Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1896-03-06

Washington, March 2.-The Spanish
American situation growing out OF re
ports of riots at Barcelona and othei
cities was regarded so seriously by the
president that a special meeting of tn,
cabinet was held last night, though the
call was issued under the guise of a din
ner at Secretary Olney's
Secretary Olney read a letter from
Minister De LONE, inclosing a cable
message he had received from his gov
eminent, directing the Spanish minister
to inform the United States government
that Spain was exerting all her power tc
amply protect the United States legation
and consuls, and he could give assur.
ances that they would be protected from
any harm. Also that Americans visit
ing and residing in Spain would be safe
from attacks of mobs and other riotous
assemblies.
Another communication created pro-
found surprise. 1t was a message from
the Spanish minister of foreign affairs
at Madrid, insisting that the United
States government disavow the action of
the Senate as a condition precedent to
continued friendly relations between
the two governments. The president
and cabinet ministers present were in
clined to excuse the message to some
extent upon the basis of ignorance of
the United States and their form of gov
eminent
The only result of the conference was
a practical agreement that the secretary
of state should promptly respond in
kindly terms to the communication of
Minister De LONE, and thank his gov
eminent for its readiness to protect
Americans and American interests in
Spain. The demand for a disclaimer of
the Senate's resolution will be ignored
The secretary of the navy, purely as
a measure of precaution, will bring an
efficient fleet of war vessels near enough
together to mass them promptly at any
point that may be threatened.
A cablegram from Minister Taylor
reached Secretary Olney early yester-
day evening. 1t was as follows:
"The Minister of State has just called
to express deep regret that a mob had
insulted the Barcelona consulate, break
ing its windows, and offered complete
IL ;,f@ l.
eminent on its own motion had taken
every precaution to sguard the legation
and my residence. have asked no pro-
lection"
1t is perhaps in part owing to these
official advices that the excitement in
Spain over the action of the United
States Senate, leading up to an insult
to the United States Consulate at Bar
celona, fails to find a corresponding re-
flex in Washington, at least in official
circles. Almost everywhere the feeling
is that the affair is not one which neces-
sarily must lead to hostilities.
From the terms of Minister TayIor's
message, it would seem that either him
self or United States Consul Bowen at
Barcelona had previously cabled brief
statement of the attack upon the Con-
sulate, but, if so, the message could not
be obtained here for publication. How
ever, that may be, it is certain that the
Spanish Minister here, Senior De LONE,
was early informed of the trouble at
home and lost no time in communicat
ing to Secretary Olney the facts, with
an assurance that his Government could
De relied upon to do everything that the
oroPrieties required to atone for the
INSULT offered to our consulate.
The best indication that no serious
rouble is expected to follow the BARGE
ona incident is afforded by the course
If affairs in the Navy and War depart
nent, which ran along this morning in
he usual and quiet manner without the
lightest sign of preparation of ships or
roops or military stores, which might
re expected if it were felt that an emer-
,ency existed. {
The prompt action of the Spanish {
Government in so completely meeting t
he demands of outraged international a
tiquette, no doubt is the reason for the
sumption by our Government of this
creme attitude, and in view of the
of the apology for an ]
,cident that 1Uae CLEARLY xyifLo,,t - q. Ill |