The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-01-21
GEN. LEE,HAS AMPLEPOWERS
To Protect the Interests Of Americans
in Cuba il Danger Arrives.
AUTONOMY is NOW ON PROBATION.
Decide This Country's Action-Disqui-
citing Features Of the Situation from
senor Dupuy de Lome's Standpoint

WASHINGTON. u. c.. Jan. 2o.-Gentie-
men in Congress. who by reason of their
position have reason 20 be accurately
informed on the policy of the administrs-
tion as 10 Cuba. say that this policy Is
in substance as follows:
At the present moment 1t is felt that
the same material conditions prevail that
existed when the President sent his last
message TO Congress. At that time II
was stated that the plan OF autonomy
having been inauguratd. il was the pur-
pose Of the executive branch 10 give pro-
per time for this plan To be tried. The
administration is said to entertain the
same sentiments to-day.
ON PROBATION.
The autonomous plan was inaugurated
only three weeks ago. namely on jan
uary lst. when the autonomous Cabinet
took ofice. so that II Is felt that there has
not been adequate time up 10 the present
moment 10 form any fair Judgment as
10 the merits of the plan as means
OF amellorating conditions on the island.
The recent occurrences at Havana are
looked upon as affordng evidence OF dis
content with the plan, but whether TINS
will be sufficient 10 overcome the pan
itself IS not considered as established with
any degree OF certainty or Sen~approxl-
mateness.
In the meantime while closely observing
the progress Of the autonomous plan the
administration has adopted every pre-
caution TO guard against any sudden
emergency, such as an uprising that viii
threaten American interests. This Is not
.t.sI a.. Irf GhnfIlA
II IS said that the naval vessels OF the
United States are so disposed as 10 be in
the harbor OF Havana within six hour OF
any crisis which would imperil American
interests.
I'm order that there may be no delays
should an emergency arise. IL Is said that
Consul-Goneral Leo has been empowered
TO make direct request 10 the command
ers OF the warships so that the vessels
could start on receipt OF word from him.
without the delays incident 10 having his
requests pass through the official routine
at Washington.
To a great extent the intelligent judg-
ment Of General Lee is relied upon AS 10
determining II an emergency requires the
presence OF American vessels. This.
however applies solely 20 tho question Of
tumult Of critical nature and has no
Intervention for tho purpose OF bringing
the war TO a close. Such a step is not
under Immediate consideration, for ~
already stated II Is predicted on the fail
ure OF the plan Of autonomy. which re-
suit It Is said. the administration does
not regard as established by the evidence
at hand.
DISQUrETING NEWS.
The Spanish Minister Senor Dupuy De
LONE called az the state Department
to-day. this being diplomatic day. and
spent three-quarters Of an hour In con-
versation with Judge Day the Assistant
Secretary. There was no late news from
Havana. which Is taken sign that
All is quiet there but II is believed that
the Minister Is seriously disquieted by
certain events Of the last few days In this
country First, there was the speech yes
terday in the House Of Representative
HIT chairman Of the Committee on For
eicn Affairs. which. while from the Span
ish view. serving the useful purpose OF
consolidating the majority in support of
the Presidents policy as 10 Cuba. yet
embodied certain statements in general
terms that are likely to be misinterpreted
in Spain
Then a few changes made recently In the
disposition OF the United States naval
vessels are believed 10 be subject to the
same msnterpretation by the Spanish.
While the movements doubtless are 10 be
explained as n part OF the regular ron-
tine orders. II Is believed they have at
tracted the notice and disapproyal OF the
Spanish authorities.