The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-03-07
THE PRESIDENTS BACKBONE.
Tells Spain Bluntly That It's Wants
Won't Be Acceded To.

Won't Be Acceded To.
Washington, March THE state de-
rartment authorizes the following state
rhent regarding the wishes OF Spain:
r'The president will not consider the re-
call OF General Lee. He has borne him
self throughout this crisis with judg-
ment, fidelity and courage, to the presi-
dents entire satisfaction.
"As to the supplies for the relief OF the
Cuban people all arrangements have
been made 10 carry a consignment this
week from Key West by one OF the naval
vessels, whichever may be best adapted
and most available for the purpose, TO
Matanzas and Sagua.
Although the officials here are nom
committal on the subject it is believed
that the request for General Lees recall
was made at least day or two ago, and
that the Spanish government afte- re-
ceiving the reply OF the state depart
ment has not insisted either upon Lees
recall or upon it's contention that the
relief supplies should not be sent to Cuba
in naval vessels"
Beyond the foregoing those who par
ticipated in the conference at the White
House at which the matter was consid-
1t was stated positively that the author
lied statement comprised everything
that would be given 10 anyone. The ad-
vices from Madrid together with the
authoritative statement here, left no
room for doubt as 10 what had occurred.
The request for General Lees recall is
understood TO have come within the last
few days and doubtless since the last
cabinet meeting on FriGay. as no refer
ence was made 10 IL at that time. IL
came through Minister Woodford, a
somewhat unusual procedure, as the
common mode Of requesting the with
drawal Of a minister or consul is
through the representative OF a govern
ment making the request. which i'm this
case Is Mr.. Du Bose. the Spanish charge
OF affairs. Mr.. Du Bose had received
no instructions on the subject and was
in complete ignorance of the demands
made through Minister woodford. The
other suggestion Of the Spanish govern
ment-thst relief supplies should not be
sent in war vessels-did not come
through the minister, as the Madrid dis
patches state. but was presented by Mr..
Du Bosc 10 the state department last
Friday The responses In both cases
went direct 10 Minister Woodford There
was no loss OF time, however, I'm assemb-
ling a special session OF the cabinet. or
even in any general conference between
the president and his cabinet advisers
individually. II the protest against the
Montgomery and Nashville. Judge Day
conferred with Secretary Long. who I'm
turn called IN Captain Crownnshield,
chief Of the bureau Of navigation. There
appeared TO be no reason why change
should be made In the plan for sending
warships on the relief mission. and. with
Qua attaching grave significance 20 the
request OF the Spanish government. the
answer was made that the plans for the
Grip were completed and that the stay
Of the ships would be brief and OF the
most pacific character.
Grounds on which General Lees
recall wns asked are not officially dis
closed. II is l-nown. however. that the
Spanish government has chafed for some
time ovc~ Cerer1l tees presence I'm
havana. although this had never taken
the form OF a definite protest prior &c
the present time. It began TO assume
more serious aspect shortly after the
arrival Of the Maine at Havana. ~ that
time General Lee escorted Captain Sigs.
bee on his round OF official calls. These
were mado with due foimal!ty. but the
Spanish officials took ofienae when the
calls were restricted TO General Blanco.
Admiral Manterola and tho representa-
tives OF the military ann OF SPANS