The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-01
NO pRoTEsT FROM EUROPEANS.
Powers Not Likely to Prevent Seizure
of the Philippines.


WASHINGTON, April 80. - 1t is semi
officially stated in the highest diplomatic
quarters representing France and Germany
that no protest or representations of any
character respecting the operations of the
American fleet ct the Philippine islands
have been made or are likely to be made.
1t can be stated also that neither the Ger
man nor the French ambassador at Wash
ington has received any instructions touch
ing this subject and the idea is secuted
that such representations have been thought
of in official quarters. The report that Ger
man war ships have left kiaochau bay for
the Philippines in order to interpose armed
resistance to bombardment is denied. Ii
German war ship has started from Naga-
saki for Manila, as reported by cable, it is
said this is for the purpose of protecting
German residents, and not as a protest.
These reports, it is pointed out, emanate
from Madrid and are designed to provoke
irritation in this country against Germany
and France. So far as France is concerned,
she is said to have no important interests
in the Philippines. Her nearest interests
are those at Tonquin. "A leading diplomatic
official, in discussing the report, said that
if the United States designed territorial ex-
tension in the Philippines, then possibly the
European powers might feel warranted in
seeking an explanation. He said, however,
that it was obvious that the United States
had no such territorial purposes, and that,
lacking these, the effective conduct of the
war was a subject solely for this country to
determine.
Germany's interests in the Philippines are
more eXtensives than those of France, but
the German authorities have every conf
dence that these interests will be safe
guarded and that no territorial question
will arise. Germany has not yet issued
proclamation of neutrality, and it is now ac-
cepted as settled in diplomatic circles that
no formal proclamation will be issued. This,
it is explained, is not unusual, SO far as Ger
many is concerned, but is part of her general
policy of refraining from DEGREES of neu-
trality, while at the same time maintaining
strict neutrality. The last instance of this
course prior to the present, was when Ger
many withheld a neutrality decree during
the Turko-G -Grecian war. 1t is said the or
ders already issued against the shipment of
contraband goods are equivalent to a decla-
ration of neutrality.
The German government is at present
paying greater attention to the situation in
Cuba than the Philippine islands The Ger
man cruiser Geier is now at Havana, ready
to take off German subjects if the neces-
sity arises. France has war ship at Ha-
vana, one at st. Thomas and a third at
San Juan, Porto Rico. The French ships
are small and it is expected that three or
four large ships will be added soon to the
French feet in West Indian waters This
may account for the activity in French
ship yards, as reported by cable.
The State Department to-day gave out a
list of all governments that have declared
neutrality-namely, Italy. Netherlands, Swe-
den and Norway, Switzerland Colombia,
Mexico, Russia, France, Corea Argentine
Republic, Portugal, Japan and Uruguay.
1t will be noticed that the department list
does not include Great Britain, although she
was the first to proclaim neutrality for the
reason that no official notice has been given.
The authorities here would not be dis
pleased If China withholds her decree Of
neutrality altogether. as such a course
might be OF distinct advantage to the
United States in case Commodore Dewey's
fleet failed 20 effect landing on the Philip
pines and is obliged to hunt some open
port. With an American fleet in Asiatic
waters, the situation becomes hazardous
unless a beIIIgeregt port Is captured. or d
neutral port remains open. Up to to-day
All countries occupying eastern Aslatic ter
Continued On seventh Pagcl