The San Francisco call., 1898-10-09
NOW CONS|DERATE TOWARD AMERICA Germans Favor Reten- ton of Philippines. WILL LET UNCLE SAM ALONE MERCHANTS INCLINED TO AN
 ANNEXATION Count von Goetzen Praises the Valor and Dash of Americans in
 Lne Santiago Cam
 paign.
MERCHANTS INCLINED TO AN
 ANNEXATION
Copyrighted. 1898. by the Associated Press

BERLIN, Oct. 8.-There has been a great change in German public opinion on the subject of the retention of the Philippine Islands by the United States. 1 The feeling toward America generally Is much more favorable than a couple of months ago. The news from the United States that the Government at Washington is seriously contemplating g holding the Philippines is commented upon dispassionately in the German press, and it is significant this week that two papers of such standing as the Kolnische Zeitung and the Vos- sische Zeitung have published long let ters from German merchants settled in the Philippine Islands, in which Ameri- can annexation is strongly advocated. A correspondent of the VOssiSche Zei- tung even vigorously combats Germany making any attempt to secure DOT tion of the islands, citing weighty req sons therefor. Another significant fact this week was a delegation representing German and German Swiss firms in the Philippine Islands called at the United States embassy to express hopes that America will not relinquish the islands, and, above all, not return them to Spain, which, the delegation claimed, would mean recurrence of the revo- lution and the perpetuation of commer- cial troubles.
 The delegation also asked if it might go to Paris and lay its views before the United States Peace Commission. The United States Ambassador here, MT. White advised the delegation not to do so MT. White does not anticipate Ger man interference, directly or indirectly, even if the United States insists upon retaining the whole of the archipelago.
 Privy Councillor Schwartenstein, for merly of the German Embassy at Washington, declares that Germany does not dream of putting obstacles in Americas way.
 MT. White had a long conference on Wednesday last with the German Min ister of Foreign Affairs, Baron von BueloW.
 The Imperial Government last winter, goaded by the agrarians, drew up blll fo regulate the inspection of American meat exports The bill practically meant the death of the American meat trade, and, luckily, it could not be made ready for production In the Reichstag before that body adjourned Since then the situation has changed. The charges against American meats have invariably proved to be ground less. so that the violent press attacks have ceased. The Government, there fore. has considerably modified the bill, which is now much less stringent, but some of its provisions are still highly preiudicial to canned meats and saul sages. III,
 Ii is expected that the measure will he introduced into the Reichstag soon after it's converting next month. The entire Right and a majority of the Cen trists favor the measure, so it's pass age is virtually assured.
 MT White has again taken up the cause of American insurance compa- nies who have been forbidden to do business in Prussia.
 Count von Goetzen's report of the Cuban war operations is in the hands of the Minister of War, General von Grossler. It is deemed confidential The Emperor has carefully read it. Von Goetzen first made a verbal report to the Emperor, who specially inquired as to the morale of the Americans, the diff ference between the regulars and the volunteers, the commiSsariat and medi- cal arrangements and the relative cour- age and spirit of the Americans. Since then his Majesty has put many per sonal questions to the Count. The lat ter, in the main, reported favorably, dwelling particularly on the dash and yalor of the Americans, the superior itv of the Mauser rifle and the poor generalship displayed on both sides The former German military attache at Washington also severely condemned General Toral's surrender at Santiago.
 pr. von Holleben, the German Elm bassador to the United States, stopped with the Emperor yesterday evening and dilated upon the patriotism and war fever of the American people. His