The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-10-25

PARIS. Oct 3-The American peace
commissioners were in session today from
10 a. m. TO almost y. M, when they
repaired TO the joint session. They took
with them carefully prepared written
answer to the proposals OF the Span
iards regarding Cuba. The consideration
by the commissioners of Porto REQ and
the Ladrone islands has now been merged
with the Cuban question. and all tho
points Involved are being carried forward
10 simultaneous conclusion. When this
has been arrived at the Philippine Ques-
ton viii be taken ND.
Spain Is Kidding for Sympathy.
or course there is a possibility OF dis
agreement. and the Span.ards. if the
American commissioners decide not TO as
sumo any portion OF the Cuban indebted
ness. may announce their unwlllngness
TO proceed any further with negotiations
based upon the protocol. Should tho
Spanish decide to do this. II VIII be be-
cause they wish to excite the pity OF
their creditors and OF other nations. The
cortes may be then asked 10 indorse their
action. In fact, Span.ards may even
prefer resumption of hostsEties TO ac-
quiescence in the American refusal TO
share their financial burden.
The Americans. however. have .ntt-
mated TO the Spaniards the possibility
that Spain may also. at a future period.
be able 10 deal with an independent gov
ernment regarding the assumption of the
provincial and municipal portion OF the
Cuban debt, which Is estimated to have
been $50 0o0 90 before the last rebellion
In Cuba broke out. and $so.o0o.ooo con-
tracted since 1895.
But should independent Cuba. as she
doubtless would. refuse to assume more
than her proportion OF the debt based on
actual betterments in Cuba, and only,
even in this case. OF obligations contract
ed previous TO 1895. Spain would be COM
PEELED TO appeal TO her people and con-
front them with practically seven-eighths
of the debt contracted since.
Broken. but Her Pride Unsullied.
Spain would also be compelled TO declare
her inability to meet her obligations and
this. AT present, seems TO the Spanards u
more bitter alternative than to accept the
United States refusal 10 share the Cuban
debt. with al, that this means, the idea
being iha, the Spaniards would be able to
call the attention OF their creditors to their
unyieiding though fruitless efforts in their
behalf
Finally. IL L. said that there are persons
high in the Spanish councils who claim 10
believe THAI Spain would rather submit
dumby ard heirlessly to decmation or
dismembeYfrient than confront this con-
tinued financial burden. one course would
leave her pride unsuliied. 1t is claimed. ard
the other Is regarded as doubtful. II no.
impossible os adoption. within the bound
aries OF national solve1Cy.
Hop~s 60 shake ON Half the Debt.
Spain, however. will not break OFF tho
present negotiations before having pro-
posed that the United States share half the
nsular debt Such "A proposition would
not be accepted by the United States. either
directly or In behalf of Cuba
The session ss me commission ended AT
40 g. m. when adjournment was taken
until Wednesday next.
Guam. In the 3a3rOne group. has been
chosen by the Americans for the United
States under the ~ the protocol
The chief matter considered al today's
session was the American reply TO Spa!n's
revised ard renewed propositions Of the
iast r1eetings and the indications are that
the Cuban question Wit be disposed OF this
week Eut no details have beers gwen out
by either side regarding spains presents
rnent Of Friday last. or the American tra-
verse Of the same submitted today.