Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-04-09

Representatives of the Powers is
Expected.
Washington, April S.-The Spanish
American situation is regarded to-day
as even more grave than at any time
heretofore
The hopeful views of peace hereto
fore entertained have given away to
the conviction that the issue between
the United States and Spain has be-
come well nigh irreconcilable. The
preparation for all eventualities is
proceeding steadily.
One significant evidence in this di-
rection developed to-day when it was
learned that the United States Consul
at Porto Rico was about to leave his
post. 1t is expected that General Lee
will take the boat from Havana to-
morrow noon. Whether he will leave
the vice consul or other subordinate
temporarily in charge is not made
known.
Considerable depends upon this, as
his retirement with his entire staff
would mean the complete termination
of all official communication between
the United States and the island,
whereas the leaving of subordinate
in charge would continue at least a
semblance of these official relations.
The determination to have the United
dictates that the government is not
alone turning it's attention to Cuba,
but to
SPANS OTHER COLONY
of the West Indies. There is no in
surrection in Porto Rico known here,
nor has the future of that island fig
ured prominently of late, but its future
naturally to large extent would fol-
low that of Cuba. The probability
that the Spanish torpedo fleet will rem
devious at Porto Rico may have con-
tributed to the determination to with
draw the United States Consul there.
Inquiry at the foreign embassies and
legations to-day made it plain that the
action of the great powers yesterday in
presenting a joint note to President
Mckinley urging peace constituted all
that these powers will do. There is
no present purpose to take further ac
ton, or to follow up this guarded and
diplomatic utterance with any sug-
gestion of mediation or intervention.
1t was stated to-day by influential
members of the diplomatic corps that
the joint note contained nothing be-
tween the lines which indicated
further purpose. This was the view
taken by the administration yesterday,
and to-day this is fully borne out by
the attitude of the foreign representa-
tives, who are in close touch with
their foreign offices. It is important
at the present juncture, in that
1T PRACTICALLY ELIMINATES
the influence of the powers at Wash
ington beyond a sentimental express
sion toward peace.
There is no doubt, however, that
these foreign influences will be strong
ly urged at Madrid towards securing
further concessions through the for
eign representatives here begin to
doubt seriously whether Spain is in
pOSjtiOu IN porcado opv mona
One of the best informed diplomats
tersely summed up the situation to-
day 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 ex-
IRENE concessions, seems to be over
ruled and the radical element is in
control"
In connection with the action Of the
powers much interest is shown in the
individual action of the several gov
ernments which signed the joint note
There is little further doubt that the
British ambassador, rejecting the
views OF his government served as a
repressive influence in keeping the
note down to
i MILD AND POLITE EXPRESSION
for peace. II seems equally apparent
that had the influence of the French
ambassador and Austrian minister
representing their governments, pre-
vailed. the note would have been CON
siderably more than a vague express
sion for peace. No significance is at
tached to the fact that the German
ambassador was the first to sign the
document, and that the British ambas-
sador's signature is toward the end
1t was determined. when the sigma
lures were attached, to take the coun-
tries alphabetically, so that Allemagne
(the French diplomatic word for Ger
many came first, with Austria
France, Great Britain. Italy and Rus
STA signing in the order named Rus
STA and Italy have taken the least in
terest in this joint action, although
they Joined as the result Of influences
brought to bear from the foreign capt.
tails. Neither has the German govern
ment shown any ardent interest in the
joint action.
ID developed to-day in diplomatic quar-
ters that the situation took a serious turn
late Wednesday night at Madrid, when
Minister Woodford sent a note to Senior
Gullon Minister of Foreign Affairs. At
the time the note was received the SPAN
sh cabin.t was in session considering the