The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1896-12-24
ACTION OF SENATE COMMITTEE
CAUSED LITTLE EXCITE
MENT IN LONDON.
THE OPINION IN SPANISH CIRCLES
Over the Matter-News From the
Philippines of Spanish Cruelty
to Prisoners.

| London, Dec. 19.-(Copyrighted, 1896,
by the Associated Press.)-ln spite Of the
flaming news placarded on the action of
the foreign relations committee of the
United States senate in agreeing to re-
port the resolution for the recognition of
the republic of Cuba, it has not caused
excitement in London. Most of the poll
ticians are out of town and the bankers
and brokers were unmoved. There was
call Oh the Stock Exchange in Ameri-
can and Spanish securities out of SYM
pathy with the downward movement re-
ported from Wall street, but it was
shortly followed by a recovery. The
manager of the Bank of Spain and Eng
land said he did not expect any general
fluctuations as result of the regret
table action of the senate committee.
He added that the rate of exchange so
far had not changed and remains firm,
steadied largely by the recent success of
Spanish loan. .
Continuing, he said of course there had
been excitement in Marid, but some ac-
ton by the senate had been considered
inevitable. 1t will no doubt increase the
feelings which Spain will manifest dur
ing the next few days. But do not look
for any marked change on the financial
situation. .-.
Howard Potter, of Brown, Shipley &
Co., does not regard any change in the
financial situation to be imminent and
other bankers and brokers who have been
interviewed on the subject expressed the
same opinion. A leading member of the
Spanish colony and a gentleman holding
an official position, said: 1.-THE Spanish
colony in London is too few to be of
much Importance. Our leading. mer-
chants in the cork and wine trades are
greatly grieved at the attitude taken by
the American business houses in regard
to Cuba and they still more regret that
Antonio Maceo was assassinated. He
was brave man, as shown by his facing
the enemy, when chance shot happily
aimed by Spanish soldier killed him.
In official Spanish circles in London it
is not believed any difficulty will ensue.
Spain's government, it is claimed, is
acting with prudence and with the high
est degree of craftsmanship. The effect
of the senate's action in Spain will not
be known for a few days, owing to in
terrupton of the land wires on account
of the severe weather and government
censorship of kilograms. Although the
censorship is not as rigorous at present,
still Jealous eye is kept on dispatches
cmanating fram Madrid and elsewhere.
Private letters received here from Ma
Mia, capital of the Philippine Islands,
state that the Spaniards there are resort
ing to torture in order to eXtort confess
sions from captured insurgents and sus-
poets. The instruments of torture used
are from the times of the inquisition and
consist of thumb screws, Spanish boots"
etc, which are still preserved there.
Mascagni has just finished a new opera.
The scene is laid in Japan. The compos-
or was paid an enormous sum for the
opera by publishers. ,..--.. ...
A preliminary meeting of the supporters
of the queens commemoration fund, for
placing the jubilee institute for nurses
upon a national basis, was held at eros
venor House on Wednesday. The insti-
tute was founded in 1887 by the queen,
who gave 10000 pounds toward it. The
Duke of Westminster, who presided. read
a letter from Miss Florence Nightingale,
approving the plan. 1t is stated that al
though subscriptions have not been in
vted large amount is already in hand.