Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-07

upon sever,ng its relations with Gen. Lee
what would be the RESULT" the reporter
asked
"Of course, ordinarily, an announcement
that one government finds the representa-
tive of another nation persona non grata
is not a cause for war. But in this case
it does not seem to me there Is any 1usti-
.fication on the part of the Spanish govern
ment in giving notice to the United states
that Gen. Lee should be recalled, except
on the theory that he is man of cour-
age, independence and patriotism, ana
manifests these qualities more prominently
than the Spanish authorities like, and
consequently they want to get rid of him.
II suppose. of course, the Spanish gov
eminent could say they do not want any
more provisions, but if they give us per-
mission to take food to Cuba to give to
the starving people there l do not think
they are justified in saying we cannot take
them in war vessels If 1 represented the
government L would take such provisions
in any kind of ship / should find 1t con-
verient to use. We have a right to go In
the harbor of Havana or to any other
friendly port with our vessels.
Careful In His Statement.
Il have been careful to say nothing that
could be interpreted as a belief that we
would have war with Spain since the sink
ing of the Maine, but it seems to me now
we are coming to wer almost inevitably. l
days, but have been hoping that these
apprehensions were groundless. l still hope
so, but l can no longer believe so. Every
little while something happens to Indicate
that Spain Is seeking war with U.S. The
De LONE letter tock this government en-
tirely by surprise and it showed hypocrisy
and tEeachery no one looked for. Then
came the Maine disaster and now the de-
mand for the recall of Gen. Lee. 1t seems
to me the Spanish government is seeking
election in Spain and I am of the opinion
they would like preteXt for war regard
less of the consequences.
senator Gray considered the demand for
Gen. Lees recall very serious matter,
but he did not think the situation was one
that necessarily meant war.
All COmment4 the President.
Senator Lindsay II Kehtucky said:
The President was correct in his posi-
ton, as stated in The announcement given
out out by by the State nspaftment. The coun-
. Senator Hansbrongh sof North Dakota
said: a.
ITO me the most serious phase of the
situation Is the sending of the war ships
with the supplies. II arA inclined to think
that Is more Important tnan the probable
Spanish government"
Not Regarded as, ,Cnsus Bell.
80 S47u. SPohf mas AC'
ouested that relief supplies be sent in mer
cnant vessels and snet in armed warships
and we continue tee send those supplies In
Warships, think Il might be regarded as
an Intervention in the affairs Of Cuba. and
therefore,. an unfriendly act.
nave confidence in General Lee, "
added Senator Frye. "As far as 1 have
Deen acquainted with his official conduci
In Cuba l entirely approve of 1t. The re
ports have not been published and, OF
course. all of the facts are not before us
cut approve of the course of the Presi
Gent In retaining General Lee at Havana
as well as in sending the relief In wal
If Spain gives General Lee his pass
ports and insists on the termination o.
his official career at Havana, what course
Will be left open for us?' he was asked.
tAs far as see. We could only accept
the situation. do not think that woult
be casus belli',
Il cannot comprehend the reason fol
such a request as General Lees recall.
said Senator Fairbanikss "and the Prest