Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-04-21

learned in high diplomatic quarters
that an exchange Of notes had begun
between the European capitals with
a view to making strong representa-
lions on the Spanish-American situa-
ton. In the same connection an In
formal meeting of the ambassadors
and ministers in this city of the six
great powers of Europe was held late
in the day. Several of the foreign es-
adjustments received cable advices
from their governments as to the
opening Of the exchange Of notes. This
had been anticipated in view of the
prevailing sentiment in all the for
eign quarters here that the action
thus far taken in congress made war
inevitable. The comon opinion hand
been officially reported to the several
European capitals, and it was doubt
less instrumental in starting the act
i've exchange between the great pow
ers yesterday. The same exchange oc-
CURED a week ago as preliminary to
the joint note of the great powers
presented to President Mckinley mild
ly urging q peaceful settlement with
Spain. 1t is understood, however,
that the present movement it not OF
the same mild character as the former
one. Simultaneous with the opening
Of the exchange word came from
Madrid that the Spanish government
was about to
Issue Another Appeal
to the great powers of Europe. 1t is
understood that this appeal is an in
itiatory to the concerted action of the
powers, and there is apparent agree
ment in advance that the appeal will
receive favorable consideration. 1t is
said that Spain's appeal will recite
her grievances against the United
States, stating in detail the many
concessions she has made, and point
ing out that it was in response to the
urgent representation of the six joint
powers that the last concession OF an
armistice was granted.
If the powers determine to act, their
influence probably will be particularly
directed toward inducing the United
States to grant Spain sufficient time
within which to try the armistice &c"
Gently proclaimed. During the re-
cent joint action of the powers their
main influence was eXerted at Madrid,
the only action at Washington being
the courteous expression of hope. for
peace. But the present movement
contemplates that the influence shall
be exerted at Washington rather than
at Madrid, and it is. the common be-
lief in diplomatic quarters that the
Madrid authorities have reached the
limit of concessions, and should now
be
Given Adequate Time
to try what they and the powers have
offered as means of restoring peace
in Cuba. There is no suggestion, how
ever, that this influence at present
will be Of a material character, but
it is expected to be an assertion of all
the moral influence of the powers in
checking tendencies which, it is be-
lieved, inevitably will lead to war. Up
to a late hour last night word had not
been received at the various foreign
establishments that any common
basis of joint action had been reached,
although it was the general impression
that there would be little difficulty in
arriving at this common ground in
view of the prevailing sentiment
abroad. 1t is not so certain, however,
that all Of the powers are ready for q
step of this character. Germany has
of late shown a disposition to avoid
exerting strong influences on the Unit
ed States. Russia is also thought to
be somewhat Indifferent. France and
Austria are most active in the present
as they were in the form
er one. Whether all of the six great
powers are ready to join in the move
ment is in doubt, and without this
united action, it is felt that the force
of such influence would be lost.