The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-08-17
THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF sUc-
CESS.


The change in public opinion in
France, a next door neighbor and a
bondholder on Spain, as reflected by
its newspapers between the time Of be-
ginning and the ending Of the war has
been remarked and 1t now appears that
a similar change has taken place in
Germany and to an extent in Spain IT.
self.
Though 1t may not be charged that
the German people or the government OF
the empire have SO cordially sympa-
thized with the cause of the fallen Don
as would appear from the utterances
of the newspapers OF that country,
there has yet been much to indicate a
state of feeling with both government
and people decidedly irritating to our
government and people and it is clear
that Germany lost an excellent oppor-
tunity to demonstrate a friendly feel
Ing for our country when 1t would have
cost her nothing. Instead Of seixing
that opportunity. however, her news
papers have reflected a most bitter
sentiment and under the guise Of pro-
tecting German interests in the Philip
pines squadron of German ships was
sent to Manila powerful enough toover-
match Dewey and that was direct
encouragement to the Spaniards there
and to the government at Madrid.
Germany, however. seems to be COM
Ing to her sober thought and senses.
with rather more reluctance and less
graciousness. however, than has mark
ed the similar change in France. Some
OF her newspapers have gone so far as
to admit the irritation her conduct
caused us and to deplore the mlstrust
occasioned. Reviewing the German
mistake one Of the German newspapers
OF recent date says: newspapers
which have the reputation OF being
Official have steadily insulted the Amer
leans and imputed to them the most
contemptible motives. No one need
wonder, under these circumstances.
that the repeated assurances of the
German ambassador in washington as
to the neutrality and unselfishness Of
Germany have not been able to do
away with the general distrust in
America, especially when not a single
word of blame has been heard from any
German authority against these at
tacks. While only a short time time
ago, for instance. an official warning
was sent out against the stirring of Ill
feeling against England in certain ex-
portation journals. nothing OF the kind
was done with regard to the United
States of America, and yet our extern
sive business interests with the great
republic were more threatened by these
attacks than was the case with Eng
land"
II is likely that official Germany and
newspaper Germany have learned
good deal In the past three months that
ought to be of advantage to the cor
dial relations presumed TO exist be-
tween the young giant monarchy OF
Europe and the giant Republic of the
Western hemisphere. Meantime, we
find. too. in the spanish press recog-
milton of the power that has put so
much bitterness upon their country,
one newspaper in Madrid going so far
as TO quote the opinion of the famous
General Prim. who was in the United
States during the Civil War. to the
effect that for all the European opinion
TO the contrary. the Republic has mill
itary spirit so strong that no nation
could hope TO impose upon her without
coming 10 regret It.
And I'm marked and happy contrast
TO the attitude Of France and Germany
has been that OF Italy. which. though
Latin race. has In no way that we can
recall indicated unfriendliness and
that was the first power 70 offer on