Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-03-07
AcKinley's Answer to Spain Highly
Approved In all Quarters.
EXCITEMENT IN CONGRESS- TO-DAY
ROusins Scenes Expected in The House
Of Representatives.
SPANS DEMANDS both INSULTS
so Many Leading Men Hoid-Aii
Agree. However, That the Hour IL
One for Conservative Judgment
and Cool Heads.


cial 1.-THE ringing reply OF President Nc
lcinley i'm response to the unofficial sug-
gsstion of the recall Of Consul-General
Lee from Habana meets with the unani.
nous approval of members of Congress
| OF both houses. II has a tone OF defiance
that is greeted with hearty applause from
all quarters. II is agreed now on all
sides that 1t IS impossible to avoid war.
as the act of the Spanish Government is
intended to provoke hostilities. The be-
lief is entertained here that De LONE
is at the bottom of the whole matter IL
| is said that he suggested the recall Of
| General Lee. and stated in Madrid that
| he Is an ardent advocate OF the annexa-
| ton OF Cuba. OF course. De LONE said
| he has not been active in his official
capacity In giving currency to his views.
| but he insinuated that General Lee had
made them very plainly known In private
ana unofficial letters and conversations.
De Lone regards General Lee as a strong
antagonist OF Spain.
The staunch commendation OF General
Lee by the President, for fidelity. judg-
ment, and courage, shows that he will
be sustained by all the power of this gov
ernment.
BOTH DEMANDS INSULTING.
The action of the Spanish Government
must be accepted. absolutely. as one in
tended to provoke hostilities. Both the
demands-for the recall OF General Lee
and the use OF merchant vessels for the
transportation of supples-are looked
upon as insulting.
1t is the general expectation among the
leaders OF the House that Spain will give
General Lee his passports, and inform
him that his presence is not wanted on
spanish soil, and 1t would not surprise
any OF these statesmen II the war ves-
sells carrying supplies TO Cuba should be
| attacked by Spanish warships.
EXCITEMENT IN CONGRESS.
All the members seen tonight admit
the probauility OF great excitement when
| the House meets to-day, and the hot
neads may be in the majority. and take
the bit in their teeth. 1t can safely be
predicted that all action will be re-
pressed, unless a message comes from ths
White House suggesting and advising
prompt and decisive action in Cuban
affairs. 1t Is believed by leaders that
something OF this kind is imminent, ana
| that 1t will certainly follow II Lee 10
| gwen his passports.
PURCHASE OF WARSHIPS.
The statement is made tonight that
TINS government has made arrangements
to-day for the purchase OF at least four
warships-two from Brazil and one each
from ChIle and Argentina.
The next move is now with Spain. VIII
the Madrid authorities. I'm their displea-
by President Mckinley. hand General Lee
his passports and tell him 10 80 homer
rhis is ordinarily the next step in dlplo-
matte ruptures Of this kind. II General
Lee - objectionable TO the Spanish Gov
ernment to the extent that II asks for his
| recall, he certainly will be none the lsgs
| Objectionable when the President OF tho
United States serves notice that the
course which he has pursued is crafty
ing to this country
WILL SPAIN GO FURTHER?
The effect of the Presidents deciara-
ton upon Spain will be awaited with
anxiety. II she remains content with
the failure of her effort TO oust Lee, and
makes no further move, the incident viii
of Assistant Secretary Day that Spain
win make no hostile move. IL. on the
other hand. she delivers Lees passports
to him, there will be nothing for him TO
90 Dut 10 pack MS tIuuhs CiOnc no OhiSS,
and depart. Should this happen. all the
Americans in Cuba might as well follow
him. for IL can be stated on the highest
authority that no American Consul-Gene-
raj will take his place. The breaking OF
diplomatic relations, with all the conss-
quences tnat this may involve. viii be
complete.
Even should Lee remain; however. IT
Is felt that his position will be unplea-
SAINT. When the people In Habana know
that he is being retained there In ex-
press disregard and defnance OF the
wishes Of the Madrid Government. they
will not be apt to treat him with con-
sideration, but win take every oppor-
tunity to manifest the displsasure which
the homo government feels. The ap-
pearance OF the warships, too. in opposi-
ton to the request OF the government
that they be not sent. will be sure TO
excite the spanlards In Rabana.
The President. however. has taken his
stand. and will accept all the response
bilIty OF his act.