The record-union., 1898-03-07

ward their supplies to the eastern ports
of Cuba. One of the American lines Of
steamships running to New York had
offered to take the bounteous contribu-
tions of the American people to Key
West, and there he himself gave orders
for their carriage to Eastern Cuba by
any Of the available. ships Of the North
Atlantic squadron.
The announcement by the press of
the purpose of the Government to send
supplies to Cuba on naval vessels was
uS lie last Wednesday. Within twenty
f. W hours there We're signs of resist
ance en- the part of the Spanish Gov
ernment. AT first this took the shape
of an informal inquiry by the Spanish
Charge d'Affaires as to the correctness
of the report, the inquiry being couched
in an incredulous tone, and later, when
the affirmation came, there was lodged,
not a formal protest, but rather an in
sinuation that the movement Of the ma
val ships would not be acceptable; that
it would be construed into an act of
active sympathy on the part of the
Government of the United States with
the insurgents. But the President had
satisfied himself that the course he had
chosen, that of sending the supplies in
Ia naval vessel, was the only enc that
promised sufficient and prompt relief
There was no time for polite diplomatic
exchange of notes, when, according TO
General Lees advice, people were per
day in Cuba, and the Spanish Charge
d'Affaires was so informed.
Senior Dubosie, when seen at the
Spanish legation to-day, could add little
to the fund of information on the two
subjects which were attracting so much
| official and public attention. He had
received no word from his Government
concerning General Lee, and he stated
positively that no suggestions concern
ing General Lees retirement had been
submitted to him by the State Depart
ment.
AS to the sending OF relief supplies
by the Montgomery and Nashville, Mr..
Dubosie said he felt that merchant YES
sells were very much better equipped for
such service, and their use was not
open to that misconstruction possible
in sending supplies by vessels of the
navy.
| The news concerning General Lee
aroused the deepest interest, and no
| little excitement throughout Washing
ton, and for the time being the usual
quiet of Sunday evening was put aside.
In hotel corridors, at the clubs and in
all public places, it was the absorbing
topic, and not since the Maine disaster
was such widespread popular interest
evinced in the Spanish situation.
The report was denied officially to-
night that the Columbia had been or
! dered to Key West as soon as she could
! be made ready for the voyage The
| fr.gate Essex, it was stated, was on
| tice boys to New York
| Speaking of the Madrid dispatch
made public by Assistant Secretary
Day, Chairman Davis said: 1T is
circumstance which. added to the pres
ent strained conditions makes things
more vexatious. l approve the Presi-
dents action in every particular"
Senator Pettigrew said: Il certainly
approve the Presidents course in the
matter. l should judge the request to
recall our Consul General is somewhat
unusual. and under other circumstances
would be complied With, but the condi-
tons precedent to this case take it out
of the usual rule and justified the Pres
iident's action. l think that, in view of
the fact that it is conceded the Maine
was blown up, the President would be
justified III sending battleships loaded
with combustibles as we'll as food and
filed with armed men"
! Senator Cullom said: Il regard the
course pursued by the President in an
swer to the Spanish Government as
right, justified by all the conditions,
and the American people will indorse
him in the position he has taken.
have believed for some time that we
were nearing a crisis from day TO day
and it has seemed to me that the Span
ish Government was endeaVoring to
bring on a conflict between that Gov
ernment and ourselves. Whether this
| Government desires it or not, on this
account, it would be almost forced into
stand. in view Of the manifestation of
interest this country has taken in the
conflict which has been going on be-
tween Spain and the Cubans, how 6.
thought Of either from the point of
view of National interest or of COM
mn humanity. Our people do not want
war, neither does the President, but
will submit to any humiliation at the
hands of the Spaniards. ! think il is
another step on their part into forcing
an issue between that Government and
our own"
Senator Morgan said: Il heartily APP
lplaud the Presidents action in the dis
patch brought to my attention. I do
mot think the Spanish Government will
insist upon Lees recall nor do l think
Il Will refuse a bounty to these poor,
starving creatures, though it may be
idished out to them with a mailed hand.
We are proud of General Lee and his
conduct in Cuba The recall of Cen