New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-03-07
GENERAL SURPRISE HERE.
NO REASON KNOWN FOR ASKING FOR
LEES RECALL.
MAJOR GENERAL ROE AND CAPTAIN MILLER SAY
THEY HAVE RECEIVED NO COMMUNICATIONS
BEARING ON THE REPORT WHAT
RAMON o. WILLIAMS. GENERAL
LEES PREDECESSOR. COLO.
MEL LANGDON AND

The news that the Spanish Government had de-
mandcd the recall Of Consul-General Lee was DIS
seminated through the city by the usual quota OF
extras" issued by the evening newspapers Each
succeeding one OF these prints however. was SO
misleading and contradictory that the person who
read the entire series was as much In the dark as
II he had read none OF them.
Around the hotels the general sentiment was
that the story fake and those who did give
1t consideration expressed themselves as astounded
at the action OF the Spanish officials AS rule
they felt that the situation becoming more
serious hourly. and some Of them declared that the
recall OF General Lee would be tantamount to an
admission by the American Government that 1t
had pursued an impossible course In It's efforts
to obtain peace for Cuba and amelorate the cond-
ton OF the unfortunate victims of the war. 9th
ers however declared that they took the demand
for General Lees recall studied insult that
could only end In a declaration of war, and they
expressed the hope that the Administration would
manifest the same hrmEess and GOODNESS as marked
its action Immediately after the disaster to the
Maine.
4 prominent member OF Congress who was In
the city yesterday and who for obvious reasons
desired that his identity be not revealed. In dis
c,ssing the subject said: II cannot believe that
Spain would put herself In such position 1t
doesn't seem reasonable, for General Lee has
tainy manifested friendly feeling toward the
Spanish Government. while at the Same time his
to lessen the sunerngs OF the wretched recGeGen-
trados. At the time, II the Spanish Govern
ment insists on his recall. the President Is placed
In a most unenviablc position for he must either
accede to the demand or refuse. II he does the
former he certainly will stir up great deal OF
criticism for the American people. rule
mend General Lees course in every particular II
he declines to dismiss General Lee he may make
the Spanish Government feel that II has been
sighted. and this action may bring about. others
y 49, ot, tta
between the two countries. The refusal to recall
Consul General at the demand OF friendly naticn
is by no means a belli, but II is frausht with
possibilities. For myself. though have always
been for peace / hope that the President will insist
on General Lee retaining the post at Havana. At
the same time feel dubious about the matter
that will await with anxiety the official reports
on the subject
RUMOR OF ASSASSINATION.
Late last evening a rumor gained currency that
General Lee had been assassinated and the news-
paper Offices were besieged until late hour by
telephone messages seeking the latest information
The newsboys In all sections OF the city did
thriving trade yet the absence OF anything that
seemed 10 be official did more to confuse than to
enlighten the public. When the last extras"
which contained Assistant Secretary Days state
ment were placed sale there was a general feel
Ing Of satisfaction the position Of the Admins
tration.
When MajorGeneral Roe, commanding the Ma
tional Guard OF this State was told yesterday Of
the report from Madrid that Spain had asked FOR
General Lees erau from Cuba, and also for the
substitution OF merchant ships for the cruisers
Nashville and Montgomery In conveying provisions
to reconcentrados In Cuba he said: II cannot be-
lieve the report Is true. but In any event | have
received orders calling for any extraordinary ac-
tivity In the National Guard"
Captain Jacob w Miller command OF the State
Naval Militia raw the dispatch for the nrst time
when 1t shown to him by a Tribune reporter
At his house. No 1l3 East Thirteth-st. He refused
TO comment on II beyond saying. In reply a aues-
ton. that he had received no communication from
Washington bearing upon the situation or instruct
ing him TO hold the naval reserves In readiness for
any call that might be made upon them.
Ramon o. Williams. General Lees predecessor as
Consul General at Havana expressed strong doubt
yesterday that General Lee has done anything that
would warrant his recall A Tribune reporter yes