Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-04-04
ONE IS EXPECTED AT ALMOST ANY
TIME, HOWEVER.
PROSPECTS FOR 1T GROWING.
FRANCE, GERMANY AND AUSTRIA
MOST INTERESTED.
1t IL Thought That No Actual Move
VIII BE Made Until 1t Appears
That War Is Inevitable
Senior Polo Hard
Mt Work.

European mediation has aroused the keen
| est interest throughout diplomatic circles
here. and although inquiry at the leading
embassies and legations failed to disclose
| that any actual move had been made, yet
such move is anticipated almost any
| time, and. when taken, it is felt that it
will be an important factor in the situation.
1t has been expected that France would
be the first TO act by a tender of her good
offices. Up to tonight, however, the French
| ambassador, NJ. Cambon. had received no
instructions in this line. There Is the same
anticipation, but lack Of definite action, In
British, German and other diplomatic quar-
ters. 1t is probable that mediation would
take definite form If the foreign represen-
tatives were convinced that war was inev-
liable, and was about to be declared. While
they look upon the situation as grave, the
general sentiment among them is that the
matter has not yet progressed beyond the
range Of diplomacy and q pacific settle
ment. For that reason, there was strong
inclination shown to-day to walt until the
presidents message was sent to congress,
the feeling being that the real issue could
not be determined until the message had
been submitted.
At the outset. Spain was most earnest
fo- mediation, and to this end addressed
Now. however. as the prospects for media
ton appear to be growing. the Spanish
authorities seem to be less inclined toward
this course. This may be due to the fact
that Spain had looked on mediation as an
indirect form Of Intervention of the Eu-
ropean powers in favor Of one Of their
own number. The Spanish note developed,
however, that the powers were not ready
for any such radical step. France made
the first declaration, through Premier
Hanotaux, in the French chamber, that
France would treat both parties alike as
friends. This was an unexpected reverse
for Spain, as she had felt that the French
ownership of Martinique, Guadalupe and
other islands would incline her to SYM
pathy with Spain in defending her SOW
ereIgnty over Cuba
1t was stated by one of the ambassadors
to-day that any move in the form of medi-
alton would first assume form by an eX-
change of notes among the European pow
ers, which could be done very speedily by
telegraph in case war crisis seemed at
hand In such event. the general under
standing among diplomats here is that
Great Britain, France, Germany and Aus
tria would be consulted. as their CONNER
cial interests would be seriously crippled
by a war between the United States and
Spain. While Russia and Italy also might
be consulted, owing to their influence in
European affairs. yet their immediate in
terests in the Spansh-American conflict
would be far less than that of the other
countries mentioned.
The Spanish minister, Senior Polo y Ber-
nabe. and his staff, had very busy Sum-
day. although 1t did not bring any devel-
opments changing the situation. The min
lister did not see state department officials
during the day. His last official exchange
with the authorities here was on last FRI
day after SDain's answer had been re-
ceived. since which time the negotiations
have been at a halt. This however, has
not lessened the Spanish minister's activity
in keeping his government fully apprised
as to the general aspect Of affairs in this
country. The elaborate manner in which
this cable intelligence has gone to the au-
thorities at Madrid is probably without
parallel. 1t is understood that when the
situation began to assume its most serious
aspect. a single cable dispatch sent by the
minister to the foreign office at Madrid
cost $1,000 Another dispatch cost 500,
and another $500. In this way the Madrid
authorities are kept in close touch with
the condition of affairs here not only as 1t
relates to official negotiations. but more
particularly to the tendencies and all those
circumstances which will permit the Ma
dflu government 10 gauge tne situation at
Washington.
LcDdon, April 4.-The Paris correspond
ent of the Daily Chronicle says:
The fact that NJ. Cambon, French ambas-
sacor at Washington, has been instructed
to act for Spain in the event of the depart
ure of Senor Polo y Barnabe, shows that
NJ. Hanotaux has made another clever
move. in which the neutrality of France
is qualified by a show of influence exer-
cised necessarily on behalf of Spain and
placing France in the position of hui
name protector without more than moral
responsibility.