Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-29

N~~-~s'sfs
probable, may be again changed before
the Cabinet disposes of the matter to.
morrow. as strong influences are at
work TO induce the President to insist
upon the substitution OF at least an In
dependent government over the Philip
pines for Spanish rule. II this point
shaii be difficult Of settlement the an
swer to Spain may not be rendered to-
morrow. but may have to wait upon an
other Cabinet meeting. next Tuesday.
SAGAsTA's LATEST
There was display of indignation in
oincial circles to-day upon the publication
OF what was reported to be a statement
from the Spanish Premier, imputing bad
faith TO the United States in pursuing
the war and continuing to make con-
quests However. this feeling soon wore
off. as 1t became apparent. upon renec-
ton, that the statement was either apo
cryphal, or that, IL genuine, II was SIM
ply one In series of complex moves on
the board Of Spanish politics. and was
intended purely for home consumption
The report from Madrid toward the close
of the day that the newspapers there had
given their approval TO the terms Of peace
described by the President went toward
relieving certain feeling Of discourage
ment that was manifested at the opening
of the day, for 1t was patent that mem
hers Of the administration apprehended
a rejection of our demands by Spain at
the beginning.
PEACE MAY BE NEAR.
II, however, 1t shall appear that this
Madrid statement is well founded, and
that the Madrid papers fairly reflect the
views of the mass of the Spanish people,
then 1t seems probable that re cifssoslUes
that will lie before the administrator in
accomplishing peace would be rather IN
ternal than external. ane would be based
upon the preparation of a treaty that
shall secure the ratification Of the United
States Senate. 1t may be pointed out
in this connection that II we are really
as near to peace as many people suppose,
II VIII become necessary to issue a call
for an extra session of the Senate, TO
act upon the peace treaty with all Of the
promptness that the importance of the
subject demands.
CONCERN FOR SHAFTER'S MEN.
Secretary Alger is deeply concerned over
the welfare of the gallant troops under
Skaters command, now encamped on the
outskirts Of Santiago. The health report
shows a surprisingly large number or
cases of sickness, but army surgeons au-
thorize the statement that these figures
are misleading in certain sense, and
that the situation may not be nearly as
bad as they would seem to indicate. The
slightest ailment Of the most temporary
nature sufiices to place d soldiers name
on the sick reports, which, in their present
shape. would not distinguish between
such a case and one of mortal illness.
The inference is that many of these cases
in Skaters camp are of a trivial nature,
but so to swell its grand total of sick
and wounded.
REMOVAL TO LONG ISLAND.
Notwithstanding this mitigating fact,
Secretary Alger is going to remove the
soldiers at the very earliest opportunity
to more healthful cline. The surgeon
general, under the direction OF the Sec
retary. a few days ago Inspected tract
of land ajoining Montauk Point. L. l.,
belonging TO the Long Island Railroad
Company, which had been offered to the
government as suitable for a large en-
campment. The tract is three miles
square, contains an abundance of fresh
water, a considerable lake, hill $50 feet
in height, and many other sanitary ad-
vantages, including saltwater bathing.
The necessary orders TO equip this as a
camping-ground will go forward immedi-
ately, and every advantage will be taken
of the experience gained in the formation
of the great camps at Chickamauga
and Camp Alger TO make the con-
ditions as comfortable as possible
for the battle-scarred veterans of Shat
ter's army. The time for their removal
is left TO General Shafter, the only limi-
tation placed upon him being that he
shall not delay the homeward sailing
VI HIS lIOOpS DeyOnu tne moment when
ii shall be safe for them to leave Santi-
ago, having regard to the fever condi-
tions.
GARRISON FOR SANTIAGO.
Meanwhile, details are being made of
troops to supply the force that shall gar
rison Santiago, so long as it shall be
found necessary TO continue troops there.
This force will be made up almost alto
gether of immunes.
NO WORD FROM MILES.
No word came from General Miles to- |
day, and the War Department assumes |
that he is pursuing his advance across |
the island Of Porto Rico toward San |
Juan. They attach little credence TO |
the Spanish account of a battle at |
Yauca, resting confident in the belief that |
when the facts are known ii will be found |
hat this was a victory of the usual |
Spanish type, resulting in the complete |
achievement of the object of the Ameri- |
,an commanders.
Considerable reinforcements are now !
arriving to support Miles. and before |
he week is over the campaign in Porto |
Rico will be in full swing.