The Indianapolis journal., 1898-03-13
A "MAR OF .PIRACY.o
What We May Expect from the Proud,
High-TOned Castilians.


Copyright, 1898. by the Associated fress)
BERLIN, March 12.-The German press
this week has given utterance to the unan-
imous conviction that war between the
United States and Spain is probable, all
though it is believed here that the latter
country will do everything to avoid it.
In diplomatic circles it is said that Spain
during the past week sent a circular note
to the Cabinets of Europe to the effect that
the Spanish government hoped the rebellion
in Cuba would be completely suppressed
by April /, adding that if foreign influences
had not stimulated the insurgents and sup
ported them with arms, men, money and
ammunition, there would be at the present
moment no insurgents left. So far as the
correspondent has been able to ascertain,
the document has not elected any replies.
The opinion that the United States is not
honestly attempting to preserve peace and
keep the war party in control, is widely dis
seminated in Germany and iinds credence,
not only in the newspapers, but in official
! and diplomatic circles
One newspaper interviewed the United
States ambassador, Mr.. Andrew D. White,
and printed his opinion that the majority
of the Americans are anxious to maintain
peace. But the newspaper added that Mr..
Whites opinion was not supported by facts.
saying that the vote of Congress was unan-
imously regarded as a clear indication that
| war is coming and that the Americans
want it. Several papers predict that in the
event of hostilities Spain will disappear
| from the map Of the European powers after
a fierce ''war of piracy both countries not
being signatories to the anti-privateer con-
vention of Paris
1t is well known in diplomatic circles that
Senor Sandoval, the Spanish military agent
| in Germany, Austria and Scandinavia, who
| returned to Berlin on Wednesday evening
from trip, after having made three condi-
donal purchases Of coasting steamers at
Fiume and two at Pola, with other Spanish
representatives has been purchasing out
| right or conditionally munitions and yes
sells for use against American trade. Senor
Sandoval, in addition to the purchases re-
ferred to, which are intended for the pri-
vateer service, has placed large orders with
the Krupp Gun Company during the last
six weeks, and has also appointed a sub
agent at Trieste to see what he can pick up.
The Spanish agent is now at Hamburg or
Stettin negotiating for several cannon and
torpedo boats built partly for China and
partly on speculation by the Vulcan yards.
He intends to visit the Schichau yards and
Il0 ydAuS dl ElpihS IOr the same purpose.
During the course of an interview on
Thursday Col Reinlein de Sequera, the
Spanish military attache here, said he was
confident the MISUNDERSTANDING would
disappear, adding: 'It might, however, be
well for Americans to know that Spain is
not defenseless and that it will cost much
blood and more money to conquer or de-
feat US. So soon as war is declared a
large and well equipped fleet of privateers
will Immediately begin hostilities against
the great American commerce. Spain has
rot remained idle since the first misunder-
standings. Ninety good steamers are in the
harbors of Barcelona and Valencia ready to
sail and do execution, and we have friends,
powerful ones, who will assist us. if not
with men, with money; but 1, in common
with the Spanish government. trust peace
will be preserved"