New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-11-14
GERMAN CONCILIATORY.
EMPEROR'S VISIT SAID NOT TO BE A
POLITICAL MOVE.
berlin GOVERNMENTS ASSURANCE OF GOOD
FAITH APPARENTLY VOLUNTARY


FAITH APPARENTLY VOLUNTARY
Washington. Nov. lat is understood that
assurances have been given by the German
Government that the visit Of Emperor William
OF Germany to Spain Is entirely devoid Of Off
cal character or significance. that the official
trip OF the imperial party ended when It left
Palestine. and that the proposed stop at Cadiz
and Cartagena is largely a health precaution in
behalf Of the Empress, as the sea trip would be
long and arduous II unbrOken by these stops at
the Spanish ports. The assurances appear 10
be voluntary on the part OF the Berlin officials.
and to be in line with the care taken in that
quarter OF late to minimize and remove the bad
impression caused by several incidents occur
ring during the recent war. The State Depart
ment had not so far az is known. taken cogni-
zance OF the Emperors movements. and certain
ly there was no purpose Of inquring 10 the
visit to Spain. although this action by the En-
peror was looked upon as rather inopportune.
to say the least. when the peace negotiations
with Spain are at a critical juncture and when.
technically. the still exists
AT the same time Germany has constantly
reiterated her neutral and friendly att .ude and
the Emperor himself took occasion in his last
address to the Reichstag to give strong express
sion to the German purpose to maintain the
strictest impartalty between this Government
and Spain. At the same time. the officials here
and in Berlin have recognized that strong pub
lie sentiment of animosiy being developed
between the people Of the two countries. and
steps have been taken to offset this far as
possible.
The last move in that direction at a
recent dinner given by Chancellor Won Bdlow
at Berlin to Andrew d. White. the United States
Ambassador and DR.. Won Holleben. the Ger
man Ambassador TO the United States. now
visiting in Germany. 1t was intended that the
new Assistant Secretary of State Mr.. Hill.
should be one of the guests. but he was de
tained in Holland. Private advices received
here by officials state that the meeting was i'm
portant. as furnishing opportunity for a
free and full discussion Of all that has threat
ened TO estrange the two Governments. and for
the establishment OF a much friendly
derstanding.
1t is recognized. however. among officials.
state and diplomatic that while official senti-
ment is satisfactory there continues to be an
undercurrent OF I'll feeling with the public and
press OF the two countries For this reason the
present move OF the Emperor in stopping at the
Spanish ports causes something of shock I'm
diplomatic quarters. as it is felt to be one more
obstacle. 1t is with view OF minimizing the
effect of the visit that the assurances are now
communicated as TO It's non-ofiicial character.
The suggestion that the Emperor may be asked
by Spain to act as arbitrator between the United
States and Spain in case the Philippine issue
becomes acute is dismissed absurd. on the
ground that such plan would be considered
for a moment unless both countries .olned in
request for It. The arrival Of the Emperor at
Cadiz and Cartagena is awaited with consider
able apprehension by the German authorities,
II may give rise TO a Spanish popular demon
stration open to misconstruction in this coun-
try. With view OF avoiding such affair,
the German Charge d'Afaires at Madrid has
been instructed to inform the Spanish Govern
ment Of the strictly unofficial character of the
Emperor's visit.