The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-28
Madrid Newspapers FOment Sentiment
Against the United states.

Against the United States.
Correspondence OF the Associated Press)
MADRID, March 13.-El Liberal to-day
ridicules the idea of the United States hav-
ins any real idea OF going to war. Pointing
to the defensive preparations reported in
the American press" obsolete monitors be-
ing sent to protect Norfolk, New York, Bos-
ton. Port Royal, Charleston and Savannah.
throwing up earthworks at Fort Jefferson
and arming them with lbng-range guns,
making arrangements with the railway
companies for the prompt conveyance of
the troops to the threatened points," etc.,
preparations which FL Liberal character
ICES as ''chldish'-it says: "All this looks
much more as though America expected war
to be declared against her than that she is
about to declare 1t against Spain"
In political circles all sorts of rumors are
afioat as to Spain having formed powerful
alliance. The truth as to this, If there be
any truth in it at ali. is at present known
only to the government which maintains
on the subject an impenetrable reserve. Ell
Liberal calls attention to the growing sym
patty with Spain manifested in Europe, as
evidenced very eloquently by the press in all
the great capitals"
FL Pals revolutionary believes there is
truth in the rumors that Spain is entering
into an alliance with powers, in spite of
the energetic denials of the government
and it states categorically that this was
the sole reason for Senior Leon Costello's
visit to Madrid. 1t believes that before many
days the result of these diplomatic moves
will be seen.
FL impartial independently to-day re-
marks that while thinking these rumors of
diplomatic activity contain much of fancy,
it is of the opinion that to some extent
they are based on fact 1t adds: THE
expulsion OF Spain from Cuba would mean
e victory for the United States against the
countries of the old world, and their pre-
dominance in the Gulf of Mexico which
will be the key of the two oceans when at
length they are united by a canal. These
objects have been steadily pursued by the
Washington government since the last Gu
ban war To obtain them the plan has been
to avoid the danger of a war, but to tire
out and drain Spain by stirring up internal
strife 1t never entered their heads that
Spain would recognize the autonomy of
Cuba, thus removing all pretense for their
further interference. This has led to the
altered attitude on the part of the great
Republic, at the very moment when they
had the least justification for their course
of action
Eel Impartial also says: ut is indispen-
sable to get ready all the elements we
possess for naval fight and it is urgent
that the fleet should go to Cuba. The
United States will maintain an advantage
If they can place seven ironclads in front
of the Vizcaya and the Almirante Oquendo,
but when our two ships actually have to
fight this disadvantage will disappear before
the skill and courage of our sailors.
The semi-official Globo says: AT a time
when the duration of the war in Cuba is
being brought to- close by force of arms
and when peace is being restored by means
OF autonomy the United States throws
down the mask which hid their ambition.
In whose name they going to establish
intervention, and in the cause NOf what save
that of revolutionary bandits? If the United
States will put light to the powder they
have been heaping up so long this is an
inopportune time to do So"
Ell Globo referring to the question of the
intervention of the European powers, says:
'They will be unable to avert trial of
strength. but they will soon see themselves
forced to impose reasonable limits. 1t be-
hooves us then always to be IL the right,
not only as a satisfaction to our consciences,
but as the very backbone of our energy.
The Spanish government which, in every
case will meet the demands imposed upon
It by the exigencies of the situation, is to-
day absolutely in the right and will make
the right known at any cost
FL Tempo says: IF we must fight, our
means will not be so scanty that we cannot
show the world how nation fights in de-
Tense of its rights