Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 20, Number 10, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 October 1898 — FRENCHMEN NOT FAVORABLE. [ARTICLE]

FRENCHMEN NOT FAVORABLE.

The General Atmosphere of Paris Does Not Incline Toward America. While the reception accorded to the United States peace commission at Paris is all that could be desired, and while the French foreign office has taken great pains to treat the American and Spanish commissioners in precisely the same manner, it must be admitted that the general atmosphere of Paris, especially the diplomatic atmosphere, does not incline towards America. It is the general impression that the American commissioners have instructions to provide for the retention of Manila and the Island of Luzon, "and, for a commission to pretend to negotiate is a farce,” said a prominent diplomat. He continued: “America will put herself, diplomatically, in the wrong when she exceeds the provisions of the protocol, which both nations signed. I know the Spaniards have come prepared to make concessions; but, if the Americans’ instructions are of an uncompromising nature, which is generally believed to be the case, you can rest assured that the work of the commission will be futile. The Spaniards will retire and America will at least have to threaten a resumption of hostilities before she will gain her point.” The French newspapers, beyond announcing the arrival of the commissions, make no comment upon the matter.