The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-08-10

Washington, Aug. 9.-More than "a
hours after it had begun to reach Wash
ington the Spanish note in answer to the
presidents peace conditions was pre-
sented at the white house by the
French ambassador. What the nature
of the answer was could be only con-
jectured at this stage, the secretary of
state at the conclusion of the confer
ence making the formal statement that
nothing whatever could be made pub
lie on the subject.
The conference lasted an hour and %
minutes. This prolonged discussion was
believed to indicate that the Spanish
answer was not satisfactory in all re-
spects, though in just what points it
fell short of meeting the expectations
of the president it is impossible to say.
1t was felt by the observers that, had
the answer been a complete acceptance
of our terms, the result would have
been made public. On the other hand,
it would be a strained inference to con-
clude that the answer was unsatisfac-
tory entirely. for in that case, accord
ing to the presidents statement hereto
fore made, his offer would have been
definitely withdrawn and the war re-
sumed with greater energy than before.
1t would seem that there could scarcely
be a good reason in this case for with
holding the result of the conference. on
the whole, 1t is rather to be concluded
that a middle result was obtained; that
Spain was found to have attached GER
tain conditions to her acceptance of the
presidents terms, but that the latter
was not disposed to regard the interjec-
tion of the new matter as sufficient in
itself to warrant an immediate termi-
nation of the peace negotiations. Ac-
cording to this view, the president has
taken exception to some of the condi-
tions. but has allowed last opportunity
for them to be withdrawn or modified.
The reply of the Spanish government
Is understood to be a document en-
bracing about 1000 words. 1t bears the
signature of the Spanish minister of
foreign affairs and the form of the
statement throughout is that of her
majesty's government. The copy deliv-
cred to the president was in English.
the translation from Spanish to French
having been made at Paris and that
from French to English having been
made here prior to the presentation of
the answer at the white house. This
obviated delays and gave the president
and Secretary Day an English text at
the outset of the conference with the
ambassador.
The Spanish reply is said to be divid-
ed into five points or heads. namely:
Cuba, Porto Rico. Ladrone islands, oc-
cupation of Manila and the appoint
ment of a commission, which are treat
ed In the order named. So far as could
be learned no mention is made of the
Cuban debt. The retention of arms and
ammunition by the Spanish troops come
In for indirect reference under THE head
of Cuba.
In the absence of an official state
ment. il is impossible to give the Span
ish position on the several American
conditions. But from the best informa-
ton obtainable, in treating each sub
ject. Cuba. Porto Rico, the Ladrones,
Manila and peace commission. an ac-
ceptance in some cases is understood
to relate to conditions somewhat diff
ferent to those laid down by the Amer
lean government. AS TO Cuba, the
American terms demand the eyacua-
'tion of the island without specifying
the future form of government. The
Spanish reply is said to accept the prin-
ciple that Spanish sovereignty over
Cuba will terminate, but it is under
stood to take up the future govern
ment of the island. and, because of the
extent of the Spanish interests there.
is said to take the view, either ex-
pressed or implied. that the United
States should administer the affairs of
the island. AS to the time of evacuat-
ing Cuba, this is a detail which the
Spanish reply is said to regard as
among many which win be left to the
commission for final determination.
The American conditions as To Porto
Rico. the Ladrones. Manila, etc, are
believed to be accepted, but the topics
are treated at some length and il will