The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-08-14


sudden transition from war to peace was
reflected to-day in complete dullness
and stagnation through official quarters
Instead of the hustle and activity which
have prevailed for months through the
corridors of the War Department and
corridors of the War and Navy Depat-
parent since the midsummer vacations
of last year. Most of the officials went
home early in the day enjoying the first
partial holiday since the war began.
There will be a large amount of import-
ant details to be worked out from this
time forward. gradual reduction of the
army and the navy to peace footings
the establishment of temporary and
permanent administrations for our new
colonial possessions the caring for the
wounded and prisoners and the relief
of the distress in Cuba. The question of
immediate attention is the appointment
of the peace commission which is to meet
at Paris and Of the military commissions
to meet at Havana and San Juan.
The President conferred with Secretary
commission, but it was said ut the
State Department late that an an
nouncement of the commissioners might
be deferred for some days 1t is under
stood that the President has not fully
determined upon the personnel of the
commission. Several of the public men
who saw him to-day were satisfied that
that commission would be made up of
Secretary Day, Senators Allison and
German, either Joseph Ii. Choatc or
Elihu Root. of New York, and probably
a prominent army officer. General Cor
bin is spoken of favorably in connection
with the army appointment on the COM
mission The military commissioners for
Cuba and Porto Rico are not receiving
any attention from the State Depart
ment as the military authorities will have
entire charge of these branches of the
peace settlement. During the day the
State Department received a call from
NJ. Thiebaut Secretary of the French
Embassy. for the purpose of leaving a
letter explaining the authority given by
cable to the French Ambassador to sign
the peace protocol. These assurances
already had been given verbally. but the
letter gives them in Il more definite form
and in the course Of few days the
complete written authorization from Ma
drid will be filed with the State Depart
ment. Many congratulations kept com
ing to the State Department and to the
White House on the re-establishment of
peace.
1t is expected that the occupation of
Manila under the terms of the protocol
will occur within the next few hours.
1t was at first thought the Navy De
partment had Il dispatch boat at Hong
Kong ready to carry forward the orders
to Admiral Dewey and General Merritt,
but the Department learned to-day that
no dispatch boat was at Hong Kong
although one was likely to reach there
today or tomorrow. Meanwhile it is
possible that Consul Widman may char
ter IL steamer and send the orders for
ward. He has general instructions as
dispatch agent, and it was said at the
State Department to-day that these in
structions govern the present case Gen
eral Greely is satisfied no use can be
made of the cable connecting Hong
Kong with Manila. as there are no cable
operators at the Manila end.
Acting Secretary Allen said today that
the matter OF establishing coaling sta
tions. the disposition Of Admiral Cervera
and other Spanish prisoners, and like
questions brought up by the peace set
tlement, would receive consideration IL
due time, but that there was no i'm
mediate necessity for passing upon them
Preparations are making to receive the
battleshps and armorcd cruisers now
under orders to come North. Dry docks
Nos. / and 2 at the New York navy
yard are available for the big cruisers
New York and Brooklyn, but not for Glt
battleships. Dry dock No. 5 will re-
ceive the battleships, but will not be in
condition before September Ist, as it has
just gone through long period of re
pair Captain Bartlett, in charge Of the
auxiliary fleet is arranging to get these
craft back into their old cnannels. The
old single turreted monitors will be re
turned to the League Island navy yard
Some of the anxiiaries are still needed
to look after mine fields established along
the coast.
The War Department was busy all day
with matters pertaining to the cessation
of histilities. Secretary Alger consulted