The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-05-01

intention of Interfering - No
Question of Territorial Extension
Is Involved I'm the Case.
BY the Associated Press
WASHINGTON, April 3O.-It is UNI
ohlc1ally stated in diplomatic quarters
representing France and Germany that
no protest or communication of any
character, concerning the operations Of
the American fleet at the Philippines
nave been or are likely to be made.
1t can be stated also that neither the
French nor German ambassador at
washington has received any instruc-
lions touching this subject and the idea
IS secuted that such representations
have been thought OF IN official quar-
tiers.
The report that German warships
nave left kiao Chou bay for the Philip
pines, in order to interpoSe armed re-
slstance to bombardment, is denied
II a German warship has started from
Nagasaki for Manila, as reported, it is
said this is for the purpose of protect
ing German residents and not as a
protest. These reports, it is pointed
out, emanate from Madrid and are de-
signed to provoke irritation in this
country against Germany and France.
so far as France is concerned she is
sald TO have no important interests in
the Philippines. Her nearest interests
are those at Tonquin.
A diplomatic official in discussing the
report, said that if the United States
designed territorial extension in the
Philippines, possibly the European
powers might feel warranted In seeking
an explanation He said, however. that
1t was obvious the United States had
no such territorial purposes, and that,
lacking these, it's effective conduct of
the war was a subject solely for this
country to determine.
Germany's interests in the Philip
pines are more extensive than those of
France, but the German authorities
ests will be safeguarded and that no
territorial questions will arise
Germany has not yet issued a procla-
nation Of neutrality, and it is now ac-
cepted as settled, in diplomatic circles,
that no formal proclamation will be
issued. This, it Is explained, is not un-
usual so far as Germany is concerned,
but is part Of her general policy Of
refraining from DEGREES of neutrality,
while at the same time maintaining
strict neutrality.
The last instance Of this course, prior
to the present, was when Germany
Withheld neutrality decree during the
-Grecian war. 1t is said the or
ders already issued against the ship
ment of contraband goods are equiv
alent to declaration Of neutrality
Inc German government is at pres
ent paying greater attention to the sit
uation in Cuba than the Philippines.
The German cruiser Geir is now at EIa-
vana, ready to take off German sub
Jects II the necessity arises. France
mas Warshlp at Havana, one at st.
Thomas and a third at San Juan, Porto
Rico. The French ships are small, and
1t is expected that three or four large
ships will be added to the French fleet
in West Indian waters. This may ac-
count for the activity Of the French
ship yard as reported by cable.
Notice From Portugal.
The Portuguese minister, Viscount de
Santo-Ihyrso. called at the state de-
partment today and gave official notice
Of Portugars neutrality. ~
Afterward the viscount expressed re-
greet at the published reports attribut-
ing delay to Portugal and a disposition
TO favor Spain as against the United
States. The minister says that SUCH
reports are unwarranted, and that an
official dispatch he received from Lis
bon last night. shows the authorities
at Lisbon acted with promptness
AS to the return of several of the
Spanish torpedo boats to the Cane
Verde islands, because Of injuries re-
suiting from a collision the minister
says such injuries if bona fide, permit
Warships to remain long enough to re-
pair damage. This cannot be made
an excuse for extended stay, however,
and the minister says that the Portu-
guese authorities will see that the bona
fides of the injury to al ships are full
ly established before they will be al
lowed to remain
The viscount desires to have it fully
understood that Portugal's desired puf-
pose from the outset has been to OBJ
serve the strictest neutrality between
the United States and Spain.
The Chinese minister, WI Ting Fang,
called at the state department today,
and had talk with officials concern
ing the war situation. He did not bring
a notice of China's neutrality, nor has
he received word thus far from his
government that China will declare her
neutrality
The authorities here would not be
dfspleased if China Withheld her decree
as such a course might be
of distinct advantage to the United
States in case Commodore Dewey's
fleet failed to effect landing on the
Philippines ard is obliged to seek some
open port.
With an American fleet in Asiatic
waters the situation becomes hazard
Gus unless belligerent port is cap
tured or a neutral port remains open.
Up to today, all countries occupying
Eastern Asiatic territory had declared
neutrality except China alone. The
notice of Korea was given two days
ago, thus closing: the port of Chemul-
pc. Japan gave notice today, Gus
closing all Japanese ports, including
VolrO 1T
tageous harbor in Asiatic waters, and
nearest the Philippines than any other
port. The British and French DEGREES
closed Hong Kong and ports of Brit
ish and French Tonquin.
China Delays.
When Mr.. WI Ting Fang was seen
at the Chinese legation tonight, he said
that, having received no notice of Chi
mas neutrality, he presumed none had
been issued by the imperial govern
ment. At the same time, he had no.
ticed press dispatches that the Ameri-
can fleet left Mrs bay, which is a Chi
nese possession, owing to declaration
of neutrality. The minister believes
this declaration, if made, was given by
the local viceroy. and applies only to
the province of Canton. AS to whether
the emperor will declare neutrality.
Mr.. Fang is not able to say. 1t is
realized, however, that no decree of
neutrality was issued during the
Franco-Prussian war, and that China
has not been in the habit of issuing
neutrality DEGREES on the outbreak of
wars in other parts of the world.
While China entertains the most
friendly feeling towards the United
States, Mr.. WI feels that this would
not Justify the Withholding of neu-
trality If it in any way operated to the
advantage of the United States as