The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1898-04-04


that France would be the first to act
by tender OF her good offices. Up to
tonight, however, the French Embas-
sador, NJ. Cambon, had not received
any instructions in this line. There is
the same anticipation, but lack of def
mite action, in Great Britain, Germany
and other diplomatic quarters.
1t is probable that mediation would
take definite form if the foreign rep
resentatives were convinced that war
was inevitable and was to be declared
While they look upon the situation as
grave, the general sentiment among
them is that the matter has not yet
progressed beyond the range af 7iplo-
macy and a pacific sollltiuS at
reason there was a strol IN
SHOWN to-day to wait until inc Il es =
dents message was sent to Congress,
the feeling being that the real issue
could not be determined until the mes
sage has been submitted At the outset
Spain was most earnest for mediation,
and TO this end addressed a note to the
Powers about ten days ago. Now, how
ever, as the prospects for mediation ap-
pear to be growing, the Spanish au-
thorities seem to be less inclined toward
this course. This may be due to the
fact that Spain has looked on media
ton as an indirect form of interview
ton of the European powers in favor of
their own number. The Spanish note
developed, however that the powers
We're not ready for any such radical
step. France made the first declaration
by Premier HanotauX in the French
Chamber that France would treat both
parties alike as friends. This was an
unexpected reverse for Spain, as she
had felt that the French ownership of
Martinique, Guadalupe and other islands
would incline her to sympathize with
Spain in defending her sovereignty over
Cuba
The general understanding among
diplomats here is that Great Britain
France, Germany and Austria would
be Consulted as their commercial in
terests would be seriously crippled by
q war between the United States and
Spain. While Russia and Italy also
might be consulted, owing to their in
nEence IL European affairs, yet their
immediate interests in the Spanish
American conflict would be far less
than that of the other countries men
toned
1t is probable that negotiations will
be opened by this Government with
Denmark to allow cable messages to
come over the French line from the
Danish island of ST. Thomas to the
United States. With the Leeward ISL
ands, of which st. Thomas is a center,
as the probable center of any naval OPP
erations which may result from the
present crisis. it is recognized as of
vast Importance to secure cable facili-
ties not controlled by Spain.
The Spanish Minister, Senior Bernabe,
and his staff had a very busy Sunday.
although it did not bring any develop
ments changing the situation. The
Minister did not see the State Depart
ment officials during the day. His last
official exchange with the authorities
was on last Friday, after SPANS an
swer had been received, since which
time the negotiations have been at A
halt. This, however, has not lessened
the Spanish Minister'S activity in keep
ing his Government fully appraised as
To the general aspect of affairs in this
country. The elaborate manner in
which this cable intelligence has gone
70 the authorities at Madrid is probably
without a parallel 1t is understood
that when the situation began to as
sumo its most serious aspects, a single
cable dispatch sent by the Minister to
the Foreign Office cost 81, 600 Another
dispatch cost 500 and another 81 900
In this way the Madrid authorities are
kept in close touch with the condition
of affairs, not only as it relates to of
fetal negotiations, but more particular
ly to those circumstances which will
permit the Madrid Government to
gauge the situation at Washington
Secretary Sherman gave dinner last
night, at which the Spanish Minister
was one of the guests. Senator Lodge
of the Senate Committee on Foreign
Affairs, and Colonel Fred Grant of New
York were also among those present
The presence of the Spanish Minister
at the home Of the Secretary of State
was void of circumstance, except as
showing the pacific outward appear
ance Of affairs. Being a purely social
gathering the Spanish situation was
not alluded to.