The Cape Girardeau Democrat. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1876-1909, 1898-02-12
THE DE LONE INSULT.
The Spanish Minister Refuses to
Deny It's Authorship.
His Early Recall VIII be Demanded-Minis-
ter Woodford Directed to Lay the Facts
Before the Spanish Governmental
Precedent for Spain to Follow.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1O.-The pHblica-
ton in the morning newspapers OF
IN alleged copy of an autograph
letter written by Senior de LONE, the
Spanish minister, to his friend, Can
alejas, criticising the president with
The utmost freedom. caused a sensation
n official Washington and 500 will be
followed by Minister De Lome's depart
IRE from the United States.
At the outset there was a disposition
70 question the authenticity of the let
ter, but as. bit by bit, the circumstan-
tial evidence accum ulated, it was
finally announced officially hat the
minister declined to deny the anthem
ITCHY of the letter, all doubt was dissi-
pated and the only question that re-
NAMED was as to the line of action to
be pursued by our government toward
The offending minister.
The writing of this letter is unques-
tionably an offense against the ameni-
ties of diplomatic relations, and such
otfenses almost invariably have been
regarded in the United States. as in
other capitals, as sufficient ground for
the termination of the official status of
the letter writer.
As soon as the letter appeared in the
press, the state department officials be-
gan an effort to settle it's authenticity,
and when it had learned all that could
be developed on this point and had
been told that the minister himself
refused to deny writing it, the consid-
Grafton of the next step began.
Assistant Secretary Day was in con-
sultation with the president on the sub
ject at least four times during the Off
cial day, and then spent much time in
framing his message to United States
Minister Woodford at Madrid.
The official statement of the sending
of this message was accompanied by a
d~eclination to indicate it's contents at
this time, the department merely Civ.
ing to the press the following state
lent:
Minister de LONE does not deny
writing the letter. This department
has communicated with Gen. Woodford
on the subject. Until hat communi.
cation reaches the Spanish government
it would be improper to in any
state the contents of the message to
Gen. Woodford.'
While the department refused to add
anything to this meagre announcement
it can be stated without question that
Mr.. Woodford was directed to lay the
facts developed before the Spanish gov.
eminent together with the statement
that in view of the minister's refusal tc
deny the authorship of the letter, the
Spanish government is looked t. with
confidence to deal with the case prop
erly. This amounts to an invitation
to recall the minister, preSum.
ing that he himself has not already
taken steps to vacate his position. Nc
doubt is entertained of a compliance
with the implied suggestion, but in
ease there should be undue DELAY in act.
ing, the state department may feel called
upon to move directly in the matter
and give the minister his passports as
was done when Sir Julian P~auncefote's
predecessor wrote the celebrated Muir.
Gibson letter.
Inasmuch as the line of action in
that case may form the basis for action
in this, always presuming that the
Spanish minister does not himself cut
the knot and relieve the government
from the necessity of performing a dis
agreeable duty, it may be stated that
with Lord Sackville the department OF
state itself initiated the action.