The evening times., 1898-05-04

Paris May A deep impression has
been produced in Paris by the victory OF
Cavite which is the absorbing topic of
conversation not only among public men,
but in the clubs. salons. and. indeed, ev-
cry place where people congregate.
The offices of the newspapers are
thronged with visitors.
During the whole evening excited
crowds consisting largely of Americans,
scan the latest dispatches respecting the
destruction of the Spanish squadron but
il is especially in business circles that the
effect of the news was most marked.
" hat is feared is a prolongation of the
conflict.
That is why" said one of the leading
bankers. success for the Spaniards, no
matter what sympathy may be felt for
their bravery and dignified attitude,
would send the bourse down, while every
American victory can have but the oppo-
site effect. as tending to shorten the So
luton. II is cruel perhaps. but inevi-
table"
Several French officers and admirals
considered the resistance on the part of
the Spaniards out of the question in view
but they did not expect such a rapid and
crushing defeat.
What passes comprehension" said an
admiral, rs the want of forethought and
the absence of serious preparation for
defense, revealed by the first disaster. The
entrance of the American ships into the
Bay of Manila without being perceived
or disturbed by torpedoes, electric search
lights or the batteries of the island of
COrreiidOr seems TO me almost as i'm
probable an event as might have been
the appearance OF a foreign ironclad in
time of war in the harbor OF Brest.
The unlucky Spanish vessels. badly
protected and armed. once confronted
with American cannon. were doomed to
certain destruction"
At the ministry of foreign affairs the
most absolute reserve is maintained. the
officials being concerned above every
thing in not departing from the strict
neutrality which the French government
has adopted.
"Assuredy." said an official, ''one
would have to despair Of the progress of
humanity if all the nations were not con-
cerned in seeing an end of the war made
as quickly as possible. The near future
might give rise to war which, even in
the eyes of the stronger of the two bel
ligerents, | may say because of its in
contestible superiority cannot but be re-
garded as a war of determination.
But however much we may desire to
find an acceptable solution when there
has been rapid advantage gained on
one side. and defeat has been hOnorably
borne by the other, ii would be a danger
Gus illusion to believe in the possibility
Of Intervention. if it were prematurely or
indiscreetly offered. The only thing is
an - in ha
ion of all. necessary, or until il is de-
sired by the parties concerned
but is there not reason to fear that
internal events may arise in Spain
which may render the eventual part of
diplomacy more delicate and more diff
cut?" the officer was asked
There is certainly ground for uneasi-
ness in regard to this point, and the
eYentuality to which YOU allude would
be particularly calamitous to Spain. Tn
der the present circumstances it can only
be hoped that the patriotism of the Span
iards will not while under the influence
of doleful excitement. display itself in
internal disturbances which would even
further complicate the situation of the
country"
do you think complications are likely
TO arise i'm consequence of the seizure OF
the Philippines by the United States?
Has their cessiOn to any other power
been regarded as among the eventuali-
ties with which diplomacy may have to
reckOn?"
1T is certain that the possession of
the Philippines is factor which may
come into question at the final settle
ment but IL seems premature TO raise il
now. In any case, it is not our busl-
ness to raise it,"