The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-06
Confirmation of the RumOr that the
Dons Have Succeeded in Purchas-
ing Several War Vessels.
COMMENTS OF WEEKLY PRESS
THE STATTST AND SPECTATOR ON
PHASES OF THE SITUATION.
More JingO Writing by Madrid Editors
lei Pals Advocates Sending an
Army Against United States.
Copyright, 1898, by the associated press.>

Copyright, 1898, by the associated Press.)
LONDON, March 5-Now that time and
opportunity for reflection have been allowed
by a temporary cessation 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 begin
ming to realize the depth of the pro-Cuban
feeling in the United States, with which
the Thoughtful element here cordially SYM
pathize, although they still believe the
Maine inquiry will absolve Spain from COM
pIicity in the disaster. An impression, al
most amounting to conviction, prevails that
public opinion will compel the government
of the United States to acknowledge the
Cubans as belligerents and to intervene be-
tween Spain and Cuba. The very calm
ness and patience of the people of the
United States tends to confirm the convic-
ton here that the Americans have become
aware that their government is preparing
to satisfy the country's aspirations
when the auspicious moment arrives. Every
one in this country acknowledges the dig
nifty and self-possession with which the
Cabinet of President Mckinley has been
handling this most difficult affair." and this
has had a great effect in influencing opin-
ion on this side of the Atlantic.
Americans express themselves as being
much gratified at the friendly attitude
which the British government has evinced
towards the United States. BY advice of
the British government ship builders and
dealers in munitions of war here insist
practically on cash payments in the case of
all orders booked by Spain. 1t seems that
the Spanish embassy when bargaining with
the ship building and other firms indirectly
suggested that Great Britain sympathized
with Spain This coming to the ears of the
British government, 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
has succeeded in obtaining complete plans
of principal Spanish harbors and their de-
fenses4 In short, both Americans and En-
glishmen have about concluded that the
present calm has been brought about by
President Mckinley in order to allow the
completion of preparations for defense and
for possible initiative action, and few peo-
pie here will be sorry when a decision is
reached and the long-standing tension is
ended
SHIPS PURCHASED BY SPAIN.
Further inquiries made on the subject
confirm the report cabled yesterday of the
sale of the two cruisers which the Arm
strongs have been building for Brazil to
Spain. The inquiries further show that a
representative of the Chilean government
has been negotiating with the Spanish gov
ernment for the battle ship O'Higgins built
by the Armstrong; for Chile, and it is be-
ieved that deal is practically completed
whereby this splendid war ship will pass
into Spain's possession. It is known that
the Chilean representative made definite
offer to Spain recently, but the price was
considered too high and Spain made
counter offer. 1t is now understood that
they have come to terms. The ships which
Spain secured in France are two heavily
armored coast defense vessels which Brazil
ordered for service on the River Platte,
which have been building at the Laseyne
works at Havre. The statement made in
washington that the Amazonas. one of the
vessels Spain has purchased from Brazil,
has already left this country for Brazil is
incorrect. She is still at the Armstrong
works.
Operators on the Stock Exchange are in
clined to leave American securities alone
until the crisis is settled. They burned
their fingers during the past week, the net
results of the see-saw movements being that
London lost considerably to New York, and
although there is no doubt as to the final
outcome. it is feared the struggle will cause
the trade of the United States to suffer Sc
verely. Hence the London purchases at
nresent are not likely to be appreciable.
An exemplifcation 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 SOW
ereign" on having exhibited admirable
frmness of character and indep ndence of
Judgment" the Statst points out that,
"however strong the President may be, he
has finally to obey the will of the people,"
Continuing, the Statist says: ut would be
the gravest mistake to suppose that be-
cause the jingoes, who have discredited
themselves by reckless charges which they
we're unable to substantiate, have failed to
move the President, public sympathy for
the Cubans, which is very real and very
widespread, will also fall"
THE FINANCIAL ASPECT
Commenting on the financial aspect of the
situation, the Statiss says: "The with
drawal of gold for New York at this season
of the yeer is noteworthy" and gathers
therefrom a corroboration of the belief that
''nost of the recent speculation in Amer
lean securities conducted by the United
States was financed by New York banks;
hence the latter are now i'm no position to
part with much money to the agricultural
districts without calling In loansp Con-
tinuing, the Statist says: Another cir
cumstance has powerfully contributed TO
the stringency. If there should be war the
expenditure would be on an enormous scale,
and the government will have to borrow Inn