New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-15

a great change In public opinion, though 1t was
universally recognized from the beginning that,
in the long run. America would prove herselr
stronger than Spain. II was generally expected
that the bravery, dash and tenacity or the
Spanish Army and Navy would in some meas
ure counterbalance the superiority OF the United
States in population and resources, and that
consequently. the conditions Of peace would not
be very onerous. This illusion dispeled by
the destruction Of Cervera's squadron. the
capitulation of Santiago and other well-known
incidents Of the campaign; and gradually the
conviction spread that Spain was evidently
Incapable OF defending herself. the sooner she
made peace the better.
1T may pretty safely be assumed. therefore.
that the decision Of the Government will be
will subsequently be called to account for negli-
gence In Its preparation for and for the
manner In which the campaign was conducted
is another question"
The Madrid correspondent Of THE Daily
Mail" says:
THE comments OF the press on the protocol
are a veritable funeral hymn on the destruction
of the Spanish Colonial Empire Some days
ago the desire for peace made the people close
their eyes to the price. but now. upon reading
the protocol. they realize that the cost Is the
loss OF that Empire which Spain had conquered
with so much glory, and that Spain now falls
to the second rank among the nations The
public mind Is stunned. and there Is general
mourning.
General Blanco telegraphs that Havana Is
greatly agitated by the news Of the signing OF
the protocol. and that much anxiety is mani
tested to learn the conditions. which have not
yet been published. Some nneasiness is felt re-
.ha on. hat tha taxt 81 ba
may have on the Spanish volunteers in Ha-
vana. Many newspapers express grief and
despair tina. the men who brought disaster on
Spain by lack of foresight. organization and
ability should continue to govern the country"
I'm the peace negotiations no serious COM
plications are apprehended in regard to Cuba
and Porto Rico. II the members Of the local
commission for evacuation have not yet been
appointed ii is simply because the Government
wishes to appoint officers and officials OF the
same rank as those TO be appointed by the
United States Government; and at last nights
Cabinet Council II was decided to time by
appointing persons the spot
Already some people beginning TO con-
sole themselves with the idea that the loss Of
those two Islands though most painful TO Span
ish national feeling. communicating the de-
structon OF the great Spanish empire in the
western hemisphere, lS really not 30 serious
as is generally supposed.
The impartial for example. says: After all,
those who exploited the markets Of the Antilles
were only some manufacturers and merchants.
In certain regions OF the peninsula the exercise
Of sovereignty utilized by politicians TO
send their proteges officials to these Islands.
The great mass OF the nation derived indirectly
very little advantage. and had to bear the sacri-
fees necessary TO maintain our domination
Ideas Of this kind. which are by no means
confined to FL Imparcial' or TO the press
generally. show that, I have repeatedly
pointed out the Spanish national character con-
tains. with much that Is medieval and roman
tic n strong element OF sound practical com
nonsense.
THE Philippine question will he found much
more difficult of solution. and already on one
point all competent authorities here seem
agreed. namely: That. whatever solution may
DE adopted there must be no Joint sovereignty
or Joint protcctorate or anything OF that kind.
An attempt 10 combine Spanish and American
methods Of administration would inevitably lead
to disastrous 9 Implications"