The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-04-04
committee who is in favor OF formally
reporting them tomorrow.


reporting them tomorrow.
Mr.. Adams. the acting chairman Of
the committee, in the absence of Mr..
Hit, saw the president to-day. and in
formed him of the probable action of
the committee. Some of the republi-
cans called upon Mr.. Hit at his resi-
dence during the day.
The prospects of European mediation
have aroused the keenest interest
throughout diplomatic circles here, and
although inquiry at the leading en-
bassies and legations failed to disclose
that any actual move had been made.
yet such a move is anticipated at most
any time. and when taken, IL is felt
that il 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 ambas-
sador. NJ. Cambon, had received no in
structions i'm this line. There is the
same anticipation. but lack of definite
action in Great Britain. Germany and
other diplomatic quarters. IL is prob
able that mediation would take definite
form IL the foreign representatives
were convinced that war were inevit-
able and 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 a
pacific solution. For that reason there
was a strong inclination shown to-day
to wait till 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
for mediation and to this end addressed
a note to the powers about 10 days ago.
Now, however. as the prospects for
mediation appears to be growing. the
Spanish authorities seem to be less in
clined toward it, This may be due to
diation as an indirect form of interven-
ton of the European powers in favor
of one OF their own number. The Span
ish note developed, however. that the
powers were not ready for any such
radical step. France made the first
declaration. through Premier Hano-
taux. 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.
Guadaloupe and other islands would in
cline her to symDathize with Spain in
defending her sovereignty.
1t was stated by one of the ambas-
sadors to-day that any move in the
form of mediation would first assume
form by an exchange of notes among
the European powers, which could be
done very speedily by telegraph in case
a war crisis seemed at hand. In such
event. the general understanding
among diplomats here is that Great
Britain, France. Germany and Austria
would be consulted, as their CONNER
cial interests would be seriously Grip
pied by a war between the United
States and Spain. While Russia and
Italy might also be consulted. owing to
their influence in European affairs, yet
their immediate interest in the Span
ish- American conflict would be far less
than that of the other countries men,
toned.
1t is probable that negotiations will
be opened by this government with
Denmark to allow cable messages to
come over the French line from the
Danish islaEd of st. Thomas TO the
United States. With the Leeward ISL
ands. of which St. Thomas is a center,
as the probable center of any naval
operations which may result from the
present crisis, it is recognized as of vast
importance to secure cable facilities not
controlled by Spain.
The Spanish minister. Senor Bernabe,
and his staff had a very busy Sunday.
although il did not bring any develop
ments changing the situation. The min
lister did not see the state department
officials during the day. His last OFF,
cial exchange with the authorities was
on last Friday, after Spains answer
had been received, since which time the
negotiations have been at halt. This,
however has not lessened the Spanish
minister's activity in keeping his gov
ernment fully apprised as to the gen.
eral aspect of affairs in this country
The elaborate manner i'm 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 Of
flee cost 81 900. Another dispatch cost
500 and another $4,000. In this way,
the Madrid authorities are kept i'm close
touch with the condition of affairs. not |
only as 1t relates to official negotiations,
but more particularly to those circum-
stances which will permit the Madrid |
government to gauge the situation at |
Washington.
Secretary Sherman gave a dinner last |
night, at which the Spanish minister |
was one of the guests. Senator Lodge |
of the senate committee on foreign af- |
fairs and Col Fred Grant of New York |
were also among those present. The |
presence of the Spanish minister at the |
home Of the secretary of state was void |
of circumstance, except as showing the |
pacific outward appearance of affairs. |
Being purely social gathering. the |
Spanish situation was not alluded to.