Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-05-22
DEANSHIP QUESTION
The Diplomatic Corps in the
Cuban Republic.
MAY AWAIT SQUIERS
BRITISH MINISTER rs, HOWEVER,
ON THE GROUND.
IF He Should Present His Credentials
He Would Be Oldest in
the Service.

The question as to who shall be the dean
of the diplomatic corps at Havana will de-
pend upon circumstances in the control, to
considerable extent. Of the president of
the new republic. The deanship Is decided
by seniority of service. without regard to
country or personality, and the diplomatic
representative to Cuba first received by
President Palma will be the dean of the
foreign colony. The chances seem to IA
vor the British minister, Mr.. Garden, for
that distinction. He is on the ground, and
1t Is said Is already provided with the nee
essary credentials. If he should make a
point of it and be officially received at once,
the coveted post of dean would be his.
MIR. Squiers on His Way
Mr.. Squiers, the United States minister.
is now on his way to Cuba, but will hardly
reach Havana before Monday next. He
was only confirmed by the Senate Tuesday
afternoon. and SO far as known no effort
was made to hurry his departure with the
deanship in view. 1t Is said that no thought
was given to that matter until the expedi-
ton shown by Great Britain in the appoint
ment of its minister was indicated in the
dispatches from Havana. Owing TO the
close relations between the United States
and Cuba there is a general desire on the
part of the officials of both governments
that the United States representative
should have the post of honor in the diplo-
matte corps In Havana. 1t is still possible
that this result may be achieved by an
amicable arrangement among all the
parties in interest.
1t could be easily done by the British
minister and the other foreign ministers at
Havana delaying the presentation Of their
credentials until after the reception Of the
United States minister. OF course, If the
British minister covets the post Of dean
accOrdinRlv L imDOSSiblG
for President Palma to refuse to receive
him first without seriously affronting the
powerful government he represents.
No Request From Mr.. Root.
The published statement that Secretary
Root has requested President Palma to de-
fer the reception of the British minister
until after Mr.. Squiers has had an oppor-
tunity to present his credentials Is denied
most. emphatically by. the Secretary OF
war. Secretary Hay is authority for the
iurther statement that no such request has
been made by any one in behalf of the
United States minister.
1t Is a singular fact that the United
states has had no representative in Cuba
empowered to act for the government since
the new republic began it's career last Tues
Day and that this state Of affairs will con-
tlnue until the arrival of Mr. Suuiers next
week The Cuban republic is similarly m
represented at Washington. Mr.. Quesada,
Its minister, is expected here. however In
few days. The few American troops still
IN ouDa caring for the coast batteries are
commanded by Col. Haskin Of the Artillery
Corps. but that officers duties do not ex-
tend beyond his command and he has no
omclal relations with the Cuban govern
ment.
The situation presents no difficulties or
embarrassments. however, and the question
of the diplomatic deanship will undouht edIv
De settled satisfactorily In a few days