Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-05-05
DOMINICAN MATTER.
prspATCHs EXCLUSIVE PuBLICA-
TON or SUNDAY THE TALK.
THE SITUATION IN CUBA.
Peculiar Fitness Of Consui-1ener"i
Lee for the Position He Hoi""-
Tn. xvar of Certain Republicans In
yirginin Against BOwdcn.


The exclusively publication In the DIS
patch OF Sunday OF the blunder mace AT
the State Department In accepting 'ho
resignation of Hon. Henry NJ. Smythe'
Minister to Haiti. and charge dahairs at
San Domingo. where he was the bearer
OF an important communication from inc
President of the latter republic to the
Government Of the United States. Is 'he
matter of discussion to-day in dipioih"l'0
and official circles The action or the
Assistant Secretary Of state. Mr.. Cridier'
who 1t Is understood, rrecipitated the
resignation OF Mr.. Smythe, is severely
criticised.
Secretary Sherman had requested the
Minister to make a report OF the pro
posed new treaty with the Dominican
Government as soon as his health would
permit. This was the proposition Of the
President Of the Dominican republic
which would give to the United States
magnificent harbor and coating station IN
the West Indies. for the consideration or
a few very Insignificant concessions. IL was
the acquisition of SANTANA Bay, Which
General Grant so strongly advocaied
when ne was President and which Is so
much needed by the United states navy.
MIR. Smythe Informed the secretary VI
state that he had in his possession 'he
memoranda for n new treaty between
the Dominican republic and the United
States. proposed by President Heureaux'
and the Secretary Rad instructed MI
Smythe TO make a report on the subject.
Secretary Sherman is still, no doubt, look
ing for that report. Under-Sccretary CIlu-
Ter. however. without any knowledge OF
theproposed protocol, took action ana re-
heyed Mr. Srnythe in a most summary
and undlplomatic manner.
This is Justly regarded here to-day as
an affront to the President of the Domi-
nican republic. and will no doubt be the
subject Of future correspondence between
the two governments. 1t was most
unfortunate hunder of a subordinate OF
fetal. and may be the cause OF unpleasant
relations with a neighboring repubnc'
which was in the act Of making 1rlendy
and much-desired international overtures:
The matter is sincerely regretted on al
sides. and II Is understood that an apology
will be made both TO Minister Smytne ana
President HeureauX by the secretary
SlIIAllON IN ~ D<Ns
Two ladies. of evident refinement and
culture, are stopping at the metropolitan
Hotel for a short visit to the capital
CITY. They have Just returned from a
visit to Cuba, where they have been to
gather information for literary and his
toric purposes. They are evidently not
much impressed with the idea OF Free
Cuba" and doubt most seriously the pro-
priety. from the standpoint OF civilza-
ton, OF interference on the part OF the
United States in that direction. Tney
do not regard Cuba as country that
would be in any way valuable acquisi-
ton to this government.
They speak of Consul-Gencral Lee in
terms of highest eulogy, and feel per-
sona,ly indebted TO MIN for many cOurte-
sizes. His position, they say, is one OF
extreme delicacy, and his wisdom and
conservatism, as well as his patriotism,
are constantly being .n-oked. Al
though these ladies are OF decided Re-
publican persuasion in politics, they eX-
press grave doubt as 10 the propriety OF
removing Consul-General Lee, and eX-
press the decided hope ana opinion that
he will be retained by the present ad-
minis,Tauon. THIS they believe to be
the desire Of all who have visited the
island. and are familiar with the con-
ditions there. 1t would be most diihcult
at this juncture TO supply the place with
any one else. they say. who could be as
satisfactory TO the cOntending forces,
and at the same time so universally
popular with American citizens who
constantly require and demand both his
time and kindly Offices.
1t is not amiss to state that the ladies'
think the handsome and commanding
personal appearance of General Lee adds
much TO his suitability for the position.
They are in high favor with those in
authority, and will make their views
known.