Evening star., 1898-04-26

OF the important commercial interests in
volved. Doubt ia expressed here as TO TIE
report current id London that the procis-
nation was due to an understanding be-
tween the United States and Great Britain.
in order that other countries might be
urged to adopt a similar attitude of nou-
traiity. IL Is hardly believed the United
States would urge a proclamation. the first
effect or which is to tie up American war
Ships nearing completion in British yards.
1t ives stated in high diplomatic quar-
tiers today that no further doubt existed as
to the attitude of Portugal in maintaining
neutrality. This is regarded as specially
important at this time, owing to the fact
that the Cape Verde Islands the Azores
and the Madeiras belong TO Portugal All
of these groups have fine harbors and coal
ing facilities, and they are so located as to
be of vital service to the Spanish navy in
case their use was not barred by Portu-
gaFs neutrality. Cape Verde has thus far
been the rendezvous for Spanish cruisers
and torpedo boats. but the neutrality CT
Portugal will prevent a longer use of these
islands as a base Of operations for the
Spanish ships. or even a stopping place for
them. They will be forced TO one of their
own ports, the Canaries probably being the
iiost d.NdHldSeOuS punt NHen lIt
guese islands are closed against them. At
the present time, however. the Portuguese
minister here has not been officially notified
of the purposes of his government concern
ing neutrality, nor has he any information
as to the Spanish fleet ct Cape Verde.
Reports About Germany.
The reports that Germany would not is
sue a proclamation of neutrality, in order
it seems desirable. cannot be confirmed in
diplomatic quarters here. On the contrary.
there is every indication that Germany will
observe strict neutrality, and semi-official
announcement to that effect was made
about a week ago in one of the inspired
newspapers of Germany. In this, however,
it is understood that Germany will consult
her practical and commercial interests,
rather than any sentimental consideration.
So long as German ships and German COM
merce are unmolested during the progress
of the war, Germany's neutral attitude is
likely to be maintained. IL. however, the
German interests suffer by search and seiz-
ure on the high sea. then it is not SO GER
tain that strict neutrality will be con-
tinued.
Brought Spain to Terms.
1t developed today for the first time that
Germany's recent menacing attitude to-
ward Spain, as result of insurgent depre-
dations against German interests in Cuba,
had brought about speedy adjustment at
Madrid. AT the outset the German govern
ment ordered the cruiser Geier to proceed
to Cuban waters with view to enforcing
indemnity against Spain unless speedy rep
aration was made for the injury to German
interests. This appears to have had the
effect of bringing a satisfactory adjust
ment. for the incident is now considered
closed as result of negotiations at Madrid
Minister PoIo's Status.
1t is held among leading diplomats that
no question can be raised as to the status
of Senor Polo at Toronto. He is said to
be a private citizen, having the right Of
domicie in neutral country. 1t is doubt
ed also whether the authorities here would
seek to crowd Senor Polo as to the method
of his departure. One of his nearest per-
sonal friends in the diplomatic corps stated
today that Senor Polo's stay at Toronto
would not exceed a few days, as it was
merely for administrative purposes. in
sembling consuls Withdrawn from various
points in this country, and assigning them
to other points in neutral territory.
The irtinlation in the British house of
commons that Minister Polo had been ac-
credited not only to the United States, but
to all of North America, is entirely er-
roEcous The late minister was accredited
solely to the United States. There are no
| diplomatic representatives in Canada, as it
is only colony, and Spain has her minis
ters in Mexico and other countries of North
America.