Newspaper Page Text
THE MORNING NEW*. )
rtgb!tabed 1850. - Incorporate* 1888. V
J. H. ESTILL, President, )
SPAIN ASKS LEE’S RECALL
AL O WANTS RELIEF SUPPLIES NOT
SENT IN WARSHIPS.
president McKinley Declines to Com.
Illy with Either Request— I Tile Re
quest Hclatinjr to Warships Unset!
oil the Ground That to Send the
Supplies In Merchant Vessels Will
Deprive Them of Tlielr Oflleial
( fiaracter.
Madrid,. March 6.—Senor Gullon, Span
ish minister of foreign affairs, recently in
t:m:i t.cl to United States Minister Wood
{or,i that the Spanish government desired
recall from Havana of Consul General
1,,,, and that the American warships
tfhi.'h htfve been designated to convey sup
- to Cuba for the relief of the suffer
trs there should be replaced by merchant
vessels, in order to deprive the assistance
gent to the reconeentrados of an official
character. *
Minister Woodford cabled the request to
the Washington government, which re
ph,d, refusing to recall Gen. Lee in the
present circumstances, or to countermand
the orders for the dispatch of the war
vessels, making the representation that
the relief vessels are not lighting ships.
For several days the newspapers have
been violently attacking Consul General
Fitzhugh Lee.
The Imparcialj after remarking that "an
American newspaper has insinuated that
t;,n. Lee is a member of a syndicate de
siring to purchase Cuba,” says: “His ill
will toward Spain is so marked that even
American newspapers inimical to Spain
are remarking It.”
The Impartial calls upon the government
to demand the replacing of Consul General
Lee. "who, instead of tightening the bonds
of friendship between Spain and the Unit
ed States, dally renders the situation more
threatening.*'
It ndds that the next session of the
Cortes will “consider Consul General Lee’s
conduct.”
The Havana correspondent of the Im
parcial says: “Among the packages of
food sent by the Americans to Cuba, the
customs officers found watches, jewelry
and other contraband articles. All such
parcels were consigned to Consul General
Lee. who is said to have energetically pro
t< 'ted against such contraband, declaring
that it was without his knowledge.”
other papers’ accuse Gen. Lee of being
“better disposed toward the Cuban insur
g nts than toward the colonial govern
ment.", L
The Spanish press, however, in no wise
reproaches United States Minister Wood
ford. whose conduct is irreproachable, and
who seizes every opportunity to express
pacific sentiments.
WON'T RECALL LEE.
I’regldeiit Declines to Comply With
Spain's Requests.
Washington, March 6.—The Spanish sit.
uat'ion developed two new phases to-day,
when it became known that the Spanish
government had formally requested the
recall of Consul General Lee from his post
at Havana, to which request the United
States had courteously but firmly refused
to comply; also that the Spanish govern
ment has suggested the impropriety of
sending relief supplies to Cuban reconcen
trados on the cruiser Montgomery and
gunboat Nashville, to. which suggestloh
the United States had given a like an
swer in the negative.
The first intimation of these steps came
In a brief and explicit cable dispatch from
Madrid. Prior to its receipt, however, the
authorities here had been fully conver
sa "i with the facts, although no intima
tion hud been allowed to get to the public
on cither subject. The disclosures from
Madrid left no further ground for reti
cence in Washington, and after a confer
v at the White House between the Pres
ident, Assistant Secretary Day of the
s ate department and Secretary Long of
•he navy department, the following au
thorized statement was handed to the As
sociated Press by Judge Day, as compris
ing everything that was to be said by the
a !?!' n ‘ strat * on 0,1 the subject.
I iie President will not consider the
t” ill of Gen. Lee. He has borne
hin. self throughout this crisis with judg
mM.t, fidelity and courage, to the Presl
'h is entire satisfaction. As to tA* sup
•’ a i for the relief of the Cuban people,
a I arrangements have been made to car-
D a consignment this week from Key
by one of the naval vessels, which
* 1 r may be best adapted and most avall
■o ! for the purpose, to Matanzas and
tiagua.”
llihough the officials here are non-com-
W" hil on the subject, it is believed that
quest for Gen. Lee’s recall was made
| h ast a day or two ago, and the Span
*' government, after receiving the reply
'iif state department, has not insisted
fi o r upon Gen. Lee's recall or upon its
1 ' Mention that the relief supplies should
1 he sent to Cuba in naval vessels.
' eyond the foregoing, those who had
Participated in the conference at the
1 'he House would not discuss the sub
- t. and it was stated positively that the
“ hoi ized statement comprised every
-1 ug that wouid be given to any one.
he advices from Madrid, together with
authoritative statement here, left no
h m for doubt as to what had occurred.
| I ho request for Gen. Lee’s recall is un
1-Mood to have come within the last few
' and doubtless since the last cabinet
1 'lng on Friday, as no reference was
'm ~|h to It at that time. It came through
■ 'blister Woodford, a somewhat unusual
1 M’Mcdure, as the common mode of re
’ Mting the withdrawal of a minister or
' °°nsul is through the representative of
| government making the request, whicti
1 his case is Senor Dubose, the Spanish
M'vge d’affaires. Mr. Dubose had re
,v' l no instructions on the subject, and
' ■= in complete Ignorance of the demands
t "le through Minister Woodford. *
1 lie other suggestloh of the Spanish gov
-1 Mhient—that relief supplies should not be
V. nt . in Wor vessels—did not come through
Mister Woodford, as the Madrid dls
"ohes state, but was presented by Senor
( to the state department last Fri
■ihe responses in both cases went direct
§lhe Itoftting ffjM.
to Minister Woodford. There was no loss i
of time, however, in assembling a special
session of the cabinet, or even In any gen
eral conference between the President cud
his cabinet advisors individually.
Regarding the cruisers Montgomery and
Nashville, Judge Day conferred with Sec
retary Long, who in turn called in Capt.
u*rowninshield, chief of the bureau of navi
gation. There appeared to be no reason
why a change should be made in the plan
for sending these ships on the relief mis
sion, and without attaching grave signifi
cance to the request of the Spanish gov
ernment, the answer was made that the
plans for the trip w*ere completed, and that
the stay of the ships would be brief and
of the most pacific character.
In responding to the request for Gen.
Lee’s recall, the President does not ap
pear to have deemed the subject open to
such discussion as would require the views
of his cabinet associates, and, after a brief
exchange between the White House and
the state department, the negative answer
was dispatched to Minister Woodford. One
phase of the incident that tends to show
the firm stand taken by the administra
tion is the expedition with which the ac
tion was accomplished. Such a matter or
dinarily is laid before the cabinet, the
views of all its members personally given,
and the fullest opportunity afforded for
discussion. But in this case the Associat
ed Press bulletin furnished some members
of the cabinet the first intimation th%
had that Gen. Lee’s service was open to
question. Before the cabinet meeting no
hint or complaint of any kind relating to
Gen. Lee had been made.
The ground on which Gen. Lee’s recall
was asked is not officially disclosed. It is
known, however, that the Spanish govern
ment has chafc-d for some time over Gen.
Lee’s presence in Havana, although this
has never taken the form of a definite pro
test prior to the present time. It began
to assume a more serious aspect shortly
after the arrival of the Maine at Havana.
At that time Gen. Lee escorted Capt. Sigs
bee on his round of official calls. These
w r ere made with due formality, but the
Spanish officials took offense when the
calls were restricted to Gen. Blanco, Ad
miral Manterola and the representative of
the military department of Spain, and did
not include Premier Galvez and his as
sociates of the autonomous cabinet, who
represent the new civil regime which Spain
is seeking to enforce. The* matter came
to the attention of Senor Dtiouy Lie Lome,
then Spanish minister at Washington, and,
although there were no protests, the situ
ation doubtless reached the state depart
ment, as suitable amends were made by
Capt. Sigsbee calling on Dr. Congosto, the
civil secretary general, Premier Galvez
and his associates.
There was like irritation over a dinner
given by Consul General Lee to the officers
of the Maine. The fist of guests on that
occasion is said to have omitted some of
the Spanish naval officers and to have in
cluded, quite conspicuously the names of
a number of American newspaper corre
spondents, who were regarded by the
Spanish officials at Havana as antago
nistic to them. This has also come to the
attention of the officials here, but was
not made the basis for any action, but
rather of unofficial Spanish criticism of
Gen. Lee’s mode of procedure.
Within recent days it has been under
stood by officials here that the feeling
against Gen. Lee had been smoothed over
and the request for his recall was for that
reason in the nature of a complete sur
prise. There are circumstances, however,
which clearly disclose the grounds for the
recall, although it is not known that Spain
has made any exact specifications of com
plaint. Since the Maine disaster a re
port has been circulated that Gen. Lee
held the personal opinion that the explo
sion was due to external cause. No of
ficial report of this character was ever
sent to Washington so far as is known.
But the mere circulation of the report ai
Madrid, attributing such views to Gen.
Lee, has been the source of much feeling
in Spanish official circles. The press dis
patches from Madrid also disclose that
Gen. Lee Is held accountable at the Span
ish capital for the project of the purchase
of Cuba by the United States from Spain,
as well as for a general sentiment of
sympathy toward the insurgents.
The suggestion of the impartial, a lead
ing government organ, that the next ses
sion of the Cortes will consider the case
of Gen. Lee shows the strong influences
which induced the Sagasta cabinet to ask
his recall. In this connection, the fact is
noted that Senor Dupuy de Lome is due in
Spain at this time. His enforced retire
ment, on a demand by the United States
is felt to have'awakened a counter senti
ment at Madrid which finds expression
against Consul General Lee. There is little
doubt also that such.advice as Senor Du
puy de Lome would give to the government
or to the press in Madrid would not be
conducive toward the retention of Gen.
Lee.
There is little doubt; however, that the
main cause of Spain’s action is the sym
pathies Gen Lee hafe shown for the Cuban
sufferers It is known that his active and
open sympathy witli the people who have
suffered so greatly during the present in
surrection, American citizens as well ns
native Cubans, has not been accepted by
the Spanish officials in Cuba as an exhi
bition of disinterested officialism, such as
is expected of consular officers. There were
complaints during Gen. >Veyler’s adminis
tration of his conduct, but never in full
official form.
Asa matter of fact,. Spain required no
formal excuse for th£ dismissal of a con
sular officer, according to International
iartr. These officers are not indorsed us
ually with diplomatic privileges, and they
exist entirely by the suffrauce of the na
tions to which they are sent. In their
dase it is not necessary or usual to re
quest their home governments to recall
them. They live officially only through
an exequatur granted by the government
to which they are accredited, and this may
be withdrawn at any moment. So Consfil
General Lea may be dismissed from his
post at the pleasure of the Spanish gov
ernment, and this would not violate any
section of international law. But he is in
one respect unique, in that he*s endowed
with seml-dlplomatic powers, by the wish
of our government and by the consent of
the Spanish government.
The request of the Spanish government
for his recall may therefore be regarded
as tantamount to a demand for the recall
of an objectionable minister—such, for
stance, as was Senor DUpuy ,de Lome.
There must be some substantial reason for
such a demand in such cases and as those
presented against Gen. Lee probably were
confined to the acts he has so far perform
ed with the full sanction and approval of
President McKinley, the demand was not
entertainetMas is clearly shown in the for
mal statement given out by Assistant Sec
retary Day.
Undet such circumstances, the Incident
wouid close unless Spain took the decisive
(Continued on Third Page.)
SAVANNAH, GA.. MONDAY. MARCH 7. 1808.
HAVANA’S CAPTURE NOT HARD.
ONLY FOUR OF THE CITY'S DEFENSE
GUNS DANGEROUS.
Prohnlile Plan of Attack 1>- the Unit
ed States Discussed—Speculators
Count on American Troops Bellin'
Landed anil Ensily Defeating the
Spanish Soldiers—United States
Fleet Expected to Rlocknde and
Possibly Bombard the City—The
Spanish AYarships Already Taking
Precautions Against Surprise.
Havana, March 6. (via Key West, Fla.)—
As the conviction becomes settled that
the court of inquiry will decide that there
was a mine explosion umtyr the Maine,
discussion among American naval officers
and civilians here is prevalent as to the
warlike measures which it is believed the
United States will adopt in case the ques
tion of the payment Of indemnity by Spain
is overruled.
A majority believe that American troops
will be landed at some point east of Ha
vana and the insurgents communicated
with, that the Spanish soldiers will be de
feated or captured In detail, and that In
the meantime a fleet of United mates
vessels wifi blockade, If not bombard Ha
vana. No one seems to doubt that the re
duction of this city would be comparative
ly easy. Four twelve-inch guns—two west
and two east of the city—are the only ones
that are considered dangerous. These are
not likely to be well served, while their
emplacements are not modern.
That some Spaniards are of the opinion
that an attack on Havana will be made
is believed to be shown by the abnormal
activity displayed on board the Vizcaya.
The Associated Press correspondent has
the best naval authority for the statement
that the Vizcaya is in a constant state
of readiness for emergencies, and that pick
et boats are on the alert day and night
inside and outside the harbor at night. It
is pointed out that the men-of-war Viz
caya and Admirante Oquendo, when the
latter arrives, might be caught in a block
ade and fall easy prey to a United States
fleet.
The cruiser Alfonso XII is without boil
ers, and would be of no account.
All this discussion of the probability of
war among the Americans and Spaniards
proves interesting, and only shows the
state of feeling here.
The conduct of the Spanish divers who
are investigating the wreck of the Maine
is a mystery. Thus far they have not
been down five hours in the aggregate,
and they show no disposition to make a
thorough Inquiry. It is impossible to team
the truth, fully regarding purpose of
the Spanish court ot Inquiry, but It is
generally believed that the divers were
sent down for form’s sake only, and that
a report will be made in accordance with
instructions from Madrid. It may be that
the Spanish divers have discovered that
the whole port side of the Maine forwara
is gone, and having so reported, further
examination is deemed unnecessary.
The work of our own divers hencefor
ward is bound to be slow, owing to the
ponderous weights to be moved, and the
safety clamps, nuts and rivets that must
be cut.
Senator Proctor is likely to make a
speech in the Senate on his return that
will have great weight In determining the
future policy of the United States. He is
much affected by the suffering that he
found in Matanzas, and highly indignant
at what he calls the “inhumanity of the
course pursued.” During a visit to Arte.
misa, this province, he saw thousands of
reconeentrados who refused to beg, though
starving. They were evidently of a class
accustomed to make their living and un
willing to become paupers. He saw thou
sands of acres of the best tobacco and
banana lands in the world reduced to
waste, with trochas and garrisons at every
village and cross road. His driver, point
ing to the mountains fifteen miles away,
said: "There are plenty of insurgent
camps therer that the Spanish have nevei
discovered.”
The work of, distribution of American re
lief under Miss Clara Barton, Mr. Dwell
and their assistants is, in Senator Proc
tor’s Judgment, carefully and effectively
carried on. The demand is far in excess
of the supply. The supplies expected at
Matanzas and Sagua la Grande, to Ire
brought by American cruisers, will afford
unspeakable relief.
Now that the Almiranto Oquendo and
the Vizcaya are lying in the harbor, the
Spaniards exultlngly declare that the city
Is safe; and it is given out officially in the
newspapers that the arrival is of the same
armament and complement as the Viz
caya.
NEWSPAPER MEN IN CELLS.
Tlie Prisoners Charged With Conspi
racy— Seven to Go to Isle of Pines.
Havana, March 6.—ln addition to Henry
Laine, the American correspondent, Vi
cente Pardo Suarez, editor of La Repuo
liea, and eleven others have been arrest
ed. Eight are In cell forty-seven, and five
In cell forty-six in Cabanas fortress. The
names of the others are Jose Estrada,
Ernesto Guayabons, \\Jc> was formerly de
ported; Jose Kuti, th™lauer’s 15-year-o!d
son; Manuel Pardo Lopez, Anibal En.
riques, Colombia Francisco Diaz, who was
once deported; Manuel Arencibia, Pedro
Montello, Manuel Vase Quesque and a
Spaniard whose name Is not given. Henry
Laine will be sent north on Wednesday.
It is officially stated, from American
sources, that two or more American cor
respondents will be required to return to
the United States at the same time. The
prisoners are charged with conspiracy. In
all, eighteen are implicated. Eleven, it
is said, will be sent out of the country
and seven to the Isle of Pines.
The day has been cool and beautiful, and
observed as a holiday, especially in the
harbor, which was full of boats bearing
visitors to the Vizcaya and the Aimlrante
Oquendo.
The court of inquiry was not in regular
session, but a conference was held in the
morning with Ensign Powelison, and two
divers went over their former testimony
with plans of the wreck and charts of thf
Maine hefore the explosion. The govern
ment has finished with the services of the
wrecking tug Right Arm. which will leave
for the North to-morrow, Capt. McGee
commanding. Haggerty and Everett, the
principal divers, will remain here, quar
tered on the tug Merritt.
The divers worked little to-day, the gov
ernment men not at ail, as they were core-
ly in need of rest. Diver Olsen, from the
cruiser New York, was down more last
week than any previous record for such
work.
Capt. Juan Caray ca'led to-day on Copt.
Stgsboe and Lieut. Commander Cowles on
board the Fern, and official calls were ex
changed between the officers of the t>ort.
Admiral Manterola and the chief officers
of the Almirante Oquendo. The usual sa
lutes were fired as the callers were receiv
ed. or immediately afterward.
The executive committee of the autono
mist party issued a manifesto this morn
ing which argues at length that a broad
ening constitution for the colony is need
ed and urges the adoption of such meth
ods to secure peace as were agreed upon
at the recent meeting of the central com
mittee of the party, the substance of
which has already been cabled. The man
ifesto really presents no new views and
no new solution.
A body found to-day has been Identified
as that of Wagner, sergeant of marines.
With five others it was sent to Key West
to-day on the Bache. She will return here
soon to relieve the Fern, the latter act
ing as a dispatch boat.
SUPPLIES TO GO ON THE FERN.
Cruisers Montgomery aiul Nashville
Will Not lie Sent.
Key West, Fla., March 6.—The supplies
for starving Cubans will not be taken on
the cruiser Montgomery and Nashville. It
is understood that the dispatch boat Fern
wifi perform the duty. The change of
plan was- ordered from Washington yes
terday or on Friday. Avery high naval
official. In the course of an interview thi3
evening, said: “The Fern is much bet
ter suited for such duties. I do not know
that the change of plans was brought
about by Spain’s demand. Indeed, I am
inclined to think it is the result of a sug
gestion from Key West.
“I fully expect the Fern will be taking
supplies here by the end of this week,
and you must remember-that though she
Is only a tender to the fleet, she Is still a
vessel of the fleet, and of this navy. The
survey boat Baehe will return as soon as
possible to Havana after her arrival here
to-morrow and will relieve the Fern.
“That boat can get supplies over to Cu
ba in short order. When the Montgomery
was at Matanzas investigating conditions
there her officers were most cordially re
ceived. It is strange it Spain has now made
objection to the proposed peaceful errand
of the Nashville and Montgomery. But,
however that may bo, it is far better that
those cruisers should not go to Cuba under
the present conditions.
“I should not be surprised to learn that
©pain had demanded the recall of Consul
General Lee. It is only natural to sup
pose that she is anxious to seize upon any
circumstances which she might consider
would offset the De Lome incident.”
From the general tone of this official's
remarks it was gathered that no speclul
instructions regarding the fleet had been
received, and no steps are being taken to
meet an unexpected crisis in American re
lations with Spain. There is much excite
ment locally over rumors of disturbances
in Havana, but naval officials here ex
hibit no anxiety.
It can be definitely stated that the court
of inquiry will return to Key West. Prob
ably it will hold Us final sessions here.
RUSHING WORK AT LEAGUE ISLAND
Operations Continued Throughout
Sunday With Unceasing Activity.
Philadelphia, March 6.—To-day was n
repetition of last Sunday in the general
activity at the League Island navy yard.
Workmen were busily engaged upon the
cruiser Minneapolis, the monitor Mianlo
nomah and the ram Katahdin.
In addition work is going on in the
mould loft, and several forges were In
operation In the blacksmith shop. The
utmost reticence prevailed among the of
ficers, sailors and workmen at the navy
yard, and it was impossible to obtain In
formation as to the detail of the work
going on. It was evident, however, that
all work was being pushed as rapidly as
possible. The -work on the Minneapolis
and Mtantonomah was all below decks,
and was said to consist of repairs and
inspection of the machinery.
On the Katnhdin, the standards for the
rapid firing guns were being erected and
some small repairs were going on below.
The work in the mould loft consisted of at
tention to small boats and spars.
Tlie immense crowds which flocked to
the naval station last Sunday were largely
increased to-day, but no one was allowed
to get close to the warships.
Sentries were posted at the en
trance to the wharves and only workmen
and those on business were allowed inside
the lines.
The old single turret monitors tn the
back channel, relics of the late war, were
an attraction to thousands and their decks
were crowded all day long. It was reported
that five of these will be taken out of
their berths as soon as possible and tested
with modern guns aboard. Those now in
the turrets are of the old smoothbore kind.
The Information as to the trial of these
boats came from one of their care-takers
and was not official.
The boats which it is said will be tried,
are the Jason, Manhattan, Lehigh and
Canonlcus. The puniose of the trial with
modern guns is to determine whether they
will maintain their center of gravity suf
ficiently well enough to be available for
use in any emergency.
It was aiso reported to-day that the
cruiser Columbia, now In drydoek, hnd re
ceived orders to sail for Key West as soon
as possible. This could not receive any of
ficial verification. The cruiser has had
her bottom scraped and the work of paint
ing her will begin to-morrow.
WARSHIP ESSEX AT NEW YORK.
Tlie Vessel . Ordered to the Ports
mouth Novy Yard for Repairs.
New York, March 6.—The United States
frigate Essex, Capl. Strong, from Fortress
Monroe, was sighted south of Sandy Hook
to-night at 8:35 o'clock.
The Essex anchored in the lawer bay
at 9:25.
Portsmouth, N. H., March 6.—The Uni
ted States steamship Essex has been or
dered to the Portsmouth navy yard for
repairs. Orders have been received at the
navy yard to rush work on her and appli
cation has been made to have some old
monitors sent here to fit out.
Commodore Remy is prepared for any
emergency, and 1,000 mechanics or more
could beret to work in forty-eight hours.
A large shipment of steam cutter outfits
his been made from this station to Key
WmL
VOLUNTEERS LIKE A VOLCANO.
SPAIN AFRAID TO ISSUE AN ORDI’.H
TO DISARM THEM.
Tlie A'olnnteer* Trusted by No One
and in n State of Great Unrest—The
Officers of the Soldiery Confident
the Siißiistu Cabinet Is in Favor of
DlshundliiK Tliem— Demonstration
A git Ins t Autonomy mid Gen. ltlnn
eo Feureil.
Havana, via Key West, March 6.—Of the
very keenest Interest to Havana i£ tlie
question of disbanding ami disarming the
volunteers. These soldiers, whom no one
trusts, are in a state of great unrest. The
colonels of three battalions have tried to
see Gen. Blanco on the subject, but he
made excuses which they refused to ac
cept or believe. Finally Gen. Parrado
sent a letter saying that no government
would dare disarm the volunteers. This
was reinforced by a cable message to tlie
same effect from Senor Moret, minister
for the colonies at Madrid. The volun
teers, however, noting the strength of
the radical wing of the autonomists and
knowing that its members are hostile to
the volunteers, are doubtful of all pro
fessions. The officers of the volunteers
believe that the Sagasta cabinet is In
tavor of disbanding their corps, no mat
ter what Is said to the contrary.
The colonial government Is anxious not
only about the possible notion of the vol
unteers, but as to what side the unpaid,
badly fell Spanish troops will take. Asa
result there is general disquietude not vis
ible to an observer, perhaps, but very real
for all that
The danger apprehended is a demonstra
tion against autonomy and Gen. Blanco
by the volunteers, whom it would be im
possible to control when excited and re
inforced by a mob from the slums, and
who might do incalculable damage to life
and property and to the prospects of peace
with the United States.
It is claimed also that the volunteers and
the regular forces are most to be feared
by nOn-combatants in an hour of defeat,
as has been shown prior to and during the
present insurrection. The situatton has
been acute for some time.
Gen. Blanco and Gen. Parrado continue
their denials that the government has any
intention of disarming the volunteers, and
the radical wing of the autonomists is
thus far regarded as defeated, since dis
arming is the principal plank of their plat
form.
The autonomist government has asked
the opinion of commercial houses here
with reference to the iiostponement of col
lections on mortgages unttl the wnr is
over and efiance'has been given to produce
something on the island.
The majority of the replies are in favor
of such an arrangement. Foreign cred
itors, especially the English, protest that
they should not come under the same head
with the resident creditors, but that their
debts should be collected.
Senor Govin favors the postponement of
collections.
Millions of dollars are Involved and
there is great interest in the decision of
the question.
It is said that Gen. Lahoe will succeed
the late Gen. Vidal Ducassl, ns Insurgent
commander in the province of Pinar del
Rio.
El Diaro yesterday reported an engage
ment with Gen. Gomez In the district of
Sanctl Spiritus, near La Rlforma, In which
it is said 16 were killed' Juan Ramirez, an
old chief of the ten years war, is with Gen.
Pundo in the east of the island trying to
secure the surrender of the insurgent gen
eral. Salvador Rios and Leader Capote,
thus far with no success.
PRESIDENT'S REPLY APPROVED.
Senators and Representatives Talk
of the Lee Incident.
Washington, March 6.—The report was
denied officially to-night that the Columbia
had been ordered to Key West as soon as
she could be made ready for the voyage.
The frigate Essex, which was sighted off
Sandy Hook, it was stated, was on her
way from Norfolk with the apprentice
boys to New York.
©peaking of the Madrid dispatches and
the statement made by Assistant Secre
tary Day, Senator Davis, chairman of the
foreign relations committee, said: “It Is
a circumstance which, added to the pres
ent strained condition, makes things more
vexatious. I approve the President’s ac
tion in every particular.”
©enator Pettigrew said: “I certainly
approve the President's course in the mat
ter. I think that In view of the fact it Is
conceded the Maine was blown up, the
President would be Justified In sending
battleships loaded with combustibles as
well as food and filled with armed men. It
seems to me we cannot accept any set
tlemen short of the independ nee of Cuba.”
Senator Cullom said: ”1 regard the
course pursued by the President in answer
to the Spanish government as right. Justi
fied by all the conditions, and the Ameri
can people will Indorse him In the position
he has taken. I have believed for some
days that we were nearing a crisis or cul
mination of troubles from day to day, and
it has seemed to me that the Spanish gov
ernment was endeavoring to bring on a
, conflict between that government and ours.
Whether this government desires It or
not, on this account it would be almost
forced into war with Spain. Our people
do not want war, neither does the Presi
dent, but neither he nor the people will
submit to any humiliation at the hands of
the Spaniards. I think It is another step
on their part In forcing an Issue between
that government and our own.”
Senator Morgan said: “I heartily ap
plaud the President’s action. We of the
South are very proud of Gen. Lee ana
his conduct in Cuba. It only proves what
we have always known about him—that
he is a brave, patriotic man, fearless to
do his duty under all circumstances. Tho
recall of Gen. Lee, in my opinion, was In
deference to the mob sentiment in Mad
rid. After all tho forebearanco we have
shown Spain in making our country a
base for her supplies, she turns upon the
United State* and make* everything done
by u into an act of enmity. After awhile
we will he sufficiently Informed as to the
intentions of the Spanish government to
ward us to meet them half way.™
Representative Grosvenor of Ohio said:
‘‘Spain has the undoubted right to make
peremptory demand for the withdrawal
of Gen. Lee, Under ordinary circum
stances this government would be bound
<o grant this concession ui>on demand, but
under existing circumstances, where the
withdrawal of Gen. Lee would be an Im
plied censure of bis course, the President
should refuse Just as peremptorily. The
concession of withdrawal of Gen. Lee
would leave an inference of censure on the
l>art of this government and that the
President could not afford to do. Inas
much ns Gen. Lee, In all his
ac.ts, has met the entire ap
proval of the President. If Spain has
requested the withdrawal ami the- Pres
ident has refused, Spain will probably dis
miss Gen. Lee immediately and send him
home. If the President feels offended In
the spirit of Spain's action he need not
send any one in Gen. Lee’s place. This
cornea pretty near l>elng an Open rupture
between two governments.
"Ho fur as the sending of the ships with
supplies for the starving subjects of Spain
is concerned, a change of plans Is not to
be considered for a moment. Spain hav
ing consented, that she should now', In
a sort of hysterical effort to please her
own subjects, seek to withdraw that con
sent and try to dictate the means of trans
l>ortatlon by which supplies should be sent.
Is not to be accepted. If Spain has done
what is alleged It looks as though she was
seeking a quarrel, and that she was seek
ing it at a time when she might possibly
cover up the disclosures of the report of
our commission now investigating the
cause of the destruction of the Maine. Na
tions have lieen a great deal nearer blows
than we are with Spain and war lias been
averted.”
Senator Frye, member of the committee
on foreign relations: “If Spain has re
quested lliat relief supplies be sent In mer
chant vessels and not in armed warships,
and we continue lo send those supplies In
warships, I think it might be regarded as
an Intervention in the affairs of Cuba,and
therefore an unfriendly net.
“I have confidence In Gen. Lee,” added
Senator Frye. "As far as I have, been ac
quainted with Ills official conduct In Cuba.
I entirely approve of It.”
"If Spain gives Gen. Ig?e his passports
and Insists on the termination of his of
ficial career at Havana, what course will
be left open for us?"
"As far as I see we could only accept
the situation. I do not think that would
be a casus belli.”
“I cannot comprehend the reason for
such a request as Gen. Lee's recall,” said
Senator Fairbanks, "and the President
should refuse to comply. I am opposed to
war, except when the rights of our citi
zens and national honor nre Involved. The
hour demands goiter Judgment and con
servatism of high order.”
"It would be a great mistake," said Rep
resentative Swnr.son, "to recall Gen. Dee
at the present time. He has jierformed the
duties of his position ably, manfully and
vigorously. He has been discreet. Judici
ous and resourceful, and the administra
tion dtd what was right In declining to
meet Spain’s demand, If the demand was
made."
"I prefer to wait for official Information.
Not knowing on what grounds Spain has
demanded Oon. Lee's recall, I cannot form
an opinon of the probable outcome," said
Representative IMngley, floor leader of the
House.
“The nir Is charged with the electricity
of war,” declared Representative Dockery.
"This demand on the part of Spain cau
tions us to keep a cool head and go glow.
It looks like Spain wants to force us to
action. It is evident that the situation is
growing critical and that we may expect
new developments every day."
SItKEXA SAYS ITS SERIOUS.
Demand for the lteenll I.lively to
Lend io Grave Results.
New York, March 6.—Gen. Daniel E.
Sickels, who was minister of the United
States to Span from 1869 to 1874, during
which period occurred the strained rela
tions between that country and the United
States over the Virglnius affair, said to
day that Spain's request for the recall of
Consul General Lee was a serious move
and likely to lead to serious results.
Gen. Sickels continued: "It is Spain's
right to ask for Gen. Lee’s recall. When
I was minister to Spain, I was Instructed
to demand the recall of the Spanish con
sul genorul here and my request was Im
mediately granted by the Spanish govern
ment. Spain would be Justified to-day In
demanding the recall of Consul General
Lee on the ground that he Is persona non
grata simply.”
"Is not such action at this time, follow
ing as It does close upon the De Lome In
cident and the Maine disasters, sure to
precipitate a war?”
"Not at all. It is merely a diplomatic In
cident. President McKinley Is at liberty
to refuse to recall General Lee, and In
that case Spain would be perfectly Justi
fied in handing him his passports on the
single ground that he is persona non
grata."
“Do you consider that this move on
Spain's part puts this country nearer war
than It ever was Over the Virglnius af
fair?”
“Not at all. If anything we were nearer
war then than now. I do not regard the
request as a casus belli, and It is no more
than their right to demand that If we
send supplies to these people they shall
be sent by merchant vessels. The use of
warships at such a time might Justly be
regarded as a hostile act on our part.
Spain's right to demand that these sup
plies be sent by peaceful merchantmen
cannot lie questioned.”
DEMAND MAY HR JUSTIFIABLE.
London Telegraph Sees a Chance
That Lee Hus Given Offense.
London, March 7.—The iAily Telegraph
ayß, editorially, this morlng: "It is dif
ficult for outsiders to Judge such p. case,
but If It can be proved that Consul Gen
eral Lee nag uttered a tithe of the anti-
Spanish sentiments tho Spanish and
American press has credited him with. It
Is difficult to see why the principle Amer
ica applied to Lord Haekvllle and He nor
Dupuy de Lome should not be Invoked by
Spain, whose request that merchantmen
should replace men-of-war seems very
reasonable and moderate.
“Serious as the situation Is, we cannot
admit that there are any grounds for a
war between Spain and the United States.
At'most there are only flimsy and selfish
pretexts, unworthy to serve as the mo
tives of conduct among Christian and civ
ilized nations."
f DAILY. DO A YEAR.
J 6 CENTS A CORY.
( WEEKLY J-TIMKB-A-WKJCK HA YKAH
DEPUTY KILLED IN A DUEL
HIS OPPONENT’S 111, ADE SEVERS
HIS JIGI L All VEIN.
Death Follows Ten Minute* After HM
Is Carried Into the Home of is
Countess—The Knennnter the Out*
come of n Controversy Through
the Press— The Slayer Alno n Depu
ty unil Editor of a Newspaper of
A’entee.
Rome, March 6.—Signor Folic® Carl<J
Cavallottl, poet, dramatist, publicist and
well known Radical member of the Cham
ber of Deputies for Corle Olona, was kill
ed here this afternoon In a duel wittt
swords with Signor Macola, member of Ihd
Chamber of Deputies and editor of it>4
Gazzetta di Venezia.
The encounter was the outcome of it
press polemic In the columns of the.Milaa
Sfecolo and the Gnzetta dl Venezia. It tooW
place at an unfrequented spot outside thd
Porta Magglore.
Henor Macula's seconds were Deputies
Signor Guido Fuslnato, a professor at that
University of Turin, and member for Fol
tre, and Signor Carlo Donat!, advocate!
uml member for I xml go.
Signor Cavallottl's seconds were Slgnol
Rizzonl, Ihe publicist, and Signor Tassi,
member of the Chamber olj Deputies.
Shortly before the meeting Signor Cav
alottl seemed in excellent spirits and evert
Joked with his seconds.
When the word was given he attacked
his o|>ponent vigorously. The tlrst two en
gagements were without result, but In tha
third Signor Cavallottl received a thrust
In the throat that severed his Jugular. At
first it was thought he was only slightly)
injured, but the gravity of the wound wad
soon perceived on his putting his hand trt
his mouth. He withdrew it covered wild
blood and could not utter a word.
Tho doctors and hts seconds carried htrrt
to Zelllno and laid him on a bed in thq
residence of the COuntcss Calleres (Cel*
lano). Tracheotomy was performed, and
artificial breathing attempted, but all ef
fort* were useless.
Signor Cavallottl expired in ten minutes
without speaking again.
Signor Macola did not receive a scratch.
The news on reaching the city caused a
great sensation. Numerous deputies and
friends hurried lo the spot, and there is
universal regret over the tragic end of
Cavallottl.
The late Signor Follce Carlo Emanue’a
Cavallottl, who was a member of a family
originally Venetian, was born at Milan,
Nov. C, 1842. At the age of 18, having
become already noted for his poetry
breathing hatred for Austria, he threw
himself with ardor, as a writer and sol
dier, into the struggle for Italian inde
pendence, taking part In various expedi
tions and publishing in the newsinpern
of the day articles and verses whose rev
oluGonary audacity attracted wide atten
tion.
He made his debut as a dramatic writer
at Milan In 1871, presenting a grand his
torical and patriotic drama, entitled, “I
Pezzantl” (The Beggars), which was hail,
cd with loud acclaim as anew departure
In romance. This was followed by a
series of dramas and comedies, whose ac
tion was located at Milan, Rome and
Florence, and several plays baaed on an
cient ecclesiastical themes.
Signor Cavallottl published also a vol
ume of poems, for the most part political
In theme, a collection of lyrics under this
title, “Anti Cuglle,” and a translation of
"Fragments do Tyrtee.”
Home years ago he gathered his various
publication together and published them
as "Oeuvres Completes" In an elaborate
edition.
Often elected to the Italian Parliament,
his career in the chamber from time kj
time was signalled by no less agitation
than the publication of his poetic efforts.
More than once his interpellations and his
speeches invoked parliamentary tempests.
He was a life-long opponent of Signor
Crlspi, and was giad to be known as one
of the Italian politicians who resisted with
all their energies the tide, which umier
the auspices of Crispl, carried Italy to
ward Germany.
In 1895, when the Banea Komana scan
dal was the sensation of Europe, Signor
Cavallottl, then leader of the opposition in
the Italian chambers, discovered what
he called anew and most
promising lode. Going through the list of
great and little men entitled to wear the
grand cross of the Order of St. Maurice
and I .azure, he came upon the name of
Dr. Cornelllus Herz. Rightly conjecturing
that It would not be there except for a
cash consideration, he prosecuted his in
quiries until he felt warranted in making
the public declaration that Signor Crlspi,
the premier of Italy, was guilty of an Il
licit trafficking In decorations. Not long
after he published a pamphlet against
Crlspi, repealing this charge and adding
•he charge of bribery In the fifth dls'rtct
of Rome, where the premier had defeated
the Sicilian Socialist Giuseppe de Felice
'Oluffrlda. He even gave notice In the
chamber of a motion to annul the elec
tion. When the matter came up Premier
Crispl flatly declined to make a statement
and the chamber sustained his action.
To the last he relentlessly pursued Pre
mier Crispl, and the latter In the death of
his brilliant and fearless adversary will
probably see the end of the long campaign
against him.
HACK FROM DAWSON.
Two Alen Sny Hut Few More Will At
tempt the Trip This Winter.
Seattle, Wash., March 6.—The steamer
Farallon arrived here at midnight from
Skaguay, Alaska. Among her passengers
were Thomas Graham of Ontario and
Thomas Elliott of Monroe, Wash. They
left Dawson Feb. 1. They say that but
a few more will attempt the trip out over
land this winter. Their trip out was ac
companied by severe storms. Everything
was quiet at Dawson when they left.
A large nugget worth over SI,OOO has been
found on one of Alex McDonald's claims
on Eldorado Creek.
At White Horse Rapids Elliott and Gra
ham met a man with his feet frozen.
Capt. Roberts of the Farallon reports
that the steamers Signal and Navvaro are
but a few hours behind him.