The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-03-08
LEE is CONSUL-GENERAL YET
Administration Refuses to Accedc to
Spain's Elimination"

spain - ''InT1maIl0H.
Washington, March 7.-Spain has with
drawn her request for the recall of Con-
sui General Lee and it is now believed
that the incident is practically closed.
The withdrawal came today in the shape
of an official communication from Minis
ter Woodford. It is now stated that the
request was never put in the shape of a
demand, but that it was merely a sug-
gestion on the part of Spain and when
she found that it would not be pleasant
ly received by this country she promptly
receded.
It is learned that the Spanish objection
to Consul General Lee is based largely
upon his sympathy for the Cubans and
some of his utterances which have found
their way into print. 1t is understood
that the Spaniards also take exceptions
to the friendly relations and companion
ship existing between General Lee and
correspondents of papers which have been
decidedly unfriendly to Spain. It is believ
ed that Senior De LONE carried to Spain
papers and information calculated to
make the Spanish government request the
recall of Consul General Lee.
Had the Spanish government made an
official demand for General Lees recall
1t would have had no recourse in the
event of refusal by our government TO
accede 10 the demand but must have
withdrawn the consul generals exequa-
teur, thus leaving him without official
status in Havana. The matter not hav-
ing taken that official form, however,
there is no tangible excuse for Spain to
look upon herself as Inundated in this
matter.
1t is quite certain that the administra-
ton does not take the view, as a hasty
glance at the situation would seem to in
dictate, that there may not be peaceful
termination of this last incident, and
such officers Of the cabinet as have felt
free to discuss the situation at all have
not hesitated to declare that no rupture
in the relations between the United States
and Spain is likely to result.
In the mean time, while not being in
position to give an official denial to the
reported request for General Lees with
drawal Spanish officials discussed the
possibilities of a Misrepresentation arising
out Of past incidents. Some time ago the
published report of General Lees sympa-
thy with the insurgents came to the at
tention of the authorities at Madrid. It
resulted in considerable animadversion,
more in the line of official criticism than
direct action. It did not. as is known,
result in any Official protest against Gen
eral Lees course.
Washington. March THE sentiment
at the capitol today. and especially on
the house side, was unanimous in support
of the action of the president in declin-
ing to recall General Lee. The immense
gravity of the situation seemed pro-
foundry to impress the members who
stood about the Hobbies before the house
met. Without regard TO party all united
in commencing the presidents firm stand
and the unanimous desire expressed was
In support of any measures he may deem
| necessary to maintain the American con-
tention.
Representative Livingston Of Georgia. a
minority member Of the appropriations
committee, and Mr.. Bodine. a minority
member OF the naval affairs committee
( both declared that they would vote for
/ anything the president asked. ''Congress
/ ought 10 be solidly behind the president
! now" said Mr.. Livingston. This is 70
| time for criticism or pickering of any
| kind. In the face of an impending for
| eign war party lines should be forgotten.
| We are Americans first, partisans after
| ward"
1t can be stated on the highest authority
/ that the attitude Of Speaker Reed and
/ some Of the other Republican leaders
who have sought 10 keep down the
! lingo" spirit in the house, has been mis-
| understood by the public. Their purpose
| in delaying action on the bill creating
| two additional regiments Of artillery wa.
10 prevent. as far as possible. any undue
/ alarm. While it is not generally known
/ II is nevertheless true, that the Repubf-
! can leaders OF the house have given the
! administration assurances that any
| emergency action which may be deemed
necessary 10 uphold the dignity OF the
! country viii be promptly ratified