The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-07-17
COMPLETING THE
NEGOTIATIONS
Continued from First Page)

translating the language OF General Toral
had given General Shafter Miles and
Wheeler distinctly TO understand that
Captain General Blanco had consented
that the commissioners should have
plenary powers TO conclude the terms
OF surrender, such terms as they agreed
upon 10 be binding upon both parties.
Something was said about notification
10 the Madrid government, but General
shafter insisted that the capitulation had
been astually agreed TO and no further
consent from MaGrid was required.
MADRID'S CONSENT NECESSARY.
When the commissioners met after ?
o'clock in the afternoon, General Esca-
rio Northumberland Fortan and Rob-
ert Mason, on behalf OF Toral combatted
at once the idea that the capiluaton had
IN fact actually taken place. The con-
sent Of Madrid, they insisted, was sun
necessary. but ar the same time they
claimed strongly that II would be forth
coming, as Captain-General Blanco had
authorized a and the homo government
would do the same. General Toral who
was personally present and who IN fact
directed the negotiations on his own be-
half said he had never been oycrruled
until Madrid had sanctioned 10 Santiago
had not capiluated. All this was ex-
tremely unsatisfactory 20 our commits
sioners. who chung tenaciously to the un-
derstanding General Shafter had received
earlier i'm the day.
ARTICLES or CAPITULATION.
Finally with the question Of whether
or not the Spanish forces had actually
surrendered still open. the commissioners
q arrsf ion ~ n
pre,iminaries. Captain Aliley has Drawn
up thirteen articles of a general nature
and these were submitted 20 General
Toral personally. He made a strong
appeal that the word "capituIatiOn be
used instead of the harsher term sur
render" and that his army be allowed 10
march out. the officers with their side
arms and the men with their small arms.
He sai4 the arms could afterwards be
sent TO Spain either ON the same ships
with the troops or on some other ships.
General Toral further remarked that he
expected our commissioners as represen-
tatives Of a brave and chivalrous people,
would not seek 10 humillate his army or
make II appear that he was yanquished.
A. brave men. his soldiers desired 70 go
home with honor. They had simply
yielded TO superior force, and they would
prefer dying 10 going home without their
honor.
BEYOND THEIR POWERS.
Our commissioners could not resist this
appeal, but they said it lay beyond the
terms laid down 10y our government and
they could only recommend the matter
TO Washington.
At 4 o'clock General Toral returned 10
the city TO consult with General Linares,
who had been enormously reported dead.
General Toral and the Spanish command
ers returned at $50, saying they desired
a still further change IN the phraseology
OF the articles and suggested a post
ponement of the negotiations until morn
ing. This General Wheeler firmly de-
cllned. Thereupon a recess was taken I'M
III $3.50. The commissioners returned at
that hour and the articles were again
gone over in detail. Various changes OF
yerbiage, which tended only TO soften
the sound OF the Terms without affecting
the sense, were proposed by the Span
iards and our commissioners accepted
practically all OF them.
TO TEST THEIR GOOD FAITH
Shortly after midnight General Wheeler
suggested that the good faith OF the
Spanish commissioners be tested. All the
articles were re-read and each commits
sioner IN turn was asked II they were
satisfactory When they replied in the
affirmative General Wheeler asked them
TO ark their signatures. This they APP
peared reluctant 10 do but they could not
well refuse. When all had signed the
commissioners separated % meet again
at $3.50 In the morning.
The present municipal authorities are
10 continue In control OF die city until
the Spanish troops are embarked.
spanish troops from other points are
TO be embarked at the nearest ports.
Refugees are TO return TO their homes.
but not until the sanction Of Madrid Is
received. and the same applies 10 the re-
moval OF the distractions at the mouth
OF the harbor.
THE RED CROSS.
Pending this, however, Miss Clara Bar
ton and the Red Cross agents with sup
plies are TO be allowed 20 enter the city
over the line OF the Juragua railroad
The water. which was cut on. Is 10 be
connected to-day.
All the artillery and the batteries a.
the harbor entrance are 10 be left intact
and we are 10 obtain possession -oI the
gunboat in the harbor
The troops which were landed at ST.
honey. but which were not brought up.
are 10 be sent back on board the trans
ports Immediately.
The condition OF SsSSago IS said . DC
dreadful, with filth and stencil every
where. There Is much sickness among
the Spanish soldiers, due TO bad ana IN
sufficient food and there are many yell