The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-08-10

SPANISH REPLY DELIVERED FRENCH AMBASSADOR PREsENTs
 IT TO PRESIDENT M,KINLEY. Conference Lasting an Hour-Indica- tory in All Respects-spain Has Prob- ably Made Conditions-It is Not Be- lieved, However, That an Immediate Termination of the Peace Negotiations Is Warranted-How Spain is Said to Have Formed Her Rep1y-Questions Treated Under Five Different Heads Looking Out for Spanish Interests in Cuba.
 Washington, Aug. 9.-More than twenty-four hours after it had begun to reach Washington, the Spanish reply to the presidents peace conditions was presented at the White house by the lasted an hour. This prolonged discus sion was believed to indicate that the Spanish answer was not satisfactory in all respects, though in just what points it fell short of meeting the expecta- tions of the president 1t is impossible to say. It is felt by the observers that had the answer been a complete ac- ceptance of our terms, the result would have been made public. On the other hand, it would be a strained inference to conclude that the answer was un- satisfactory entirely, for in that case, according to the presidents statement heretofore made, his offer would have been definitely withdraw and the war resumed with greater energy than be- fore. It would seem that there could scarcely be good reason in that case for withholding the result of the con- ference.
 A Middle Result.
 On whole, it is rather to be con- cludcd that a middle result was ob- tained; that Spain was found to have attached certain conditions to her ac- ceptance of the presidents terms, but that the latter was not disposed to re- gard the injection of the new matter as sufficient in itself to warrant an itn- mediate termination of the peace ne- gotiations According to this view, the president has taken exception to some of the Spanish conditions but has al- lowed a last opportunity for the con- ditons to be withdrawn or modified.
 Length of Reply.
 The reply cf the Spanish government is understood to be a document en- bracing about 1,200 words. It bears the signature of the Spanish minister of foreign affairs and the form of state ment throughout is that of her mdjes- tvs government. The copy delivered to the president was in English, the translation. having been made here. The reply is said to be divided into five points or heads, namely: Cuba, Porto Rico, Ladrone Islands, occupation of Manila and the appointment of a com- mission, which are treated in the or der 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 comes in for in direct reference under the head of Cuba.
 The Subjects Treated.
 In the absence of an official state n1ent it is impossible to give the Span ish position on the several American IlYyt ;e, the best information obtainable: In treating each subject, Cuba, Porto Rico, Ladrones, Manila and the peace commission an acceptance in some cases is understood to relate to condi- tions somewhat different from those laid down by the American govern ment As to Cuba, the American terms demand the evacuation of the island without specifying the future form of government. The Spanish reply is said to accept the principle that Spanish sovereignty over Cuba will terminate, but it is understood to take up the fu- ture government of the island and be- cause of the extent of the Spanish in- terests there is said to take the view either expressed or implied, that the United States should administer the af- fairs of the island
 Evacuation of Cuba.
 The time of evacuating Cuba is a detail which the Spanish reply is said to regard as among many which can be left to the commission for final deter nlination 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 it will require the full text to show how far the language used may be construed as an acceptance. The pro- vision as to the commission is assented to. The commission is to consist of five commissioners on each side, with Paris as the probable meeting place.
 Powers of Proposed Commission.
 The Spanish reply is said to develop somewhat the scope of the commission leaving not only the determination of the future of the Philippines but also the details involved in the arrangement of a lasting peace. The outcome of the conference is unknown, but the best opinion obtainable is that the matter is still open, that Amba ssador Cambon
 .,I ,.o,or+ to Snajn the results of his