New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-04
PROSPECT OF MEDIATION.
A SPANISH MINISTER SAYS THE POPE
HAS ACCEPTED THE TASK.
THE PROSPECT OF SUCH ACTION DISCUSSED WITH
GREAT INTEREST IN WASHINGTON
DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES

IHE fROSfE''T OF ST III tIloN DlSCt SSED WIN
GREAT INTEREST IN WASHINGTON
DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES.
Madrid. April 3--Sefor Capdepon. Minister OF
the Interior. says officially that the Pope has ac-
cepted the task Of mediatlng between Spain and
the United States at the suggestion OF the lat
ter. both nations accepting his mediation.
Washington April 3.-The prospect OF Euro
pean mediation has aroused the keenest interest
in diplomatic circles here. II had been expected
that France would be the first to act by tender
OF her good offices. Up to tonight however, the
French Ambassador NJ. Cambon. had received
no instructions in this line There Is the same
anticipation. but lack of definite action, In
British. German and other diplomatic quarters.
1t is probable that mediation would take def
mite form If the foreign representatives. were
convinced that war was inevitable and was
about to be declared. While they look on the
situation as grave. the general sentiment among
them Is that the matter has not yet proceeded
beyond the range OF diplomacy and a pacific
settlement For that reason there was strong
inclination shown to-day TO walt until the Presi-
dents Message was sent to Congress. the feel
ing being that the real issue could rot be de-
tcrmined until the Message had been submitted.
At TIE outset Spain was most earnest for me-
liatlOn, ana 10 tnlS emu addressed note ~ III
Powers about ten days ago. Now, however. as
the prospects for mediation appear to be grow
ing. the Spanish authorities seem to he less in
cllned toward this course. This may be due TO
the fact that Spain had looked on mediation as
an indirect form OF Intervention OF the Euro
pean Powers In favor of one Of their own num-
ber The Spanish note developed. however, that
the Powers were not ready for any such radical
step France made the first declaration through
Premier Hanotaux in the French Chamber that
France would treat both parties alike as frineds.
This was an unexpected reverse for Spain. as
she felt that the French ownership OF Marti-
nique. Guadalupe and other islands could in
cline her 10 sympathy with Spain In defending
her sovereignty in Cuba.
It was said by one OF the Ambassadors to-day
that any move for mediation would first as
sume form by exchange Of notes among the
| European Powers, which could be done speedily
/ by telegraph in crisis seemed at
| hand In such event. the general under
standing among diplomats here is that Great
Britain, France Germany and Austria would be
! consulted. as their commercial interests would
| be seriously crippled by a war between the
! United States and Spain. While Russia and
! Italy also might be consulted. owing TO their IN
| nuence in European affairs ye, their immediate
interest IN the spanish American COllII!'t "pui'
be FAR less than that OF the other countries "len
! toned
London. April 4.-The Madrid correspondent
of The Daily Mall" telegraphing on Saturday
says:
Information has been received here 20 the
/ effect that an alliance has been concluded by
England and America for mutual action In the
Far East alone As a matter Of fact. such ar
alliance II concluded. would influence cons!dera'
blv any Ioss.bie conflict between America anC
Spain.
There is also a report current that France
and other Powers. including England propose
that the Cuban people themselves should de-
eide the Cuban problem by a plebsclte cuba
being a civilized country. In this connection, II
NAV be- noted that one Of the chief arguments
I'm SPANS answer to the American demands IS
that the solution os some OF these questions
/ belongs to the Cuban people who cannot decide
upon them until the Cuban Parliament meets
on May T.
The correspondent continues: III Spain replied
for them the Government argues, she would un
Goubtedly usurp rights granted TO Cuba by re
cent legislation"
The Berlin correspondent OF The Daily
Chronicle" says he has trustworthy authority
for tho statement that. though the Austrian
+ Court IS deeply concerned for peace. Emperor
Francis Joseph believes that Intervention be-
tween Spain and America would do more harm
. than good.