The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-03
GERMANS AMAZED.
They Think Americans Have Changed
Their Tfne-Honored Policy


Their Tiine-HOnored Policy.
Copyright, 1885, by the Associated Press)
BERLIN, March 1.-The intentions of the
American government towards the rebel
lion in Cuba, as indicated by the action of
the United States Senate, awaken profound
interest and whispered discussion here not
only in the press and official circles, but in
all classes of society. The questions in
volved are not regarded by any means rs
being confined in their effects TO Spain and
the United States. The Cuban resolutions
are coupled with President. Cleveland's Ven
ezuelan message in the public mind, AMI
there seems to be a deep-seated conviction
in the European mind that these incidents
mark a determination on the part of the
United States government TO depart from
its time-honored course OF nonntervention
in European affairs. The American action
on the Cuban question is therefore regarded
as an event of the first Importance to the
European world. AS to the opinion held of
1t here, it must be said that Germany and
Austria stand amazed, and neither states
men nor the public know how TO regard
what they consider as recent frequent evil
dences that the United States has formed
new determination to take an active part
hereafter in the worlds politics.
More or less speculation is given, also, to
the manner in which the United States ex-
poets to reap profit by intervening in Cuba
and much of the argument on the question
proceeds on the presumption that it is
sought to take Cuba from Spain for the
purpose of adding it to the United states
1t is generally admitted that as a belligar-
ent force Spain would be no match for fhe
United States in the event of hostilitles
arising out of the dispute. When it comes
to the merits of the case on which sne
United States bases its action the opinion
holds that Spains treatment of Cuba has
been and is brutal. and such as awakens a
sentiment of reprobation. But, looking fur
ther to the legal aspects of the case. it is
considered that Spain Is still within ner
rights, which are secured to her by inter-
national law, in quelling rebellion in any
1t is not believed in Berlin that Spain will
brook any interference with her course in
Cuba, such as is contemplated by the con-
current resolution of the Senate. and the
opinion is generally held by wel-informed
politicians in the Reichstag and in govern
ment circles that the Spanish government
VIII find an ally. against the United States
in Europe should she find herself compelled
to fight against the United States.
The imbroglio has been the subject of IN
terested discussion in the lobbies of the
Reichstag. and one hears widely differing
views OF II expressed. For example. Herr
said: THE United States has undoubtedly
become new and hitherto unconsidered
factor in international politics. As to the
CUBAN question Spain would be better OF
TO be rid of Cuba from the financial point
of view, as the island costs her more than
| 1t yields. But she would not agree TO give
| 1t up, for TO do so means for her the abji-
cation OF All pretension as a great power
| in Europe
| There is great reserve displayed in gov
ernment circles in expressing opinion on
| the subject. was to be expected, and the
! portion or the press which has official con-
| nectioDs has been silent. At the. Foreign
Office, however, il was said that grave fears
| were entertained there that serious interna-
| tional complications would be the outcome
of the attitude OF the United States towards
| Cuba 1t may be said in a general way that
| everywhere astonishment was expressed at
the turn taken by, American policy.
The press is only just beginning to COM
| ment on the subject, and obviously does not
| feel very well informed on IL, regarding II
as new subject: dispatch TO the Frank
furter Zeitung from New York says that
| great distrust has been created there by the
report that secret negotiations are In prog
ress between France and Spain, which. 1t is
| stated, refer to the diplomatic attitude OF
Franco against intervention by the United
| States I'm Cuba The dispatch adds: The
] contingency has been reckoned with in New
| France by the cession of islands such as the
Canaries, or at the expense Of Morocco.
| Many French holders OF Spanish and Span
| ish-Cuban loans are urging the French gov
ernment to protect them" The Frankfur-
| ter Zeitung editorially d.scredits the dis
| patch. France Is too much engaged with
her own affairs" the paper thinks. Ito go
| out OF her way TO the support OF Spain'
| The Nossische Zeitung. of this city. main
tains neutral tone in its comments. but
| says: Naturally, the provoditions offered
| by the United States have been keenly felt
! in SPAIN. This Journal also expresses the
hope that President Cleveland will succe d
| In calming the excitement on the CUBAN
| question IN Congress and i'm the Nation. IL
| thinks Sfhin might re willing 10 sell or
| afOfler
| the embarrassment IL causes her
Tie National Zeitung utters a warning 10
| its readers against undertaking the mean
| ing OF the latest manifestation OF the Unit "a
| States. although IL does not mean a decisive
plan of action on the part Of the United
| States government President Cleveland
will doubtless be able 10 stem popular AK
pressions OF provocation to SPAIN the Ma
| tional Zeitung continues. but he VIII prob
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