The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-03-01

ships at either Manila or Iloilo to disturb tho ro
atlons OF the two countries to form the basis
of sensational false rumors.
BIG RISKS ASSUMED
1t is not known here, just at this moment. what
German ships were actually in Philippine waters
me press reports have mentioned the arrival at
Manila OF the German flagship Kaserin Augusta
a few days ago, and, if Berlin accounts are ac-
curate, she is the only representative of the Ger
man navy there for the Irene sailed away some
weeks ago.
1t is possible that by assuming this responsible
lty the United States government has accepted
liability for any damages that may be sustained
by the German residents and interests at Manila
but it is probable that the application must have
been granted and responsibility assumed anyhow,
as 1t is believed that Admiral Dewey and Gen.
Otis have assured the German commander of the
Augusta of their ability to protect every interest
in Manila as a reason why German forces and ma
rines should not be landed.
1t is official opinion that whatever the respon-
sibility for damages it will not be too large for the
benefit which will accrue. In the first place there
is no doubt that the insurgents cherished the idea
that the Germans were favorable to their cause
and this led to the hope that they might actively
intervene. Such result possibly, might have
been brought about through some cunningy plan
ned action by the insurgents that should involve
the German and American sailors in a collision
Then, again, this frank action upon the part of
the German government is calculated to relieve the
tension that was beginning to manifest itself-not
that there was the slightest sign of this in any of
the official relations between the governments of
the United States and Germany, but unguarded ut
terances by the press of both countries based on
little foundation, we're calculated to increase
excitement, which, in the end, might have had
grave results. All this it is calculated will dsap-
pear now, and all differences between the two
governments are abstruse economical ones and do
not in any way concern territory wanted by either
No reason is seen why the old friendship should
not prevail.
1t appears that the move originated at Berlin
without suggestion from the German authorities
and DIR. Won Holleben, the German ambassador ex
ecuted the instructions received by cable The ca
Diagrams were received by the German ambassador
late last evening, and this morning Dr. Won Holle-
ben went to the state department and laid the COM
municaton before Secretary Hay. The Manila af-
fair was discussed at great length. Mr.. Hay was
not prepared to give immediate answer on the
German request that German subjects and prop.
erty interests in Manila should pass under the con.
troll of the United States military and naval forces
After the ambassadors departure Mr. Hav con-
this that the president announced his intention Of
assuming the protection of German interests In
some diplomatic quarters it was thought that
Great Britain might not entirely appreciate this
move, by which German warships are sent to China.
which is the great field of action between the now
ers of Europe having possessions in the far East
BERLIN Feb. 2S-To the correspondent of the
Associated Press today Baron Buelow reiterat-
ed his assurance of Germany's desire to maintain
friendly relations with the United States "There
is nothing politically between the two Countries
he said, 'to prevent this becoming an accomplished
fact. l know of no friction between the German
and American governments; and, SO far as Samoa
and the Philippine islanls concerned my speech
shows the true situation in both places"
Ambassador White also repeated to the CORE
spondent of the Associated Press his statement
that Germanys attitude throughout had been not
only neutral, but in some cases, as for instance
contraband of war, even more particular where the
United States was involved than strict neutrality
dictated