Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-07-28
TAKES A BACK SEAT.
The Military Situation Loses Interest In
View of the Overtures for Peace.

MI1IaFy SIuAt1On LOScs lnttTcst
View of the Overtures for Peace.
London, July 2S.-The Madrid corre-
spondent OF The Daily Mail says:
Spain will probably protest against an
attack upon Porto Rico after the Wash
ington cabinet had officially received
Spanish Overtures for peace. Should q
circular note on this subject be sent to
the powers it will contain the exact
dates Of the Spanish communications,
making it clear that the United States
deferred its answer in order to be able
to date this after the American forces
had gained a footing in Porto Rico.
Senior Sagasta said yesterday: We re-
solved on peace many days ago and
made known our resolutions to the
United States government 1 regard as
null and void and as destitute of good
faith everything that the Americans
have done since, and am ready to pro-
test against 1t formally"
Washington, July 2S.-The initiation
of overtures for peace has had the effec.
Of Suspending in a large measure-for
the time being at least-interest in the
military and naval situation. Though
1t is known through the open adnAs-
SION Of members Of the Administration
that the present peace phase will re-
main unchanged until after another
cabinet meeting tomorrow there is
still evinced disposition to discuss
the matter in its every aspect. Natur-
ally the first point of inquiry was the
exact shape taken by the Spanish pre-
sentation of Tuesday Curiosity on
this point remained ungratified, and
must probably SO continue for some
days to come, the president having de-
cided that nothing more definite than
the statement issued from the White
House Tuesday shall he given to the
public at this time. The motive is a
prudential one.
Spain Wants Fighting to stop.
The next point Of interest was the
character and extent of the demand
likely to be made by the United States
as the condiNon of peace. 1t is felt
that the statement of terms of peace
both from Spain and from the United
states may be some days Off. as there
doubtless Will be considera b e ,iplomatic
fencing al the outset before the actual
point of stating terms is reached. There
Will be much discussion in all liLeli-
hood also regarding an armistice. for
II Is the distinct purpose Of the Span-
ish authorities TO secure a SUSPENSION
ef hostilities pending the negotiations
for peace. 1t may lie that the applica
ton Will be granted, but IL SO il Will
De only under the most effective safe
guards to prevent loss of any advant-
age TO the United States, and urou
binding pledges that certain well de.
nned objects are to be conceded to US.
Cuban Annexation to Come I'm.
The president discussed this subiec,
all yesterday with various members O,
the cabinet as they called in the oours.
OF ordinary business. 1t is yirtuslIv
admitted by leading members Of tbs
administration that upon only one no;n,
in peace negotiations is there likely tc
be serious friction, ard that relate. tc
the future of the Philippines. As tc
Cuba and Porto Rico. our soyernmen,
feels that there is a reasonable certain.
ty OF encountering little opposition tc
our demands. The Spanish governmen,
might insist upon the proposition
thrown out BY the Vatican-that tbs
United States shall annex Cuba, the
ostensible purpose being to secure ful
protection for the Spanish element left
in the island, but while this would be 8
vexatious point it would yield to ad.
| justment.