The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-08-14
CALM FOLLOWS THE TEMPEST.
DtrLLNESS AND STAGNATIoN IN
WASHINGTON OFFICIAL CIRCLES.

Forecast of the Details of the Peace.
Appointment of Commissioners for
Cuba and Porto Rico Not Pressing.
specuIation as TO Whom VIII BE
ADDOinted-Fitzkugh Lee Likely 10
Re Cuban Commissioners.
Thought the Occupation of Manila
Will Occur Within n Few Hours.
Preparations for the Reception of
the Warships.
Washington, Aug 1S.-The sudden
transition from war to peace was reflected
to-day in a complete dullness and stag
nation throughout official quarters.
Instead of the hustle and activity which
have prevailed for months throughout the
corridors of the war and navy depart
ments. there was calmness not apparent
since the midsummer vacations of last
year.
Most of the officials went home early in
the day. enjoying the first partial holiday
since the war begun.
There will be large amount of import
ant detail to be worked out from this
time forward, a gradual reduction of the
army and navy to peace footings, the es-
adjustment of temporary and permanent
administrations for our new colonial pos
sessions the caring for the wounded and
prisoners and the relief of the distress In
Cuba.
The question of immediate attention is
the appointment of peace commissioners
which is to meet in Paris and of the mill
tary commissions to meet at Havana and
San Juan. The President conferred with
Secretary Day during the day relative to
the peace commission, but 1t was said at
the state department that an announce
ment of the commissioners might be de-
ferred for some days.
1t is understood that the President has
not fully determined upon the personnel
Of the commission. Several of the public
men who saw him to-day were satisfied
that the commission would be made up of
Secretary Day, Senators Allison and Cor
man, either Joseph H. Choate or Elihu
Root of New York, and probably proml-
nent army officer. Gen. Corbn is spoken of
fayoraby in connection with the army ap-
pointment on the commission.
The military commissioners for Cuba
and Porto Rico are not receiving any at
tention from the state department as the
military authorities will have entire charge
of these branches of the peace settlement
During the day the state department re-
celved a call from NJ. Thiebaut, secretary
of the French embassy, for the purpose of
leaving a letter explaining the authority
given by cable to the French ambassador
to sign the peace protocol. These assur-
ances had already been given verbally, but
the letter gives them in a more definite
form, and in the course of few days the
complete written authorization from Mad
rid will be filed with the state depart
ment.
Many congratulations kept coming to
the state department and to the White
House on the establishment of peace.
1t is expected that the occupation of
Manila, under the terms of the protocol
VIII occur within the next few hours. 1t
was thought there was a dispatch boat at
Hong Kong ready to carry forward or
uers to Admiral Dewey and Gen. Merritt
but the department learned that no dis
patch boat was at Hong Kong, although
one was likely to reach there to-day or
tomorrow. Meanwhile it is possible that
consul Wildman may charter steamer
---A eSAlA tllC ilGW6 lOTWdTO. he Idu gen
eIal instructions as dispatch agent, and
1t was said at the state department that
these Instructions govern the present case
Gen. Greedy is satisfied no use can be
made OF the cable connecting Hong Kong
with Manila as there are no cable opera
tors at the Manila end.
Acting Secretary Allen said to-day that
the matter of establishing coaling sta
ions, the disposition of Admiral Cervera
ana other Spanish prisoners, and like
tuestous brought up by the peace set
ueIhent would receive consideration in
que tlme but that ther was no imme-
ullte necessity for passing upon them.
Preparations are making TO receive the
Dattieships and armored cruisers now un-
ger orders to come North. Dry docks
NOS. and 2, at the New York navy
Sard, are available for the big cruisers
new York and Brooklyn, but not for the
pattleshlps. Dry dock No. will receive
.ue battieships but will not be in condi-
uon before Sept. l, as it has just gone
rnIoush a long period of repair. Capt
pdrLett, in charge of the auxiliary fleet
is arranging to get these craft back into
tneir od channels. The Old single turret-
ca monitors will be returned TO the League
-sidha navy yard. Some of the auxiliaries
"Ie sun needed to look after mine fields
established along the coast
me war department was busy all day
matters pertaining to the cessation
VI hostlhties Secretary Alger consulted
tle President for some time but when
ne returned said that the military COM
nllssioners for Cuba and Porto Rico
N""ld not be announced to-day There
WAS no need of haste, he said, as by the
Inns OF the protocol ten days were al
'oWed Tor the selection of the commits
eon. There has been some speculation
~ 20 who will be commissioners, and
oS S''ly all of the more prominent officers
~ ."e army have been canvassed, both
oNuteer and regular. 1t seems to be
erHera.ly conceded that Gen. Lee will be
o,e OF the commissioners for Cuba, on
'.'unt Of his knowledge of the condi-
Ir LIS OF the island. Gems. Brooke and
10y are mentioned as probable com
oe ec'ss.ohers for Porto Rico. The subject
uustering out part of the volunteer
e5o mas been considered, and it is prob
i61Ioo me Total force viii be reduced to
en al once. 'O'
soI1Sa,IlIlsons Of both regular and volunteer
onS 5'eIS VIII remain IN Cuba, Porto Rico
' 'ue philippines. Manila ard Porto t2{