Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-04
SUCCEEDS MACRUM
Adelbert s. Hay to Be Consul at
Pretoria.
THE REFRESHMENTS PERSONAL SELECTION
Delicate Mission at the Capital of
the Beers.
SOME THINGS UNEXPLAINED

Owing to the inexpicable desire of United
States Consul Macrum to return to the
United States regardless of the state of
affairs in South Africa the President has
relieved him from further duty at Pre-
toria and authorized him to come home.
Mr.. Adelbert S. Hay of New Hampshire,
son of Secretary Hay, has been detailed to
take his place. and will leave for Pretoria
with the least possible delay.
Mystery About Macrum.
There is some mystery about Mr.. Mac
runs position, and the officials of the State
Department are puzzled to know why he
should desire to leave his post under ex
listing critical conditions, when his presence
is so essential to the interests Of the United
States, to say nothing of the British inter-
ests confided to his care as the representa-
tive of the United States. His position Is
a most important one and Offering unusual
opportunities for fame and glory to say
nothing of rendering great service to the
government.
His only explanation Of his conduct is
that his presence at home is necessary
coupled with the statement that the de-
partment will approve his coming when 1t
knows the facts. His original application
for leave of absence was received at the
department about two weeks ago, and
caused no little amaZement in view of all
the circumstances He gave no reason for
his desire to leave his post, and as the de-
partment regarded his presence there
absolutely essential to the interests of the
government he was notified that his appli-
cation could not be granted.
The Department. telegram evidently mis-
carried, for last Saturday another message
was received from Mr.. Macrum renewing
his request for a leave of absence, and
asking why his first had not been answered.
The officials were visibly annoyed at the
had consultation with the President the
result of which was determination to sup
plant Mr.. Macrum at once with some one
with ability to cope with the situation who
was willing to remain there at least until
the present crisis Is over.
Mr.. Macrum was notified of this action
and was instructed to place the affairs Of
the consulate in the hands of Mr.. After
bury, a resident American citizen of Pre-
toria. who will act as consul until the
rival of Mr.. Hay, which, according to the
calculations of the officials, should be in
about five or six weeks.
Consul Hays Important Mission.
The mission of Consul Hay is an exceed
ingly delicate one, but the President ap-
parently has full confidence in his ability
to look out for the interests Of this coun-
try and Great Britain in the present trying
time in South Africa The new consul will
have the advantage of receiving personal
instructions from the President and the
Secretary of State as to the international
questions now pending as a result of the
war between Great Britain and the Trans
vaal Republic Although but young man,
Mr. Hay gained more than an ordinary
knowledge of diplomacy while with his IA
Their at the United States embassy in Lon
don
Something Wrong With the TeIe-
graph.
Mr.. Macrums statement that he had not
ba r. c ran1V To his first
telegram would seem to indicate that there
Is something wrong with the telegraph
service in South Africa, and the question
has arisen as to whether Consul Macrum
has also failed to receive the latest in
structions sent by the department to him
relative to the action of the Boer govern
ment in refusing to allow him to distribute
among the British prisoners money fur
nshed by their government with which to
buy delicacies, and also to make a weekly
report of the condition Of the wounded
British prisoners.
The dispatch containing instructions on
these points was sent to Mr.. ATacrum sub
sequent to the date of the dispatch disap-
proving his request for leave of absence
1t Is represented that Mr.. Macrum was
formerly on excellent terms with the Off
Gals Of the Boer government. but that their
treatment of him underwent a radical
change after he had been placed in charge
of British affairs In the Transvaal. 1t Is
said that he then became an object of sus-
piciOn and had anything but an easy time
In the execution of his dual duties. 1t is
further represented that this unfriendy
feeling became more marked when the
United States insisted that he should be
allowed as sn act of common humanity,
to see that the wants of the British pris-
oners were amply supplied
No Complaint From Mncrum.
So far as known. Mr.. Macrum has made
no complaint to the State Department of
traa ba
that his desire to return to the United
States can hardly be explained on that
score.
Mr. Macrum is prominent citizen of
East Liverpool, Ohio where he has been
engaged in the manufacture of glass. One
theory advanced is that there are urgent
domestic reasons for his immediate return
to the United States. and another theory Is
that he desires to impart important in
formation to the government in person,
rather than trust It to the wires or mails
He has however, vouchSafed no such ex-
PLANTATION to the department, and the true
reasons for his leaving his post will not be
known until he returns to the United
States.
Mr.. Hays Departure.
1t will not be possible for Mr. HAY to
start for his post until next week, but once
on the road he will make the best of his
way forward without any avoidable delays
i ne otdle department To-Day gave out the
formal announcement of the appointment
of Mr.. Hay follows:
THE President has appointed Adelbert g.
Hay of New Hampshire consul of the
United States at Pretoria. South African
Republic December 2, 1892
This announcement dispeIs any doubt
that may have existed at first as to Mr.
Hays status. He is beyond doubt a full
fedged consul, and as there cannot be two
men holding the same place, Mr.. Macrum
must necessarily have lost his place as
consul at Pretoria by this appointment
Technically he is on leave of absence his
request for such leave having been
granted by the State Department with per-
mission for him to return to the United
States. 1t Is asserted positively at the
State Department that no extraneous In
fluences entered into the appointment of
Mr.. Hay for this important post that the
President himself made the selection, and
that certainly not the faintest sign of
desire to have the appointment made ever
came from any British source.
Had such influence been brought to bear
1t would certainly not have tended to make
Mr.. Hay acceptable to the Boer govern
ments. and for that reason alone, if from
no other, discretion would have pointed out
to the British the wisdom of taking no part
i,,f I,a