The evening times., 1898-07-28
THE NATIONS OF EUROPE
They Want TO Know Our Inten.
tons in the Philippines.
NAY UNITE AGAINST AMERICA
Some Slight Apprehension In Felt
Because of Certain Yelled Allu-
siOns-Our Policy, HOwe> Has
the Friendship of Great britain
and Japan.

With an interest almost as keen as that
felt by Spain. the powers of Europe are
awaiting the announcement OF terms
upon which President Mckinley will be
willing to end the war.
This announcement will make known
the policy of the Administration with
respect to the Philippines. 1t will with
OF, doub, be the subject of an exchange
of notes between the powers and may
prove to be the rivet which may bind
Continental Europe together fSr the pur-
pose of bringing pressure to bear upon
this Government looking to a withdrawal
of its demands regarding the acquisition
of territory in the Philippines and other
Spanish islands in that section of the
globe.
Naturally, such action will be in ac-
cordance with the desires Of the Madrid
government and In some quarters there
was apprehension that the note present.
ed by the French ambassador from the
Queen Regent of Spain had as its objec,
the formation of European concert to
resist what might seem to be inordinate
demands of the United States.
No exception viii be taken by foreign
governments to the annexation of Porto
Rico by the United States, and notwith-
standing the declaration Of this Govern
ment before the war that 1t Cad no in
tention of occupying Cuba the powers
would be willing and glad to be assured
of a stable government in 1Mba by its
acquisition by the United States.
But different problem, presents itself
with respect to the Philippines. Great
Britain and Japan are ,desirous of the eN-
tension of American Jurisdiction to the
Philippines and other Islands still vested
in the Spanish crown, because their in
terests in the Far East are to a great
extent identical with those of the United
States and would necessitate an Identical
policy in respect to the maintenance of
the integrity of China.
Opposed to such extension are the pow
ers of Continental Europe, who anticipate
an alliance between the United States,
Great Britain. and Japan by the occupa-
ton Of the Philippines by the American
Government.
So great has been the anxiety of several
governments to learn the intention of the
United States with regard to the Philip
pines that they instructed their represen-
tatives in Washington to make inquiries
as to our policy. These diplomats. besides
seeking the information through ordi-
nary channels, have furnished their gov
ernments with such unofficial statements
and gossip of an authentic character as
they have been able to obtain.
The inquiries. when addressed to the
State Department, have all been of a
character to disarm suspicion of any in
tention on the part of the makers to
find fault with any policy that may be
adopted by the United States. 1t being
stated that If not an improper question
the government of Japan. for instance.
would like to know what the United
States proposes to do with the Philip
pines.
Besides Japan several governments have
made these inquiries. but 1t is stated posi-
lively at the German and French embas-
sies that the ambassadors of their gov
ernments have made no representation
whatever to the United States on the
subject. To the inquiries that have been
made, however, an evasive answer has
been given, indicating that the adminis-
tration had formulated no definite policy.
but the positive assertion has been made
that foreign interests will be thoroughly
protected.
These inquiries have, Of course, been
subject of much discussion by the Presi-
dent and his advisers. and are the cause
of some apprehension that an effort may
be made by Continental Europe to exert
pressure upon this Government to with
draw from the Philippines. 1t was to
counteract such pressure. to show Europe
that the demands of the United States
were unalterable. that the President re-
Gently SO largely increased the Eastern
squadron, and 1t Is reiterated today with
emphasis that that squadron will sail for
Spain between the 1st and 10th Of Au-
gust.
If Spain Is sincere in her desire for
peace, the negotiations of the officials
will be undoubtedly hastened by the dis
patch of a squadron abroad, and II she is
not, that squadron win be in a position
to attack and destroy the remnant of
the Spanish navy and, make demonstra-
tions along the Spanish coast. Commo-
dore Sampson has assembled the armor-
clads of his fleet at Guantanamo and Is
putting them In tho best fpossible repair.
He will report within sweek, the au-
thorities expect, the completion Of re-
pairs to certain Of the ships. These will
be attached to Comhodore Watson's
squadron and sent abroad.