The herald., 1898-04-15
ON GROUNDS OF CON CESSIoNS
GRANTED
NO MATERIAL AID HOPED FOR
European influence to Be Brought to
Bear to Give Autonomy Schemes
Chance
Associated Press Special Wire

ASSOClaleu fTeSo OpcSioi w
WASHINGTON, April Alt was learned
tonight in high diplomatic headquarters
that an exchange of notes had been begun
between the European capkhls with
view Of making strong presentations on
the Spanish american situation. In the
same connection an informal meeting of
the ambassadors and ministers in this city
Of the six powers of Europe was held late
in the day. 1t is underst TODD that the
present movement Is not of the same mild
character as the former one. Stimuli"
taneous with the opening of the exchange
word came from Madrid that the Spanieh
government was about TO issue another APP
peal to the great powers Of Europe. 1t Is
understood that this appeal is an initiatory
to the concerted action of the powers, and
there is an apparent agreement In ad-
vance that the appeal will receive favor
able consid eracion. 1t is said that the
Spanish appeal will recite her grievances
against the United States, stating In detail
the many concession she had made, and
pointing out that 1t was in response to the
urgent representation of the powers that
the last concession of an armistice was
granted.
f1uence will be particularly directed toward
sufficient time within which to try the ar
mistice recently proclaimed.
The present movement contemplates that
the influence shall be exerted at Washing
ton rather than at Madrid, and 1t IS the
common belief In diplomatic quarters that
the Madrid authorities have reached the
limit of concessions, and should now be
given adequate time to try what they and
the powers have offered as means of re-
storing peace in Cuba There is no sug-
gestion, however, that this influence at
present will be of material character, but 1t
Is expected to be an assertion of all the
moral influence of the powers in checking
tendencies which, It is believed, inevitably
will lead to war.
Germany has of late shown disposition
to avoid exerting strong influences on the
United tSates. Russia Is also thought to
be somewhat indifferent. France ard
Austria are most active in the present
movement, as they were in the former one.
Whether all. six great powers are ready to
join in the movement is in doubt and with
out this united action, it is felt that the
force of such influence would be lost.
News Shut OF
WASHINGTON, April 14.-The most pro-
nounced development in the navy depart
ment today was the issuance of an order
prohibiting the giving out of movements Of
vessels. Since the beginning of the pres
ent crisis the department has been grad
ually closing in the lines of formation and
today the official order went out that the
custom of posting such movements must
cease. Tt was explained that in view of
existing conditions this was deemed neces-
sary, and hereafter no movements what
ever will be made public.
One more auxiliary cruiser was purchased
today the steamer Venezuela of the Red
line. Secretary Long stated at the close
of office hours today that the steamships
Paris and New York had not yet passed
into the possession of the department. II
is understood, however, that as soon as
the question of terms can be settled. these
vessels will be placed on the naval list along
with the st. Paul and st. Louis CT the same
line. 1t is also stated that negotiations
are under way for the purchase Of the Hol-
land submarine torpedo boat, Plunger.
Pure Patriotism
NEW YORK, April 14-The American
Express company has notified such of it's
employees as are members of the National
guard and the naval reserves of the sew
eral states that, if called upon in case of
war with Spain, they will be allowed half
pay during such service, and upon their re-
turn to duty with the company will be given
their former pay and positions.
French Feeling
PARIS, April 14.-The feeling here Of both
the press and the public is very strong
against the United States, especially since
President McKinley's message. Mr.. Nc
Kinley is compared to Pontius Plate and
the American congress is accused of a