Daily Kennebec journal., 1902-03-17
bally nsnnebs: Journal
MINISTER STORER
Denounces the Rumors as to
His Leaving Madrid.
Every Relation Cordial and Peace
Treaty Progressing favorabIy.
Business Permitting, He Is Simply
Taking Short Vacation.

New York, March 16.-Bellamy Stor-
er, United States minister to Spain, ar
rived, today, on the American Line
steamer st. Louis from Southampton.
Mr.. Storer was surprised to hear OF
the rumor that he had been recalled
from his post and emphatically denied
that there was the slightest founda-
ton for a report.
Il have no idea," said Mr.. Storer,
how such a rumor could nave beeh
started. | have simply come home on
leave of absence for 80 days because at
this time there is no urgency for my
presence in Madrid. 1t is not true that
there has been a hitch in the negotia-
tions for n treaty with Spain and on
the contrary there have progressed
most favorably and there is absolutely
no obstacle in view to the successful
accomplishment of the treaty, l may
say, indeed, that the most important
provisions of the treaty have already
been fully agreed upon. SO far as the
question of the rights of Spanish prop
erty owners in Porto Rico is concerned,
the government at Madrid is fully sat
iSfied.
THE negotiations of the treaty has
been somewhat prolonged, not on ac-
count of any reluctance on the part of
the Spanish government, but merely
because every condition and / may say
every phrase, in the document must
first be presented to the council of
state for review and approval.
owing to the approaching accession
of the young King the late ministry of
Sagasta was in effect simply a provis
ional one and as the final ratification
had to be left TO the new ministry, an
opportunity was afforded me to apply
for a Short leave of absence. | expect
to return TO my post early in June. My
relations with the Spanish government
and with officials of all classes have
been of the most pleasant character
cipient of the most courteous consid-
GRAFTON.
Il regretted to notice in many of the
American papers which l received in
Madrid statements to the effect that
the young King was physically and
mentally unfit 20 assume the reins of
government. That is not true. He has
been admirably brought up by a most
devoted mother and l see no reason
why he should not reign with honor to
himself and to his country. He has
grown very fast and is now n fine
lonkng lad. He takes keen interest
in military affairs and shows to great
advantage when he appears mounted
,at q review of the troops.
What changes are likely to take
place in the cabinet | am not prepared
to predict. 1t would not be surprising
if the Queen mother should continue to
exercise strong influence over her
son. as their relations have always
been of the most affectionate charac-
ter"
Speaking of the Kings accession, Mr..
Storer said: There will be no formal
coronation, as the King of Spain is
supposed to be born crowned. He will
merely take the oath to preserve the
constitution and there will be the Gus
tomary ceremonies. 1t was, in fact, a
question up to the last moment whether
the representatives of foreign govern
ments should be specially invited to
witness the accession. Only the night
before | left Madrid the ministers of
state personally informed me that the
King would be pleased to have a repre-
sentative of the United States present.
On this President Roosevelt designated
j. l.. NJ. Curry to attend as our repre-
sentative. There was a peculiar ap-
priateness in the selection of Mr.. Cur
ry. as he was our minister at Madrid
when the young King was born"
Mr.. Storer will leave for Washington,
tomorrow, to call upon the President