Omaha daily bee., 1898-11-20
FINAL DEMANDS LAID DOWN
Americans Will Present Ultimatum Early
Next Week.
SPAIN MUST handy NO MORE TERMS
Lengthy Spanish Note Found 20 Con-
tain Only Time Worn Contcn-
tion About Word "Dis.
position"

WASHINGTON. Nov. lit was not until
late last evening that the last para
graphs OF the long translation of the Span.
ish note which was presented to the Ameri-
can peace commissioners last Wednesday
was deciphered at the State department, and
most Of the members OF the cabinet were
not aware OF the full contents OF the docu-
ment until today, when they called at the
White House. 1t appears that in addition
to the long argument which was intended to
show that the word Disposition used In
relation to the Philippines. meant some
thing else, the Spanish note includes a
proposition to submit the Philippine clause
Of the protocol to the Interpretation Of an
arbitrator.
Another cablegram followed the first long
message. this time directly from Judge
Day, seeking instructions definitely on some
points to be made in the American answer
which Is yet to be presented. These in
structions have been sent forward and 1t
may be stated without going into details
that they are precisely in line with the
policy which the American commissioner
nave been pursuing up to this point In the
negotiations. Judge Day made no mention
In his message Of any intention on the part
OF the commissioners to adjourn their ses-
sions today without transacting any bust
ness, but In view OF the fact the last in
structions were sent so recently as to afford
insufficient time for putting them in form
1t was believed to be probable that nothing
would be done at today's session and that
the meeting would be purely pro forma.
Important Matters.
There are several matters Of real i'm
portance, though not ranking with the Phil
ippine question, to be treated by the COM
missioners. but the instructions to the
Americans are not to call up these at pres
ent or until the main pending issue rela-
tive to the Philippines has been settled, in
order TO avoid complicating the
proceedings. In the event that
the commissioners disagree totally at
their next meeting on the
Philippines, therefore. there will be no dis
cussion Of many Of these subsidiary cues.
tions, but In the other event namely, that
an agreement shall be reached on dispose
ton of the Philippines. these matters may
be expected to consume at least one or two
additional sessions OF the commission.
One Of these subjects concerns the restora-
ton Of trade relations between the United
ststes and Spain. At the beginning of the
war Spain terminated all Of her treaties
with the United States, and II the two coun-
~ ohou6 iCo eNSU alter
the declaration OF peace there must be wol X
Ing arrangements in treaty form, for the
protection of trade interests, the equalization
OF tarin charges. the regulation OF extradi-
ton and such subjects as are usually treated
In treaties of commerce. So far the commits
sloners have given no consideration to these
matters In their exchanges. but some at
least OF them must be regulated in any
treaty that issues from the commission.
End IL Near.
]" is believed that the peace negotiations
are nearing an end, and 1t Is considered
not improbable that by the end Of the pres
emit month all Of the main features of a
treaty will have been formally agreed to,
or the effort to reach an amicable settle
ment abandoned. With a view to bringing
matters to a speedy conclusion, our com
missioners, by direction OF the president,
early the coming week will lay before the
Spaniards the final and irreversible demands
OF this country. allowing a specified time in
which our conditions may be accepted or
rejected. This ultimatum, it is understood.
involves all that has thus far been con-
tended for. including the surrender to the
United States Of the entire Philippine group,
and also names the amount of cash which
this government will pay Spain in con-
slderation Of its expenditures on account
OF pacific improvements in the island OF
Luzon. The amount Of this cash payment
Is not known, but there IL a basis for this
belief that 1t is approximately $40, 900, 900.