The age-herald., 1898-09-11
UNDERSTANDING
 WAS REACHED Between Germany and England Oyer
 Several Matters. HAS CAUSED A SENSATION Forms Basis for More Cordial Rela- ti0nS in FltGTe.
HAS CAUSED A SENSATION
TALKING OF CHARS CONFERENCE
American Pig Iron Sold in Germany They Are Afraid a Lively Com- petition Has Been Started
 That Will Hurt Them.

Berlin, September 1O-The news of the important understanding arrived at be- tween Germany and Great Britain has caused a sensation. The matter engrossed public attention throughout the week. The first reports were so exaggerated as to draw out formal denias from the govern ment here, which seriously feared that if such an overdrawn version of the affair ob- tained credence, Germany's friendly rela- tfons with Russia would be endangered.
 The correspondent here of the Associated Press has had several interviews with the foreign office officials authorized by the government to discuss the subject. The most significant statement was made by an official who has the full confidence of the minister of foreign affairs Baron Von Buelow. It was as follows:
 ''An understanding has been reached be- tween England and Germany on certain points which have long been under discus sion and on some new questions. The agree ment is limited, far from being of the wide reaching nature reported by the newspa- pers. The representations in the English newspapers are mostly guess work, the wish being father to the thought. There have been old questions in dispute, such as Togoland, in southwest Africa These arc now settled, besides other questions Which might have caused difficulty in the future, such as Delagoa bay and a joint loan to Portugal.
 More Cordial Relations
 "The significance of the agreement, how 6OpS lia in tl,a 4i,, subject mattetr but in the fact that it furnishes the basis for more cordial rela- tions. The emperor's telegram was doubt less sent after he had knowledge of the completion of the agreement and as indosl- tive of his desire to carry out the spirit of the understanding. There was dark spot in the political relations of the two nations in South Africa, which has now been re moved, and all fears of unplea sant rela- tions there may now be discarded,t'
 It will be observed that the German off, ciaIs carefully avoid the use of the word treaty"
 The news of the understanding between Germany and England was received with mixed feelings. The liberal press which naturally gravitates toward Great Britain greets it with outspoken 'friendfiness, while the conservative and pan-German news papers express fear that it may prove an other edition of the Caprivi agreement re- garding Zanzibar, which is still greatly con- demned by the whole press.
 Even the Voosiche Zeitung, which other wise halls joyfully the news of better un- derstanding with Great Britain, says the surrender of Germany's influence in South Africa would be frought with evil, al- though it admits that the Transvaal re- public has disappointed its German friends.
 Will Not Give Out Terms
 There is much curiosity here in regard to Germany's quid pro quo, but in spite of the daily demands of the press for the publica- tion of the terms, the government does not intend to reveal them, both classes having agreed upon secrecy. Germany na- turally is greatly interested in the Portu- guese loans, of which she already holds l61 ,000, 900 marks. For seven years Por- tugal has only paid third of the interest due, meaning a loss to her German cred itors of 4o,000,000 marks.
 A high official tells the correspondent of the Associated Press the agreement be- tween Great Britain and Germany was a necessary prellmlnafy 10 luelr JollllifS tHe czar's conference. In regard to the latter, a member of the Russian embassy says he does not expect an early conference, and he admits the possibility of one or more of the powers refusing to join, in which case it would be dropped.
 During the big army maneuvers there were several occurrences of interest. For instance, the emperor did not invite eN- Chancellor Caprivi to attend them, all though he is honorary chief of the Seventy eighth regiment, which participated in the affair, which is much commented upon.
 At Minden the emperor graciously wei comed the delegation from the Westphiiian Peasants association, which is hostile to Ihe centrists, and whose president is Baron von Landsberg, a violent agrarian, whom, two years ago, his majesty refused to re- ceive. This is interpreted as meaning that the emperor'S views have changed favor ably in regard to agrarianism.
 Afraid of Our Pig
 The chamber of commerce of Bochaum, referring to the fact that American pig iron was recently sold in Germany, ex- presses fear that this may be the begin- ming of a lively competition unless Ger man rail freights are materially reduced. The report denies that the the lower prices