The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-02-06
ENGLAND RAPED AGAIN.


PARIS, Feb. 5.-The following statement
is made by IN official who held a very
high position during the early days of the
Spanish-American war, and it is undoubt-
edly authentic:
the Spanish government believed that
Queen Victoria would support any step
taken with a view to preventing the war
and coming to the aid of the Queen regent.
1t attributed at that time. perhaps, too
great an Importance TO the Intervention
Of the Queen in the council of the British
government. 1t was not ignorant of the
fact that Mr.. Chamberlain was in agree
ment with Lord Salisbury in the desire TO
endeavor TO render the United States a
signal service. but of a very
confidential character which reached 1t con-
veyed to the Madrid government the idea
that any mission of paciication would be
We'll received by England. English society
entertained the most hostile spirit toward
the United States. 1t had not been able to
forget the Venezuela affair, and in London
it was thought the proper thing to support
the Spaniards.
Thus the principal diplomatic efforts of
Spain were brought to bear on the central
European powers, and more particularly
Russia. 1t was not thought that england
would take the initiative in it's favor. but.
being convinced and, as il appears. justly
so. that England would not care to stand
aloof from a common action undertaken
by Europe TO bring about peace. Spain
thought before everything else to win over
Russia 10 her cause. Toward the end of
March. 1898, one of the leading diplomats
OF Spain. who took an intimate part in
the negotiations then proceeding, said: The
key TO the success of our negotiations ap-
pears to be now at St. Petersburg. We shall
concentrate our efforts there
THE Austrian Emperor. for family mo-
tives, had taken the initiative in proposing
TO the various powers an Intervention tend
ing 10 induce Spain 10 grant concessions.
and by averting war To strengthen the
dynasty. France and Germany were at
first well disposed to the Austrian proposal.
and an accord OF the continental powers
would undoubtedly have been possible had
Russia given her support. The Spanish
diplomats OF whom l have already spoken
told me that at Madrid those who were in
touch with the negotiations anxiously
awaited the upshot of the conversation
that the Spanish ambassador at st. Peters
burg was TO have with Count Muravieff.
When the result became known the disil-
fusion was all the more bitter because hope
had been so high. The step taken by the
Emperor of Austria appeared to be utterly
unknown TO the Russian minister of for
eign affairs. When he was made cOgniZant
Of il be did not seem to attribute any great
efficacy 10 IL. IF such a step, said Count
Muravieff. is confined TO a simple council
it Will have no result, and II il implies any
thing resembling a threat the result OBJ
tanned would be contrary 10 that desired
This reply quickly undermined the friendly
disposition that France and Germany had
at first shown towards Spain and the pa
cihc action OF the powers. instead Of being
exercised collectively and of great moral
authority, reduced itself 10 individual ad-
vice. counseling Spain 10 make concessions.
England was not. therefore. called upon To
declare herself. The sympathy OF certain
statesmen in the Conservative Cabinet was
certainly for the United States. but thev
were not required To display Ii. They after
ward ;nsinuated that their role had been