The San Francisco call., 1898-04-06
HAS REJECTED ALL MEDIATION Mckinley Will Not Per- init Foreign Interfer- ence at This Time. This Is a Fact the Powers of Europe Understand
 Perfectly. Leo XIII Will Still Be tho Strongest Force at Work for
 Peace.
Special Dispatch to The Call.

NEW YORK, April 5-A Washington special to the Herald says: President Mckinley has rejected all proffers of mediation and arbitration because he feels that nothing but the prompt admis- sion of our full dc-nand-the ultimate independence of Cuba-will satisfy the American people. The outside influence, which is undoubtedly at work and be- ing proffered to both nations, must therefore confine itself to Madrid. And find that even diplomats of the we'll meaning nations at work believe the influence of the church at the Spanish capital is paramount to their own.
 l am able to discredit to a great ex- tent the London dispatch widely cir culated to-day that England has re- fused to assist the other European powers in preventing war. It is pointed out that the fullest denial of this is the cautious and careful statement made in the Ho 1e of Commons last night by MT. Balfour First Govern ment Represen' tive in the lower house and during Lord Salisbury's illness practically the Premier of England. He said the British Government stood ready to do all in its power to prevent war.
 This statement i3 reflected in the ac- tive participation of the British en- bassy here in conference held by leading diplomats at the instance of their home governments. The British Ambassador was in conference with the French Ambassador and the Aus trian Minister to-day upon the situa- tion, but they were not preparing joint representations to be made at the State Department. They were preparing in- formation for their Governments as to the best course to be pursued at Mad rid and as to how long Washington might be expected to await the result of Madrid negotiations
 l learn further that at least two of them believe that time will yet remain in which Madrid may be influenced. This is the result of diplomatic activity in the capital, and is highly important It will encourage the renewal of out side pressure at the Esourial. While the Mckinley Government has made it plain that it is not in any way subject to diplomatic influence, it ctill hopes that the SagaSta Government will fur ther seek negotiations. The Church of Rome, it is argued, has more at stake than any European Government. Aside IIoIIl tuS IuIIlaIlIdTldn mOt1Ve which would move it, there are immense ma terial interests. The church's property in Spain is enormous, and is absolutely free from mortgage or taxation. It is by far the most valuable holding in the whole poninsula. It has long been cov- eted by Spanish republicans. Rome knows that a crushing defeat at arms would imperil the dynasty and the monarchical government more than the surrender of Cuba. The overthrow of the monarchy in Spain will mean what it meant in Mexico-the confiscation of the great church property and the abo- lition of religious titles, which now have precedence, and the payment of all Government taxation. This conffs- cation, constantly threatened under the republic of 1865, would surely take place now. That is what Rome has at stake.
 Then, again, who has such power of intervention as the Pope? He is the holy father of both the Spanish and Cuban armies. It is believed that the greatest danger to follow the submis- sion of the Sagasta Government to our demands would be revolt in the Span ish army. No one could exercise more influence than the Pope to prevent this.