The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-03-31

| discussion, which was the value OF the
Island OF st. Thomas or some other
point In the West indies for q naval
station. b.
The situation with the capitol Is one
OF waiting expectancy. Senators and
representatives are willing to give the
| President an opportunity to carry out
| his plans. but there Is impatlence to
have some Information regarding these
plans and some assurances that they
VIII not delay action too long.
| Spain Asks European Interference.
1t was stated to-day. In high diplo-
matte quarter that the Spanish govern-
ment within the last ten days had adj
dressed q note to the great powers of
Europe, fully setting forth the grave
aspect OF the controversy with the
United States and at least inferentially
suggesting that the time was now op-,
perfume for European influences to be
exertet. 1t Is said that this note led to
the utterances OF Premier Hanotaux in
the French cabinet las, Saturday and
has been the cause Of the activity ut
european capitals within the last few
days In connection with the Spanish
american affairs. Up to the present
time, however, no actual step toward
mediation or Intervention has been
taken by any OF the great powers, al
though there Is little doubt that France
stands ready to tnke the initiative IL
there Is the slightest evidence that the
United States government will view
such move with favor. The French
| ba &C ot - 2
bon,t has received no definite !nstruc-
tions directing him to tender the good
offices Of France n ~,
At the same time the ambassador,
taking the cue from the remarks OF
Premier Hanotau1, has called on Judge
Day and has said that IL this govern
ment feels ut any time that the French
government can aid In arerting the
| present grave crisis and maintaining
peace, he has no doubt that France will
readily undertake. to exert such good
offices as Will be acceptable to both
| powers. This, as stated, Is not a for
NAL tender by the French government,
| for as yet the French ambassador has
fecelved-no positive Instructions; but 1t
clearly indicates the tendency and the
Willingness OF France to act as medi-
ator In the present emergency at any
moment. 1t Is probable that the sug-
tons have not taken q more formal
form owing to the delicate character OF
such overtures. A tender OF good Of
fces Is one Of the last resorts OF dfplo-
macy, when all other means Of avertiuS
war SEEM to be ut an end!
There is additional difficulty from the
fact that when two nations are involved
In a crisis. any external influence may
be resented as IN intrusion. There IL
reason to believe that the French au-
thoritieS are fully conscious OF these
delicate and difficult phases and that no
steps will be made unless 1t Is clearly
apparent In advance that the United
States desires the friendly offices OF
other nations
A Vain Hope.
/ The Spanish government has earnest
ly hoped within the last week that some
OF the European powers, and more
likely Austria or France, would take
the initiative without waiting to con-
suit the desires Of this government.
This hope has proved In vain, however,
and It Is stated to-day on high author
ity that recent negotiations In Europe
have disclosed positively that while the
sympathy of some Of the continental
powers was toward Spain, no one OF
them stood ready to espouse her cause
by mediatiom or by arms. Most had
been expected OF Austria owing to the
| dynast!c relations between Austria and
SPAIN The present queen regent OF
Spain, Maria Christina, Is an Austrian
princess, being the second child Of Kar,
| Ferdinand, Archduke OF Austria, and i
cousin OF Emperor Francis Josef. OF
Austria. The young king OF Spain,
through the game genealoSy. is Of Aus
| trlan blood. This creates q natural tie
between Austria and Spain, and 1t has
been most influential within recent days
In inducing Austria 10 secure the CO.
operation OF other continental powers In
behalf OF Spain. Up to- the present
time, however. Austria has not felt
ready to take the initiative alone. The
reports from Vienna last night that the
Austrian minister OF foreign affairs,
Count Gotuchowslti, had instructed the
Austriau representative ut Washing
ton to cooperate In the steps to be taken
by France, are not borne out by any
actual developments which have thus
| far occurred here.
The Austrian minister has not been
ct the state department during the pres
cnt week, nor have any suggestions In
this line been received by the state de-
partment from him. It Is passing CO.
| ItnclQenCe ttllL inc tTSUCn QulDlSSuQOr,
the Austrian minister and the Spanish
minister are more closely associated to-
gether than any other diplomats in the
corps n I.7sS ID - vi K ,,t55
The greatest secrecy prevails in many
OF the bureaus OF the war and navy de-
partmcnts in regard to the VARIOUS pro-
jects of defense and naval movements
now going on and the officials in many
cases positively refuse to nuke public
steps that have been determined upon.
The most notable instance OF this kind
probably Is In the navy department,
where Captain Crowmnshicld. OF the
bureau of navigation, has Issued an or
der folbIddtnS subordnates TO make
public any Information except on per-
mission from himself. The order is as
follows: "Ohlcers, clerks and all em-
ploycs OF the bureau arc forbidden TO
make public any information concern
Ing the movements OF ships, orders to
officers. or other official business OF the
bureau except they have personal and
explicit information from me. Z
AGGRESSIVE REPUBLICANS
Hold Another Conference, and They vlr.
tunIiy Agree to Await tho Termination
OF tho Present Negotiations Upon the
Pies OF tho President