The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-13
GERMAN SHIPS At MANILA
-FOUR SENT THERE To SEE THAT
THE CITY is NOT BOMBARDED.
Emperor William Said to BE Casting
COvetOus Eyes ON the Philippines,
Samoa and Possibly Hawaii.

LONDON, May 12-There are unmistak-
able signs that the continental powers
have already taken steps to share in the
fruits of the American victory at Manila.
Germany has intimated to the United
States, it is said here, that she expects to
have a voice in the disposition of the Phil
ippine islands, basing her claim on Ger
man interests in those Islands. Diplomats
who are in a position to know the facts
in the case credit the report that Germany
may demand exclusive control of Samoa as
the price of her acquiescence to American
sovereignty over the Philippine islands.
Or, as an alternative, Germany may de-
mand one or more of the Philippine islands.
including harbor suitable for a coal depot
in Hawaii. which promises to add to the
complications.
An evening newspaper to-day publishes
the following from source that is al
legged to be authoritative: cat least three
Of the great powers are determined to pre-
vent America from bringing the war into
European waters. Manila only escaped
bombardment through the active interview
ton of the German consul, acting under the
direct orders of the Emperor. When the
news arrived from Manila that Commodore
Dewey had been ordered to take the place
the German residents sent a pressing re-
quest to Berlin, demanding help and protec-
ton from the double danger of bombard-
ment and exposure to the plundering of the
natives. The response was prompt. The
German consul was instructed to oppose
theoretically ali useless devastation beyond
the proper acts of war, to oppose the de-
barkation of the Americans unless in suffl-
Client force to maintain order, TO protect
the lives and property of Germans, and to
fix the amount of damages sustained by
Germans. Instructions were at the same
time sent to the commander of the German
squadron at Kiaochau bay, and by to-mor-
row four German war ships will be at Ma
Mia.
I'm the meantime three ambassadors, not
including Sir Julian Pauncefote, have made
friendly representations to Secretary Day,
reminding him that, according to the Pres
ident's message, the liberation of Cuba was
the sole object of the war, and that hence
the bombardment of the Cuban coast
towns, which will only add to the distress
of the natives, will be contrary to the
avowed sentiments of the United States.
Coupled with this representation was the
reminder that the rights of European resi-
dents must be respected President Nc
Kinley was impressed with the arg dments.
anu IL was luSl <AulllIell OoLAlpSOA NebS VI
dered to partially raise the blockade of Ha-
vana and to seek to destroy the Spanish
feet"
If the United States takes possession OF
Hawaii during the present war with Spain
it is believed Europe will endeavor to insist
that the occupation of Hawaii was an Incl
dent of the war, end the continental powers
will desire to include Hawaii in the appor-
tionment of territory, perhaps as a partial
offset against the Philippine islands. In the
best informed diplomatic circles confidence
is expressed that the United States will not
be permitted to acquire such strength in
the far East as is involved in the occupa-
ton Of the Philippine islands and Hawaii
without reckoning with the powers. Great
Britain, on the contrary. as the Associated
Press has the best grounds for asserting,
desires the United States to retain the
Philippine islands, even in preference to
taking them herself