Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-09-29
THE PEACEMAkERS
Presented to Foreign Minister
Delcasse at Paris.
He Will Entertain Spaniards and Amefl-
cans at Dinner, Today.
50 Far Their Duties Have Consisted IN &C.
coming Acquainted.

Paris, Sept. 2S.-The United states
peace commission went into session at
II o'clock, this morning.
The Gaulois says: in srlte OF the
mystery surrounding the matter, we are
able from a high source. TO give an
outline of the positioe of both COM
missions. While the Americans nave
instructions which are much more pre-
else than these of the Spaniards, there
is diversity of opinion in regard to
the Philippines. Senator Gray is a very
ardent Democrat, and. consequently.
belongs to the party which repudiates
expansion.
He opposes all annexation and his
opinion, therefore, totally differs from
that of the other four commissioners.
some of whom would be content with a
coaling station at the Philippines, pos
sibly Cavite. while others like Senator
Davis. advocate the annexation of the
whole of the archipelago"
The Gaulois, however, believes that
tire Americans. by mutual concessions
win all be largely influenced by Major
Gen. Merritts reports on the situation.
The Instructions to the Spanish COM
mission, still according to Gaulois. are.
briefly. to hold out and make the best
terms possible. Madrid is well aware.
ii says, that the conferences at best
only have to please the Spanish people
and the only hopes entertained are that
the Americans will not abuse the situa-
tion too much.
Popular sentiment in Spain. it is
added. thinks 1t better to abandon the
Philippine islands than TO keep them
unser conditions rendering them un-
goVernable.
During the afternoon the American
commissioners assisted at their first
formal function in France. their recep-
ton by the minister of foreign affairs
NJ. Delcasse. At O'Clock. United
States AMBASSADOR Gen. Horace Porter
called at the Continental hotel for the
Americans. He took three of them in
to his carriage across the RIVER Seine
to the ministry OF foreign affairs.
NJ. Henri Vignaud. the secretary of
the United States embassy. led the
way into the building. Gen. Porter
Judge Day and the Others following.
The party was Immediately received
by NJ. CroZier. who showed the Ameri-
cans into the anteroom of the minis
ters chamber. After a few moments
Of waiting the doors were opened and
the party entered the room occupied by
;he minister of foreign affairs and
were presented in turn to NJ. Delcasse
who cordially greeted the Visitors and
babe them take seats.
Through NJ. Vigpaud. who acted as
interpreter. NJ. Delcasse speaking only
French. the party chatted briefly upon
generalit;es and the minister finally
assured the commissioners of the great
Pleasure experienced by France in the
pars she had taken in effecting a sus-
pension of hostilities between Spain
and the United States and expressed
the hope of having the pleasure of
meeting the American commissioners
and the Spanish commissioners at
breakfast, tomorrow.
NJ. Delcasse added that after having
thus brought the two commissions to.
Eether and offering them the hospita.l-
ties Of the Salon de Conference the
French government would efYace itself.
Judge Day, as president of the
United States commission, responded.
He said the United States apprecia ed
the good offices CT France. After NJ.
Delcasse had expressed his pleasure at
such recognition of the disinterested
action of France, the interview ended
and the Americans retired.
The minister Of foreign affairs, at
1870 p. NJ, tomorrow will give a
breakfast at the foreign office to the
United States and Spanish commits
sons. thus bringing them together for
| the first time. The session of the
| United States commission. today. did
| not result in anything being given out
| for publication.
After the presentation of the American
commissioners. Senior Leon Castillo tho
Spanish ambassador. presented the Span
'sh commissioners to NJ Deicasse. TIL,
ceremonies were exactly similar to thos.
gone through in introducing the member.
| OF the American commission.
Both Gen. Porter and Senior Castillo
! the United States and Spanish ambassa
doris, will be present at tomorrow
| luncheon.