The age-herald., 1898-08-19
BLANCO'S ACTION
 A POLITICAL MON
From the Washington Star.


 Captain-GeneraI Blanco's resignation his office will not affect the policy of l United States with reference to the evae0ls official circles it is looked upon as entirely Spain's own affair who shall be in control of her forces. Some such action as General Blanco has taken has been anticipated by those who were in touch with the situa- tion in Havana. It was his ambition to make a place for himself in history as the heroic defender of spain's last stand in the American continent. While he knew what the result would be, he was anxious for the glory which would come to him and his troops This ambition is defeated by the terms of the peace protocol, which raise the blockade of Havana and will re- suit in turning it over to the United States troops without a battle.
 Those who know Blanco's character un- derstand how the humiliation of being the instrument through which the city is sur- rendered ard the Spanish troops embarked for home as vanquished soldiers makes him desirous of leaving that unpleasant duty to some one else. It has been the current belief among class of both span- iards and Cubans that when the United States took possession of the city Blanco would have to deliver his sword to Gen. eral Fitzhugh Lee. The impression that there would be a formal ceremony had be- come widespread. While Blanco knew bet ter than this, his anxiety to be free from taking part in the proceedings incident to the evacuation undoubtedly had something to do with his resolve When he resigned yesterday it was not known in Havana hat ea ba f ha ,,,tt- itary commission, and the captain-general may naturally have thought that he would be brought into official relations with the former consul general. He and Lee were on very good terms up to within few weeks of the latter's departure. Then he showed violent prejudice against the consul general, because of Lees re- ports to Washington that autonomy was failure. The occurrence when General Lee went to the palace to take official leave of the captain-general before embarkins on the Fern with the other officials of the consulate is not forgotten. Blanco refused to see him, pleading illness excuse, but the refusal was made in such way as to amount to an insult. It was em- phasized by Blancos course In seeing everybody else who had business with him that day. General Lee treated tho whole affair with dignity. Had he return- ed to Havana the official representative of the United States while the captain-gen- eral was there, it was known to be his purpose to show every courtesy that might lie in his power.
 Americans who have been in Spain, as well as ipPHavana, see in Blanco's resgna- tion something besides an unwillingness to endure the humiliation of the surrender. They think 1t is done with a view to the effect at home. Like all the Spanish com- manders, Blanco is a politician as we'll as a general. It is pretty certain that in the internal politics of Spain the popular lead+ CTS in the future will be those who can avoid the responsibility for the loss of the West India possessions. Blancos address is more political docupent than any. thing else. He throws the responsibility for making peace on the Madrid goverp2 ment, while affirming his determination to resist to the end if he had not been over- ruled. At one time 1t was reported Blanco would go so far as to exhort his troops to keep up the struggle Regardless of the policy of Madrid, but it is doubtful if he ever entertained so reckless a purpose. It is possible that the Sagasta ministry and the queen regent will insist on BlancS staying until the troops are embarked, though he would not be expected to per-
 
 has the respect and confidence of the for eign residents of Havana, and there would be less temptation to disorder under him than if he should be replaced However, if he insists on retiring the authorities in Spain could easily designate some other military commander to fill the functions that for a short time will remain to the captain-general in Cuba.
 General Pando,- who was next in authori- ty to Banco and was in command in San- tiago province until few weeks before the American invasion, may be chosen. If he is not selected General Parade, who served as acting captain-geheral during the absence of Blanco, may be designated The resignation of the Cuban autonofpist government is not regarded in Washington as having any bearing on the present situ- ation. Since the war began nothing has been heard of it, and it has no place in the military arrangements between Spain and the United States Possibly in the future some of it's late members will share in the formation of the stable government which it is the policy of the administration to encourage.