The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1897-10-01
OUR ATTITUDE TOWARD SPAIN

Governments Of European Nations Be-
coming Greatly Observation-Disclosures to
Learn the Text Of Minister woodford's
Instruction..
Washington, September "a num-
Der Of the foreign representatives have
returned from their summer trips,
some of them temporarily and others
to open the embassies and legations
for the winter. Baron Won Hengel
Muller, the minister from Austria-Hun-
gary, came a for a day, leaving
again this afternoon. His visit caused
some comment in connection with the
reports that the Austrian government
is about to protest against the killing
Of a number OF Austro-Hungarians at
the recent miners trouble at Halle
ton, Pa
Mr.. Charles F. F. Adams, first Sec
rotary OF the British embassy, and
charge d'affaires i. the absence of Sir
Julian ~Pauncefote, has returned from
Observation-Disclosures, and the Brit
ish embassy is reopened permanently.
He saw Secretary Sherman, 1t was "a
social visit and is said to have had no
significance in connection with Behring
sea or Cuban questions.
The Spanish minister, Dupuy de
LONE, left this afternoon for Lenox. He
did not call at the state department
again today<an up to the time of his
departure there has been no develop
ments at Madrid on the Cuban ques-
ton. The return Of the queen regent
to Madrid yesterday permits the hold
ing Of a abine council before which,
it is said, any definite action on the
part of Spain would be determined.
The regular meeting day Of the coun-
Gil is Thursday, but from the departure
Of the minister, it is concluded that no
important action by the council Is ex-
pected in the immediate future.
The relations between the United
States and Spain has become the main
subject of among diplomatic
officials, some of whom are communi-
eating with their home governments as
to the status Of affairs. The cable re-
| ports from various European capitals
! that our ministers abroad have learned
that Austria was favorable to an alli-
ance with Spain and that Germany and
France were considering what action
European powers should take in the
event of American intervention, has
given the Cuban question a new and
broad significance to foreign represen-
IdUlVeS mere. AC ledSC one U luc CHI
bassies has been directed to keep it's
foreign office fully advised Of all de-
velopments, and this, it is believed, p
plies to all the leading foreign estab-
lishments. There is a general desire
to get the exact text Of Minister Wood
ford's instructions. AS to these, the
state department maintains the same
! reticence to diplomatic officials hat it
does to the general public. The pres
ence Of the Spanish minister has per-
mitted an exchange of courtesy and
confidence. The general conclusion
among diplomats, n the n which
they are conveying to their govern
ments is that the WOodford in
%structions do not embOdy an ultima
tum." At the same time these officials
take the view that the United States
has taken an advanced position, al
though not one involving any present
critical issue.
In commenting on the. situation, a
diplomat from one Of the countries
forming the triple alliance said that
the report Of Austria's attitude was of
interest, owing to Austria being a
member of the dreibund of Germany,
Italy and Austria; but added that it
was generally understood the alliance
and to be mutually defensive, rather
thar offensive. For this reason he did
not believe it would apply If Austria
! became the ally of Spain, as that would
be a voluntary action of Austria in be-
half of Spain and not one in defense OF
the integrity Of it's territory.