll'lil'tln Va captain
FOwlc is far from being pleasant. II is in
umated that the latter nomination may
provoke "a fight in the Senate when the
case comes zap for confirmation.
PRESIDENTS CUBAN POLICY.
WASHINGTON. ID. c.. April 18.-The
appointment is regarded Of more than
ordinary Importance. and also a9 throw
inr some light upon the Presidents policy
regarding Cuba 10 is generally believed
that General Lee has been selected by
the President not only 10 represent this
country as consul-general but also TO in
form the administration Of the exact state
~ affairs on the island.
The President has been cndeavoring for
some time past 90 secure reliable informa-
uon regarding the condition of the in
swsents. their prospects of success. and
the ability of the Spanish forces 10 quell
the disturbances. About n week ago,
while the Cuban resolutions were still be-
fore uc House, Tie Presidont talked
very freely with Representative Tucker
regarding the deplorable lack Of anthem
tie Information and The inadvisahility OF
t1king any action regarding Cuban bellig-
erency until the Government could better
inform itself. AS be was dcploring the
difficulty in the way of securing such
Information Representative Tucker sug-
gested that commissioning should be
sent 90 the island. with Instructions TO
report as soon as possible upon the exact
state OF affairs existing there lie sug-
gestcd that If a man ike General Leo
could Doe sent 20 Cuba, his report would NJ
once set at rest all doubt upon the Qucs-
uou
Tho President agreed with him con-
corning the dcsirahilty of such q pro-
cccding spoke in the highest terms Of
General Lee. bat doubted whether COM
missioner would bee permitted by the
Spanish authorities to obtain such accu-
rate knowledge, upon which TO base an
opinion Of the prospects Of the war. That
very night. however. he telegraphCd TO
General Lee 10 come 10 Washington.
The General reached hero last Wednesday
and had a long conference with the Presi-
dent and Secretary Olney. He WAS at
FIRST disinclinod TO accept .the position of
cOusui-gD which was rendered hiro,
but 10 is understood that both the Prcsi-
dent and Mr. Olney urged him 20 accept,
declaring that his services IN Cuba are
urgently needed by the Government. Mr..
Olney Us represented 10 have said:
"Aou are the only man In the country
we want FOR this service. The United
States needs a strong man. with good
Judgment and experience IN Havana
ln addition 90 this DE pointed out that
% ls OF the utmost importance that the
Government Doe furnished with accurate
Information concerning tho exact condition
q affairs ON the island, and some adj
vice as 10 tho policy 70 be pursued re-
6arting tho Cubans.
Tho General was finally induced 20 ac-
cept the position. and az once left for
home 20 begin closing up his affairs as
collector OF the sixth district
In this connection 10 is considered prob |
able That the appointment OF Mr.. Fowle |
10 succeed General Ice was made for |
purpose of making 30 easy for General |
Lee 90 turn The office over al once 10 his |
successor Mr. f0wlc having been deputy |
collector. and being very familiar with the |
business OF ihe office Is. OF course, quail
Tel io take immediate charge
IL IS believed that General Leo Will start |
Tor Havana as soon as his nomination |
has been confirmed by the Senate.
a SURPRISE.
LYNCHBuRG. VA. April l3.-special.
The news OF the appointment Of General
Fitz Lee a. cOn8u!-Gencral 70 Cuba was
received with surprise here to-day. With
tho exception OF General Lee, there was
not man In the city who had the remot
est idea that such an appointment would
be made.
1t - conceded on I'll sides, however,