Evening star., 1898-04-30
NO PROTEST BY POWERS
American Fleet in the Pacific to Be Left
Undisturbed.
German Warships VIII Simply Look
After the Interests of German
Residents on the Islands,

1t is semi-officially stated in the highest
diplomatic quarters, representing France
and Germany, that no protest or represen-
tation OF any character respecting the op-
erations of the American fleet at the Philip
pine Islands has been made, or is likely to
be made. 1t can be stated also that
neither the German nor the French am
bassador at Washington has received any
instructions touching this subject and the
idea is secuted that such representations
have been entertained in official quarters.
The report that German warships have left
kiao-Cnou bay for the Philippines in or
der to interpose armed resistance to
bombardment. is denied. If German war
ship has left Nagasaki for Manila, as re-
ported by cable, it is said her purpose is to
protect German residents there, and not to
plo lotest. Those best acquainted with the
attitude of Germany and France dismiss
the reports Of protests as eroundless These
reports it is pointed out, emanate from
Madrid, and are shrewdly designed to pro-
woke irritation in this country against
France and Germany.
So far as France is concerned, she is said
to have no important interests in the Phil
ippines. Her nearest interests are those at
Tonquin. A leading diplomatic official. in
uiSNhSS.iiS tiie - sdl0 liidl IL ltlS
States designed territorial extension in
the Philippines. then possibly the European
pc wers might feel warranted in seeking an
explanation. He said, however, that 1t
was obvious that the United States hac no
such territorial purposes. and that, lacking
tt csc, Its effective conduct of the war was
a subject solely for this country to Ceter-
rline
Gcrmany's Interests.
Germany's interests in the Philippines
are more extensive than those of France
but the German authorities have every
confidence that these interests will be safe
guarded and that no territorial Questions
will arise.
Germany has not yet issued a proclama-
lion of neutrality. and it is now accepted
as settled in diplomatic circles that no
formal proclamation will be issued. This
it is explained, is not unusual, so far as Ger
many is concerned, but is part of her gen.
eral policy of refraining from DEGREES of
neutrality, while at the same time main
tanning strict neutrality. The last instance
of this course, prior to the present, was
when Germany withheld u neutrality de-
cree during the Turco-Grecian war. 1t is
said that the orders already issued against
the shipment of contraband goods are
y.
Moreover. neutrality is explained to be a
rule of guidance for the subjects of a neu-
trail nation, and not the defining of an atti-
tude toward belligerent power. For this
latter reason the British decree of neu-
trality has not been officially communicate
ed to the United States government. as the
decree is held to be applicable to British
subjects, the effect toward the United
States being merely an incident of this in
ternal neutrality.
Germany and Cuba.
The German government is at present
paying greater attention to the situation in
Cuba than the Philippines. The German
cruiser Geier is now at Havana, ready to
take off German subjects if the necessity
arises. France has a war ship at Havana,
one at St. Thomas and third at San Juan
Porto Rico. The French ships are small,
and it is expected that three or four large
ships will soon be added to the French
fleet in West Indian waters. This may ac-
count for the activity in French ship yards,
a. repprted by cable.