Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-05
LEE AND THE SENATE
THE CONsUL-GENERAL WILL LIKE
LY OPPOSE MIR. MARTIN.
not PREPARED TO SAY YET.
he VIII Not Make the Announce
mcnt Until He Is Relieved of the
Consulate. but VIII stump the
state If He Decides to Run.

General Fltzhrgh Lee Consul-G General
to Cuba and Ex-Governor OF Virginia. Is
In the city. He arrived yesterday after
noon from Lexington, where he has been
for several days. and will remain here
with his wife and children at the Lang
ley Until some time during the latter part
of this month, when he will, at the re-
quest of President Mckinley, return to
Cuba. there to remain until a solution
Of the troubles on that ill-starred island
Is reached
The General Is looking well. He Is
not so stout as formerly but Is still the
same genial, jovial gentleman he was be-
fore the troubles of Cuba were thrust
uu,,n his shoulders. General Lee had
been i'm the city but a very short time
when he was called upon by a Dispatch
man. He very politely but automatically
declined to discuss Cuban affairs, re-
ferring the reporter for all information
concerning the dOings on the island TO
the State Department at Washington,
where his reports are filed.
He said. however that he did not eX-
pect TO remain in Cuba throughout the
present administration, expressing the be-
lief that President Mckinley would de-
eide. sooner or later, to send some one OF
his political friends to that country.
WILL OFFER FOR SENATE
This declaration on the part of the
Consul-General led TO the suggestion by
the reporter that General Lee might de-
eide to again become a candidate FOR the
seat in the United States now occupied
by Hon. Thomas S. Martin. General Lee
when the question was iirst Droachco' ue-
cliped 20 discuss ii, asserting that 50
long as he held cOnsulship he felt that
he should refrain from interference In on
discussion of state poles. Being pressed,
however. the General answered the ques-
tions Of the reporter. and though he would
not say much. il was manifest that ne Is
intent upon having another try at the
office which he feels ne might have got
ten four years ago. ..
The General expressed himself as heart
ily in favor of a senatorial primary, anu
said also that he, as a good Democrat
was willing, at all times, TO ABIDE py the
arbitrament of his party's conventions
He said he would, under no clrcuin-
stances. make any announcement Oh MS
candidacy for the Senate IN event 'haI
ne decides to become candidate, uh'i,
he had shaken the harness Of Federal
office from this shoulders. II thousn'
I deternine 10 enter the race" he said.
"r shall not sit down and wait for the
office to come 10 me; ! shall take inc
stump and canvass the entire state, lrori
the sea TO the mountains.
WILL GO BEFORE THE PEOPLE.
Tho General humorously remarked that
e.
because he could talk TO them, ana ne
Ill usually convince them that he was
rieht-this with a merry twinkle OF MS
o,5e He was never afraid Of the people,
he said and was always willing TO submit
to tben all questions affecting any asplra-
tions he might haye for political prefer
-, THE question of senatorial prl-
,nories he said. was one In when ne
thought all good Democrats OF Virginia
agreed. Ii was not a new one III
eneecbes made IN Mr.. fuckers district
two wears ago. General Lee spoke strong
ly in favor of electing the United states
senators by popular vote. HIS opinion
on this important subject has undergone
no change since that time
General Lees diplomatic relations WIN
the government, of course, preclude MS
making any announcement OF MS lhteh-
tions with regard TO the senatorshlp, OF
taking any part in advocating his claims
for this honor 1t. however. does ho'
nrevent the ex-GovernOTs friends from
announcing his candidacy. and looking
after his interests in that dlrectloh'
eborId IL become known that he desires
IN enter the senatorial fight. During ms
etav here the Consul-General Will see
hosts of his old friends. who are always
delighted to welcome him to virginia
and especially to Richmond. 1t VIII be
the most natural thing in the world Tor
those TO talk over with the General MS
nolitical future in this State. He Will
however. not consent to say that any or
these things will be formally discussed
during his presence i'm Richmond.
WILL BE IN THE FIGHT.
It IS pretty safe to assume that when
tbo time comes for the senatorial race
General Lee will be in IT, and in 1t with
all Of his old dash and vim, for when
he is so much noted. ,,-
Touching matters in Cuba, especially
the military features, the Consul-General
has little TO say. He will not discuss the
recall of General Weyler or the appoint
ment OF the latters successor. These
and all other matters relating TO govern
mental affairs of Cuba or Spain are not
he saws admissible for him TO discuss.
--<n>------
THE POPE IN GOOD HEALTH.