The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-04-15
Meeting of Washington Dip
lOmatS to Consider the
Matter
ONLY MORAL FORCE INVOLVED
EUROPE AT PRESENT HAS NO IDEA
OF GOING ANY BEYOND
THIS POINT

fhe representation, However, VIII
BE Much Stronger Than That Re-
Gently Submitted, Which Was
Only n Politely Expressed Hone
of Peace-Bernabe VIII Accent
No MGre Social Courtesfes, and
Is All Ready to Leave Washing
ton on the Notice of a Moment.
WASHINGTON, April 14-It was
learned tonight in high diplomatic
quarters that an exchange Of notes
had begun between the European capt.
tails with a view to making strong rep
reservations on the Spanish American
situation.
In the same connection an Informal
meeting Of the ambassadors and minis
ters in this city, of the six great powers
of Europe, was held late In the day.
Several of the foreign establishments
received cable advices from their gov
the exchange of notes. This had been
anticipated in view of the prevailing
sentiment in all the foreign quarters
here, that the action thus far taken
in congress made war inevitable.
This common opinion had been off,
cially reported to the several European
capitals, and it was doubtless instru-
mental in starting the active exchange
between the great powers today. The
same exchange occurred week ago
as a. preliminary to the joint note of
the great powers presented TO President
| Mckinley, mildly urging peaceful set
Element with Spain. 1t Is understood,
however, that the present movement is
not of the same mild character as the
| former one
Simultaneous with the opening Of the
exchange word came from Madrid that
the Spanish government was about 10
issue another appeal to the great pow
ers of Europe. 1t Is understood that
this appeal is an initiatory to the con-
certed action Of the powers, and there
is apparent agreement in advance that
the appeal will receive favorable con-
sideration.
SDein's Appeal.
1t is said that Spain's appeal will re-
cite her grievances against the United
States, stating in detail the many con-
cessions she has made, and pointing
out that 1t was in response to the
urgent representation of the six joint
powers that the last concession of an
armistice was granted
If the powers determine to act, their
influence probably will be particularly
directed toward inducing the United
States to grant Spain sufficient time
within which to try the armistice re-
Gently proclaimed. During the recent
joint action of the powers their main
influence was eXerted at Madrid the
only action at Washington being the
courteous expression of hope for peace.
But the present movement contem-
plates that the influence shall be ex-
erted at Washington rather than at
Madrid, and it is the common belief
in diplomatic quarters that the Madrid
authorities have reached the limit of
concessions, and should now be given
adequate time to try what they and
the powers have offered as means
Of restoring peace in Cuba.
There Is no suggestion, however that
this influence at present will be of a
material character, but 1t is expected
to be an assertion of all the moral
influence Of the powers in checking
tendencies which, it is believed, In
evitably will lead to war.
Up to q late hour tonight, word had
not been received at the various for
eign establishments that any common
basis Of Joint action had been reached,
although 1t was the general impress
sion that there would be little difficulty
in arriving at this common ground
In view of the prevailing sentiment
abroad.
Concert Improbable.
1t Is not so certain, however, that
all Of the powers are ready for a step
of this character Germany has of late
shown a disposition to avoid exerting
strong influences on the United States.
Russia Is also thought to be somewhat
Indifferent. France and Austria are
most active in the present movement,
as they were in the former one.
Whether all of the six great powers
are ready to Join in the movement Is
in doubt, and without this united ac-
ton, 1t is felt that the force of such
influence would be lost
The Spanish minister had not been
officially advised up to a late hour to-
night that the meeting Of the Spanish
cortes had been advanced from April
rs to April 20. The press cables from
Madrid were not doubted, however, as
it was thought to be quite probable
that the present grave condition of
affairs would lead to the assembling
Of the cortes at the earliest possible
date. There is no doubt that the cortes
will prepare war budget adequate to
the existing condition of affairs, which
budget will be akin to the $5O,OOO.OOo
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