The Mena star., 1898-07-20
D|PI0AAT'S 5 SUGGESTION.
He Says Spain Could Negotiate for Peace Through Gen. Toral
 and Gen. Shafter.
CAPTURED GUNS AND ORDNANCE STORES
The Departm mt Considering What to Do with the Large Quantity Gained by the Surrender of santi*Eo-Ien. shafter Wants the Inmunss Hurried Up for Service Roster Of spanish Prisoners.

Wants the Immunss Hurried Up for
 Service--Roster or spanish Prisoners.
 Washington, July 19.-One of the ablest members of the diplomatic corps in Washington, the ambassador of continental power, suggested to- day that if Spain or the United States were desirous of inaugurating peace movement an easy and effective means of so doing was now at hand without recourse to any foreign intermediary This, he pointed out. could be done through the American and Spanish generals at Santiago. who, during re- cent days, have been brought into close communication concerning the details of the surrender of Santiago. The in cident has served to show that Gen. Toral was in direct communication with Madrid, and his action was re- sponsive to the wish of the Madrid government On the other hand, it was pointed out, Gen. Shafter had at all times been guide by the direct ad- vice and instruction of the Washing ton government This, for the first time in the war, brought the two gov ernments into direct communication, and while the communication has thus far been confined to Santiago, it has suggested that it affords the opp portunity for much wider range of inquiry between the two capitals. If Madrid desires to take the initiative in learning what peace terms are pos sible then such an official inquiry through Gen. Toral to Gen. Shafter would doubtless bring response. This mode of action was suggested in a conjectural way, but as one offering the most practical means of direct communication on the subject of peace. Whether either government will avail itself of the opportunity remains to be seen, as there is no intimation thus far that Madrid desires to make peace overtures, and certainly there is no purpose at Washington to initiate such a movement
 The aeIurea Gu and Ordnance Stores.
 Washington, July .9.-The ordnance department of the war department is considering what to do with the large quantity of arms. ammunition, fortif- cation guns and ordnance stores which have come into the possession of this government through the surrender of Santiago. Gen. Shafter reports that about 1000 Mauser rifles were turned over the first day and the number will reach probably 2O. 900 when the troops at other points in the surrendered zone turn in their guns. The surren- der also covers large stock of ammu- hilton. rife balls. etc, of the caliber suitable for the Mausers. so that when the guns are repaired there will be an ample stock Of cartridges to use in them. The ordnance bureau is considering only what shall be done with the guns if they are utilized by this govern ment, as it has nothing to do with the larger question concerning the ulti- mate return of the guns to the Span sh troops. The ordnance officers ex- poet to make very little use of the fortifcation guns noun nted in Nero castle, Sacopa, Cayo Smith and other forts along Santiago harbor. These, it has developed since the capture, are guns of antiquated pattern, most of them muzzleloaders. It is said they would not be worth bringing back to the United States except as souvenirs of the fall of Santiago. For the pres
 
 the forts, for since they have proved sufficiently effective to make show ing against the big American feet they will suffice for the present pas sive condition of affairs.
 wants the Immunes Hurried Forward.
 Washington, July 19.-Gen. Shafter has asked the war department to hurry forward the regiments of immunes for service at Santiago city and vicinity of danger of further infection of our troops from the fever which prevails at Santiago Secretary Alger said this afternoon that it is probable that the total number of Spanish soldiers who will have to be transported to Spain will reach the 25, 900 estimated by Gen. Shafter, as Toral's reports did not cover quite all the soldiers who would be turned over. The secretary says the military governor of Santiago had not yet been definitely selected Our army captured 10, 900, 900 rounds of ammunition at Santiago, so that it will not need such supplies for some time.
 Ger. shafter's spanish Prisoners.
 Washington, July 19.-The war de partment has received a dispatch dated yesterday from Gen. Shafter saying that sae roster of prisoners was handed in terday afternoon by Gen Toral and Ut the total is 22 7S9 men. Gen. Shafterss dispatch added that the prisoners turned over to him