Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-02-11
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. II, 1898.
THE DE LONE INCIDENT.


with Spain are once more prominently
10 the front, and are likely 10 remain
there for several days-that is, are likely
10 be the leading topics of newspaper dis
cussion for several days.
on Wednesday the senatorial jingoism,
which had been pent up for quite con-
siderable time. again "erupted'' in
streams of lurid eloquence, accompanied
by decorating resolutions, and almost
simultaneously with this exhibition was
printed the letter Of De LONE. the
Spanish Minister to the United States, to
his friend, Canalejas, in which President
Mckinley is referred to AS weak" as
catering TO the rabble," and as "a low
politician"
The connection between the De LONE
letter and the senatorial eruption was
merely coincidental, seeing that the lat
Ter had been duly advertised 10 take place
before anything was known Of The
former But no doubt. the jingoes in and
out of Congress will seek to use the let
ter as justification for the eruption, and
as a text from which to preach a new
crusade in favor Of this country's inter-
fering summarily 10 stop the war in
Cuba.
However, there is not likely to be any
change for the present, at least, in our
relations with Spain and our attitude
respecting the Cuban problem. Such out
bursts as took place in the Senate on
Wednesday have ceased to have much in
fuence on public sentiment, either in the
United States or in Spain. Despite re-
ports 10 the contrary that found their
way into print the early part of the
week, there has been no revival Of fric-
zion between Madrid and Washington.
The Sagasta Government seems to be
doipg everything in its power to carry
out its Cuban autonomy programme
seems to be acting in entire good faith
in respect Of that matter-and this gov
eminent appears to be determined to
stand by the policy of giving autonomy
a reasonable time for vindication.
Since Blanco succeeded Weyler as Cap
tain-General of Cuba. the Spaniards have
conducted their military operations on
the island in accordance with the rules
of civilized warfare. and, in the matter
OF outrages, the insurgents have been in
no position to criticise their enemies. The
latter facts rob Of its force in large de-
gree the humanity plea of the American
jingoes. and sagasta and his confreres
understand this as fully as they under
stand that congressional jingoistic de-
liverance has become little more than a
passing incident.
Nor is the De Lone letter entitled TO be
looked upon as anything more than
passing incident. 1t is only another illus
tration of the fact that diplomats, like
ordinary mortals, are liable to fall into
the error of talking too much, or writing
100 much. Many instances OF the same
sort OF indiscretion as De Lomes on the
part OF ministers and other accredited
Representatives to governments are on
record. and no serious consequences fol-
lowed them. 1t Is stated that De LONE
has resigned, and no doubt the statement
Is correct. If he has not resigned, he
will be given his walking papers The
result Will be the same in either event.
We will get rid Of his obnoxious presence.
The Madrid government promptly, II is
said. repudiated all responsibility for his
utterances. and. If this be so. and we
question not that II Is so, il would be
beneath the dignity OF this government
TO pursue the matter any further. 1t is,
Therefore. reasonable TO conclude that
after the first flush OF excitement shall
have subsidized things will settle down to
JUST about the condition they were in
before the senatorial Jingoes and De
LONE made spectacles OF themselves.