The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-03-17

WASHINGTON. March ie-The main
development in the Spanish situation TO-
day was IN connection with the definite
representations submitted by the spanish
government 20 the state department con-
cerning the assemhlase OF q large fieet
OF American warships AZ Key West the
war preparations AMI the influence which
these might have OH tna approaching
elections in Cuba.
THESE representations were exactly In
line with the semi-ofhciai utterancs
given in these dispatches last night. and
accredited 10 a high official conversant
with the views CT the Spanish cahinet.
1t is rathsr By way of representation,
conveyed in friendly spirit and with
out a threat as TO the serious influences
which these preparations will have In en-
couraging the Cuban insurgents at tho
moment when the autonomy Plan Is 10
elections. and in this way defeat the RS
forms that Premier Sagasta Is seeking 10
carry out. 1t has been especially pointed
out that the presence OF a large fleet or
United States warshlps az Key West
canno. be regarded as a friendly measure.
as the sending OF ships was officially rep
resented 10 lee when the Maine went 10
Havana and The Vixcaya returned the
complimentary visit.
In short the presence of This extensive
fleet near Cuba, together with the war
measures taken By the United States, fs
regarded by Spain as seriously prejudiciai
20 the policy or autonomy which Spain
and the United States have alike approved.
and an indirect eheoura cement to the in
surgen's In defeating the desires OF both
governments for the Success of that pol
icy.
Finally, and in the same spirit Of friend
II representation. Spain has pointed out
that war by the United States against
Spain. under such circumstances. would
be unjuStIfiabls before tse world aud a
crime AGAINST humanity and civilization.
Tho representations contained no refer
ence whatever 10 the Maine disaster or to
redress OF Indemnity therefor.
While these representations canno, prop
eriy be regarded as a protest agains. shs
attitude and acts Of the United States rov-
eminent. they may unquestionahiy be set
down as remonstrance calculated 10 have
an effect in European court circles. M,
being technical protest. however. .he
statement has net called forth any official
reionder on The part % the state depart-
rnen;. for II is lacking In tangible accusa-
tions. being rather an argumentatlve pre-
sentation Of alleged Spanish grievances.
The published seml-otfielal statement OF
the Spanish cabinets view as to the re-
sponsibillty og the United States in the
Cnban situation has created profound
impression. Officials decline 70 dlscuss IL
publicly. bn, there is general belief
among them that ;he publication marks
the beginning ~ new chapter In the
troubled relations between .he United
states ana Spain.
The statement ~ believed 20 be first
step towards forming public opinion in
Europe in anticipation al "a failure on ths
p1r. OF the Spanish officials TO make
suecess or the autohomous programmes
which Il had Outlined. and that an at
;enpt - 10 be made 10 place the respon-
s.b'Ilty upon the uni-ed States for any
failure thss may follow
this movement IS regarded AZ adding
mueh 20 the gravity os the presen: situa-
yIon.
That the administration VIII be lnnu-
eacsl by the suggestion ,hat the presence
of tAe fleet ~ the North Atlantic squad
non ~ Key west Is Il disturbing factor a
uo1 beloved for n moment. Visible evil
denea oI tAat determination was the erase
less activity of the naval officials an weIi
as the steady prosecution Of tns plans Of
the war department.
Although the secretary % the navy Is
st4n pursuing with yigor mis- quest for
suitable waeshlga thai may be purchased
In Europe. beyond those already secured
AZ the Armstrong works. further acquisi-
ti0as have not been made.