The herald., 1898-03-31

eetting forth the grave aspect of the con-
troversy with the United States and at
least inferentially suggesting that the time
was now opportune for European infiu-
ences to be exerted. 1t is said that this
note led to the utterance of Premier Han
otaux in the French chamber last Satur-
day and has been the cause of activity at
European capitals within the last few days
in connection with Spanish-American af-
fairs. Up to the present time, however, no
actual step toward mediation or interven-
ton has been taken by any foreign power
although there is little doubt that France
stands ready to take the initiative If there
is the slightest evidence that the United
States government will view such a move
with favor
FRENCH FRIENDSHIP
The French ambassador at Washington,
M. Cambon, has received no definite in
structions directing him to tender the good
offices of France. At the same time, the
ambassador, taking the cue from the re-
marks of Premier Hanotaux, has called on
Judge Day and has said that If this gov
eminent at any time feels that the French
government can aid in averting the present
crisis and maintaining peace, he has no
doubt that France will readily undertake
to exert such good offices as will be ac-
ceptable to both powers. This, as stated,
is not a formal tender by the French gov
eminent, for as yet the French ambassa
dor has received no positive instructions,
but it clearly indicates the tendency and
willingness of France to act as mediator
in the present emergency at any moment.
1t is probable that the suggestions have not
taken a more formal form owing to the del
icate character of such overtures. A ten (!
der of good offices is one of the last re-
sorts of diplomacy when all other means
Of averting war seem to be at an end. There i
is additional difficulty from the fact that |
when two nations are involved In a crisis |
any external influence may be resented as
an intrusion. There is reason to believe |
that the French authorities are fully con-
cious of these delicate and difficult phases
and that no step will be made unless it is
clearly apparent in advance that the United
States desries the friendly offices of other |
nations.
SPANISH HOPES FAIL
The Spanish government has earnestly |
hoped within the last week that some of
the European powers, and more likely
Austria and France, would take the in
itiative without waiting to consult the de-
|
proved vain, however, and it is said to-
day on high authority that recent negotia-
tons in Europe have disclosed that, while
the sympathy Of some of the continental
powers was toward Spain, no one of them
stood ready to espouse her cause by medi-
alton or by arms.
Most has been expected of Austria, ow-
ing to the dynastic relations between Aus
tria and Spain.
Up to the present time however, Austria
has not felt ready to take the initiative.
The reports from Vienna last night that
the Austrian minister of foreign affairs.
Count Goluchowski, had instructed the
Austrian representative at Washington to
cooperate in the steps to be taken by
France are not borne out by any actual
developments which have thus far &C.
CURED here.
The Austrian minister has not been at
the state department the present week nor
have any suggestions in this line been
received by the state department from
him. 1t is passing coincidence that the '
French ambassador. the Austrian minis
ter and the Spanish minister are more
closely associated together than any other
diplomats in the corps. II
DEFENSE PROJECTS
The greatest secrecy prevails in many
OF the war and navy departments in regard
to the various projects of defense and l.
naval movements now going on, and the
officials in many cases positively refuse
to make public steps that have been de-
termined upon
The most notable instance of this kind
probably is In the navy department where
Captain Crowinsheld of the bureau OF
navigation has issued an order forbidding
subordiuates to make public any informa- Ii
ton except on permission from himself. +
The order is as follows: Officers, clerks
and all employees of the bureau are for
hidden to make public any information con- ,
corning the movements of ships, orders to
officers or other official business of the :
bureau except they have personal and eN-
picit information from me-" In
a