The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-09
YESTERDAYS SITUATION

more grave than heretofore. The hopeful
views for peace heretofore entertained
had TO give way to the conviction that
the issue between the United States and
Spain had become well-nIgh irreconcila-
bic. The preparations for all eventualites
were proceeding steadily. One significant
evidence in this direction developed today
when 1t was learned that the United
States consul al Porto Rico was about
70 leave his post. It was expected that
General Lee would take the boat from Ha-
vana tomorrow noon. Whether he would
leave the vice consul or other subordinate
temporarily in charge was not made
known. Considerable would depend upon
this, as his retirement with his entire
staff would mean the complete term.na-
ton OF all official communication between
the United States and the island. The
determination 10 have the United States
consul at Porto Rico leave indicated that
the government was not alone turning its
attention TO Cuba, but 10 SPANS other
colonies OF the West Indies. There was
no instruction in Porto Rico known here,
nor had the future of that island figured
prominently OF late but its future natu-
rally 20 a large extent would follow that
Of Cuba The probability that the Span
ism torpedo feet would rendezvous at
Porto Rico might have contributed % the
determination TO withdraw the United
States consul there.
Inquiry at the foreign embassies and
legations today made il plain nat the ac-
ton Of the great powers yesterday in pre-
\ Ill
urging peace constituted all that these
powers would do. There was no present
intention 70 take further action nor 10
follow up this guarded and diplomatic Ut
uerance with any suggestion Of mediation
or intervention Il was stated today by
Influential members Of the dipiomatic
corps that the joint note contained moth
ing between the lines, which indicated
g further purpose. This was the view
taken by the administration yesterday.
and today this was fully borne out by the
attitude Of the foreign representatives,
who were in close touch with their gov
ernments. It was Important al the ex-
citing juncture in that It practically elm
mated the influence Of the powers al
Washington beyond a sentimental express
sion toward peace.
There was no doubt. however, that these
foreign influences would be strongly urged
al Madrid towards securing further con-
eessions, though the foreign representa-
lives here had begun to doubt seriously
whether Spain was in a position % con-
rede any more. one of the best informed
diplomats terseIy summed up the situation
today thus:
Spain has placed her back against the
wall. determined to yield no more. Even
the heroic efforts of the queen regent
toward peace, by granting extreme con-
cessions, seems 70 be overruled and the
radical element i in control"
IN connection with the action of the
powers. much interest was shown in the
individual action of the several govern
ments which signed the joint note There
was little doubt that the British ambas-
sador, refecung the views Of his govern
ment. served as a repressive influence IN
keeping the note down 70 a mild and
polite expression for peace. Il seemed
equally apparent that had the influence Of
the French ambassador and Austrian
minister. representing their governments,
prevailed, the note would have been con-
siderably more than a vague expression
for peace. No significance was attached
70 the fac tthat the German ambassador
was the first to sign the document and
that the British ambassadors signature
was toward the end. It was determined
when the signatures We're attached, TO
take the country alphabetically, so that
AllegemaIne CHE French diplomatic word
for Germany came first, with Austria
France and Great Britain and Russia
signing in the order named Russia and
Italy had taken the least action in this
ease although they Joined as a result Of
influences brought 10 bear from the for
eign capitals. Neither had the German
government shown any ardent interest in
Joint action.
Il developed today in diplomatic quar-
tiers. that the situation took a serious
turn last night az Madrid, win Minister
Woadford's final note 70 Senior Gullon,
minister Of foreign affairs. Al the time
the note was received the Spanish cabinet
was in session considering the question
Of arrnislice. Il was said here today that
the tone Of the note was regarded a. i'm
parative The letter was unofficial and
addressed personally to Senior Gull7n but
the Spanish cabinet. accoring 20 these
adv-ces 70 DIPLOMATS. believed that il was
to be construed as none the less official
and TO some extent an ult.ma-um- Mr.
woodford subsequently withdrew the note
stating that at the time f. was written
he was not aware thai President Mchln-
Iey's message had been deferred.
Personal feeling was ensendered by -he
note. howevr and i assrted 10 have con-
tinuei Notwithstanding the withdrawal
OF the note.
- The Spanish minister had received no
orders of any kind today relating ~ his
WITHDRAW wal from Washington and -h-s 10
some extent indicated that Madrid had
not yet anticipated final break between
the two countries. In the event Of a break.
however. little delay would - necessary
in making the arrangements for the with
drawal Of the Spanish minister and his
stafT. his archives being the most exten-
sive branch Of the establishment and the
packing and removing Of rhese Important
official documents would take a day ~
two.
It was said that in case Of the with
drawaI OF she minister thai the French
am hassador. Mr.. Camboa. would acc tenn
po-arsly in behalf Of spain As stated.
however. the Spanish minister had re-
ceived positively no ins truCtions concern
ing his withdrawal
The minister's recent interview -ivon
by the Associated Press has now become
an official document. having been cabled