Tulsa daily world. [volume] (Tulsa, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1905-1919, 1917-04-15

| nlEn-D porn spanish nObleman, COM
bined with an approachable and
sympathetic tact which have made
him the idol of the liberal and demo-
cratic elements OF the cortes and the
people.
Must Remain Neutral.
Spain appears to be firmly deter
mined to maintain her attitude OF alb
solute neutrality between the two
belligerent parties" was suggested to
the president Of the council.
Yes, absolute neutrality. together
with maintenance of international
| law" ne replied. I'VE feel that both
go together, and while determined
not to vary from the course of neu-
trality which we have observed from
the outset. we believe this should be
done without permitting the prin-
ciples of international law and justice
10 be obscured or varied In the slight
est degree-a right which is of great
Importance to Spain and particularly
to the lesser neutral countries like
Switzerland, Holland, Denmark and
the scandinavian countries, for with
out the safeguards of international
law these lesser countries are at the
complete mercy of the great and
powerful nations.
II will say frankly it Is not always
ance of neutrality with the mainte-
nance of all the we'll established safe
guards of international law, because
the war has created many entirely
new conditions, never before present
ed when International law was being
evolved. as in the case of the new
discoveries by which warfare is con-
Quoted in the air, under the sea, and
with the aid of wireless communica-
ton We believe, however, that Spain
will be able to accompl sh these two
desirable objectS-neutrality and the
observance of international law-and
that In reality the seeming conflict
between them Is largely one of detail
which can be adjusted by the exercise
of good will and generous disposi-
ton"
From what you have said" was
suggested to the president of the
council, ''it is inferred that Spain is
equally determined not to enter the
war"
That is very definitely fixed
policy on our part" he replied. I'VE
do not want war and do not like war.
and we not only hope but we conf
IDENTIFY expect and believe there is no
occasion whatever now, and will be
no occasion in the future. requiring
Spain to change her attitude of neu-
trality and enter the war. Spain has
every interest in remaining at peace.
and has absolutely no interest in go
ing to war.
Honor Not Involved.
"You have only to look around and
see our people contented and happy,
while the people of the rest of Eu
rope are suffering the most dreadful
scourgc that ever swept over conti-
nent. Our internal conditions are
practically normal, in industry, COM
merce, finance and in all the branches
of economic development. while war
Is ravaging the rest of Europe with
death and destruction to an extent
without parallel in the history of the
world, with whole nations and races
scant in the very necessities of life.
and with their entire social and eco
nomic fabric so dislocated that they
will be burdened If not PROSTATE for
two or three generations.
"Why should we throw aside all
these splendid advantages which
providence and our isolated western
geographical position give us, in order
to cast our lot with those who are
passing thru the most fearful trials
that ever fell upon nations. No, our
path Is clearly traced. Spain will not
enter the war There is absolutely
no question of national honor in
Volved which calls upon US in any
way to enter into this dreadful
slaughter.
Then your excellency does not re-
gard the submarine question as
menace to draw Spain into war;
The submarine question is un-
doubtedly serious" he replied. "Put
all things are relative. and in CON
sidering the submarine question we
should have regard to its relative
bearing on the larger and supreme
question of preserving a-policy of
peace as against war. The danger
zones traced around the entente ma
tions, while they do not touch the
coast of Spain, yet they completely
encircle us at a distance. This has
had a serious effect on our seaborne
commerce and has also affected our
home industries to some extent.
Spain's natural resources of iron,
fruit, oil and many other products
find their natural outlet in England.
France, Germany and many of the
other European countries, as well as
to North and South America. And
on the other hand, our metal indus
tries, railways. factories and public
utilities depend to considerable eX-
tent on getting their necessary sup
pies OF coal from tne tdGullI COdI
fields of England. But the danger
zones encircling us have interfered
with both these normal and essen
tial branches of our trade, eXporta-
ton and importation.
"Altho the government is giving the
most careful consideration to solving
these questions, it has never for Il mo-
ment regarded them as presenting an
issue likely to involve Spain in war
Our aim is to mitigate the effects in
every way possible. We have reason
to hope this can be accomplished"
Have the losses in Spanish ships
and cargoes been great?' was asked.
Comparatively slight" he replied
"Our merchant shipping is not large
and such losses as it has suffered have
been in small craft. usually thru acci-
dent due to the risk of passing thru
the dangerous zones lying around the
entente nations with whom our ships
seek to carry on their normal trade.
There have been effective represents
tations. which we believe are being
met with a suitable regard for our
rights and our interests, not only in
the particular cases which have
arisen, but also in ameliorating the
general effect Of the damage which
the system indirectly inflicts on
Spain"