The record-union., 1898-03-06
In the Event Of War Between Amer
lea and Spain.
Suggests Mediation to Avert a Conflict Of
the Nations.

1
nifty With Which President Me-
| Kin1ey is Handling the Subject
Calls Forth Favorable Criticism.
| LONDON, March 5.-Copyrighted
! 1898. by the Associated Press Now
that time and opportunity for reflection
have been allowed by temporary ces-
sation of the patriotic and bellicose
statements which, since the wreck OF
| the Maine, have been the chief feature
of the special cable dispatches from
the United States, Englishmen are be-
ginning to realize the depth of the pro-
Cuban feeling in the United States
with which the thoughtful element here
cordially sympathiZe. although they
still believe the Maine inquiry Will abb
solve Spain from completely in the DIS
aster. An impression. almost amount
ing to conviction, prevails that public
opinfon viii compel the Government OF
the United States to acknowledge the
CubanS as belligerentS, and to intervene
| between Spain and Cuba. The very
calmness and patience of the people OF
the United States tends to confirm the
conviction here that Americans have
become aware that their Government
is preparing TO satisfy the country S
aspirations when the auspicious mo-
ment arrives. Every one in this coun-
try acknowledges the dignity and self
possession with which the Cabinet of
President Mckinley has been handling
this most difficult affair, and this atti-
tude of the United States Government
has had a great effect in influenc-
ing opinion on this side of the Atlantic.
Americans express themselves as be-
ing much gratified at the friendly atti
tude which the British Government has
evinced toward the United States. By
advice of the British Government, ship
builders and dealers in munitions of
war still insist, practically, upon cash
payments in the case of all orders
booked by Spain. 1t seems that the
Spanish Embassy, when bargaining
with the shipbuilding and other firms,
directly suggested that Great Britain
sympathized with Spain. This came to
the ears of the British Government,
and the latter lost no time in putting
the firms which are in the habit of
doing Government work on their guard.
Another rumor which has decidedly
pleased the Americans was that the
Government had succeeded lin obtain
ing complete plans of the principal
Spanish harbors and their defenses. In
short both Americans and EnglishmeE
have about concluded that the present
state of affairs has been brought by
'President Mckinley, in order to allow
the completion of preparations for de-
fense and for possible inactive action,
and few people here will be sorry when
a decision is reached and the long
standing tension is ended.
Operators on the stock exchange are
inclined to leave American securities
alone until the crisis is settled They
burned their fingers during the past
week. the net result of the see-saw
movement being that London lost con-
siderable to New York. and although
there is no doubt as to the final out
come. it is feared that the struggle will
cause the trade of the United States to
suffer severely Hence the London pur-
chases at present are not likely to be
appreciable.
An exemplification Of the feeling here
is contained in long article published
by the ''Statist." After complimenting
President Mckinley whose powers
are perhaps greater than those Of any
European sovereign" upon having ex-
hibited admirable firmness of charac-
ter the ''Statist" points Gut that. how
ever strong the President may be. he
is finally to obey the will of the people
Continuing; the sStatist' says: "It
would be the gravest mistake to sup
pose that because the jingoes. who
have discredited themselves by reckless
charges which they We're unable to sub
stantiate, have failed to move the Pres
ident, public sympathy for Cubans,
which is very real and very widespread,
will also fail
Commenting upon the financial as
pect Of the situation, the "Statist'
says: The withdrawal of gold from
New York at this season Of the year is
noteworthy and gathers therefrom a
confederation of the belief that mos.
of the recent speculation in American
securities conducted by the United
States was financed by the New York
banks: HENCE the latter are now in no
position to part with penny to the
agricultural districts without calling in
loars
The Spectator" believes that both
Washington and Madrid expect war
without desiring it," and both are
arming as rapidly as they cam and
that beth are cogitating upon possible
alliances-Spain with France and Rus
cia. and America with Japan, which
wants the Philippine Islands and can
double the American fleet at a few
hours notice if Russia permitted
The Spectator continues: Great
efforts are being made on both sides
to be in time; by Mckinley because the
arsenals are not full, and by Premier
Sasasta because he must elect a Lib
eral Parliament"
The French Foreign Office, dreading
a financial crash in Paris, is suggest
ing mediation. but it will in the end
make mistake in threatening a psople
who at heart believe there Is nothing
strong in Europe except Great Britain.
The Consul-General of Spain is re-
sponsible for a curious advertisement
which has appeared in the London
newspapers, calling upon Spanish de-
sersers. fugitives and youths who have
not yet drawn lots for military service
to come to the Consulate and acouaint
themselves with an important royal de-
cree of pardon which concerns them
Thus far there has been no response.
The pastoral letter of Cardinal Casca-
jares, Archbishop Of Va1adoiid, has