New-York tribune., 1902-03-17
BELLAMY STORER BACK
SAYS HIS RETURN Is MERELY FOR \
VACATION HE DISCUSSES
SPANISH TOPICS.

Bellamy Storer, United States Minister TO
Spain, who arrived yesterday the ST. Louis,
said there was no truth in the rumor that his
return in any way connected with affairs
Of state. Mr.. Storer has been abroad for four
years. and as it seemed certain that nothing
definite could be done with the ratification of the
Spanish treaties before the accession of the
King he received a vacation.
Colonel Hay cordially concurred with me-"
said Mr., Storer, that if l wanted change the
time was apt I have not even asked for an
extension OF the ordinary sixty days leave. The
time allowed for travel is not included in this
and IS a liberal allowance. TO be sure. But
should like TO have it plainly understood that
the two governments are on the best of terms,
and that my relations in Madrid have been of
the most pleasant character"
Mr.. Storer explained that the delay in ratiica-
tion OF the treaties was due 10 the Council OF
State. 10 which the nearest analogy in this
country is the Supreme Court. The Council Of
State, however. passes on the text OF proposed
treaties. 70 examine possible Interpretations
and suggest advisable changes. The only
changes suggested so far had been merely text
ual But the late ministry Of Sagasta was sim
ply provisional one, and nothing definite was
expected present.
Mr.. Storer said that his visit was not even re-
motely connected with the question Of Spanish
property rights in Porto Rico, The Spanish
people ana press had misconceived the attitude
cf the United States Government IN the case
but the Spanish Government through the Off
clal press had explained that all rights had
been guaranteed, and thus queed all anxiety
7 regretted 10 notice In many Of the American
papers which 1 received in Madrid statements
to the effect that the young King was physi-
cally and mentally unfit To assume the reins OF
government. That IS not true He has been
admirably brought up by most devoted
mother. and l see no reason why he should
not reign with honor 10 himself and TO his coun-
try. He has grown very fast, and is now fine
looking lad. He takes a keen interest in mill
tary affairs, and shows to great advantage when
he appears mounted al review of the troops.
What changes likely to take place in the
Cabinet I am not prepared to predict II would
not be surprising If the Queen Mother should
continue TO exercise strong influence over her
son, their relations have always been of the
most affectiOnate character"
Speaking of the Kings accession, Mr.. Storer
said:
There will be no formal coronation, as the
King Of Spain is supposed 70 be born crowned
He will merely take the oath TO preserve the
constitution, and there viii be the customary
4 ceremonies II was, in fact, a question up to
. the last moment whether the representatives. Of
foreign governments should be specially invited
to witness the accession. only the night before
7 left Madrid the Ministers Of State personally
informed me that the King would he pleased TO
have a representative Of the United States pres
ent on this President Roosevelt designated
j. l. NJ Curry TO attend as our representative
/ selection Of Mr.. Curry, as he was our minister
at Madrid when the young King was born"
Mr.. Storer leaves for Washington to-day to
call on the President.