Evening star., 1898-08-16
A POLITICAL MOVE
How General Blanoo's Resignation is
Regarded.
Baking OF his AMBITION
Anxious to Be Known as "The He
roic Defender of Havana"
HIS POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR


his Office will not affect the policy of the
United States with reference to the evacu-
alton of Cuba by the Spanish troops. In
official circles it is looked upon as entirely
Spain's own affair who shall be in control
of her forces. Some such action as General
Blanco has taken has been anticipated by
those who were in touch with the situation
in Havana. 1t was his ambition to make
a place for himself in history as the heroic
defender of Spain last stand in the Ameri-
can continent. While he knew what the
result would be, he was anxious for the
glory which would come to him and his
troors. This ambition is defeated by the
terms Of the peace protocol, which raise
the blockade OF Havana and will result in
turning it over to the United States troops
without battle.
To Escape Humiliation.
Those who know Blanco's character un-
derstand how the humiliation of being the
instrument through which the city is sur
rendered and the Spanish troops embarked
for home as vanQuished soldiers makes
him desirous of leaving that unpleasant
duty to some one else 1t has been the cur
rent belief among class of both Spanlards
and Cubans that when the United states
took possession of the city BIanco would
have to deliver his sword to General Fitz-
hugh Lee. The impression that there
would be a formal ceremony had become
widespread. While Blanco knew better
than this. his anxiety to be free from TAX
ins, part in the proceedings incident to the
evacuation undoubtedly had something to
do with his resolve. When he resigned yes
terday it was not known in Havana that
General Lee would not be on the military
commission and the captain general may
naturally have thought that he would be
brought into official relations with the 1or-
mer consul general. He and Lee were on
very good terms up to within few weeks
of the latter's departure. Then he showed
a violent prejudice against the consul gem
eFal, because of Lees reports to Washing
ton that autonomy was failure Inc oc-
currence when General Lee went to the
palace 10 take official leave of the captain
general before embarking on the Fern with
the other officials of the consulate is not
forgotten. Blanco refused to see MN,
pleading illness as excuse, but the re-
fusal was made in such way as 10
amount to an insult. 1t was emphasized by
Blanco's course in seeing everybody else
who had business with him that day Gen-
eral Lee treated the whole affair With dig~
nitv. Had he returned to Havana as the
official representative of the United states
while the captain general was tnere' II
was known to be his purpose to show every
courtesy that might lie In his power.
Political Move.
Americans who have been in Spain, as
well as in Havana, see in Blanco's resgna-
ton something besides an unwilllngness 10
endure the humiliation of the surrender.
They think 1t is done with a view TO the
effect at home. Like all the Spanish com
manders Blanco Is a politician as We'll as
a general 1t is pretty certain that in the
internal politics of Spain the popular lead
ers in the future will be those VINO can
avoid the responsibility for the loss OF the
West India possessions Blanco's- address
is more a political document than any
thing else. He throws the responsibility for
making peace on the Madrid government,
while affirming his determination to resist
to the end If he had not been oVerrnled.
At one time it was reported Bianco would
go far as to exhort his troops to keep
up the struggle regardless of the policy of
Madrid but it is doubtful if he ever enter
tanned so reckless purpose. 1t is possf-
BILE that the Sagasta ministry and the
queen regent will insist on Blanco staying
until the troops are embarked, though he
would not be expected to perform his du-
ties with much heartiness. He has the re-
spect and confidence of the foreign resi-
dents of Havana, and there would be less
temptation to disorder under him than IL
he should be replaced. However, If he in
sists retiring the authorities in Spain
could easily designate some other military
commander to fill the functions that for a
short time will remain to the captain gen.
eral in Cuba.
Possible Successor.
General Pando, who was next in author
ty to Blanco and was in command in San
tiago province until a few weeks before the
American invasion, may be chosen. If he
is not selected General Parade. who served
as acting captain general during the alb
sence of Blanco, may be designated. The
resignation of the Cuban autonomist gov
ernment is not regarded in Washington as
having any bearing on the present situa-
ton. Since the war began nothing has been
heard OF 1t, and it has no place in the mill
tary arrangements between Spain and the
United States. Possibly in the future some
of its late members will share in the for
nation of the stable government which ii
is the policy of the administration to en-
courage.
MUST BUILD ROAD.