The record-union., 1898-07-31
American Opinion as to the Real
Situation
Has Not Been Reflected in the Dispatches
Which Have Been Sent Out.
The French Cabinet Has Always
Been a Friend Of the United
States-No Reason Why France
Should Side With Spain in the
Present War.

copyrighted, 1898, by Associated Press.l
PARIS, July 30-There is a strong
desire in French official circles to bring
about complete resumption Of the
pleasant relations with the United
States which existed previous to the
trouble between Spain and America,
and which were disturbed by French
newspaper utterances. It is pointed
out that the nearer the Spanish Amer
lean war comes to a close the clearer
1t is to be to sober-minded Frenchmen
that public opinion in America has been
mistaken in regard to the real opinion
and feeling of France toward the Unit
ed States. It is added that in spite Of
what was written in the newspapers
here or discussed in official circles when
the war began no doubt was entertained
anywhere in France as to the result of
hOstilities.
The weakness and inferiority of Spain
were so evident that, it is claimed here,
it would be unfair now to assert that
the American victories have caused a
change of public opinion in France, and
that the French newspapers to-day
think it will soon favor the conqueror.
In explanation of the tone of the French
press toward the United States, It is
said that the language used by the
newspapers at present is in substance
the same as used three months ago,
and that the reason the American peo-
pie have been under the impression
that the French newspapers were hos
tile to the United States and favorable
to Spain is due to the fact that only
the less sensible part of the French
press was quoted in the cable dis
patches, while such papers = the Jour
nal des Debats," the Figaro" and the
Temps and some others have not fa-
vored either side in the war, and have
furnished their readers with honest ac-
counts of the different features Of the
hOstilities.
Continuing, 1t is argued that some Of
the leading members of the French
press were interviewed during the war
and their statements leave no room for
doubt that they entertained a cordial
feeling toward the United States while
French business men who were similar
ly interviewed were even more emphatic
in their expressions of friendship
toward America.
Finally. the Frenchmen say that the
recent celebration of the Fourth of July
here was the occasion of bringing forth
additional proof Of the cordial feeling
entertained among Americans. At the
banquet of the American Chamber of
Commerce there were many prominent
Frenchmen present, including some Of
the highest State officials, and NJ. Maru-
joule the Minister of Commerce. speak
ing for the French Government said:
1--WE have been told that far away on
the other side of the Atlantic there are
those who have listened to calumniators
in France who asserted that France was
forgetful Of her duty and that we have
become not only adversaries, but, ac-
cording to some reports, even discour-
teous toward America. I protest
against such an impression. My word
is sufficient to dispel such a ridiculous
idea ard I hope that the echo of what I
say will be carried from this banquet
hall to the other side Of the Atlantic
as an indignant protest against the
false report Of the sentiments Of France
toward America. But if this is not
suficient. let me assure your country
aen that not day not an hour, not
minute, has elapsed during which the
rmony which exists between us has
# run the risk Of being broken.
Fl nee has always been for you a sec
one country and no one knows better
thai YOUR ambassador and Minister Of
the rench Cabinet the degree Of cor
dialty manifested in connection with
our reciprocal relations"
This statement of the French Min
lister of Commerce is reproduced here,
as IL is being freely used by Frenchmen
in their arguments tending to prove
that France has not been unfriendly to-
ward the United States in the war with
Spain
They also argue that there is no rea-
son why France should side with Spain,
as during the past century there has
been no common ideal' between the
two countries, and that the F'renchmen
of to-day are not led by clerical con-
siderations, nor by the theory of So
called Latin races, which, it Is further
asserted. is no longer taken seriously
by any sensible man.
From a semi-official source the fol-
lowing statement was made: From
commercial standpoint France is as
much interested in American as in
Spanish trade, and, consequently, she
has no reason to jeopardize her friendly
relations with the United States. Still,
she feels sympathy for her unfortunate
neighbor and rejoices heartily al the
fact that peace is to be arranged and
that the French ambassador, NJ. Cam
bon. had been the messenger of peace.
"As TO the terms upon which peace
will be arranged, the French Govern
rnent and public opinion in France are
perfectly aware that the United States
will no longer be satisfied with the
mere independence of Cuba, considering
that the war has cost her considerable.
Consequently, the French press, and
especiaIly the journal des Debats' and
Temps are already taking into ac
count that important element In the
settlement of peace. They only hope
that America will not claim too much.
Not that France feels envious in view
of the increasing power Of the United
states. but simply because too onerous
conditions on the part of America VIII
make peace difficult. In fact, it de-
serves TO be pointed out that France
does not make any objection TO the
United States increasing either its
strength or its dominions. The rea-
son for the quiet feeling of France In
this matter is that she is convinced that
If such an increase in any way thIeat-
ems a European Power she is not that
Power.
Even the annexation of Hawaii.
which gives to the United States an
important possession in the Pacific. has
not disturbed France in the slightest
degree. her possessions in America be-
nte $fv1cy