Evening journal., 1896-11-13
ENGLAND'S PEACE PLAN
A Proposition For Settling the
Cuban Question.
BRITAIN WOULD ACT AS MEDIATOR

SIR Julian Pauncefote Says His Country
Il Opposed to Conflict DISASTROUS TO
Iiritish Interests--Amsrican Mariners
Subject 60 Annoyancs at Havana.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 18.-The relations Of
this country with the government at Mad
rid have been disturbed by the action of
the Spanish officials at Havana For some
time the latter have been exercising dis
agreeable authority, presumably under in
structions from Madrid, and have caused
much inconvenience and expense TO ship
masters.
Mariners have been subjected 20 all sorts
OF fines and taxes under the guise of violat-
ing harb0r regulations. Some of the levies
have been BADLY without justice and based
on no other reason than that IL was pOssi-
bic TO extort this revenue from American
sources. For a time it appears, no protest
was advanced by individual ship captains,
but the affair has grown so palpable in its
injustice and boldness that the circum-
stances were at last reported TO the state
department by returning mariners.
Secretary Olney at once instructed Min
lister Taylor at Madrid to file protest
against the action of the Havana officials,
together with the demand that the system
should be discontinued without delay. 1t
is such an incident as this, along with 9th
ers equally annoying, which has contrib
uted to the present i'll feeling and led to
the preparations moderately making under
the navy department for any hostile con-
dition which may develop from the situa-
ton.
There are agencies at work, however, ia
prevent any such dire result of diplomatic
incompatibility, and the friendly efforts
of the British embassy in this city have al.
ready been advanced in behalf of peace and
an amicable adjustment Of the numerous
differences Of opinion between this coun
try and Spain.
England Favors Peaceful Settlement.
Sir Julian Pauncefote, who represents
the British government at this capital, has
called on the president several times i'm the
past few days and has presented arguments
in favor Of peaceful settlement of all diff
ficulties.
1t is even asserted that the good offices
of the British government to that desira-
ble end have been proffered. 1t is known
that the British foreign Office is observing
the situation with much keenness and is
prepared TO perform the friendly service OF
mediator at any time rather than witness
conflict which shall prove disastrous to
British property and British investments
in Spain.
The diplomats who were willing to talk
about this phase Of the affair were united
in the belief that the president would neg
lect no opportunity to terminate the
affair with honor to this country in the
interest of peace and to the sustenance OF
our commercial relations. While the offers
from the British embassy, made directly
and personally through Sir Julian by yir
tue Of his rank as ambassador, We're ad
mitted TO count for much, it was also in
sisted that If the situation should get s,
serious as to require such influences it wal
doubtful IL much could be accomplishe,
by the government at London.
1t is believed by those who keep posteJ
on the various cases pending between th,
two countries that it will require mucl
persuasion on the part of this country {,
secure the desired Acknowledgements yer
bal and material, from the Spanish gov
ernment. 1t remains for developments o
the next few months TO determine whether
the controversies can be disposed Of by The
lcl or with fleets of warships and armies
of soldiers
IL is expected that within the next six oi
Fgyca weeks 1t will become known whether
thc Spanish affair can be settled by th'
U-unl methods Of diplomatic negotiations
Cie ull,ciul said that he did not cxpec
anything decisive before Jan. 1, by whicl
tiae iie felt sure that whatever was plan
i..i either TO transpire here or at Madri,
N.nll hnve occurred and that the atmos
y ereNvould be perceptibly cleared or thicl
NJ IA Warclcuds.