The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-30
THE PHILIPPINES A HARD NUT TO CRACK
The Cabinet Undecided Shall PLAY in the
Terms of Peace-The Extension Autonomy to
the Islands May Be Demanded.

government and authority in the Carib-
bean and West Indian waters must be
removed, effecting a material acquisi-
ton of numerous islands over which the
Spanish flag flies, one of the most i'm
portant of which is the Isle of Pines.
Furthermore, the sweeping change of
authority from Sapin to the United
Sites of nearby waters is to be effective
also as quit claim of all Indebtedness
assumed by the Spanish government
ana charged by her to those islands, so
FAR as the United States is concerned,
and all commercial treaties now exist
ing between Spain and her possessions
there and outside powers are extin-
guished.
Some discussion was ordered as to the
probability of Spanish acceptance of our
terms. The views differed, though it
can be stated that several of the more
influential members of the cabinet be-
lieved that the terms substantially
agreed on would not be accepted by
Spain at once While believing that the
proposition made should in all reason
constitute the minimum to be consid-
cred, some expressed the belief that
Spain would not be Immediately dis
posed to reach an agreement on them
and that possibly a considerable lapse
OF time would ensue before that govern
ment would be ready to yield, meantime
seeking compromise, which, il was as
serted, was not to be entertained for a
moment. Others took the ground that
there was every indication that she had
decided to make terms and that what
was now proposed would soon be acced-
ed to, to avoid further disaster.
One factor in the protracted discussion
of the Philippines problem was the alb
sence of advices as to the existing situa-
ton there on this date, a point that
might be of considerable importance in
the adjustment of the question. The
dispatch reporting that Ma
Mia had surrendered was read and COM
mented on, as indicating that definite
action without knowldge of the exact
situation at Manila might cause a state
ment regarding conditions that did not
exist. The formal papers crystallizing
the results of the two sessions to-day
will be ready for action tomorrow. A
formal vote will be taken and the an
swer of this government is likely to be
to Spain before nightfall
The most important news received at
the war department to-day was the
cable from General Miles announcing
the excellent progress being made IN
southern Porto Rico and the capture
of Ponce. The navy department also
received a cable announcing that the
navy had captured the city of Ponce
and landed the forces under General
Miles. Both departments are very
much satisfied with what has been ac-
The tone of both dis
patches indicated that the rivalry be-
tween the army and the navy for hon
ors in the Spanish war is not at an
end The department expects an easy
conquest of Porto Rico, and, notwith-
standing the overtures for peace made !
by Spain, the war will be prosecuted !
in that island.
The belief is general in the war de-
partment that General Merritt has
landed in Manila, although no cable |
Information to that effect has been re- |
ceived. The fact that Merritt sailed a |
month ago and has had ample time to |
reach Manila is the ground for the be- |
lief in the department.
The care of the sick and wounded and I
steps looking to their greater comfort /
has engrossed the attention of the Of /
icers of the war department during the |
lay. An officer has been dispatched u /
Montauk Point, l.. l., to prepare a hos /
oital for the sick of General Skaters |
army when they shall have arrived |
again in the United States. orders /
nave also been issued looking to the ac-
of the sick soldiers on
surlough, enabling them to visit their
homes and return with greater dis
'atch and convenience. 1t has been de-
to send commission to visit
he hospitals of the various army camps
With a view of ameliorating the condi-
ion for the sick. A surgeon of the
Irmy and Major Hopkins, of the adiu-
ant generals office, will compose this
commission, with perhaps some other
'fficer of the army. Major Hopkins is
Secretary Alger's aide.