The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-10-26
VIEWS OF FOREIGNERS.
Situation Discussed by London Edi-
tors and Madrid Correspondents.

| situation Discussed by London Edf-
tors and Madrid Correspondents.
| LONDON, Oct. 26.--The Tim IS after re-
marking editorially this morning that ''the
| real danger is that America will take some
step to precipitate crisis says: Gen
eral Wcodford's note, like other papers
emanating from Washington, cannot be
construed by the ordinary rules applicable
to diplomatic correspondence. This is for
| tUnate, inasmuch as it contains expressions
which, if they came from European cham
cellerie, must be interpreted as menacing
var. But it is unfortunate, because it
makes the meaning OF the note ambiguous,
that no clear intimation is given of the
consequence of a refusal to acquiesce in
the American demands. The note is ex-
tremely diffuse and abounds in express
sions of friendship and good will toward
Spain; but while it apologies for the earn
| est and positive nature of the language
used on the ground that it is desirable to
prevent misunderstanding between two
friendly nations, that language in fact lacks
| the precision which is usually expected in
documents of this kind. There is the dis
! tinct statement that American interests. are
| suffering and that an attitude of neutrality
cannot be prolonged indefinitely. There is
mention of the concurrent resolution of the
two houses of Congress last year, of the
recent resolution of the Senate and of agi-
tation in the United States. There is an
assurance that public opinion now demands
the recognition of the insurgents as bellig-
| erents.
| In these circumstances it is suggested
that the Spanish government should con-
slider whether it is not time to terminate
the war by proposals consistent with its
dignity, and with the interests of Cuba.
| To this end the government at Washington
| makes tender OF its good offices and calls
on the Spanish government within the
| present month to formulate definite pro-
| posaIs by which that tender may be rem
| dered enective or to give satisfactory as
| Surances that the war will be brought to
| a speedy end. Spain appears to prefer to
| lose Cuba in a war she foreseeS Will be dis
| astrous to her rather than to surrender
| ference to menace. 1t is a foolish choice,
| but the choice of a nation. On the other
hand II President Mckinley and his 3d-
visers are really arInated by the friendly
sentiments they profess they may fairly
consent to the modest demands of the
| SAgasta Cabinet for reasonable period
| to settle the thorny problem handed down
! by their predecessors If this demand is
refused all Spaniards will arrive at the
conclusion that the ugly rumors in circu-
| lation to the financial influences work.
ing behind the jingo agitation are true, and
that President McKinleys plausible words
are merely intended to cover a projected
abuse of superior physical strength.
The Times editorial is based on letters
from Madrid describing the situation, the
| second of which appears to-day dated Oct.
| 1S. The writer, prefacng his remarks by
saying that circumstances and not an
American pressure produced the change of
ministry, adds: Were Canovas still alive
he would probably meet all American rep
| reservations with naughty non possumus.
The Liberals will not go very far in the
opposite direction. But it may be hoped
| that they will not altogether shut their eyes
to diSagreeable realities and will at least
adopt less repellant attitude. Their at
titude will depend upon the conclusion they
arrive at as to the real aims and intentions
of the United States, subject on which
there are considerable differences Of opin-
ion allowable, as General Woodford's note
is capable of various interpretations"
The correspondent theE discusses the note
in practically the same terms as are used
in the editorial. He comments on the fact
hints it's intentions in a manner having
| Grated phrase of diplomacy, vizer
moyens, which, in similar European
ultimatum. The government has deferred
| replying to the note" he continues, lin the
for the results of the Sagasta policy, but
the general opinion Is that this hope will
rot be realized. If the truth must be told,
| are regarded by Spaniards as little beyond
polite phrases signifying, nothing and in
| tended to cover unjustifiably aggressive de-
signs The fact that the insurrection was
| originally Matched in America and is sup
| ported from there is considered proof that
|
tender of their good offices is regarded as
step in that direction.
I'm support of this view the American
| correspondents of the Madrid papers
sert that an American syndicate, with
| enormous resources and with influential
backing at washington is preparing to buy
| factories and industrial undertakings and is
even negotiating with the rebel leaders
| mist government, possibly under the nOmi-
nal sovereignty of Spain, but in any case,
- ~. TY,,sf
States. / understand that the Spanish gov
| ernment possesses a deal of trustworthy
information on this subject. There is no
| aufhorities at Washington sympathize with
| them as is suspected they will not be
| much inclined to walt for the result OF the
| new nolfcv in Cuba, but Will persist in in
| tervention on the ground, according TO tne
Woodford note. not OF Weyiers crueltes'
| ssOn the whole the prospects of General
| Woodford obtaining any satisfactory ar
rangement are not prlgnt furtnerinore, II
would be dangerous error to imagine that
| the Spaniards are playing a game of bluff.
| They know they would be beaten but Cas-
lillian pride is Wiling 10 accept the con-
dI1hii HThis is the burden of official talk here,
| with this addition: We never signed the
| declaration of Paris against privateering
and we ought to be able to destroy Ameri-
can commerce all over the world. Let the
| Americans do their worst. we are ready to
| accept the consequences.
telegraphing yesterday (Monday) says:
| sTTnited States Minister Woodford received
spain's reply to-day (Monday) 1t is said
to be a document of over thirty pages. The
| Spanish papers assert that the government
| will not send q note to the European pow
ers on the question until events compel. 1
understand that this rumor must be re-
| ceiyed with caution, as when the idea of a
| memorandum was first mooted by Senior
Canovas and the Duke of Tetuan it had to
be abandoned under the peremptory repre-
| sentations of American diplomacy
"Since then the powers though very
| friendly have shown no disposition to any
thing more than platonic sympathy FInan-
| cial circles in Spain are more anxious than
political circles. The latter seem to expect
| that the United States will hesitate when
| they see Spain is in earnest"
Gloomy Picture for Spaniards.
MADRID, Oct. "a dispatch just re-
| ceived from Havana has caused consider
| ahlo cir IN r,olitical cirnlaa II dnnlnnas