The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-05
NEGOTIATIONS 1T MADRID
THE POPE'S OFFER TO ACT AS ME-
DIATOR ACCEPTED BY SPAIN.
Armistice in Cuba to Be PrOcla lined
Bring About Peace in the Island.

WASHINGTON, April 4-One of the
phases of the Cuban question that assumed
much interest here to-day was European
mediation, which now has taken an active
form in the courts of Europe, according to
advices received at foreign embassies here
though no proffer has been made to the
United States. Members of the Cabinet and
the friends of President Mckinley in Con-
gress, in discussing European or papal
mediation, declared that these material and
moral powers must exercise their suasion
on Spain, for this government will insist
on independence of Cuba as an ultimate
sine qua non, unless the insurgents them
selves should consent to less, and this they
have fatty refused to do. Speaking on this
point one of the Cabinet officers said to-
day: You can say for me that all the pow
erS of Europe and the heads of all the
churches may propose mediation to Spain
If they desire, but the United States will
positively not listen to mediation of any
kind that does not lead to the acceptance of
our condition, which is independence for
Cuba"
Notwithstanding the many reports of
European mediation they assumed their
first tangible form this afternoon, when at
least two of the foreign establishments in
Washington received official information
that an exchange of notes between the
great powers was now In progress with a
view to arriving at basis on which they
could make joint proposal for mediation.
It Is evident that the exchange has not yet
been productive of common understand
ing, as the ambassadors and ministers at
Washington have not yet received instruc-
70 init To mo oY1f Thoir
information thus far is that the notes are
passing by telegraph between the capitals
of Europe. 1t had been understood that
France and Austria were most active in
bringing about this movement, and that
Great Britain had held aloof from it. but
it developed to-day that the British gov
eminent was also taking part in the ex-
change and that in, case of concerted ac-
ton by the powers Great Britain probably
would act with the others.
ONE OBJECT OF THE POWERS
What common ground the powers are
seeking to reach can only be conjectured
The Spanish government seems to be hope
full of results from tnis movement and this
inspired additional ground for the belief
that it will not be regarded with favor by
the United States. The diplomats, however
think that if a common understanding was
reached by the great powers of Europe such
suggestions as these combined powers might
make could not be lightly set aside. The
general view of the diplomats is that the
movement is not SO much one towards rec
onciling the United States and Spain as it is
TO preserve the peace of the world by COM
bined action. Spain's policy in this matter
is one of urging on the European powers
that if Cuba was free from Spanish sove-
reignity, the next move under the Monroe
doctrine would be to bring an end of Eu-
ropean control over other West Indian pos
sessions. Great Britain, France and Den
mark have interests i'll that locality. In
other quarters it was stated that the infiu-
ence of he powers was more likely to be
exerted on Spain, in urging her to the larg-
est possible measure Of concession.
President Mckinley announced to-day to
a leading member of Congress, who has the
confidence of the administration, that there
was no truth in the reported mediation of
the Pope in the Cuban incident and that he
(the PresidenD had no knowledge of it
whatever Several other persons who con-
ferred with the President in the course of
the day inquired about 1t and received the
response that if the Pope contemplates me-
diation this government knew nothing of
r. The chairman Of one of the most i'm
nOrtant committees III OOnSACSSB JUST dAbCA
emerging from the executive chambers,
promptly stamped the Spanish statement of
mediation between Spain and the United
states as a Madrid roorback. why should
the Pope mediator" he said. There is
notbing to mediate. / do not believe the
stem IS contemplated. Why, the Deity is
tba only one who should be recognized to
stem in between the two. Why, regarded
the statement in such light that 1t never
occurred to me to even mention"
LEO IS ALFoNSO'S GODFATHER.
while no offer of mediation has been made
bv Pope Leo XIII to the United States,
since the Vatican never initiates a tender
If its services as mediator or arbitrator, and
This country has made no such request,
there is little doubt that unofficial repre-
sensations have been made as to the deep
interest felt by the Pope in the preservation
of ueace There is reason to believe, how
ever. that the Popes influences ar5 being
exerted much more directly and with great
err effect at Madrid than at Washington.
Pope Leo is the godfather of Alfonso XIII.
the young King of Spain, and Pope Pious
TX was the godfather of Alfonso XII. the
late King Of Spain. This indicates the great
influence which the Vatican exercises over
the Spanish dynasty. the royal family and
the country at large being thoroughly Cath
olic Owing to this, it is not doubted that
the influence Of the Pope would be most i'm
portant and probably decisive in inducing
Spain to make every concession possible to-
ward the maintenance of peace. Further
more, it Is known officially that these infiu-
ences are being exerted at the present mo-
ment, and that they promise to be pro-
dnctive Of results.
Sir Julian Pauncefote the British anbaa-
sador. made q short call on Judge Day To-