New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-10
READY TO RELEASE WALLER.
BUT SECRETARY OLNEY -HEsITATEs TO
ACCEPT THE OFFER OF FRANCE.
IT WAS MADE AS AN ACT OF FRIENDSHIP FOR
THE UNITED STATES. AND WOULD IN
VOIYE ABANDONMENT OF A DE-

1T WAS MADE AS AN ACT OF FRIENDSHIP FOR
THE UNITED STATES. AND WOULD IN
voLvE ABANDONMENT OF DE-
MAND FOR INDEMNITY.
Washington Nov. s-Secretary OIney has re-
ceived an intimaton Of the willingness OF France
to release John L. Waller from prison as an act
Of graclousness to the United States; but as &C.
ceptance Of this offer might prevent this Govern
ment from subsequently demanding an indemnity
for his imprisonment--a condition 10 which Mr.
Waller, II is understood. does not agree-the
prospects that tedious diplomatic negotia-
tions are the last resource.
1t is positively denied that Mrs. Waller has
been compelled TO appeal to the State Depart
ment TO secure her husbands release on the
ground that he is dying In his cell. Mrs. waller
herself declares emphatically that she has not
received from her husband nor have any OF MS
friends. letters saying that his health Is failing
or expressing the belief that he cannot live much
longer
This morning Crammond Kennedy and Jonh
NJ Langston. Mr.. Waller's attorneys. had
conference with Mrs Waller and her son Paui
Bray. because Of the alarm felt by Mrs Waner
on account OF a letter she received from her
husband yesterday. in which he said nothing
WI atever about his healfn. OUT Qlu uIdnc anu
sions to domestic affairs involving Mrs Waher
welfare, which to the attorneys only inolcateu
that he knew he could not be released soon ana
was anxious that his wife should not suHer
deprivation in the mean time. he nad learned
that his family were absolutely destitute, uc-
pendent wholly on frienls for their sustenance,
and he would leave prison, II he ever dld'
without cent In the world. lis tone was natur-
ally despondent. The attorneys ana MRS WalieI
and her son fully agreed to-day that IL wouid
be unwise 10 sacrifice the chance OF indemnity
at present in order TO secure Mr. walters re-
lease as he was undoubtedly well led. clotned
and houses in the best or French military estaD-
iishments, where even In case or illness, ne
would have better medical attendance than ne
could hope to secure outside.
Mrs Waller convinced that the rrench
Government would spare no expense to maintain
him In good health and concluded that II lie
were really as III as she imagined he could not
stand the ocean voyage home. and would there
fore be stranded and Ill among strangers. 80
she determined to trust the matter entirely u
Secretary Oney and Ambassador Eustls IN DOM
OF whom she reposes the fullest confidence. AS
she understands It, the two questions now under
consideration by the State Department 3re
whether II will be possible to accept France :
offer OF Mr. Walters release as an act or grace
and leave the matter OF indemnity for subsequent
negotiation or whether all the facts justify the
United States In peremptorily demanding IN
demnity and release Simultaneously. 1t is known
that the State Department Is not satisfied thal
Mr. Waller has valid ground for an indemnity
some Of the evidence the subject being ex
tremely conflicting.