Evening star., 1898-03-07

discarded Spanish diplomat inspired the de-
mand, an offset to his own disgrace
His official position at this capital placed
him in possession of information touching
the reports of our consul general at Ha
vana to this government. Undoubtedly
Mr.. de Lone informed his government of
these matters when he reached Madrid,
and that information was made the basis
for the demand for Gen Lees recall.
II am inclined to believe that the sftua-
ton is very grave at this juncture, made
so by the Presidents refusal of the Span
| ish governments two requests, set forth
in the statement given out by the State
Department Sunday.
Trouble About the Ships.
ITO my mind the most important phase
of the situation and the one most likely
to lead to trouble is that which relates to
the sending of the Cuban relief supplies in
the war ships. If Spain persists in her
attitude of opposition to the use of govern
ment vessels for this purpose l am con-
vinced the President will enforce his de-
termination, and then an issue will be pre-
sented. 1t will be grave one, and may
result in precipitating clash.
Il am certain that the administration
will be supported by the legislative branch
in this determination of the President to
utilize the warships for the purpose of
transporting the relief fund. Spain's oppo-
sition is unreasonable, for the mission of
the warships upon such an errand OF mercy
would have no semblance of official
character. This will not be the first time
We have utilized naval vessels for such
purpose.
1.-The supplies needed Immediately.
They are now on the sea, aboard of NAL
lOry line ST.
The consignment will reach Key West
about Wednesday, and tc delay the food
there while negotiations were undertaken
for the charter of merchant steamer
would mean the starvation of many peo-
pie. Congress would have to authorize the
charter of vessel, and long time might
ensue before a suitable ship could be found
and loaded.
Proof of Friendly Intent.
1.-The fact that no menace is intended by
the use of the warships is proved by the
fact that the first intention of the Presi-
dent was to ship the food in the light
house tender Mangrove or in the Fern
Admiral Sicard, however, wired that it
would b.. impracticable to utilize these
ships for the purpose and the orders were
then issued, upon his recommendation to
send the consignment over in the Mont
gomery or the Nashville. This is evil
dence tina: the administration had no ul-
terior motive, for II there had been the
two small ships would not have been con-
sidered in the first place. and, moreover,
larger vessels than the Montgomery and
Nashville would have been selected for the
errand.
II do not see any particular significance
in the demand for Consul General Lees
recall. and the Presidents refusal to bring
him home need not necessarily cause
trouble. Spain can. with propriety, and
without any recourse upon our part. cause
his dismissal from his post. The Spanish
government needs but to withdraw his ex-
equatur, and he must needs come home at
once. Spain Is at liberty to do this at any
moment she concludes that Consul General
Lees continuance In his Office is unde-
sirable. We could not with reason object.
Regular Diplomatic Course.
'Tt seems very probable to me that such
q course will be pursued. The suggestion
to the President for his recall is the first
move, md is In accordance with diplo-
matte etiquette. It is also proper for the
President to decline to do so, II he does
not find sufficient ground in spain's repre-
sentation. The next move in order would