New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-03
PEACE PROGRESS SLOW.
sPANIARDS AGAIN DELAY MATTERS TO
HEAR FROM MADRID.
LITTLE DONE AT YESTERDAYS JOINT SESSION
IN PARIs-IMPORTANT PROPOSITIONS YET
TO RE CONSINERFD

TO BE CoNSiDERED,
Paris Dec 2-The Joint session Of the Peace
Commission to-day lasted two hours. No real
procress was made The Spaniards are await
tng instructions. Spains proposition FOR COM
nercial privileges in the West Indies was not
settled. and scarcely considered to-day. The
Americans have also asked for instructions on
certain matters The Caroline Islands ques-
ton. were not considered. The Commission ad-
tourned until Saturday.
To-day's session was a repetition virtually OF
several earlier meetings. When. after two hours
Of discussion taking a wide range, the Span
iards were pressed for definite statements. they
pleaded that they had not received instructions
from Madrid Thereupon the Americans de-
clared in diplomatic phraseology. that 1t was
useless to waste time In debate with men VINO
were not empowered to make bargains
MAY NOT MEET BEFORE MONDAY.
Although the adjournment was taken to to-
morrow. II is probable that there will be fur-
ther pos,ponement to Monday.
The Standards version Of to-day's session IS
that they asked to have the treaty concluded
first and then the minor matters discussed Ac-
cording TO reports from American sources. the
eDanish Commissioners endeavored to ORA"
hints as TO how far the Americans were wiling
20 compromise the demands under discussion
without disclosing what concessions Spain was
willing to make.
As the negotiations proceed the prospects OF
consuming much time increase. Several very
important propositions. presenting many phases
invite discussion. and must afterward be en-
bodied in the agreements This task or empody-
Ing may be Ions drawn out every WORD ana
comma requiring consideration On the Ques-
tjons yet unsettled which do not concern terri
torial or financial interests both Commissions
displav laudable anxiety to promote the well
fare Of the Inhabitants involved An American
Commissioner said this evening;
We realize that these peoples are to become
our subjects. and we desire to secure for them
all their rights and privileges. We keep in mind
the interests Of Spanish citizens in the terri
tories changing hands as we'll as Of others Our
Snanish friends exhibit a willingness to CO.
onerate in ,his work Of guaranteeing the rights
Of the peoples they are losing-a Willingness
that must command our respect. for we reahze
that they might make the task much more dlih-
cult ~ they were disposed 10 display resentful
spirit"
PROBLEMS FOR CONSIDERATION.
Among the problems OF the foregoing nature
N which the Commissioners are devotlng much
attention is that Of the courts Both Commits
sions desire so far possible to arrange tha'
contracts entered upon and lawsuits brought
under the Spanish regime may be transferred
TO the Jurisdiction Of the American courts so
that the ltigants may lose no right through 'he
change Of government. The question OF con-
tinuing contracts for public works now under
way IS also being considered, and it is possible
that the treaty will guarantee the fulhiment OF
existing mail contracts.
The United States Commission at us meeting
to-day concluded It's consultation with MAJOR
General Wesley Merritt