The Mena star. (Mena, Ark.) 1898-1904, 1898-11-09
QUESTION OF PRICE.
Peace Commissioners Cannot Agree
on Spain's Value Of Philippines.
There IL Difference Of &I5o,cOo,o0o
Between the Two Bodies. But the
Matter VIII lie Amicabiy set
tied-Cuba's Governments

tied-Cuba's government
Washington, Nov THE reports
the state department has received
from the peace commissioners in Paris
indicate that that body has proceeded
in exactly the line anticipated. 1t
was fully expected that the Spanish
commissioners would endeavor to
make better terms than those offered
by the American commissioners. 1t
was not expected that they would
close ut once with the American propo-
sition. While they have not in exact
terms submitted counter propo-
sition, the Spaniards, by enter
ing upon the argument of the
American proposition, have mani
tested disposition to negotiate
relative to the Philippines that has
shown to be erroneous the prediction
that they would Indignantly spurn
any proposition that contemplated a
REIMBURSEMENT of Spanish sovereignty
over the archipelago. 1t is quite prob
able the way is now open to a COM
promise between the two sides, and
that monetary difference will be
found to be the only one of substance.
This, it is believed, is represented
by the difference between about
$40, 1000 o00 probably the maximum
allowance which the United States
will be willing to pay to
Spain for the improvements in the
Philippines, and $500, 200, 900. which
represents about the minimum of the
Spanish claim for the compensation
on account of the cession of the entire
group. With about $3.50, 900, 900 at
stake In this issue, it will be seen that
there is fair reason to expect that the
negotiations at Paris between the two
parties viii not be speedily terminated.
Abont Cuba's New Government.
Washington, Nov. r. The govern
ment OF Cuba has given the admins
tration much concern, aud its form is
not yet definitely determined upon.
Since issuing the order designating
the troops TO go to Cuba, there has
been considerable talk at the war de-
partment about the probable COM
mander of troops in Cuba, and the
organization of government, civil
end military. The probabilities now
are that Cuba will be designated as
one department and placed under the
command of one officer. The general
impression seems to he that the officer
will be Maj. Gen. Wade, now chairman
of the Cuban military commission,
whose duties as a member of this COM
mission have fitted him for the Office.
The president and Secretary Alger
have great confidence in Gen. Wade,
and believe y .s..ss I, mes t.ie military
and civil qualities necessary for the
supreme command in Cuba when our
occupation is complete.
Gen. Wade ranks all the volunteer
major generals now in service and
would rank Gen. Lee in command of
the Seventh corps, although the latter
will be in actual command of the dis
trict of Havana
1t is possible that the department of
Cuba will be divided into districts,
some of greater and some Of less inn
portance. The districts would be Ha-
vana, Santiago, Cienfuegos. 1t is pos
sible that each province will be desig-
mated as district. The command of
the Second corps is still unsettled.
Gen. Lawton was at one time selected
for the place, but it was found that
two officers at least, ranked him, and
this proved rather unsatisfactory.
Views of Gen. Gomez
Washington. Nov. S.-Following is
an extract from q letter received by
Senior Quesada from Gen. Gomez:
have full confidence in the solemn promises
made by the congress OF Washington, and for
that reason do not have any fear as to the in
dependence OF Cuba Some time must elapse
before cur ideal will be realized; but after so
many struggles and privations wait q
little lenger The military occupation by the
United States is TO certain extent necessary
20 prepare and hurry the evacuation of the
Spanish and to bring about harmony among
the different factors In Cuban politics During
this military occupation the republican gov
ernment will be organized Its decisions will
be finally accepted by all; order will reign ev-
erywhere.
Those who speak now OF annexation try to
satisfy. above all their spite and are propagate
ing unfounded fears as 30 personal security and
private property. The final success of our
struggle has required necessary destruction OF
property which the enemy used to its adyan~
tage, but we have never attacked individuals
The struggle against Spain Is ended: we
commence now q more delicate and Difficult,
task. namely. to make our republican political
system triumph and TO reconstruct the country.
1t is not an easy labor and all men who loved
their country shoul contr.bute TO It; for that
reason Icannot retire now Notwithstanding my
81 years Most of the officers and soldiers went
into the field obeying my orders; / cannot
abandon them until their future IS as
sured They have lost everything they had.
they have right to some compensation,
and above al TO their salaries; the new gov
eminent must secure them Their abandon
ment cannot occur until the Spaniards have