The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-04-23
THEY CONSIDER TT
A MASTER STROKE.
Diplomats Approve UniteA staees' In
tenfiOn Not To Sanction Prf-
yafHePfnx

DhDAOmats approve Cnited states In
tenfioa Not to Sanction Prf-
Watering.
NEW YORK. April "A dispatch 10 the
Tribune from London says:
The announcement tina. the United
states. In the event OF hostilities. will not
resort to privateering and will be gov
efned by the four rules OF the declaration
OF Paris. Is considered e mastery stroke
In diplomatic circles While Eng.and's
sympathy has been with America from
first to last. Spain has gained some tao
ucai advantages as negotiations have pro-
eeeded. The point has been scored not by
many. but by few English journals that
while Spain has made series OF conces-
sIons TO America, congress. In the end
has compelled her 10 fight
All the continental journals have agreed
In describing the negotiations as one-sided,
with Spain In the position of offering one
sacrifice after another without appeasinx
american opinion. Il was important that
the American state department. while JUS
ufying war on humane principles. should
restrict the area OF disturbance as much
as possible and guarantee security for neu-
trail commercial interests. This has been
done by the official announcement from
Washington that the government will adj
here to the principles OF the declaration OF
Paris Of 1856. Nothing could be more sat
isfactory TO England's. Germany's and
Frances commercial interests.
So far as the American practice is con-
cerned. Spain will be placed on her defea-
sive. She will be compelled 20 repeat these
assurances. or else ALLEVIATE European sym
nathy. The judgment expressed Ia dipIo-
matte circles Is that ehe state department
has adopted a course wnsen Will smbar-
rass Spain, coaciliate the commercial and
mercantile classes of England and the con-
tinent and strengthen the position OF the
United States
Every one OF the four rules OF the dec
iaration OF Paris Is in favor Of America in
the event OF hostilities diplomats per-
ceive at once that America has nothing to
lose and much TO gain from the abolition
OF priva.eering and the protection OF nell
trail commerce and private property under
any flag. and the establishment OF the
principle that a blockade. In order 10 be
binding. must be effective. 1t would be 10
the manifest advantage OF the United
States II both hei!igerenss were under OBJ
legations TO respect the declaration OF
Paris. THE state department, by taking
high grounds in the interest Of c:viiiza-
ton. may force Spain TO follow IL.
II Spain draws back owing to wantcn
desire to capture and destroy private
property at sea II will be an offense
against the commercial interests and NOR
al opinion of Europe. This is the judy
ment OF diplomatists. members OF pariia-
ment and representatives Of mercantile
England and they sincerely hope that
the announcement OF the departments in
tsntion In today's papers VIII be followed
by similar assurances from Spain. 1t
eanno, he doubted that the adherence OF
the United States TO the declaration of
Paris win strengthen English feeling I'm
favor OF America and greatly impair the
ansi-American sentiment prevailing on the
continent. II VIII be an appeal to self-in-
serest all around. We, win have moral
Justification In the promotion OF the high
ends OF civilization.
Mr. Balfour only needs an assurance OF
this kind in order to authorize rigorous
enforcement OF the neutrality acts which
will shut the Spanish feet out OF British
eoaIing stations and cripple IL. The dec
iaration OF Paris leaves contrahsnd 81
war an uncertain quantity. 10 be deter
mined by prize courts: but Great Britain,
which VIII have the decisive influence in
regulating neutral obligations IN the I'M
pending conflict. has an interest OF her
own In CHASING coal in that category.
The confirmation by ministers OF the re-
merits OF she attitude Of the United States
respecting the four rules OF the declara-
.{an OF Paris was greeted with hearty
cheers by the members of parliament.
Spalf's attitude was regarded as doubt
full. In spite Of the hope expressed by Mr.
Ralfaur and the attorney general that
thu Madrid government would be willing
20 give It's adherence TO the same prsnct-
piles respecting neutral goods, and possi-
b.y prfvateering as well.
Indeed. the opinion was expressed by
members that without pr.vafeertng. the
war would BE- ended before il was fairy
begun by Spain.