Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-02


dent was satisfied that by accepting him
as the representative OF Spain in this mat
ter, vast saving of time would be ef-
fected, snd--a point OF the utmost impo--
tance-that the negotiations would be
technically conducted without the inter-
position OF any neutral government. How
ever. any question that might have arisen
as TO the powers Of the French Ambassa-
dor was set at rest by short. guarded.
and concise statement issued to-day from
the embassy itself.
Then discussion turned on the nature
Of the change made. at the instance OF
M. Cambon. in the list Of American de-
mands. 1t was contended in some quar-
ters that no change had been made; in
others than an important modification
had developed. AS a matter OF fact, as
to the Importance OF the change. there
is q difference OF opinion between the
parties. the administration looking upon
it as inconsequential. while NJ. Cambon
attaches Importance to 1t. However this
may be. as the administration believes
that the change is not essential, and
that II certainly does not affect the prin-
ciple Of the document 1t might be well
to recapitulste briefly just what the de-
mands OF the United States were.
OUR DEMANDS.
AS to Cuba, 1t is demanded that Spain
Is 70 release her government, possession,
and control. 1t will be noticed that no
thing is said of Cuban Independence. and
that the acceptance OF this position
leaves the United States free to deal with
the island as 1t may deem best. Porto
Rico, with the small islands adjacent,
to be ceded Internationally to the United
States. One of the Ladrone Islands like
wise is to be ceded to the United States,
as q coaling station. These three con-
ditions, being granted by Spain. are to
be taken as part payment in lieu OF a
full indemnity.
PHILIPPINE COMMISSION.
What further payment shall be re-
qulred is to be determined by a commits
sion having authority to act for the
President, subject to his approval.
Whether Spain shall retain possession
OF the Philippines, as a whole or in
part, is left for that commission to de-
termlne. The reason for deferring the
decision as to the future Of the islands
in this fashion is because the admin
istration is not yet satisfied itself. and
it is not clear at this moment, what
sound policy should decide in the matter.
Meanwhile, and until the commission
has satisfactorily disposed Of the future
of the islands, the United States is to
exercise a military government over
Manila harbor and bay. The commission
win be actually a peace commission, and
will prepare the treaty which will ter
inmate formally the war with Spain.
SUSPENSION OF HOSTILITIES.
However, a suspension of hostilities may
be sooner declared, when the Spanish
Government shall definitely accept the
conditions above laid down. and renounce
its authority over Cuba and Porto Rico.
Notwithstanding the fact that he now
has direct cable to Washington. General
Miles sent no message during the day.
and all that was heard from him was con-
tained in a belated telegram, announcing
the arrival at Ponce of the advance guard
of General Schwan's Brigade.
1t is believed that General Miles has
in his plan Of intercepting
the troop transports before they should
reach the point in Eastern Porto Rico |
originally selected for their landing, and |
in dlverting them to the excellent harbor |
he has secured.
CAMP ALGER TO BE ABANDONED.
Acting on the recommendation of Sur
geon- General Sternberg, Secretary Alger
has practically concluded TO abandon |
Camp Alger, near this city, because Of dis
satisfaction with the sanitary conditions
there as exhibited by the large number
of sick soldiers.
The change will not be made immediate
Iy, however, for 1t is not positively known
yet which regiments now in the camp
will be withdrawn to make up the total of
about 5000 required to be supplied to Gene
raj Wade's command, and, in the second
place. it is believed to be absolutely es-
sential to have the new camp selected
with the greatest care, and put in perfect
order for the reception Of troops, before
any attempt is made to install them.
CAMP SITES IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Major Heistand and Surgeon Smart, who
have been making a tour through Penn
sylvania recently, returned to-day, and
reported the result of their search for
camp sites to Secretary Alger.
Futher information is required, how
ever. before the department can act.