The San Francisco call., 1898-04-05
POWERS MAY
 PREVENT WAR Notes Are Being Ex- changed by the Eu-
 rOpean Capitals. Great Pressure Brought to Bear That Is Likely to Compel
 Spain to Yield. What Common Ground the Powers Arc Seeking to Roach Can Only
 Be Conf njectured.
Special Dispatch to Tho Call.
Call Office, Riggs House.

Call Office, Riggs House.
 Washington, April 4.
 Notwithstanding the many reports of European mediation they assumed their first tangible form this afternoon when at least two of the European establish ments in Washington received notifl- cation that the exchange of notes be- tween the great powers was in prog ress, with a view of arriving at a basis on which they could make joint pro- posal for mediation. It Is evident that the exchange has not yet been produc- tive of common understanding, as the Ambassadors and Ministers at Wash ington have not yet received instruc- tions to initiate the movement. Their only information thus far is that the notes are passing by telegraph between the capitals of Europe. It had been un- derstood that France and Austria were most active in bringing about this movement and that Great Britain had held aloof from 1t, but it developed to- day that the British Government was also taking part in the exchange and that in case of concerted action by the powers Great Britain would probably act with the others.
 What common ground the powers are seeking to reach can only be conjec- tured. The Spanish Government seems to be hopeful of the result from this 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 Eu- rope, such suggestions as these great powers would make could not be lightly set aside The general view of the dip lomats is that the movement is not so much one toward reconciling the United States and Spain as it it is to preserve the peace of the world by combined action.
 Spain's policy in this matter Is one of urging on the European powers that II Cuba was free from Spanish sov- ereignty the next move under the Mon- roe doctrine would be to bring an end to European control over other West Indian possessions. Great Britain, France and Denmark have interests in that locality. In other quarters 1t was stated that the influence of the powers was more likely to be asserted on Spain, urging her to the largest possible meas ure of concession.
 Sir Julian Pauncefote, the British Ambassador, made a short call on Judge Day to-day. It Is understood that it did not relate to the Cuban question, as the Ambassador has not received instructions concerning media tion or any other course of action. M Thebeau, first secretary of the French embassy also called at the State De- partment and had a talk with Judge Day on subjects other than the Cuban question.
 An arrangement was reached during the day by which the United States and France will cooperate through their Ministers with Denmark for the establishment of European cable with the Danish island of St. Thomas. The cable is owned by Fren>h company. but its use has become of vital inn portance to the United States as basis of operations in the Leeward Islands. Secretary Long was particularly de- sirous of having this cable arrange ment effected AS a result of the con- ference a message was sent to the United States Minister at Copenhagen asking him to secure the consent of the Danish Government, and the French authorities arranged to have their Min ister at Copenhagen exert similar in- fluenceS.