The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-15
NOT OFFICIAL.
Assurances That Kaiser Williams VS.
IL Has No Political Significance

WASHINGTON, ID. C., Nov. Alt Is
understood that assurances have been
gwen by the German government That
the visit CT Emperor William, of Germ
any, To Spain IL entirely devoid OF ofilclal
character or significance, that the Official
Trip OF the imperial party ended when
they left Palestine. and that the proposed
stop at Cadiz and Cartagena Is largely
a health precaution in behaif or the EN-
press. as the sea trip would be long ana
arduous II unbroken by these stops at
the Spanish ports. The assurances APP
pear TO be voluntary on the part of the
Berlin officials, and TO be in line with
the care taken In that quarter of late TO
minimize and remove the bad impression
caused by several incidents occurring
during the recent war
The State Department had not so far
rs Is known. taken cognizance OF the EN-
perors movements, and certainly there
was no purpose OF inquiring as to the
stop at Spain, although this action by
the Emperor was looked upon as rather
inopportune. TO say the least, when the
peace negotiations with Spain are at a
critical juncture, and when technically
the war is still in progress. At the same
time Germany has constantly reiterated
her neutral and friendly attitude. and the
Emperor himself took occasion In his late
address to the ReIchstag to give strong
expression to the German purpose 10
maintain the strictest impartiaiity be-
tween this government and Spain. At the
same time the officials, here and in Ber-
lin. have recognized tina, strong public
sentiment OF animosty was being devel-
opei between the people of the two coun-
tries, and steps have been taken 10 onset
this as far as possible.
Tho last move I'm that direction was at
a recent dinner given by Chancellor Won
f3ulow. at Berlin. to Andrew d. White,
the United States Ambassador and DR..
Won HolIeben. the German Ambassador
TO the United States. now visiting In Ger
many. II was intended that the new AS
sstant Secretary OF state. Mr. Hill.
should be one Of the guests, but he was
detained In Holland. Private advices re-
ceived here by officials state that the
meeting was important as furnishing an
opportunity for a free and full discussion
OF all the subjects which have threatened
10 estrange the two governments. and for
the establishment OF a much more friend
~ understanding.
II Is recognized. however. among offi-
Gals. state and diplomatic that while
official sentiment Is satisfactory. there
continues 10 be an undercurrent OF III
two countries. For this reason the pres
ent move Of the Emperor in stopping at
the Spanish ports causes something OF a
shock in diplomatic quarters, as II Is felt
10 be one more obstacle In the way OF the
impeachment which was being executed
by the authorities here and at Berlin. IL
Is with view OF minimizing the visit
that the assurances are now communi-
Gated as to its non-official character.
The suggestion that the Emperor may
he asked by Spain to act as arbitrator
between the United States and Spain In
case the Philippine issue becomes acute
Is dismissed as absurd. on the ground
that no such plan would be considered
Cor moment unless both countries join
81 In a request for II.
The arrival OF the Emperor at Cadlz
and Cartagena is awaited with consider
able apprehension by the German author
tiles. az II may give rise 10 Spanish
popular demonstration open TO miscon-
struction In this country. With view
OF avoiding such an affair the German
Charge dAffaires at Madrid has been in.
atructed 10 notify the Spanish govern
nnent OF the strictly unofficial character
% the Emperor's visit.