The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-05
MORE V ARLIKE
EVIDENCE THAT SPAIN is PREPAR-
ING FOR CONTINGENCIES.
Either Getting Ready to Open HostiI-
ities with the United States or to
Defend the Antilles.
SHE IS BORROWING MONEY
AND BIDDING FOR ALL PURCHAs-
ABLE WAR SHIPS IN EUROPE.
she Is Also Fitting Out All Her own
Cruisers, IrOncIads and Torpedo
Boats and Sending Them 40 Cuba.
FRENCH BANKERS ASSISTING
GRASPING AT A STRAW TO SAVE
THEIR BAD INVESTMENTS.
--A--
Spain Reported to Fear Japan Will
Take Philippine Islands i'm Case
of War with America.
FRENCH BANKERS ASSISTING
GRASPING AT A STRAW TO SAVE
THEIR BAD INVESTMENTS.
Spain Reported to Fear Japan Will
Take Philippine Islands i'm Case
of War with America.
Especial Gable Letter.

Especial Cable letter.
LONDON, March 4-Spain is preparing
for all contingencies, and surface indica-
tions lead many people here to believe that
States should the latter country intervene
in Cuban affairs. The Spanards are
negotiating for every purchasable war ship
in England and elsewhere and are rushing
into service all vessels of their own navy
cruisers, ironclads and torpedo boats which
have been lying idle at Cadiz and other
ports While all this does not necessarily
portend declaration of war against the
United States, certain it is that it means
preparation for an emergency. 1t has been
known here for some time that the Span
ish government, though really bankrupt as
to ready money, had been promised financial
support in case of hostilities with the
Yankees. This aid was not promised by any
nation as a nation, but by individuals who
loans. French bankers have reams of Span
ish bonds stored away in their vaults.
These securities are worth little now but
would be worth nothing if Spain should
lose Cuba and her other colonial posses
sions therefore the bankers are, it is said,
urging Spain to protect them by defending
her colonies to the utmost. For this pur-
pose the bankers are reported to have given
the Castilians assurance that money will
be forthcoming whenever needed. This
money is to be used in the purchase and
fitting out of war ships.
Spain has already purchased two cruisers
which the Armstrong; have been building
for Brazil-the Amazonius and a sister ship,
unnamed, of 1900 tons each, twenty-three
knots and ten guns. Spain is also negotiat-
ing for and will probably secure two cruis-
ers of similar type which have been build
ing in France for Brazil The Amazonius
is ready for launching, and her sister ship
will soon be ready. The Spanish govern
ment is also endeavoring to secure guns and
large supplies of ammunition in England
and on the continent for immediate use.
AS stated before, the government of Spain
seems to have funds, for it is understood
to be paying large part of the purchase
money in cash, giving good security for the
which the Armstrong; would deal. Some
weeks ago Spain attempted to purchase
ships and supplies in England on credit
from prominent firms having close relations
the firms refused to give credit. Since then
Spain has raised funds from unknown
sources. Diplomats in London express the
belief that French financiers helping
the Spanish government. 1t is known that
Spain is trying to purchase three other
ships which are being built by the Arm
strongs, but she has not yet succeeded in
making a bargain, consequently there is
still time if the United States wishes to
forestall her. The United States could also
forestall Spain in the purchase of other
dock yards. While Chile denies that any of
the ships ordered for that country are for
sale, it is. believed by naval constructors
that Chile's best cruiser, the O'Higgins,
which is just finished, could be purchased.
A letter just received here from Madrid
says it is definitely reported that fresh
Spanish squadron destined for Cuba is be-
ing organized at Cadiz. 1t consists of four
ironclads-the Carlos V, Pelayo, Alfonso
XIII and another-several gunboats and a
transatlantic steamer. Active work is also
proceeding on the torpedo boat destroyers
Prosperina, Audaz and Osada, and on the
torpedo boats Habana, Retamosa and Bar
cello, which form the second torpedo boat
tlotilla which Spain is sending to Cuba.