Evening star., 1898-04-30
Old Ex-Chancellor Says Germany
Should Not Proclaim Neutrality.
INTERVENE WHEN IT SUITS her
Austria is Also Disposed to Avoid a
Special Declaration.
WOODFORD TO LION

| sign special decla1 alton OF neutrality in
| the war between Spain and the United
| States. He adds:
prince Bismarck thinks that Germany
! must abstain from interference in the con-
| fict of the United States with Spain as
| long as possible, but that she must inter-
fere instantly and most energetically the
moment her interests demand interference.
Therefore. he thinks Germany ought not to
bind her hands by neutrality declarations" +"
Confidence mt Madrid.
The Madrid correspondent of the Daily
Mail says:
I'm consequence of the recent payments
| for the purchase of vessels, a greater num-
Der of which have been acquired than the
people supposed, great confidence is felt
with reference to the coming naval opera
| tions. Admiral Bermejo is in receipt of
constant dispatches with respect to the
movement of the Spanish vessels
The Gibraltar correspondent of the Times
says:
Il am assured by a high naval authority
| that Spain bought 1900 tons of coal be-
fore the outbreak of the ar,and that it was
delivered. AS neither this nor any i'm
rortant quantity reached Cadiz it would
be interesting to know where it has gone,
| II it has arrived
WOOdfords Correspondence.
The Times publishes a letter from Madrid.
which traces up to December 20 last, from
official documents, the course of the nego-
tiations which took place between United
| States Minister Woodford and Senor Gullon,
| the Spanish minister of foreign affairs. The
correspondent. commenting the corre-
spondence, says there was little danger
that peace would be disturbed under Presi-
dent Cleveland, because the Cleveland
cabinet gave distinct assurances that Span
ish sovereignty would be respected, and
President Cleveland was regarded as man
of his word
with the advent of President Mckinley"
continues the correspondent, 'it was re-
marked that all such assurances were
scrupulously avoided, and indications were
given that only short time would be ac
corded for the suppression of the rebellion.
Spain Saw Danger Ahead.
''The Spanish government perceived there
was danger ahead When General Wood
ford arrived he soon let it be known that
he had an important mission to execute,
but he made a distinctly favorable per-
sonal impression by his amiable, concilia-
tory and scrupulously courteous manner,
giving all the Spanish ministers the i'm
preston that he would avoid all unneces-
sary diplomatic friction.
Gradually. in the course of private con-
yersations touching the matter of Ameri-
cas- interests in Cuba. imperiled by the re-
bellion, he gave indications of Americas
desires in the matter, and the idea that the
humane Indignation felt in the United
States at General Weyler's operations
might eventually force the hand of the
Washington government.
''Al this was conveyed in the most guard
ed and conciliatory language, but there
could be little doubt of what was meant.
On September IS. at San Sebastian, General
Woodford had his first interview with the
Duke of Tetuan.
Interview With Tetuan.
"Afte: the customary greetings had been
exchanged General WoOdford declared in
the most positive terms that the President
desired most earnestly peace and friend
ship between Spain and the United States
He then proceeded to read extracts from
his instructions. AS these were lengthy,
delicate and important the Duke of Tetuan
suggested a formal written communication
which he could submit to the cabinet coun-
Gil.
Then followed a desultory conversation
General Woodfoyd indicating Americas de-
sires to tender her good offices to secure
peace the Duke of Tetuan delicately hint
ing that the United States were not doing
their best to stop filibustering. The con-
versation, however, maintained in a
cordial and friendly tone"
Russian Experts Coming
The Vienna correspondent of the Stan
card says:
Russia will send naval experts to the
Spanish and American warships to be eye
witnesses of the battles, if permission is
obtainable, whicn is regarded as doubtful.
The interest of Russia in the war is evil
denced by her leading statesmen in start
ing the idea, which was soon taken up by
their colleagues at Berlin, Paris and Wen
na, that the first real naval battle must be
used for ending the war, which practically
Means pressure on Spain to give up Cuba
because if the war lasts too long it is
thought the United States might create a
powerful navy.
THAT Russia should allow the United
States to retain the Philippines without
ample compensation to Russia and her al
lies appears as doubtful as that the islands
should be allowed to fall into the hands of
England by arrangement with the United
might easily lead to war among the great
Iowers''
First Important War Step.
The departure of the Spanish fleet from
tie Cape Verdes Is regarded as the first
really important news of the war. No fur
tier Information has been received here as
to its destination, but it is considered not
unlikely that it will go to the Canary ISL
ards to await reinforcement from Cadiz
without which it is considered a hopeless
task to attempt to attack Rear Admiral
Sampson's fleet. 1t is also supposed that
Ii may attempt to intercept the American
la tile ship Oregon.
The idea that it will attempt to bernhard
the United States coast cities Is not Sc
riously regarded here. No further actual
news has reached London. where the i'm
mediate fact of interest is the expected
naval battle in the Philippines.
The story that only mule was killed at
Matalz1s during the ombardment of the
forts there furnishes a text for many
humorous remarks in the papers this morn
ing. The Russian official dispatches dur
ing the war of the Crimea are recalled
when il was always admitted that one Cos.