The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-07
JOINT NOTE PREPARED.
Result of Conferences Between Rep
ertafixea of the Poxxera.

resertatives of the Powers.
WASHINGTON, April Sit was learned
from a reliable diplomatic source to-day
that the ambassadors and ministers Of the
great powers of Europe stationed in Wash
ington and representing Great Britain,
France, Germany, Austria and Italy, at a
meeting held at the British embassy at 4
O'Clock yesterday afternoon, agreed on the
substantial terms of a joint note rendering
the good offices Of the powers to avert war
between the United States and Spain. So
far can be learned the note has not yet
been presented. On the same reliable au-
thority it is stated that the actual text of
the note to some extent was agreed on, if
indeed it was not made up in it's entirety
1t is said not to contain the word media
tion,' but in more diplomatic terms, and in
the most friendly spirit, it suggests the good
offices of the powers. 1t was understood
that also the main purpose of this concerted
action was to temporarily defer the war
crisis for at least a few days, during which
mature action might be shaped. This re-
ported action by the powers is entirely dis
tinct from such steps as Pope Leo may be
taking toward the same general end.
In another high diplomatic quarter it was
strongly intimateA that no doubt existed as
to Great Britain's acting with the other
powers toward a continuance of peace, even
though she sympathized with the Cuban pol
icy of the United States, and the choice of
the British embassy as the place of meet
ing was cited as an evidence of this These
dispatches stated yesterday that the British
government had made known to the State
Department here it's view that the Cuban
conflict should be brought to a close in the
interest Of humanity at large. 1t is eX-
planned that there is no conflict between the
British governments position in expressing
willingness to lend it's good offices towards
securing peace and its refusal in any way
to press the United States in the matter.
The course of the ambassadors and min
listers, as well as their movements within
the last twenty-four hours, have been sur
rounded with uncommon measures Of eau
ton and secrecy. 1t was known last night
that meeting was held at the British en-
bassy late in the afternoon, but all those
participating were so secretive after it had
occurred that no hint escaped as to its pur-
| pert, beyond the inference that it concerned
| the critical condition of Spanish-American
affairs. 1t was not until to-day, however,
that it became known to those having ac-
cess to inner diplomatic circles that the dis
cussion at the embassy took a definite line
and that the course of procedure, as well
| as its form, was not only discussed, but
| largely decided on. OF course, any such ac-
| ton could be taken only a result of in
| StructionS from the several foreign offices
| of Europe, and apparently the mode and
| time Of execution of any instructions is now
| committed to the ambassadors and minis
| tiers at Washington, but, as stated, the in
| StructionS are very limited and merely de-
| signed TO secure peace, If possible, by US
| of European good offices.
There was the same complete reticence In
/ all diplomatic quarters this morning, and
| such action as may have been taken yes
| terday was not followed by any further
| conferences or concerted moves during the
| early part of to-day For the time being
| ing their attention to the Capitol and were
| awaiting with deep interest the expected
| message of the President and its effect upon
Congress. Most Of the foreign establish
| ments were deserted by IL O'Clock In order
| to gain advantageous positions in the diplo-
| matte gallery in the Senate and House.
| The British ambassador started for the
| Capitol shortly before noon, and was fol-
| lowed by practically the entire stan or the
| embassy The French ambassador and his
| staff were among the few who did not go
| to the Capitol.
| The Spanish minister, Senior Polo, re-
manned at the legation during the morning
| and received a number of visitors. The sit
| uation had not changed so far as he was
| concerned and, while continuing to express
| his profound hope for peace, he admitted
| extreme gravity of the situation. Notwith-
| standing this, he is proceeding as though
| affairs were in their customary channel,
| and the legation presented no evidence or
| expected change, of packing or OF prepare
| ton for departure.