OUTSIDE OPINIONS.

Manawatu Herald, 23 April 1898, Page 2

OUTSIDE OPINIONS.

Z'lfah'e, the Marqais of Badini'a organ, says that the Powers intend to request that the war between America and Spain be localised and confined to Cuban waters.

The Anglo-Saxon opinion throughout the world is solid in favour of America in the coming war with Spain.

The Continental newspapers strongly condemn America's hypocritical policy, which they declare is due to speculators' influence.

WAR TO COMMENCE TO-DAY.

President McKinley hai signed the ultimatum to Spain, and notified that his Government will begin war after 6 o'clock on Saturday morning unless Spain yields. The Amerioan ultimatum has been formally transmitted to Spain. Senor Bernabe has applied for his passports and quitted Washington. He has entrusted the interests of Spain to the French and Austrian Ministers at Washington.

AS TO PRIVATEERING.

The American Government has officially announced that it will not resort to privateering. Britain is pressing Spain to malt* a similar declaration.

Anxiety prevails in Britain for fear, as the United Stateß and Spain have not subscribed to the Declaration of Paris, either will be entitled to seize the other's property under a neutral flag. It is therefore feared that British shipping will be molested.

The London Stock Exchange is very depressed. Consols are quoted at 110, a fall ot sd.

ENTHUSIASM IN MADRID.

The opening of the Cortes was an impressive and brilliant scene, all the wealth and beauty of M2drid being present.

Queen Regent Christina and the young King Alfonso were received with intense enthusiasm.

The Queen Regent's speech declared that part of the American people, fearing that autonomy for Cuba would frustrate the rebels' scheme, indulged in threats and intolerable provocations. The action of the Pope and the European Powers had strengthened the conviction that Spain deserved universal sympathy. She had every confidence that the Cortes would defend her throne, honour and territory at whatever sacrifice. She concluded with an eloquent peroration expressing supreme confidence that the nation would emerge triumphant from the crisis, which had been | provoked without reason or justice.

The speech evoked tremendous applause.

The Royalties received great ovations in the streets.

Eighty-three thousand volunteers in Cubo have offered to co-operate with General Blanco.

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