Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-05-01
BE Shows Advantages Of Richmond Is
4 Mobilization Point.
UHEASIBESS ABOUT Els APPOINTMENT
4 Good Deal Of Talk About Z BriSa-
der Generally Only.
GOOD THING FOR THE vIRGIxrAs.
Miles Has Him Slated for . Briga-
diershtp Only, and Miles IL Persons
tion-To0 Much Politics.

WASHINGTON. d. c., April 3o.-(sps-
cial)-General Fitzhugh Lee was en-
gagged most Of the day with his private
business, and much time was consumed
In receiving calls from old friends. He
was at the State Department for half an
hour to-day, but was not at the War
Department or the White House He
talked with Adjutant- General Corbin yes
terday about Richmond as a general mo-
bilization point. He discussed the adj
vantages OF the city thoroughly. Gene
raj Corbin said he himself WAS In favor
Of Richmond, but that no points for con-
centrating large bodies OF troops would
be selected for some time yet.
There il uneasiness on the part Of some
of General Lees friends and admirers
about his appointment. 1t has been un-
derstood for weeks past that Lee would
not only be major-general OF United
States volunteers. but that he would
command an army corps.
Lieutenant General Schofeld and other
prominent men In the confidence OF the
President gave out some days ago that
the Consul-General would be one Of the
most important figures in the war; NJ
day there has been a good deal OF talk
about a brigadier-generalship In connec-
ton with General Lee.
Well-informed men say that Lee will
be a major general, but that he will
command only a division at Richmond;
that he will not be sent to Cuba In the
near future In other words. the army
people of high rank are getting Jealous
Of him, and are afraid that he will over
shadow them. Therefore. they are work.
ing in q quiet way to have him side'
tracked as far as possible.
MOST POPULAR MAN IN AMERICA.
Lee is the most popular man In Amsri-
ca to-day. and public opinion demands
that he shall have leading position In
this fight with Spain. If the administra-
ton knows what is good for 1t. Lee VIII
be appointed to a corps command.
One of the best things that has hap
pened for Lee Is General Miles's putting
him on his slate as brigadier-generai.
Miles has little or no influence with ths
administration, and whatever he pro-
poses is very apt to be turned down by
Secretary Alger and the President. IL
IS said that Miles has made out q long
list. and that on II are the names OF
General v. d. Groner and General James
A. Walker, all OF Virginia.
friend of mine, who was present In
Secretary Ayers offico on Thursday.
tells me that some quite spirited talk
was INDUCED in by distinguished ex-
Confederate from Mississippi Some ono
present. o. northern man. said that
prominent Confederate like Lee should
not be honored with a major-generalcy.
whereupon the game Mississippian ripped
out. and told Alger that IL Lee were ig-
nored, or not treated just right In this
army matter he for one would lead
peaceful revolt. and appeal 10 all the men
Of the South to keep out OF the war, and
let the Yankees DO the leading. and the
fighting, too.
That gentleman I am quoting had been
offered a commission by the President.
I simply give these things TO show tho
friction that Is beginning to be much In
evidence.
President Mckinley and Secretary Al
ger are believed to mean well. as far a.
lee "a concerned, but there - more poll
tics cropping out all around than Is good
for the cause.