The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-31

been the cause OF the activity at Ew opean
capitals within the last few days in con-
nection with Spanish-Amercan affairs. Up
to the present time however, no actual
step toward mediation or Intervention has
been taken by any of the great powers. al
though 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. The French ambassador at
Washington. NJ Cambon. has received
no definite Instructions directing him
to tender the good offices of France
At the same time. the ambassador
taking he cue from the remarks of Premier
Hanotaux, has called on Judge Day, and
has said that IL this government at any
time feels that the French government can
aid in averting the present grave crisis and
maintaining peace he has no doubt that
France will readily undertake to exert sucn
good offices as will be acceptable to both
powers. This as stated. is not a formal
tender by the French government, for as
yet the French ambassador has received no
positive instructions, but 1t clearly indicates
the tendency and the 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 delicate character os
such overtures. A tender of good offices is
one of the last resorts of diplomacy when
all other means of averting war seem to be
at an end. There is additional difficulty
from the fact that when Two nations are
involved in crisis any external influence
may be resented as an intrusion. There is
reason to believe that the French authori-
ties are fully conscious of these delicate
and difficult phases and that no step will
be made unless it is clearly apparent in adj
vance that the United States desires the
friendly offices of er nations.
NO AID FOR SPAIN.
The Spanish government has earnestly
hoped within the last week that some of
the European powers, and more likely Aus
tria or France. " take the initiative
without waiting suit the desires of
this government. S hope has proved
vain, however, az. 1t is stated to-day on
high authority that recent negotiations in
Europe have disclosed positively that while
the sympathy of some of the continental
powers was toward Spain, no one of them
stood ready TO espouse her cause by media
ton or by arms. Most had been expected
of Austria. owing to the dynastic relations
between Austria and Spain. The present
Queen Regent of Spain, Maria Christina, is
an Austrian princess, being the second child
of Karl Ferdinand archduke of Austria.
and a cousin of Emperor Franz Josef of
Austria. The young King of Spain through
the same geneaiogy. is of Austrian blood
This creates a natural tie between Austria
and Spain, and it has been most influential
within recent days in inducing Austria to
secure the cooperation of other continental
in honoI oFG -
ent time, however, Austria has not felt
ready to take The initiative alone. The re-
ports from Vienna last night that the Aus
TRAN minister of foreign affairs Count
Goluchowski, had instructed the Austrian
representative at Washington 20 cooperate
in the steps to be taken by France are not
borne out by any actual developments which
have thus far occurred here. The Austrian
minister has not been at the State Depart
ment during the present week, nor have any
suggestions in this line been received by
the State Department from him. 1t is a
passing coincidence that the French ambas-
sador, the Austrian minister and the Span
ish minister are more closely associated to-
gether than any other diplomats in the
corps.
The White House was besieged with call
ers to-day including Senators Hanna, Da-
Wis chairman, Frye, Cullom and Gray,
members Of the foreign relations committee;
Allison. burrows. Hawley Spooner and
Wolcott. Nearly the entire Michigan dele
cation also called, their purpose being to
urge the President 20 take immediate and
vigorous action to end the war and secure
the independence of Cuba, Other senator's
who saw the President were Foraker. Sew
all, Adrich and Wilson. Secretaries Gage,
Long and Bliss also saw Mr.. Mckinley
Secretary Long is authority for the state
ment that there is no truth in the report
published this morning that Consul General
Lee is dissatisfied with the Presidents Gu
ban policy and has cabled his resignation
to the State Department, at the same time
requesting that he be relieved at once. The
report was that telegram to that effect
was received from General Lee last night
Secretary Long said to-day in the most pos
ltlVe manner tnat no such telegram had been
received, and he had every reason to doubt
the report that General Lee was dissatisfied
ton.