Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 66, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 April 1898 — HER PORTS BARRED. [ARTICLE]

HER PORTS BARRED.

Great Britain Issues Neutrality Proolamation—Other Powers MayTake a Like Course. Washington, April 25? Great Britain served notice Sunday on the governments of the United States and Spain to withdraw their men of war from her ports within the next 24 hours. This notification was contained in a neutrality proclamation formally presented to the state department Sunday morning by Sir Julian Pauncefote, British ambassador here. Of the utmost importance is this proclamation of neutrality issued by Great Britain. It is regarded as being highly favorable to the United States. By her action Great Britain has shown the powers of Europe that she propose* to be strictly neutral, and having committed herself to this policy, diplomats here say that such influence as nations sympathizing with Spain may have been desirous of bringing to bear upon her with a view to securing her assistance in intervention to end the war will not now be exercised, because It will be appreciated that its employment would be useless. Further than this, it is believed here that the proclamation will effectually prevent intervention of continental European powers, as they will not take action unless Great Britain is a party to it. France and Austria are naturally very friendly to Spain, and there is no question that their sympathies are entirely with the Madrid government. Neither of these countries has yet issued it* neutrality proclamation, but It 1* th* confident expectation of the official* and of the diplomatic corp* in Wazhingon that in view of Great Britain’s action they will not hesitate to proclaim to the world that they propose to occupy the position of neutral*. Italy 1* expected to take similar action.