New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-04
THE NEWS OFTWO CAPITALS
LONDON.
LESS ENTHUSIASM OVER THE PEACE
CONFERENCE.
ENGLAND SATISFIED WITH THE GERMAN
PURCHASE OF SPANISH ISLANDS
OUTLOOK FOR THE INTERcoL-
I,EGIATE lMES
LEGIATE GAMES.
tBY CABLE TO THE rRrBuSE.l

lions with Spain for the purchase Of her re.
naming Pacific colonial possessions have been
quietly carried out the result has been FORE
gene conclusion since the close of the war. This
compromise IVES indicated In these dispatches
year ago, when the relations OF the United
States and Germany clouded and is not
cne which can justly excite either American
resentment or English prejudice. The English
press promptly accepts the cession OF the Caro-
lines the Pelews and the greater part OF the
Ladrones as good arrangement all around.
since II relieves Spain Of the burdens OF colonial
dominion and Increases German holdings In the
South Seas. and does not operate to the proju-
dice of any foreign Power. No English journal
suggests that any possible objection can be
raised by the British Government 10 this ac-
QUESTION OF territory by Germany: as for
America, English Judgment as expressed by the
press here is that 4 cannot feel aggrieved. since
it might have taken the whole Ladrone group,
but was content with singing out Guam as o
coaling station.
The diplomatic view is that Germany received
assurances months ago from both Washington
and London that no objection would be raised
to the purchase OF this remnant OF Spanish
stock in the colonial trade. and that good rela-
tions among America, England and Germany
will be promoted by the cessIon of the Islands.
The diplomatic phrase is that the entente be-
tween America and England has been widened
out az to include Germany in the Anglo
Saxon league of good feeling and helpful Co
operation.
While the price paid for the islands by Ger
many is not authoritatively known. It is believed
to be considerable sum, which will help to re-
adjust Spanish finances Spain. relieved from
her brlrd is
concentrate her energies upon resources at
home, and steady Improvement OF her financial
position is confidently expected
There has been further exchange OF views
between Lord Salisbury and the American En-
bassy. without decisive result The English
press has little to say about the Anglo -Ameri-
can negotiations There is no denial OF the
essential fact that Canada prevented the settle
ment Of the Alaska frontier when both the For
eign Office and the state Department we're on
the point OF agreeing terms Of arbitration
The pretext on which this interference was based
is purely artificial since the American title to
Dyea and Skaguay mas never been questioned,
whereas Pyramid Harbor has never been
claimed by Canada until recently, and never oc-
cupied at any time. direct parallel would be
the claim the part Of Venezuela that II GER
tain districts of which British Guiana has been
in undisputed possession for many years are
excluded from arbitration, so must also be other
districts for which the Caracas Government
might put in unexpected claim. although
never having occupied them The Foreign ONCE
would not allow Venezuela to take so unreason-
able an attitude, but Canada has been at liberty
to veto the settlement Of the Alaska dispute In
this way by challenging the American title TO
bo. tod
While the situation has not been changed by
any negotiations conducted here this week. 1t
cannot be doubted that public opinion would
welcome settlement which would relieve Brit
ish diplomacy from the repioach of being en-
tirely at the mercy of Canadian pique and
caprice in Ango-American affairs.
Many columns Of the English press are still
filled with detailed accounts OF the secrets OF
the Peace Congress, but there Is an unmistak-
able decline In public interest. While the depu-
ties are active, and the Congress Is serving as a
clearing g-house for the moral reforms OF Chris
tendon, there is general suspicion that too
many cooks may spoil the broth. The American
proposal for the protection OF private property
on land and sea during war time meets with
the resistance of three great Powers, and the
prospect for its adoption Is not encouraging.
The English opponents Of the American princi-
pie go TO the length Of quoting John Stuart MIL
and Richard Golden against II, which seems TO
indicate that they feel the need OF having
moral backing from a high quarter. Mr.. ]. q.
Butcher has closely reasoned article in Tho
Fortnghtly Review" on the subject In which
he Contends that while the principle OF free
ships. free goods. operates against England t
will not be to the interest Of the Empire to
repudiate the Declaration of Paris. Certainly
the controlling forces OF public opinion are
against incurrlng new moral obligations for the
protection of private property on the high seas.
The Disarmament Committee is not expected
TO accomplish any useful result. and the prohi-
bition OF the dum-dum bullet on the ground OF
inhumanity causes resentment here. The Arbi-
tration Committee is evidently embarrassed by
the multiplicity Of details. There is marked
reaction here this week from the oversanguine
view entertained at the opening OF the Congress
that a permanent arbitration court would be
established While the results of the Congress
now seem to be less likely to be practical and
immediate than was expected at the outset. the
general moral effect OF the International as
sembly will be very great.
The proceedings of the Conference at Bloem-
fontein being strictly private, nothing Is yet
known definitely. although much Is printed IN
regard TO the negotiations between Sir Alfred
Milner and President Kruger. II may safey be
assumed that the Boer President is temporzing
and feeling his way. but IL is not yet certain
whether Sir Alfred has a clear and positive pro-
gramme OF reforms to present II he has not
worked out a practical scheme. nothing Will
come of this conference. and the willy KRUGER
will have another easy victory.
The best Information at my command from the
innermost circles leads me TO conclude that
Sir Alfred Miner has been allowed TO act upon
his own Judgment, and that the British Govern
ment will support him with all its resources In
any scheme OF reform proposed by him. He is
not controlled by Mr.. Rhodes In any sense. and