Spain In A Hurry To Act

Washington, Feb. 12. - The íollowing statement was given out for publication at the state department this morning: "Gen. Woodford telegraphed that the minister's resignation had been acceptel before he presented the telegram from the department. He adds that the flrst secretary at Washington will be placed in charge of the legation and a new minister will be appointed at once. Full reports to follow." It is believed here that the incident is praotically closed. All sorts of rumors were in circulation last night, including one that a special cabinet meeting was held at midnight. It can be stated positively that no cabinet meeting, formal or informal, was held last night. The retiring minister is actively engaged in preparing his personal effects for shipment and in leave-taking of his friends and diplomatic associates in Washington.lt is the present purpose of Senor de Lome to leave this country early next week. He probably will sail by one of the French liners to Havre, and thence will proceed direct to Madrid. His connection officially with this government has entirely ceased and he is henceforth a private cltizen. Madrid, Feb. 12.- Senor Canalejas said to a correspondent: "I never received the letter from De Lome. It must have been stolen before reaching me; where or how I don't know. I was surprised to hear of the affair. I did not expect to receive such a communication, though we were old acquaintances. Dupuy treated me courteously in Washington, but with the reserve naturally called for by his position. "I consider the incident unfortunate, but not fikely to disturb existing relations or cause a breach,. as President McKinley already has handsomely declared that the selection of a new minister is most important. Sagasta told me that the government will appoint an experienced statesman. I brought back from Cuba unfavorable impressions regarding the economical and political conditions of the island. It cannot be denied, however, that Cuba will have a much better erop of tobáceo this year. The autonomists say they feel hopeful of the results of the new policy, but the people in Cuba seem convinced that the real solution of the Cuban question depends on the course of the United States." The premier, Señor Sagasta, said to the correspondent of The Associated Press: "I was siirprised at Senor de Lome's letter, for in all his Communications, official and private, addressed to the government, he spoke respectfully of President McKinley. I regret De Lome's indiscretion and folly, for he has rendered Spain signal services at Washington." On the question of Senor de Lome's successor, Senor Sagasta was reticent.