Arizona republican., 1898-06-05

Great Britain it was evident that she
would not take part in any overtures
for mediation or peace should they de-
velop in the future.
The position of Germany, it was
pointed out, was equally friendly to
the United States, although it had not
taken the form of any conspicuous
demonstrations, as in England The
speech of Emperor William in closing
the reichstag recently expressed the
determination to maintain strict neu-
trality and unbroken friendship for
both belligerent powers. This, COM
ing from the emperor, it was ex-
planned, meant much more than
casual utterance and fixed the friendly
status of Germany with more force
than a dozen declarations of neutral
ity issued by the foreign Office. Ger
many has never issued neutrality dec
larations, her policy being against
them, as was shown during the China
Japan war and the Turco-Grecian war.
During these wars, as in the present,
Germany maintained strict neutrality
without expressing that policy in a
formal decree.
AS to Austria, it was said that her
the same lines as Germany's. Being
members of the dreibund, they have
like interests and policies on all for
eign questions. Moreover, Austria is
torn with internal discussions, and is
not in a position to take an aggressive
position in outside affairs. The peo-
pie of Austria-Hungary have most
friendly feelings toward the United
States, respecting and admiring
Americans for their enterprise. Any
adverse sentiment, it is said, is con-
fined wholly to the court circles, and
these circles are sruall and practically
without influence upon the masses of
the people. Because of family rela-
lions the court circle of Austria is
somewhat inclined toward Spain, but
it is powerless to give expression to
that friendship so long as the people
entertain contrary view.
Italy is much in the same position
as Austria, being a member of the
dreibund, with a foreign policy akin
to that of Germany.
France is regarded as more deeply
interested in the present conflict than
any other country, but thus far it is
said to be the interest of an observer.
Despite all contrary reports, it is said
that France has given repeated evil
dences of her purpose to maintain the
strictest neutrality. But the war
touches her more directly than it does
any other foreign power. 1t has al
ready caused a resentment which af-
fects her trade, and it threatens to
have most serious effect on the COM
ing French exposition.
From official French sources it is
shown that during the six weeks from
April 1 to May French expectations
to the United States fell off to the
enormous amount of 100000 francs,
while during the same time American
exports of tools, machinery and agrl-
cultural imprements to France fell off
5000, 900 francs. These decreases
are shown by a comparison of the ex-
ports of six weeks of this year with
the corresponding six. weeks OF last
year. The French authorities view
this immense reduction in commerce
with alarm, and they ascribe it first,
to the war, and, second to the feeling
which has arisen between France and
the United States. This condition
appeals so directly to the French gov
eminent that it is exerting every in
fluence to counteract it. For this
reason there is no prospect that
France will take the initiative or will
join in any movement toward inter
vention or peace. 1t is the knowledge
that France will remain inactive that
has caused such deep encouragement
at Madrid. It practically put an end
to SPANS last hope of assistance from
the outside.
Russias attitude has been consist
emily friendly toward the United States
since the war began, and there is no
doubt that that attitude will be main
tanned throughout.
All things considered, the view In
diplomatic circles here, as voiced by \
member of the corps, is
that foreign influence is not in any |
way a factor in the present war, and |
that it will not become so, as shown |
by the inaction which has become a |
settled policy among the several pow
ers of Europe.
NAMT DnTINJn THE uORN