The Press., 1898-09-22
wa.b,nrton Letter.
Washington. Sept. is. 1898.


 So far as European governments are concerned, the center of interest will be shifted from Washington to Paris, as soon as our peace commissioners, now on their way, arrive at the latter city. The German ambassador left for Europe ahead of the peace commissioners, on the plea that he needed course of bathing at Carlsbad. There Is little doubt that he was summon ed home by the Emperor, who Is deeply interested in the settlement of the Phillip pine question-so deeply that many be- lleve he intends to seize an island if the treaty does not provide for the entire group passing under American control. The ambassador can give him pointers on the condition of American sentiment. The French ambassador, who represented Spain in the preliminary peace negotiati- ons, has also gone to Europe, and he did not take the trouble to say that he was going for his health. From hints dropped by the president to several of his callers, the impression is growing that our com- missioners are instructed to insist upon American control of the whole of the Philippine islands.
 Notwithstanding the declinstion of a number of gentlemen to serve on the com- mission to investigate the conduct of the war, the president expects to get the con- mission completed and at work in a few days. He impresses those with whom he talks on the subject with the idea that he Is very much in earnest and determined that the commission shall get at the whole truth regardless of consequences. He has promised every possible assistance in getting oral evidence, and that all the war department records will be open to the commission. That should bring out the facts, even If the commission does lack authority to compel witnesses to testify. Until Col. Hay arrives to assume the duties of Secretary of state, which will be within the present week, the department of state will be without a secretary and without first assistant, MT. Day having resigned the secretaryship to become a peace commissioner, and MT. Moore the position of first assistant to accompany
  ity. Col. Hay will be allowed to choose his first assistant.
 Englishmen who have recently visited Washington are practically unanimous in their opinions of what we ought to do with the Philippines. MT. Samuel Bride, prominent Londoner said: England has a deep interest in the settlement of the ownership of the Philippines. If the U. s. does not hold on to them, England will not readily assent to their occupation by any other power. We think it Is all right for your government to hold them In fact, from our point of view, 1t would be an act of weakness for the Americans to renounce any spot of ground that they have obtained by conquest. A strong nation will always hold what 1t has won through the expenditure of blood and money. The result of the war with Spain has elevated the American nation in the eyes of the countries across the sea, and 1t would be a distinct loss to you to ialter or give way in the least degree in the policy that your victory over Spain has rendered inevitable"
 Wherever there Is @ chance to make money, American enterprise and capital are likely to be found. U. s. Minister Powell, writes from Port au Prince, Hayti, to the department of state: "A rich vein of iron ore, almost pure metal, has recent ly been discovered in the northern section of this republic. A concession has been obtained from the government to mine the same, and an American company is being formed for this purpose"
 The good offices of this government are being exercised in a strong effort to pre- vent Chilli and Argentine going to war over @ boundary dispute, and it has suggested to the governments of both countries that they carry out an agree ment signed by their diplomatic repre- sentatives, to submit the dispute to the arbitration of Queen Victoria. Those most familiar with the situation say they regard the war as inevitable, regardless of anything short of actual force, that this government can do to prevent 1t.
 Col. J. H. .Soper. who was adjutani general of the Hawaiian republic, and who is now enjoying @ visit to the U. S., says of the sort of government needed fol Hawaii: "We would prefer sgovernment similar to that of the District of Colum. bia, under which 1t would not be necessary for business men to give any attention te politics. Next to that we wanted the territorial form which I understand Is to be established. Hawaii Is not prepared for statehood. Her population Is too small, and even if it were large enough the experiment would be dangerous. Ii would mean native control, as the natives outnumber the whites many times."
 Al the demaeratic convention af Rrid0a