Evening star., 1898-06-15

A clear, positive and unequivocal denial
is made at the State Department of the ac-
cLracy of the London publication reciting
that the United States. government has
been notified either directly or Indirectly
of any purpose on the part of Germany to
interfere with the operations of the United
States naval and military forces in the
Philippines.
The stories are a repetition of those
printed some time ago in British papers to
the effect that the German consul at Ma.
Mia had threatened Admiral Dewey with
the German Asiatic fleet in ease be re-
fused to admit provisions 10 Manila.
The London publication is correct how.
ever, to the extent of saying thar Secretary
Day has received certain definite notifica-
tions. Their character, however is direct
ly the reverse OF the alleged notification
specified in London.
In brief, the German authorities have
made IL clear that none of the reports at
tributirg to Germany a purpose to make
an issue in the Philippines is warranted.
1t has been pointed out that Germany,
ike all other nations, protects her citizens
and interests residing abroad. If these
interests at Manila or elsewhere are
jeopardized by a critical condition of
affairs, then it is quite likely that German
ships will BE- on hand to afford German
citizens and property such adequate pro-
lection as is consistent with state of war.
Does Not Mean Intervention.
But this natural and necessary protection
of German citizens and German property,
it is pointed out officially, is quite different
from purpose of territorial acquisition. or
of forcibie intervention between the bellig-
erents. As tc this latter move IL ia de,
clared with the greatest positiveaess that
Germany has never contemplat led it either
alone or in conjunction with other powers.
1t Is authoritatively stated also that no
move is at present being made IN that d.
recton, and that the reports alleging to
give specific details of the move are pure
faDrications.
1t is noted that these reports have come
mainly from three sources-Hong Kong,
Shanghai and London-and the official opin-
ion, government and diplomatic. is practi-
cally made up that the renewal of these
reports from three widely separated British
sources discloses the unofficial and unau-
thorfzed source of inspiration.
Have an EVIL Purpose
The publications in European newspapers
of articles attributing to Germany an In
tention to interfere with the plans of the
United States respecting the conduct of the
Philippines campaign, and the final DISPOSE
ton Of those islands, have become so per.
sistent and numerous to arouse the sus-
picion among the officials here that they
are inspired by an evil purpose.
II can be stated in the most positive terms
that the government of the United States
has accepted unhesitatingly and without
question the expression by the German gov
ernment of its steadfast determination to
adhere strictly to the observance of neu-
trality in the present war.
Although Germany, unlike the other Eu-
ropean powers, save Austria. has refrained
from issuing a formal declaration of neu-
trality, the State Department here under
stands perfectly we'll that there are good
and sufficient domestic reasons for this
course in the case of Germany, while the
expressed determination of German officials
to observe neutrality in spirit is accepted
as sufficient for all purposes.
Moreover, II is recalled here that strong
er than the expression of any of the Ger
man representatives upon this subject was
the statement of Emperor William himself,
which, of course, cannot be questioned.
The natural conclusion to be drawn from
these facts is that some European power
is striving coverty to incite ill-win be-
tween the United States and Germany and
with a view to benefiting Itself.