Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-05-17
WITH EUROPEAN POWERS.
The Arrangement Pronounced Prac-
tically a Customs Union.
A PAMPHLET LAID TO BISMARCK,
In Which the Writer Comes Out Strongly
Against Absolutism.
GOSSIP FROM THE GERMAN CAPITAL


German-Austrian commercial treaty with
Spain have become curiously involved with
the reciprocity convention proposed by
General John W. Foster, the special repre-
sentative of the United States. The Ger
man Embassy at Madrid, which ought to be
rightly informed, sent a dispatch to the
effect that the negotiations opened with the
Duke of Tetrian, the Spanish Minis
ter of Foreign Affairs, month
ago have now ceased. The Duke of Tetrian
received the overtures for a treaty with
Germany favorably, and told the German
Ambassador that the Cabinet meant to re-
new treaties generally on the principle of
reciprocity, so far as was compatible with a
protestation policy, and that as soon as
France shall promulgate her new tariff the
Government will place before the Cortes a
general tariff, on which will be based the
conventions with all powers.
America on the Inside Track.
Since this communication was made the
concession TO the United States has become
known. This renders difficult any treaty
with the European powers. Spain has
agreed to give American imports to Cuba
and Porto Rico ditferential rate of 25 per
cent against similar imports from all other
countries, whether they conclude treaties
with Spain or not. Such privilege, con-
stituting practical customs union between
the United States and the Spanish Antilles,
blocks further negotiations which the Ger
man Ambassador has undertaken simulta-
neouslv with the Austrian, Italian and
Belgian ministers
Spain has been invited to send delegate
to the customs conference at Vienna, where
a solution of the difficulty might be dis
cussed. Statistics in the trade of Germany
with Spain fail to indicate any great recent
development of the intercourse between the
countries Much Spanish merchandise is
coming through Belgian and Dutch ports.
Minerals, corks, fruit, oils and wines, which
form the Spanish staples, are not largely
imported.
A Case of Sour Grapes.
The German traffic with the Antilles is of
no great importance, but the formation of a
treaty recognizing exclusive American priv
ileges is hardly possible. The Madrid Gov
ernment finds that every country of Europe
takes a similar view of the matter. The
Spanish Commission appointed to formulate
a tariff has not concluded its report, and 1t
will probably be autumn before an attempt
10 renew decisive negotiations is made.
The resignation Of Herr Maybach, Prus-
sian Minister of Public Works, removes
from the public stage the last Minister of
the old Emperor, except Dr.. Won Boetticher,
Secretary of the Imperial Home Office, who
has continued the resentment whichtlie felt
in consequence of the public attack and
private intrigues which have been carried
on for the purpose of fastening his with
drawal. Prince Bismarcks enmity has
strengthened the ardor of the Emperor's
friendship for Dr. Won Boetticher.
The Emperor Favors Won Boetticher.
During the squabble over the latter's
secret drafts from the Guelph fund, the
Emperor visited and dined with, and
showed him other marks of favoritism, but
DR. Won Boetticher is now on the eve of
departing. 1t is reported that he will be-
come President of the Province of Schles-
wig Holstein, Herr Won Bennigsen sue
Ceeding to the Home office, and Herr
Miguel, Imperial Minister of Finance. be-
coming Vice President of the Prussian
Council The impending changes add
power to the National Liberals, in the
Ministry, despite the recent signs of the
partv'S weakness amongst the electors.
Herr Miguefs hold on the Emperor's es-
TEEN is becoming more firm.
The surrender of the majority in the
Herren income tax dispute is undoubtedly
due TO Herr MigueIs skillful handling of
the matter. AT the time the majority Of
fered the angriest opposition TO the Demo-
cratic measure, which levies a tax of per
cent on incomes of over 100000 marks, but
Herr Miguel guided them into submissicn.t
The Emperor has written him warm con-
gratulatory letter.
Bismarck Out Against Absolutism.
The press is discussing pamphlet, sup
posed to have been inspired by Prince Bis
marck, asSailing the Emperor's tendencies
toward absOlutism The papers argue that
the Ministers alone ought to be responsible,
and that the sovereign ought specially to
avoid rhetorical declarations, as in the pro-
portion that his infallibility becomes OBJ
vious viii respect for him suffer
\ chapter on ''The Kaiser, His Own Min
ister," blames Won Caprivi for not using his
influence TO prevent the Emperor's iniu-
dic!ouS public utterance, compares Germany
TO a rudderless ship, and accuses the En-
peror OF consulting private advisers behind
the back of his Ministers. 1t urges the lat
ter to resign rather than to carry measures
opposed to their convictions. The wide and
free discussion of the pamphlet marks the
rapid progress of cOnstitutionalism.s
Prominent Socialists Now in Trouble.
Miner Sigl, of Dousfeld, and three dele
gates whom the Emperor received two years
ago after the great Westphalia strike, and
whom the Emperor warned not to mix in
Socalistic doctrine or labor disputes, have
been arrested for attending a Socialistic
miners union. Sigl is the second delegate
whom the Emperor has received who is now |
within the pinch of the law.
The misery of the defeated strikers in
Westphalia is extreme. Over &c, 900 who |
have applied for work in the Bechum dis |
trict have been refused employment, and |
threatened with expulsion from their homes. |
General German Gossip.
Chancellor Won Caprivi is suffering from |
diabetes He will shortly go to Carlsbad |
for treatment.
Henry Willard and his wife were given a |
dinner this evening by Hon. William Walter |
Phelps, the United States Minister The |
guests present included the French Min
lister and members of the diplomatic corps
Horace White, of the New York Eue7ting
Post, has left this city for Constantinople in
company with Director Shrader, of the
Deutsch Bank.
The body of Mrs. E. S. Davis, of Boston,
who died recently from acute pneumonia,
has been sent home.
Lily Lehman has Just concluded a sue
cesStul engagement at Krol's theater
Miss Agness McMurdo, daughter of the
Colonel of that name of Delagoa fame, has
left this city for London, where she will
shortly marry Mr.. Silver, of Baltimore.
ENGLAND's NEW RIFLE.
An Expert Pronounces 1t the Best One in