New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-19
CHICAGO'S BAD BLUNDER.
MIGHT HAVE MADE SERIOUS TROUBLE
FOR DIPLOMATS.
THE SPANISH MINISTER, HOWEVER SAYS
he Is SATISFIED WITH MAYOR HARRI-
SONS EXPLANATION.


Washington April 1s.-It is learned that no IN
st-,ictions were sent from Washington TO Nj
srore-. the United States Minister at Madrid rel
alive % The presentation OF regrets for the
sion 70 the Due & ARGOS the Spanish Minister here
OF ne invitation 70 attend the celebration IN Chi
cago o. the destruction Of the Spanish feet in
Manila Bay. II other words, Mr.. Storer acted
according HIS judgment and his own
responsibility in any representations he may have
made the Spanish Foreign ONCE on this sub
3ert u is be inferred from this statement
rhat his action. even II It is reported is dis
approved here On the contrary, II is declared that
his was in thorough accord with the proprie-
ties Of official etiquette and that he showed ex
cellent judgment in anticipating complaint which
would nave been disa greeabe 10 meet His course
Is closely akin 70 that pursued by Lord Paunce-
fote the British Ambassador here, IN stating 10
secre-arv Hay IN advance Of any inforna ton to
the alleged opening Of Nh Macruul's mail. that If
such an act had been committed IT was source OF
regret and was unauthorized,
The officials are careful to make it clear that
NJ. Sto-er did make apology in the name
Of hts Government and they are confident that the
Madrid dispatch conveys an erroneous impression
that point Inssmuch as the offence. Il there
has been any. was perpstrated by a municipality
for whose actions the United States is in no sense
responsible # would, Of course, not be proper for
the United States Government TO make an apology
On TIE other hand, already indicated, II was
entirely competent for Mr. Storer TO explain per
r
that The United StateC Government has no jur1s-
dict,on in such cases, and point out how the in
eident might nave occurred without intentional dis
respect 10 Spain
L has peen enormously stated that the Spanish
Minister was the only member Of the Diplomatic
Corps 10 receive invitation 10 attend the cele-
5ration. Undoubtedly this would have added
greatly the gravity of the affair were the state
nent but inquiry to-day discloses the fact
that many members OF the diplomatic body were
fp-l~r -4~T- IN
and it Is assumed that if others have not received
their invitations IL Is only because Of delays in
the mail A any rate. the diplomatic representa-
aves Of the principal Continental Powers have been
a1nored in this fashion
The Spanish Minister is satisfied with the ex-
pznaton made by Mayor Harrison. and says that
be viii not make the incident the subject OF any
REPRESENTATIONS 70 the State Department, 50 that
Is the end Of il
TIE whole occurrence. however has had the
effect OF emphasizing IT the minds Of officials here
the propriety OF RENTING 10 the State Depart
nent any exchanges between the diplomatic body
and promoters Of enterprises and celebrations.
whether National State municipal II has only
Recently come be the custom for the managers
O. oeremOnias sucn as that about 70 take place in
Chicago 10 address themselves directly TO the
foreign representatives in Washington With the
best Of Intentions on the part OF the projectors,
much mischief might result from this .axtty. In
he present case for instance, il may readily be
perceived that the acceptance by members Of the
diplomatic Corps in Washington Of invitation
70 gorify The crushing defeat Of the Spanish navy
a. me hands Of America might constitute d gross
violation u the spirit Of neutrality which is sup
posed 70 animate governments, and might involve
n difficulty with his own Government the IN
VAR diplomat VINO accepted such invitation.
= Is said a. the State Department that IL is too
tu-cE 10 expect that there should be d general
knowledge Of all these little diplomatic intricacies
wherefore. 70 prevent humiliating incidents IL
n0--4 De better for projectors or public demon
80 tlons who desire 70 secure the attendance Of
ne Diplomatic Corps 70 avail themselves Of the
ss..oNieQge and experience Of the officials OF the
slate Department.
Nilcago. April I8-Mayor Harrison has received
RON The Danish Minister Washington. Con-
sl@a'lIe Brun, a letter expressing his regret at
~ being able 70 attend the Dewey celebration
$3.50 20 the amount Of work hand, which
80 80. Keep him In Washington In speaking OF the
-S'it lhat no members Of the Diplomatic Corps