The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-07-28
DIDN'T ASK FOR TERMS.
Spain Merely Wanted to Open Peace
Negotiations

Washington, July 2s-In diplomatic
quarters SPANS peace proposal is the
absorbing topic. The diplomats showed
their interest by calling at the state de-
partment and at the French embassy,
to learn with more exactness the de-
tails of SPANS proposal. This devel-
oped several features of the PROPOSE
ton which had not been entirely clear
before.
In the first place no foreign govern
ment outside Of France has been con-
suited by Spain in this overture for
peace, and the present movement is not
shared, directly or indirectly, by Ger
many, Austria, Italy, Russia or Great
Britain. 1t can now be stated that the
formal proposition submitted had been
under consideration at Madrid for five
days previous, during which time the
British as well as the French authOri-
ties were cOgnizant of the fact that
Spain was about to sue for peace This
being settled, it appears that a good
natured but keen rivalry sprang up be-
tween Sir Drummond Wolff, the Brit
ISM ambassador at Madrid, and M
Patenotre, the French ambassador
there, as to which government should
nave the honor of initiating the move
the world.
Owing to the cordiality existing be-
tween the governments of Great Brit
ain and the United States it was felt
would be commissioned to approach the
United States acting at Washington
through Sir Julian Pauncefote. But
Spain appears to have preferred the in
termedlatIon of the French govern
ment, and as a result the negotiations
were finally entrusted to the French
ambassador at Washington.
Another essential point is the exact
proposition made by Spain. There has
been some misrepresentation over this
owing to the publication of an alleged
text of the proposition, and other re
ports asserting that Spain asked Presi-
dent Mckinley to state terms of peace.
AS matter of fact the Spanish propo-
sltlon does not mention the word
terms" and there is no request or sug-
gest1on in it that the president shall
state terms OF peace. The direct in
curry made by Spain is as to whether
the United States will open negotiations
toward the settlement of the war and
the arrangement of peace. It is based
on the theory that if the president an
SWers in the affirmative, then the nego-
tatiOnS for terms will be opened be-
tween commissioners or parties clothed
with the responsibility of bringing
about settlement. Neither does the
Spanish proposition contain any refer
ence to "armiStice." At the same time
1t is framed on the idea that if peace
negotiations are entered upon there will
be a suspension of hostilities pending
an agreement upon the exact terms of
peace IN TINS connection there appears
to be distinction made between the
word 'armistice'' and Suspension of
hostilties," for while it is said the
former is not asked or expected, it seems
to be taken for granted that a suspen-
sion of hOstilities will be essential to
carry forward the peace negotiations
The Spanish proposition is clothed
with all the solemnity and formality Of
a government act, despite the cable re-
port from Madrid that the peace pro-
posal is of {, private nature"
The instructions to NJ. Cambon bear
the official signature of Duke Almo-
dovar de Rio, the Spanish minister of
foreign affairs, and besides expressing
the desires of the cabinet and govern
ment that the peace negotiations be
opened, they are given the solemnity
of approval and earnest personal re-
quest by Queen Regent Maria Girls
tina"
The Instructions bear the date of
Madrid, July %. These formalities dis
miss all doubts in the minds of officials
here as to the regularity of the Span
ish proposition as expressive of the
wishes of the government of Spain.