The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-04-15

hdNdHd WIN Dc received Win SUI
and will even arouse some enthusiasm,
OF all the present representatives OF tho
famous Virginia family, he is the most
universally popular. A brave soioief IN
his young manhood. in the army OF ms
distinguished uncle, he showed hlniseii
not less heroic In peace, ana MS success
full campaign for Governor. by which ne
saved the credit OF Virginia. was pup
lie service that was recognized by inc
whole country.
An educated soldier and an experienced
public man. OF strong character ana earn
est enthusiasm, he is eminently htted 10
represent this country In Cuba, 10 watch
over American interests, and TO Keep the
Government fully and truly Informed. 1t
is generally understood that the course
Of events In the next few weeks are likely
TO determine the action Of the Govern
ment respecting Cuba, and the ulspatch
of an able and Trustworthy Consul-Geh-
eral may be regarded as a preliminary
step toward the solution of this Yexing
question. -Philadelphia Times.
If President Cleveland had sought to
send to Cuba, ostensibly as Consul-Gen-
eral, a man thoroughly qualified 10 judge
Of the true military situation IN that
oppressed land, a man fitted by expert
ence and education to report whether
the insurgents are as the Spanlards de-
clare, mere banditti." or whether they
are, as the consensus Of the Opinions Vi
American correspondents indicate en-
lightened patriots, he could scarcely nave
found better envoy than Geneial Lec'
Ii is 10 be noted, too, that General Lee
IS a soldier rather than a diplomat, anu
above all. a loyal American lnciiilii,s'
perhaps, TO the type when the Anslo-
American press dismisses contemptuouSiy
as limoges. He will tolerate no aifront TO
the American flag. nor be slow 10 resent
any injury done an American cluZen'
President Cleveland could not have been
ignorant OF these characteristics OF the
new Consul-General. Would man OF
such character have been sent TO havana
II the Government at Washington III
tended pursuing a milk-and-water poilcy /.
The popular understanding Of General
Lees appointment is that 1t portends the
Inauguration Of a vigorous policy IN dear
ing with Spain and cuba. 1t Is TO De
| hoped that the construction thus generally
put upon this appointment Is wholly cor
rect.-New York Journal.
The selection Of General Fitzhugh Lee
10 be Consul-Ceneral at Havana Is a
conspicuously good one. He Is man or
high character. great energy, and spe-
/ cially qualifying experience. AS train
| ed and experienced soldier, hts judgments
upon the military situation will be those
OF an expert. As successful man or al
| fairs. who as Governor OF great state
| has had training in public business, ne
will bring TO his Office those qualifications
which are most needed in such place.
In view Of the special delicacy OF our re-
| lations in Cuba, 1t is fortunate that so III
a successor should be at hand on the res
| ignatlon Of Mr. Williams, whose service
| there has been always faithful and capa-
/ ble-New York World.
II General Fitzhugh Lee IS true to the
| traditions Of ante-bellum southerners ana
| the creed Of the knights OF the Golden
| circle, he should make a most interesting
| Consul-General at Havana. Whatever
bis official conduct may be, he IS likely
| unofIicially to view the freedom or the
! island and fits possible graNtation To-
/ ward the United states with equanimity'
not to say delight. Slavery 1t Is true
! the former cause OF the southern longing
for Cuba, no longer exists, but with a
! change Of conditions there are other rea.
sons why the old idea should survive in
the southern mind and recall the time
when Havana as the centre of the COL
den circle, was the subject Of every
southerner's hopes.-Philadelphi Press
The appointment Of General F1tzhugn
Lee. Of Virginia, as COnsul-General at
| Havana in place Of Mr.. Ramon o. VIII
liams. resigned. will be favorably re-
ceived. General Lee IS man Of ma
ture judgment and force Of character,
| lie has had such experience as will III
him for the delicate duties devolvine
upon the immediate agent of the United
| states in cuba. 1t IS at this juncturf
matter Of grave Importance That thi'
| Government shall be accurately informed
! as 10 the condition Of affairs in cuba
| bv an official who will not let his pre-
possessions influence his action, and who
will report the state Of things as he
| finds it.-Philadelphia Record.
General Lee has filled number OF OH
| cial positions, and filled them well, but
| he has been chosen, in all probability fol
his military rather than his civil expert
! ence.
General Lee IS probably quite as com
petent as any other person likely to b'
selected for such a purpose out IL II
difficult TO perceive how he will be able
TO make the situation IN Cuba any clearer
| than IL is w.-Baltmore American.