The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-11-25

CT ~ III NHC
an open door to the worlds commerce,
the American commissioners are pre-
pared to insert in the treaty now in
contemplation, a stipulation to the eff
feet, that, for a term of years, Span
ish ships and merchandise shall be
admitted into the Philippine ports on
the same terms as American ships and
merchandise.
The American commissioners are
also authorized and are prepared to
insert in the treaty in connection with
the cessiOn of territory by Spain to
the United States, a provision for the
RITUAL REIMBURSEMENT of all claims
for indemnity, national and individual,
of every kind, Of the United States
against Spain and of Spain against
the United States, which may have
arisen since the beginning of the late
Cuban Instruction and prior to the
conclusion of the treaty of peace
Next followed in terms the nearest
| approach to a formal ultimatum to
Spain. The United States commission
ers expressed the hope that they might
receive from the Spanish commission
ers, on or before Monday, the 28th in
slant, definite and final acceptance of
the proposals made as to the Philip
pines, in connection also with the de-
mandS as to CUba, Porto Rico and the
other Spanish islands of the West In
dies, and Gaum in the form in which
these demands lave been Professionally
agreed to. In this event it will be pos
Sible for the joint commission to on
tinue it's sessions and to proceed to
the consideration and adjustment of
other matters, including those, which,
subsidiary and incidental to the prin-
cipal provisions, should form part of
the treaty of peace.
1t was at this juncture hat the
Americans notified the Spaniards that
they desired to treat of the religious
freedom Of the Caroline islands, as
agreed to twelve years ago; also of the
release of political prisoners now held
by Spain in connection with the insur-
rections in Cuba and the Philippine
islands; also of the taking over of the
island of Kusaie or ITALIAN. in the Car
dimes for a Geographic and naval sta
ton; also of cable station rights at
other points in SPANS jurisdiction,
and also of the renewal of certain
treaties previously in force between
the United States and Spain and which
may have lapsed or been vitiated by
war.
The commissions then adjourned I'M
til Wednesday next
The United States peace commission
ers have undoubtedly made their final
proposition here. When the confer
ence opened this afternoon Judge Day,
addressing Senior MonterO Rios and
his colleagues of the Spanish commits
sion, required to the prOtracted nego-
tiations and reaffirmed the desire of
the American commissioners to reach
an amicable conclusion. Then, handing
the American presentation to the in
terpreter, Judge Day concluded his
remarks by saying that the Americans,
preferring not to break the armistice
or to resume hostilities, lac determin-
ed to present another and final prOpO-
sitiOn which he hoped would lead to
an amicable settlement.
An analysis of the American memo
randum shows that all suggestions and
considerations in it hinge upon treaty
cession. at the amour named by the
United States and within one week.
Under the cesson Spain may enjoy for
a term of twelve years rights of COM
merce in the Philippines equal to those
of the United States. If we acquire
the islands by conquest, Spain may
not enjoy such rights.
This evening the Spaniards do not
know whether they will accept or re-
ject the American terms. They are
telegraphing the substance of the
American memorandum to Madrid and
they expect to reply at Wednesdays
meeting.
AGUINALDO'S AGENT TALKS.
London, November q. Agoncillo
the agent of A~guinaldo, with his ad-
visers, returned here from Paris this
morning. He announced himself as
being indignant at the statements
made by Major General Wesley Mer.
rift in reply to the arraignment OF
American officers made by the insur.
: gent junta of Hong Kong in an oper
; letter to President Mckinley and thu
; people of the United States through
the Associated Press. The general sit
uation also displeased Agoncillo, and
, after recalling to an interviewer, "hOv
= the Philippines have loyalty and effec
tivly aided the Americans" he added
= General Merritt's reference to tn,
Philippines as children is simply al
C of a Spanish saying and he may
like the Spaniards, find his error wher
, it is too late. I am afraid the Philippi
nos will never again submit to tn
yoke Of a colonial government. Rattle
: than live again as slaves, they will
fight to the bitter end in defence o
:. their rights and freedom. My instruc
. tons are to claim the recognition o
their independence"
VIVA do the Philippines think @
the American proposal to purchase tn
islands?" Agoncillo was asked.
The opinion of the Philippine gov
eminent cannot be favorable to it." h
answered, "as they cannot ALLOW
!. themselves to be bought and sold lik
merchandise; but if the object of tn
- moderate indemnity is that their rec
ognition and peace be established,
a do not see why. perhaps. the matte
= should not be submitted to their con
s~ideration."
e Aguinaldo's agent was then aske,
V what form of government the Philip
pinos would prefer if they could no
W get complete independence, but he de
n clined to answer, on the ground tina
)r it would be premature to do so, blu
It expressed confidence in the honor Q
,e the American nation and PreSiden
Mckinley, who will not permit an
q misunderstanding"
Overcome evil with good. Overcom