Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 92, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 July 1898 — GIVEN A BROAD HINT. [ARTICLE]

GIVEN A BROAD HINT.

Powers Unofficially Interned as to Invasion of Spain. PRESIDENT’S INTENTION “OUTLINED. He Hopes War May Be Ended Without Being Compelled to Send the Watson Expedition to Spanish Coast. Washington, July 25. —President McKinley has taken pains to inform tlje European powers unofficially of his in- ■ tentions regarding an invasion of Spain. The president hopes to end the war without such a move, but if Spain continues to fight there may be necessity for such action. The information given is outlined in the following statement, obtained from a high source: “From the time that it was announced that an American squadron was to cross the Atlantic there have been evidences of uneasiness on the part of the European powers. No deflnite statement was made by the administration as to the purposes of this naval demonstration, further than that it was to checkmate any movement of Spain’s reserve navy under Admiral Camara. “An assumption that crossing the ocean meant bombardment of Spanish cities has obtained wide circulation. This, however, has never been sustained by any official statement of the government. It was accepted as possibly true by European powers and added to the feeling of disquietude. Quite recently the president has received communications upon the subject of Commodore Watson’s plan of campaign from the ambassadors of this country at European capitals. These letters show that the disapprobation over the supposed prospect of the war being carried to the coast of Spain has not reached the point of formal expression and that there is presented an opportunity, if one is wanted, to relieve the growing tension by information as to the real intentions of this country. “The opportunity has been improved. The president has not waited to be asked by the powers what the instructions of Commodore Watson will be. He has not given any excuse for a concert of action and possibly a declaration of a Monroe doctrine in Europe. The uneasiness has not been allowed to attain that degree of development. But in a purely voluntary manner, and as if’ according to European powers, the same unwritten principle which is invoked for this hemisphere under the guise of the Monroe doctrine, the president has conveyed the information of his purposes, which it was known they desired, but for which they have not yet asked. “Through diplomatic channels the administration has scored a strong point in keeping with the admirable handling which international affairs have had under this administration. The powers now fully understand that the United States has no intention to invade Spain. If Commodore Watson’s fleet goes to the other side, as it will be obliged to go unless Spain sues for peace when the United States has accomplished the objects of the war on this siae, the object will be to further cripple and destroy Spain’s naval power. “The powers have been informed in an indirect and in an unofficial but wholly effective way that the United States will much prefer not to carry hostilities to European waters, and that the administration will not do so if means can be found to end the war without it. But, if after the war has been fought out on this side and Spain has nothing to save on this hemisphere, that government shall still insist on maintaining a hostile attitude, there will be nothing left for the United States to do but to cross the ocean and render the enemy totally harmless by completely destroying what remains of the naval resources. The propriety and necessity of such action must be admitted by the powers. This is what the preparation and the holding of Commodore Watson’s squadron means.’’ Fear a Revolnttion. London, July 25. —The Madrid correspondent of the Observer says the condition of the government is now most critical and that the authorities are devoting all their attention to preventing a revolution and safeguarding the dynasty. The government offers the 8,000 officers of thie army in Cuba employment immediately upon their return to Spain, with the object of removing their opposition to the establishment of peace. Prefer Annexation. London, July 25.—-A special dispatch from Madrid says merchants and others having Cuban interests assert that their correspondents write that all seem to prefer the annexation of Cuba to the United States to independence, fearing the vengeance of the separatists if the Americans do not remain to protect life and property in the island.