Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-08-10

w dSHiuS lOH, august S.-mDIG
than twenty-four hours after it had
begun to reach Washington, the
Spanish note III answer to the
Presidents peace conditions was
presented at the White House by
the French ambassador. What the
nature Of the answer was can only
be ccnjectured at this stage. the
Secretary of state ait the conclusion
OF the conference making the for
NAL statement thatAnothing what
ever could be said on the subject.
The conference lasted an hour
and twenty-five minutes THIS pro-
longed discussion was believed 10
indicate that the Spanish answer
was not satisfactory in ali re-
spects, though in just what points
it fell short Of meeting the expec-
tations of the President it is i'm
possible to say 1t was felt by the
observers that had the answer been
a complete acceptance of our terms
the result wJEd have been made
public. On G Whole it is rather
TO BE concluded that middle re-
suit was obtained: that Spain was
found to have attached certain con-
ditions to her acceptance of the
Presidents terms, but that the lat
ter was not disposed to regard the
injection of the new matter as suf-
ficient in itself to warrant an inn
mediate termination of the peace
negotiations. According TO this
view, the President has taken ex-
ception to some of tie Spanish
conditions, but has allowed a last
opportunity for them to be with
drawn or modified.
The reply of the Spanish gov
errment is understood to be doc
ument embracing about 1920
words.
The copy delivered to the Pres
ident was in English. This olivia
ted 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
divided into five points or heads.
namely, Cuba, Porto Rico. Ladrone
Islands. occupation of Manila and
appointment vi a. tDil Ill iEEitln,
which are treated in tine 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
comes in for indirect reference
under the head Of Cuba
In the absence Of an official state
ment it is impossible to give the
Spanish position on the several
American conditions. But from
the best information obtainable.
in treating each subject. Cuba.
Porto Rico, Ladrores, Manila and
peace commission. an acceptance
in some cases is understood to re-
late 20 conditions somewhat differ
ent to those laid down by the
American government. As to Cuba,
the American terms demanded the
evacuation of the island without
specifying the future form Of gov
eminent The Spanish reply Is
said to accept the principle that
Spanish sovereignty over Cuba
will terminate, but Ii is understood
to take up the future government
Of the islands and because Of the
extent "a Spanish interests there.
Is said to take the view. either ex-
press or implied. that the United
States should administer the affairs
CT the islands. As 10 the time Of
eyacuating Cuba, this is a detail
which the Spanish reply is said TO
regard as among many which can
be left TO the commission for
final determination.
The American conditions as 10
Porto Rico. the LadTones, Manila.
etc, are believed to be accepted.
but the topics are treated at some
length, and il will require the full
text to show how far the language
used may, be construed az an ac-
ceptance.
The provision as to the cCmnis-
sion is assented 10. The coIamis-
sion is to consist OF FIVE commits
sfc1ers on each side. with Paris as
the probable meeting place. The
Spanish reply is said to develop
somewhat the scope Of the con-
mission. leaving il not only the de-
termination Of the future OF the
Philippines, but also the details Id
VOWED In the arrangement OF |,
lasting peace.
The outcome Of the conference if
unknown. hut the best opinion OBJ
taiEabIe is f.at the matter is stiff
open, that Ambassador Cambon