The record-union., 1898-08-11
presented last night, when the Presi-
dents decision was essential

presented last night, when the PreSi-
dents decision was essential
On the other hand, with the knowl-
edge that a further conference between
the President and the ambassador was
unnecessary, the indications pointed
more clearly to the simple adjustment
Of minor details as the occasion of the
Secretary's visit to the White House.
For instance, it may have been neces-
sary for him to secure credentials from
the President, in order to secure au-
thority to sign for the United States
any protocol or memorandum that will
serve as basis for the cessation of hos
tilities and the beginning of the work of
the peace commission
AS far as can be gathered, our Gov
ernment is not particularly concerned
at the insistence of the Spanish Gov
eminent upon the reference of the
peace agreement in it's present stage
to the Cortes. Our Government. in
dealing with another, recognizes ONLY
the executive branch, and holds that
wholly responsible for all of its acts
or promises, and it is probable that
our Government would not concern it.
self as to what further internal steps
would be necessary to satisfy the stick
lers for constitutional observances in
Spain. If it should appear later that
the Cortes should undertake to undo
the work so far accomplished between
the two Governments, Of course the
Government of Spain will be held re-
sponsible for that result, but as it is
presumable that the United States mil
ltary forces by that time would be In
possession of Cuba, Porto Rico and
Manila, it is not perceivable that in
ternal commotion in Spain need give us
any further concern.
The formal agreement which IS to
bind the United States and Spain to
enter upon negotiations of a treaty OF
peace was prepared by Mr.. Adee. Soc
ond Assistant Secretary of State. the
points to be included having been Dre.
Vlously agreed upon between the Pres
ldent, Secretary Day and Mr.. Cambon
Some difficulty was found in the task.
and 1t was deemed essential to cover
every point with such felicity of ex-
preston as to leave no possible chance
Tor misunderstanding between the
parties hereafter. While this important
diplomatic function by Mr.. Adee was
IN progress, Secretary Day relieved the
situation by making his statement. as
follows:
we have agreed upon a protocol en-
bodylng proposed terms for the negotia-
ton OF treaty Of peace, including the
evacuation of Cuba and Porto Rico and
II IS expected that this protocol Will
be executed"
This was the first admission that the
Two Governments at last had prac-
tcally come together on the basis of
peace. 1t was intimated that what
remained to be accomplished was purely
formal in character, and no doubt was
entertained that the signatures required
would be attached in due time. What
that due time was was not explained.
but it was fully understood that it
meant such delay as would be neces-
sary for the careful preparation of the
documents to be signed, and for the
reception by the French ambassador
OF authority to sign this particular pa
per in behalf of the Spanish Govern
ment
At quarter past / o'clock, after
having been for two hours in the State
Department, M. Cambon and his Sec
retary returned to the Embassy for
lunch, declini1as positively to see any
one. or to make any statement what
ever connected with the negotiations
Within few minutes Secretary Day
the White House, where he had a con-
ference with the President and re-
ported the status Of affairs.