Omaha daily bee., 1896-03-03
EUROPEAN POLITICIANS AMAZED.
Believe America Has Changed It's Ira
dltiOnuI Policy.


BERLIN, March 2.-The intentions OF the
American government toward the rebellion.
in Cuba, as indicated by the action of the
United States senate awaken profound In
terest and widespread discussion here, not
only in the press and official circles, but In
ali circles of society. The questions in
volved are not regarded by any means as
being confined in their effects to Spain and
the United States. The Cuban resolution Is
coupled with President Cleveland's Vene-
Zuelan message in the public mind and there
eeems to be deep seated conviction in the
European minds that these incidents mark
q determination on the part Of the United
States government to depart from its time
honored course Of non-interference in Eu-
ropean affairs. The American action on the
Cuban question is, therefore, regarded as
event of the first Importance to the Eu-
ropean world.
As to the opinion held Of 1t here, 1t must
be said Germany and Austria stand amazed,
and neither statesmen nor the publ Enow
how to- regard what they consider as recent
evidence that the United States has formed
an earnest determination TO take an active
part in tho worlds politics hereafter. More
or less speculation Is also given TO the man
ner in which the United States expects to
reap profit by intervening in Cuba and much
argument in the question presumes on the
idea that II is sought to take Cuba from
/ 'A'~
United States.
1t is generally admitted that as a bel
ligerent force. Spain would be no match FOR
the United States in the event OF hostilites
arising out Of the dispute. When 1t comes
to tbe merits Of the case upon which the
United States bases its action, the opinion
holds that Spain's treatment OF Cuba mas
been, and is, brutal and such as to awaken
sentiment of reprobation. But, looking
further to the legal aspects of the case. IL
is considered that Spain is stu within her
rights. which are secured to her by inter-
national law in quelling the rebellion in
every possible way. 1t is not believed in
Berlin that Spain will brook any interference
with her course in Cuba. such as is contem-
plated by the concurrent resolution OF the
senate and the opinion is generally held by
we'll informed politicians in the Reichstag
and in government circles that the Spanish
government will find an ally against the
United States in Europe, should she hnd
herself compelled to fight against the United
States.
The imbroglio has been the subject of in
teresting discussion in the lobbies of the
Rechstag and one hears widely diferlng
views of it expressed. For example, Herr
Richter the distinguished radical leauer,
said to the correspondent of the Associated
press: "The United States has undoubt-
edly become a new and hitherto unconsidered
factor in international politics. AS to the
Cuban question, Spain would be better OIL
to be rid of Cuba from financial point OF
view, as the island costs her more than
il Yields But she would not agree to give
it up, for to do so means for her the abdica-
tion of all pretension as great power IN
Europe"
There is great reserve displayed in gov
ernment circles in expressing any opinion
on the subject as was TO be expected, and
the portion of the press which has official
connections has been silent, At the foreign
Office however, ii was said to the Associated
press correspondent that grave fears were
entertained there that serious international
complications would be the outcome OF the
attitude of the United States toward Cuba
1t may be said in general way that aston
shment was expressed at the turn taken by
American policy.
The press is only just beginning to COM
ment upon the subject and obviously does
not feel very we'll informed upon it, regard
ing It as new subject. The Frankfurter
Zeitung editorially discredits its own dis
patches from New York, alleging that secret
negotiations are in progress between France
and Spain looking to allied opposition to the
intervention by the United States in Cuba.
France is too much engrossed with her
own affairs" the Zeitung thinks, ito go out
of her way to the support Of SFain."
The Vossische Zeitung of this city main
tains a neutral tone in its comments, but
says: Naturally the provccations offered
by the United States have been keenly felt
in Spain" This journal also expressed the
hope that President Cleveland will succeed
in calming the excitement on the Cuban
question in the nation and in congress. 1t
hints that Spain might be willing to sell
Cuba to another power to bridge over the
embarrassment it causes her.
The National Zeitung utters warning to
its readers against undertaking the mean
ing of the latest manifestation by the United
States although it does not mean decisive
plan Of action on the part Of the United
States government. President Cleveland
will doubtless be able to stem the popular
expressions of provocation to Spain, the Ma
tional Zeitung continues, but he will prob
ably be unable to prevent the house of rep
resentatives from supporting the resolution.
1t concludes that the Spaniards' actions de-
cidedly do not chime with the expectations
OF the United States.