The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-03-03

DENSE IGNORANCE OF SPAIN,



Washington CITY. March 2-Tne spanish
American situation growing oct % the re-
ports % riots AZ Barcelona snd other cities
In Spain was REGARDED 90 seriously by the
president that a social meeting OF the eaos-
nes was hesd last night The call was IS
sued urfer tire ggsse 5f dinner a. Secfe~
tRry Oiney'E. Secretary Olney read iet-
Ter from Minister Dc LONE. enclosing ca
bic message be had received from hGs gov
eminent. directing the Spanish minister 10
Inform the United States government that
Spain was exertI1g all her power 70 amply
protect the United States legation and con-
s9latss. ard he could give assurance tnst
they woGid be protected from any harm
Also that Americans visiting and residing
II Spain would be safe from attacks OF raobs
ard other riofous assemblies
Another Communication created profound
surprise. IL was message from the Span
lsh minister OF foreign affairs az Madrid.
insisting that the United States govern
raeut dtsaxow the action OF the senate as
a condition precedent 20 continued friendiy
relations between the two governments.
The president and cabinet ministers pres
ent were inclined 10 excuse the message 70
some extent upon the basis or Ignorance or
the United States and their form Of gov
eminent. The only result OF the confer
enee WAS a practical agreement that the
secretary OF state should promptly respond
sn kindly terms 10 the communication or
Minister de Lone and thank bis government
for its readiness 10 protect Americans ana
American interests In spain. The demand
for a disclaimer Of the senAts's resolution
will be ignored
The secretary of the navy. purely as a
measure OF precaution. VIII bring an eff
Gent feet OF war vessels near enough 10
be able 70 mass them promptly at any polns
that may be threatened
A cablegram from Minister Taylor
reached Secretary Olney early yesterday
evening as follows: 1.-The minister OF state
has Just called 20 express deep regret that
the mob had fnsulted the Barcelona con-
siIate. breaking the windows. and he of
fered complete reparation. He informed
me- that the government on its own motion
had taken every precaution 20 guard the
legation and my residence. / have asked
no protection"
II "a. perhaps, I'm part owing 10 these off,
cial advicss that the excitement In spain
over the action Of the United States senate,
leading I'D 70 the Insult 10 the United States
consulate at Barcelona. fails TO End cor
responding reflex IA Washington City. at
least In official circles Almost everywhere
ths feeling II that tbs affair is not one
which necessarily must lead 10 hostilities.
From the terms Of Minister Tayior's
message IL would seem either himself or
United States Consul Bowen, al BARGE
Iona, had previously cabled a brief state
ment OF the attack upon the consulate. but
IL so the message could not be obtained
here for publication. However that may
be- II IL certain that the Spanish minister
here. Senior de LONE. was early informed
OF the trouble at home. and lost no time
yesterday In communicating TO Secretary
Oiney the facts. with an assurance that
his government could be relied upon TO do
les
10 atone for the insult offered 10 our con-
sniate. OF course. President Cleveland
was at once advised OF the state of af-
fairs in Spain. and later I'm the evening
Secretary Olney communicated the facts
TO few members OF the cabinet at his
own house. where they had gathered for
dinner.
The best indication that no serious trou-
BILE is expected to follow the Barcelona in
cident is afforded by the course of affairs
In the navy ana war departments. which
ran along this morning in the same usual
quiet manner. without the slightest sign
OF preparation OF ships or troops or mill
tAry stores. which might be expected IL IL
were felt that an emergency existed. The
prompt action OF the Spanish government
in so completely meeting the demands OF
outraged international etiquette Is no
doubt the reason for the assumption by
our government OF this serene and fore
bearing attitude. and. In view OF the
thoroaghness OF the apology for an incl
dent that was clearly without Official sane
ton and IL charxeahle 10 irresponsible
students on q holiday. it Is improbable
that our government VIII take further
notice OF the anair beyond instFucting
Minister Taylor 90 acknowledge IN suitable
terms our scceptance Of the spanish dis
clalmer.
The news ~ the spanish dtsssoWal Was
read wlth interest hy seiaators and rep
ressntatives. Senator Gray. 81 the foreign
rviatious committee. ssid that course was
TIE only one for spain 90 rursae lie add
81 that Il was not TIE place Ter the United
States. a It's. strong nation. % become
excited ever the ehuiluous % the people
90 spain. huf 20 Cs'miy and Gisp4ssionate-
III % ear ats withoui regard 90 anything
that might - 6one ~ IRE people 90 GER
ssfm fsasssqsafsGf4ea a. Nnafn