he men killed on the _Maine_, a great number were
natives of foreign countries. The governments of these countries have
demanded an explanation of the disaster, and in case it is found that
the explosion was due to faults of construction or carelessness, an
indemnity will undoubtedly be demanded; or, if Spain is responsible for
the disaster, she will be called upon to pay this indemnity.

* * * * *

March 7th it was reported that Senor Gullon, Spanish Minister of Foreign
Affairs, had intimated to Minister Woodford that the Spanish Government
desired the recall of Consul-General Lee from Havana.

This news created great excitement. Our Government promptly cabled to
Minister Woodford, refusing to recall General Lee, and Spain officially
retracted the request, and the incident was practically closed.

A minister exercises his functions only by permission of the country to
which he is sent. If at any time that country has reason to object to
his presence, it can demand his recall, or, by withdrawing his
_exequatur_, make him at once a private American citizen, and nothing
more.

An _exequatur_ is the written official recognition of a consul or
minister, which is issued by the government to which he is accredited,
authorizing him to exercise his powers in the place to which he is
sent. We have already explained, in connection with the De Lome
incident, how a country may dismiss a diplomatic representative.

If Spain had demanded Lee's recall, or dismissed him for any reason
which she considered sufficient, there would have been no just ground
for offence. It would not even have been necessary for her to explain
her reasons.

Spain's action in intimating that she desired the recall was a courteous
way of putting the matter. President McKinley, in refusing to consider
it, took a wise course, for the recall of General Lee at this critical
time might have added to the strained relations existing between the
countries; besides, General Lee is so thoroughly acquainted with the
situation in Cuba that it is to the best interest of this country to
retain him.

* * * * *

Reports from Cuba as to the insurgents' cause have this week been
perceptibly fewer. It is known that a number of filibustering
expeditions have landed, and the Cubans feel very much elated. They say
that the _Maine_ disaster has helped them in this country, for it has
increased the feeling agai