Oregon city Courier.
A. W. CHIHBI, Pnbllsher.
OREGON CITY OREGON
DOINGS OF THE WEEK
A. Complete Review of the Telegnphla
News of Thl and All For
etgn Lands.
The war excitement sent December
wheat up to $1.71 in San Francisco
Monday.
Monte Crlsto island, 700 feet square,
situated 18 mi lea above Dawson ia the
latest Klondike discovery. It was
found by two woodchoppers, and ia very
rich.
A Berlin correspondent says that
Germany will take no steps prejudicial
to the United States nor probably will
ehe join in any intervention on Spain's
behalf.
The state department has information
that the governor of Hong Kong had
issued a neutrality proclamation per
taining to the war betweon the United
States and Spain. It is similar to that
proclaimed by Japan and Newlound
land. The devastation of Cuba has been
commenced by Spanish soldiers. They
have received orders declaring the
armistice at an end, and are laying
waste the interior, burning towns and
plantations, and concentrating their
forces on the sea coast.
The St. Petersburg VidomoBti, speak
ing of Russia's attitude towards the
United States, says: "The friendship
which has existed for many years be
tween the two states excludes every
idea of unfriendly attitude on the part
of Russia at the present juncture."
According to the policy announced
in a deoree gazotted in Madrid, Spain
will fit out a fleet to prey on American
commerce on the high seas, aiid in our
waters. The deoree begins by saying
that diplomatic relations ate broken off
tetween Spain and the United Statos,
and a state of war has begun between
the two countries.
Hawaiian annexation, which would
not be accomplished in time of peace,
is more than a probability now that
war is on, says the Washington corre
spondent of the Herald. It is learned
that a great effort is to be made in
congress soon to procure the ratification
of the treaty annexing the Hawaiian
islands to the United States.
Montana's quota of volunteers is one
regiment crt infantry; Oregon, one regi
ment of infantry; Washington, one
regiment, of infantry; Wyoming, one
battalion and one troop of oavalty;
Idaho, two troops of cavalry; Utah, one
troop of cavalry, two light batteries;
California, two legiments of infantry,
two battalion and four heavy batteries.
A Seattle AluBkan company has
wired Seorotary of the Navy Long for
six Uatling guns, to be pluced on one
of their steamers as a protection against
any Spanish warship or privateer that
may bo in the North Pacific ocoun
when the first steamers start on their
return trip from St. Michuols with
passengers and gold from the Klon
dike. The United States has out the Ha
vana cable. The cut was made about
10 miles out of Havana, and the south
ern end of the oablo is now on the
Mangrove, which was reoently convert
ed into an auxiliary oruisor. This
gives the government exclusive line of
the cable and entirely cuts Captain
General Blanco off from communica
tion with Spain, as the Insurgents aro
between him and the othor cable ports.
Georgo Parsons Lathrop, poet and
author, died ut-Rooaevolt hospital, New
York.
Professor Jules Marcon, famous
throughout the world as a geologist, is
le.id at his homo ut Cambridge, Mass.
It took the Republicans of the 10th
Ohio district 1,877 ballots to nominate
J. Morgan for congress, to succeed Rep
resentative Fon ton.
A hundred colonists have offered
their services to tho American consul,
George W. Bell, at Sidney, N. a W.,
in tho event of war between the United
States and Spain.
Naval nrftl military preparations con
tinue with unabated vigor. Seven
fleet steam yachts, suitable for naviga
tion in Cubau waters, were procured
and several bids for steam colliers were
tiiado in Washington Wednesday.
The police commissioners of Ban
Francisco have adopted a resolution de
claring that in case of war police officers
who enlist will not lose their places,
which will be filled during their ab
sence by men whose appointment ahull
bo merely temporary.
The departure of the First battalion
of the Nineteenth infantry from Fort
Wayne for Mobile wus marked by a
eorioiiH accident. During the tiring of
a salute in honor of the departing
troops by those left in oharge of the
fort, Private George Enguinn had his
right arm nearly blown oil by the
premature explosion of a cannon, and
(Sergeant John W. Annis, who was in
charge of the firing party had his right
hand severely injured. Kngmun's arm
was amputated.
The Russian government has placed
orders for two 12,000-ton battle-ships
in the United States, according to in
formation which has reached the navy
department. The new vessels aro to
equal any afloat or designed in tho
world, and are to be superior to any.
thing in the lighting line heretofore
produced in this country. They and all
their equipment will he American in
manufacture as well as iu material.
The Cramps will build the hulls and
machinery, and the Bethlehem Iron
Company the armor and the funnels.
LATER NEWS.
The state department sent notice to
all foreign nations of congress having
declared war, and that war has existed
since April 21. Reponseshave already
begun to flow in. A neutrality procla
mation was issued by the British gov
ernment. Among the first to take
cognizance of the existence of a state
of war were the British colonies. This
in a measure supports the contention of
this government that war actually ex
isted before the declaration by congress.
The conference report on the army
reorganization bill was passed by both
houses of congress and signed by the
president. No progress was made on
other pending war measures.
Secretary Day's nomination was sent
to and confirmed by the senate.
The cabinet has decided that no
Spanish prize ship shall be released
previous to the passing upon of their
respective cases by the courts.
A Hong Kong dispatch says the Phil
ippine islands insurgents are massing
around Manila, and a massacre of the
Spanish is feared.
The Mangrove took in the big steam
er Panama, of the Ceballos line, a
Spanish auxiliary cruiser, off the
Cuban ooast, and brought her prize to
Key West. The Panama is a steamer of
2,800 tons, and carried a valuable
cargo, including stores for the Spanish
army in Cuba. She sailed from New
York April 20. The capture of so
large a steamer by so small a vessel as
the Mangrove is regarded as a notable
achievement, and there was unusual
rejoicing at Key WeBtover the capture.
A rebellion is again imminent in
Spain. Towns are in the hands of riot
ers at frequent intervals daily. The
authorities are totally unable to con
trol the mob. All revolutionary parties
are active and the stability of the pres
ent monarchy is threatened.
A royal decree proclaiming neutral
ity has been issued by the government
of Great Britain and printed in the
London Gazotte. This was followed
by tho issuance of proclamations of
similar import by a majority of the
British colonies in all parts of the
world. As a result of the issuance of
this deoree, the international laws re
specting vesselB sailing under the flags
of belligerent powers will be strictly
enforced in the ports of the British
empire.
Two more Spanish prizes have been
captured by the gunboat Newport.
The Newport brought in to Key West
tho Spanish sloop Paquette and the
Spanish schooner Tireno, Cuban coast
ing veBsels, captured oil Havana.
Cuban advices are to the effect that
the insurgents are forcing the fighting.
The Spanish, fearing assault by land
and sea, are hurrying their troops into
the cities. Insurgents have appeared
in force within 80 miles of Havana.
There was a raid by them just before
Bocade Jaruco early in the morning,
and the combatants must have had a
full view of the blockading squadron.
The house committee on naval affairs
has docidod to report a disagreement
with the senate amendments to the
naval bill, and ask for a conference.
Boutelle, Hillborn and Cumminug will
be the house conferees.
It hns been announced by the Rich
ard Silk Company, of Chicago, that if
any of their employes desire to go to
war, his Balary will be oontinued dur
ing his absence, his position will be re
tained until his return, and if he is
killed 13,500 wil' be given by the firm
to his family.
There was a meoting on Trafalgar
Squuro, London, Sunday uftomoon to
protest against Spanish barbarities in
Cuba and the Philippines. "Tom"'
Mann, Louise Michael and Lathrop
Tathington, an American, who was
greeted with cries of "Good old Yan
kee," made spooches. Resolutions fa
voring free Cuba wore adopted unjid
cheers.
CONTRABAND OF WAR.
Character of Merchandise That Ii Lia
ble to Helsure.
Inasmuch as there exists a great
amount of misapprehension, not only
among foreign oountries, but also
among American shippers, as to the
character of merchandise that is con
traband and liable to seizure during
tno progress of war, tho following un
official but authentic statement has
been obtained from a high official, of
the government:
In determining, according to the law
of nations, whether merchandise is
coutruband of war, it is classified:
1 Absoluto contraband.
2 Occasional or conditional contra
band. 8 Goods not contraband.
Tho tlist class Includes all goods of
an essentially warlike character.
The second class includes provisions,
naval stoies, coul, horses, certain kinds
of machinery, certain forms of steel,
iron, etc., that are destined for the use
of the enemy. They are contraband or
not, according to occasion and condi
tions as to their character, shipment
and destined use. Every such cues de
pends upon it own facts.
Tho third class includes articles not
suited to warlike use, such as church
seivioeand musical instruments. (house
hold waies and goods of such like, and
including many that are purely of a
mercantile character.
A Now York World dispatch from
Madrid says that a revolution is im
minent there. The correspondent says
no one can tell what will be the result
of her rapidly increasing domestic
troubles tho cabinet crisis; the dis
sentions among her statesmen and
warriors; tho intrigues of the CarliBts,
the plotting of Weyler and Romero
Robledo, and the popular agitation.
United States waiships made demon
strations against Cardenas and Muriel
on the 20th.
WAR NOW EXISTS
Sampson's Fleet Or
dered to Blockade
Havana.
SPAIN REJECTS ULTIMATUM
Hlniftr Woodford I Given His Pass
portf and Diplomatic Relations Be
tween the United States and Spain
Are Declared to Be Severed.
Washington, April 23. War between
the United States and Spain is a fact,
thongh not officially declared so by
congress.
The stirring events of yesterday were
sucoeeded today with rapidity by others
of more importance, culminating in the
afternoon in orders for the departure of
the North Atlantio squadron for Ha
vana. This practically is an act of
war, so that the war between this coun
try and Spain may fairly be said to date
from today.
Two minutes after the opening of the
state department this morning, came
word from Minister Woodford that the
Spanish government, having antici
pated and prevented his intentions to
present the president's ultimatum, he
had asked for his passports. The ad
ministration, in a public statement,
announced that it regarded the action
of the Spanish government as render
ing unnecessary further diplomatic ao
tion on the part of the United States,
and further stated that it regarded the
oourse adopted by Spain as one placing
upon that country the responsibility
for the breach of friendly relations. .
Mr. Woodford's telegram resulted in
the calling of a special cabinet meeting
to arrange an outline for a plan of, cam
paign, or rather to determine how to
begin the execution of the plan of cam
paign already prepared by the strategic
boards of the army and navy depart
ments. The Blockade of Havana '
The result was the immediate order
far the Atlantic squadron to begin the
blockade of Havana.
How much further than this the cab
inet progressed in its deliberations it
is not possible to say, for the obvious
reason that the time has now come
when the interests of the government
rcqurie that the movements of the ships
and troops should be guarded with the
greatest care from undue publicity, in
order to prevent the enemy from tak
ing advantage of information.
The North Atlantic squadron, under
Captain Sampson's command, is a
splendid array of fine vessels, and this
force is quite competent to blockade all
the ports in Cuba, or at least all of the
ports connecting by rail with Havano,
and so likely to be used to supply that
plaoe in the event of seige with food
and munitions of wur.
This statement is to be taken with
the understanding that it does not con
template the coming to Cuban waters
of the Spanish fleet. In such case,
however, the probable policy would be
to abandon the blockade and endeavor
to force the Spanish fleet to battle.
Minister Woodford's action during
the day, as reported to the state depart
ment in a lute telegram, indicated that
he was following a carefully prepared
programme. A significant feature of
his message was the statement that the
Spanish government notitied him that
it regarded the withdrawal of Minister
Polo yesterday us terminating diplo
matic negotiations, Bhowing that it wus
not disposed to accept tho expressed in
tention of our government to continue
Minister Woodford as a medium of
communication any longer. .
Mr. Woodford also announced that
he had instructed Consul-Uonerul
Bowen, at Barcelona, to cull upon all
American consuls to withdraw.
He further stated that he had in
formed the Spunish government, after
asking for his passports, that he had
placed the Amoricun legation in Mud
rid and American interests iu Spain
generally iu the hands of the British
amhussudor. The ambassador, Right
Hon. Sir H. Fry-Druinmond Wolf, is
not at present in Madrid, so American
interests will be conlided to the Brit
ish charge, Sir George E. Bonham.
To all intents and purposes, this re
lieves tho state department fiom fur
ther negotiating as to Cuba, save those
relating to privateering, neutrality ob
servances and the like.
Mending of Troops to Cuba.
Captain Sampson's fleet, which has
been ordered to Cuba, later on will be
supported by troops which will be dis
patched to Cuba us soon as in the opin
ion of the president it is possible to use
them advantageously in the occupation
of the island. Meanwhile,' as rapidly
as troops can bo rushed to Key West
and other poiuts on the South Atlantic
and Gulf coasts, they will be hurried
forward. It is estimated that it will
tnke 10 days to concentrate an army
sufficient in size with supplies to make
the campaign.
It is tho purpose to gather these
troops " and make a sharp, decisive
movement. Immediately upon the
passage of an army volunteer bill by
congress, the president will call for
100,000 men. Of this force, it is in
tended to use 80,000 men iu Cuba, in
conjunction with the regular army,
now already assembled or assembling
at points of concentration. The re
maining 20,000 men will aid the ar
tillery departments in guarding the sea
coast and in manning the heavy
guns of the coast defense.
The TJlttmatnin to Spain.
Following Is the text of the presi
dent's ultimatum to Spain, as given
out this morning:
"April 23, 1898. Woodford, Minis
ter of the United States, Madrid: You
have been furnished with the text of
the joint resolution voted by the con
gress of the United States on the 19th
inst, and approved today, in relation
to the pacification of the island of Cu
ba. In obedience to that act, the pres
ident directs yon to immediately com
municate to the government of Spain
said resolution, with a formal demand
upon the government of Spain to at
once relinquish its authority and gov
ernment in the island of Cuba and
withdraw its land and naval forces
from Cuba and Cuban waters. In tak
ng this step, the United States hereby
disclaims any disposition or intention
to exercise sovereignty, jurisdiction or
control over the island, exoept for the
pacification thereof, and asserts its de
termination when that is accomplished
to leave the government and control of
the- island to its people under suoh free
and independent government as they
may establish.
"If by the hour of noon on Saturday
next, the 23d day of April, instant,
there be not communicated to this gov
ernment by the government of Spain
full and satisfactory responses to this
demand and resolution, whereby the
ends of peaoe in Cuba shall be assured,
the president will proceed without fur
ther notioe to use the power and au
thority enjoyed and conferred upon
him by said joint resolution to such
extent as may be necessary to carry the
same into effect. SHERMAN. "
The following statement regarding
the sending of the ultimatum to Spain
was issued today:
Yesterday, April 22, 1898, at about
11 o'clock, the department of 3tate
served notice of the purpose of this
government by delivering to Minister
Polo a copy of the instructions to Min
ister Woodford, and also a oopy of the
resolution passed by the congress of the
United Stater: on the 19th. Immedi
ately after the receipt of this notioe
the Spanish minister forwarded to the
etute department a request for his pass
ports, whicti were furnished him yes
terday afternoon. The United States
minister at Madrid was at the same
time instructed to make a like com
munication to the government of Spain.
This morning the department re
ceived from Minister Woodford the
following telegram, stating that the
Spanish government had broken off
diplomatic relations with this govern
ment. This course on the part of
Spain renders unnecessary any further
diplomatic action on the part of the
United States:
"Madrid, April 22. Early this
morning, immediately after the receipt
of your telegram, and before I had
communioated the same to the Spanish
government, the Spanish minister of
foreign affairs notified me that diplo
matic relations had been broken be
tween the two countries, and that all
official communications between their
respective representatives have ceased.
I accordingly asked for safe passports.
I ehull turn the legation over to the
British embassy and leave for Paris
this afternoon. I have notified the
consuls, "WOODFORD."
THE OREGON IN DANGER.
Feared That the Spanish Squadron Will
Head Otr the Uuttle-Ship.
Washington, April 23. It was sug
gested at the navy department that it
is possible the Spanish squadron, which
sailod from Cape Verde islands today,
is heading to out off the fine battle
ship Oregon, now on its way from the
Paoific ooast to join Captain Sampson's
command. There is also some fear
that the Oregon may bo taken at an
unfair advantage, without knowledge
of the existence of war, by the Span
ish torpedo-boat destroyer Temerief,
which is now at Buenos Ay res. Pos
sibly, with a view of avoiding a con
flict in the Btraits of Magellan, where
ehe would be at a disadvantage, the
Oregon has been ordored to go around
Cape Horn. Tho Oregon sailed from
Callao the 9th inst., since which time
nothing hus been heard from her. It
is believed she is now nearing the port
of Montevideo, Uruguay.
The formidable Spanish torpedo-boat
is supposea to be somewhere in that
vicinity awaiting the arrival of the Or
egon, and some fear is expressed that
she may creep on her unawares and,
consequently, considerable reliof will
be telt when the arrival of the Oregon
at some South American port is) re
ported. It is probable that when the
Oregon reaches Rio de Janeiro or
Buhia, she may bo joined by the Bra
zilian cruiser Nictheroy, recently pur
chased for the United States navy, and
the two vessels will come to the United
States together.
Weyler Will Take a Hand.
London, April 23. The Madrid cor
respondent of the Daily Telegraph
says: Bullfights have been arranged
in all of the large towns, the proceeds
to be devoted to the natipnal defense
fund. It is still asserted that General
Weyler will command an army corps.
Ruu on a Barcelona Bank.
London, April 23. A dispatch from
Barcelona says the act of the Bunk of
Barcelona, in withdrawing a large sum
from the local branch of the Bunk of
Spain, caused a run on the latter insti
tution, but all demands were met.
Malaga Correspondent Leaves.
Malaga, April 23. The United
States consul, R. M. Bartleben, has
started for Gibraltar. The American
flag over the consulate has been re
moved, and the archives transferred to
the British consulate,
Spain Calls Out Her Reserves.
London, April 33. A dispatch from
Madrid says War Minister Correa
authorized the call of 80,000 reserves.
Three vessels loaded with troops left
CaJia; destination unknown.
CAPTURED A PRIZE
The Nashville Takes a
Spanish Merchant
Steamer.
BROUGHT HER TO KEY WEST
Th Boena Ventura the Unfortunate
Vessel The Skipper Surprised, as Be
Did Not Know That War Bad Been
Declared Prize Crew Put on Board
Key West, April 20. The United
States fleet was about 12 miles off Sand
key light this morning at 7 o'clock
when the Spanish merchantman Buena
Ventura was sighted bound north. The
gunboat Nashville ran her down and
put a shot across her bows from the
4-inch gun on the port side aft, manned
by Lieutenant Dillingham,
The Spaniard ignored the shot, but
another closer to her bows brought her
to. A prize crew, under Ensign Ma
gruder, was put aboard.
Captain Luzarraga, in command of
her, was astounded. p He said he did
not know that war had been declared,
but when he was informed of the state
of affairs, he shrugged his shoulders
and accepted the situation philosoph
ically. The Nashville has taken on stores
and will return to the fleet, carrying
Ensign Magruder, who will be received
by Ensign Carleton, of the Snow. A
body of marines is pacing the deck of
the Spaniard, and her crew of 28 are
lounging about the decks in nonchalunt
fashion. Not a man is in irons.
According to prize laws, Captain
Maynard will turn the prisoners of
war over to the United States district
attorney, who will decide the question
of their dsi position.
The Buena Ventura is a tramp steam-
er of 1,155 tons, and hulls from Bilboa,
Spain. She has a cargo of lumber,
loaded at Pascagoula, Miss., and was
bound for Rotterdam.
The news of the oapture of the Span
iard set the people of Key West frantic
with enthusiasm. All work was sus
pended, and the docks were crowded
with people.
Commodore Lyons, of the Dolphin,
has delivered to United States District
Attorney Stripling the papers of the
Buena Ventura. He will libel the ship
in the United States admiralty court.
Satisfaction at the Department.
Washington, April 25. The report
that the gunboat Nashville had oup
tured a Spanish merchant ship gained
rapid circulation throughout the navy
department shortly after noon today.
It caused much excitement, and woe
eagerly discussed as an outward evi
dence of the aotual existence of war.
Secretary Long, however, had not re
ceived word of the capture, except
through newspaper sources. Notwith
standing this, naval officers credited
the report and discussed it as though it
wus an accepted fact. It was said that
a part of the crew had been placed on
board, and the captured vessel bad a
valuable cargo, including considerable
coal.
Among the officials, the report caused
much satisfaction, although it was eald
the capture of a Spanish warship
would have been more acceptable.
There is said to be no question as to
the right of taking Spanish merchant
sliipa at this time. Two of these ships
left Galveston within the last day or
so with considerable oargoes of cotton
on board. Another Spanish Bhip is
said to be en .route from Vera Cruz,
Mexico, with 1,000,000 pesetas on
board, representing the subscription of
Vera Cruz to the Spanish in Cuba.
Volunteer Army 11111 Signed.
Washington, April 23. The volun
teeer army bill was signed by the pres
ident at 3:00 P. M. The bill, as agreed
to, reduces the time of enlistment from
there years to two. The amendment
authorizing the president to organize
independent troops was retained, but
limits the number to 3,000. The bill
leaves it optional for regiment and com
pany militia officers to receive commis
sions from governors. The senate' re
ceded from the amendment attaching
an engineer officer to the staff of euch
brigade commander.
Topeka Reported Lost.
London, April 25. The Diily Mall
ays that it is stated in Falmouth ship
ping oircles that tho American cruiser
Topeka, which left Falmouth the even
ing of Tuesday, April 10, was iu col
lision with tho bark Albatross, at mid
night, Thursday. According to the
Mail, the captain of the Albatross
asserts that after the collision the
steamer, whose name he did not ascer
tain, flashed a light and suddenly dis
appeared. He believed ehe foundered.
In I ted States Censorship.
Key West, April 25. The United
States government has established a
cenorship of telegrams, forbidding the
transmission of code messages to or
from Havana. This begins at once.
Monadnock Goes North.
Vallejo, Cal., April 25. The United
States steamship Monadnock has left
for sea, en route to Puget sound. In
her coat of gray paint the Monadnock
is not visible at sea 1,000 yards distant.
Woodford In Paris.
Paris, April 25. General Stewart L.
Woodford, the United States minister
to Spain, accompanied by the party
with which he left Madrid, arrived ia
this city at 7:45 o'clock this evening.
PACIFIC' COAST SAFE.
Warships In These Waters More That
a Hatch for Spain.
Mare Island Navy Yawi, April 25.
"We are prepared today to capture or
destroy any force that Spain could poa
:bly send against the Pacific ooast,'
said Rear Admiral Klrkland. "In the
first place, the Spanish government baa
no vessels in Paolflo waters nearer than
the Philippines. We have a greater
force than Spain, and can- easily take
care of the opposing fleet. The next
possibility lies in sending a fleet
through' the Straits of Magellan. Even
if Spain had the ships, they would be
practically useless after they got into
the Pacific, through the lack of coal.
"We have two monitors, the Monad
nock and the Monterey, that are more
than a match for any vessel in the
Spanish navy. Besides those two we
have 'the Bennington and Mohican,
which are now en route from the Ha
waiian islands. The Charleston will
be in commission by May 1, and if it
were necessary we conld have the
Yorktown and Philadelphia in fighting
trim by the 1st of Jane.
" What I rely upon largely to com
plete our coast defenses are the ten
vessels recently acquired. Another
valuable adjunct to our Paoific coast
defenses is the two torpedo-boats now
nearing completion at Portland and one
on the Sound. This number can be
increased materially if the necessity
presents, sinoe each requires only 60
days for building."
A MASTERLY STROKE.
United States Acted Wisely in Declare
Ing Against Privateering.
New York, April 25. A dispatch to
the Tribune from London says: The
announcement that the United States,
in the event of hostilities, will not re
sort to privateering and will be gov
erned by the four rules of the declara
tion of Paris, is considered a masterly
stroke in diplomatic circles. While
England's sympathy has been with
America from first to last, Spain has
gained some tactful advantages as
negotiations have proceeded. The
point has been scored, not by many,
but by a few English journals, that
while Spain has made a series of con
cessions to America, congress in the
end has compelled her to fight. All the
continental journals have agreed in de
scribing the negotiations as one-sided,
with Spain in the position of offering
one sacrifice after another, without
pleasing American opinion.
It was important that the state de
partment, while justifying war on
humane principles, should restrict the
area of disturbance as much as possible
and guarantee security for neutral com
mercial interests. This has been done?
by the official announcement from
Washington that the government will
adhere to the principles of the declara
tion of Paris. Nothing could be more
satisfactory to England, France and
Germany. It is pledged that the
United States will respect the four
rules of the declaration of Paris, dis
countenance privateering, protect neu
tral goods under any flag and the ene
my sailing nnder a neutal flag, with
the single exception of contraband of
war, and recognize the necessity of
making a blockade effective in order to
render it binding. These four pledges
will be the safeguards of European,
commerce in the pending war.
So far as the American practice is
conoerned, Spain will be placed on the
defensive. She will be compelled to
repeat these assurances or else alienate
European sympathy.
The judgmont in diplomatic circles
is that America has adopted a course
which will embarrass Spain, conciliate
the commercial and mercantile classes
of England and the continent and
strengthen the position of the United
States. Every one of the four rules of
tho declaration of Paris is in favor of
America in tho event of hostilities.
Diplomats perceive at once that Amer
ica has nothing to lose and much to
gain from the abolition of privateering
and the protection of neutral commerce
and private property under any flag,,
and the establishment of the principle
that a blodkado in order to be binding'
must be effective.
It would be to the manifest advan
tage of the United Statos if both bel
ligerents were under obligations to re
spect the declaration of Paris. The
state department, by taking high
grounds in the interest of civilization,
may force Spain to follow it. If Spain
draws back, owing to a wanton desire
to capture and destroy private property
at Bea, it will be an offense against the
commercial interests and moral opin
ion of Europe.
This is the judgment of diplomatists,
members of parliament and representa
tives of mercantile England, and they
sincerely hope that the announcement
of the American intontion in today's
papers will be followed by similar as
surances from Spain. It cannot be
doubted that the adherence ot tho
United States to the declaration of
Paris will strengthen English feeling
in favor of America and greatly impair
the anti-American sentiment on the
oontinent. It will be an appeal to
self-interest all around, yet will have a
moral justification iu the high aims of
civilization.
Old Glory Horned.
Madrid, April 25. This evening a
crowd 6,000 strong carrying flags and
shouting "Viva Espana!" "We want
war!" and "Down with the YankeesI"
burned the Stars and Strijies in front of
the residence of Senor Sagasta, who waa
accorded an ovation.
New York, April 25. A dispatch to
the Herald from Saint Thomas, savs a
revolution has broken out in the Ponc
district of Porto Rico, and there ia riot
ing all through the island.