The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-02-13
WHAT sPAIy sHOULD EXPLAIN.
Minister woodford's Report Is Awaited
with Interest.

WASHINGTON, Feb. i2-The policy
Of the administration concerning the De
Iome incident can be stated briefly as
dehnitely-and on authority not open to
question-as follows:
The President is awaiting the fun re-
port OF United States Minister Wood
ford, who in the brief report already
made. stated that fuller details would be
forwarded. So far as the personal allu-
sions OF the late minister to the President
are concerned, the incident Is undouoted-
AZ closed No demand has been or will b.
made. according 10 the present inten-
tions. for a disayowal of them though.
should II be made. it would be regarded as
n graceful act But the differences in the
letter which bring I'm question Spain's
good faith on questions OF reciprocity and
inferentlally autonomy for Cuba, II not
disavowed voluntarily. may become the
subject OF further diplomatic correspond
ence. though as TO the matter rs had
been stated heretofore. the President will
await Minister Woodford's fuller ad-
vices before 1ythng IL decided upon.
This feature of the ex-minister's letter
IS entirely dissociated from the personal
aspect which resulted I'm his retirement.
II is confidently expected by this govern
ment that Spain will take early oppor-
tunity TO dlsavow the statements of its
late representative as far as they tend
10 commit Spain to a policy which leaves
her good faith open 20 n serious doubt.
II Is felt 10 be most desirable that this
government should have no doubt as to
Spaln's real purposes and feelings on
ahese vital questions which have be-
.f-.s & tfrsf..
10 become So
Minister WoOdford has not yet forward
ed the full report OF the interview had
by him with the Spanish foreign Office.
A point which may become OF interest
IS the action OF the Spanish government
in accepting the resignation Of Minister
De Lone without disclalming RESPONSE
bility for any Of the utterances contained
In his letter.
The Spanish Government It Is said,
may not be aware OF the contents OF the
letter. here is reason TO believe that
when II acted upon Mr.. DeL0mes resig-
nation. II, indeed, not up to the present
moment, the Spanish Foreign Office did
not have before IL tho full text Of the
letter, and may have acted on the as
sumption that the document contained
only personal criticisms upon the Presi-
dent. In this case the statements re-
specting the autonomy and reciprocity
measures, which, II appears. are regard
ed as Of greater Importance than the
personal criticisms passed by the Minis
ter upon the President, may not have
been known 10 the Spanish Government.
The fact that Senor Canalejas. the
person addressed by the Minister, who IL
now In Madrid, Is said TO have declared
-. ~ IA ba
the letter, would warrant such an as
sumption. unless the cable has been free
ly used by the Spanish Legation here for
this Government has not cabled the let
ter
At the Spanish Legation affairs have
assumed a normal condition. Senior Du
Bose is In charge. lie did not 80 to the
State Department this morning. This
afternoon he made calls on the foreign
representatives, thus fulfilling a social
duty by which the fact OF lis assuming
charge of the post Is made known 10
them. Senor DeLome is busy winding up
his affairs and preparing for departure.
The time OF leaving has not been set.
Nine. DeI.ome IS directing the unexpect-
edly hasty work OF packing. and reports
OF her being pros,rated by the recent oc-
currence are groundless.
No intimation has come 10 any one AT
the legation as to the new minister. The
several names mentioned In the news
papers are well known, but all comment
IS purely conjectural.
Representative Lewis, OF Washington.
has prepared joint resolution. which he
will oner In the House on Monday. ex-
pressing Il to be the sense OF the House
and Senate that the President decline TO
recognize the resignation OF Senor De
LONE. the Spanish Minister. and instead
inform him that he Il persona non grata.