The Columbus journal., 1898-08-03

settle the Philippines question in Lon
don. The press echoes the impression
prevalent in official and financial cir
cles that America may yet be induced to
do something for the Cuban debt and
will not be too exacting in the Philip
pines. The Spanish reply will be soon
forwarded to avoid further useless
bloodshed and expense. Even Impair
cial expresses the belief that peace will
be signed before the end Of August.
ALL EYES UPON MADRID.
Spanish Cabinet Wrestling With Question
of Peace.
WASHINGTON, Aug. All eyes are
turned toward Madrid, for It is realized
that upon the Spanish cabinet depended
the restoration of peace. 1t was an
nounced here yesterday, in o quarter
that removed the information from any
=, question of accuracy, that the decision
of the Spanish government was not to
be submitted before today at the earli-
est. In the absence Of any new phase
in the negotiations here speculation nat
urally turned backward toward the re-
mafkable meeting at the White house
Saturday and great interest was mani
tested in every particular respecting
that event. A disposition was shown in
some quarters to question the authority
of the French ambassador to act as he
did. representing Spain. But it can be
again stated that, regardless of any
technical point, such as the absence of
signed, sealed and delivered mail Gre
dentials, which of course could not
reach here in the little time ut hand,
that the president regarded NJ. CambOn
as duly qualified to act as a representa-
tive of the Spanish government in the
negotiations, subject, of course, as are
almost all ministers or ambassadors, in
these days, to the reference of the work
accomplished by them to the govern.
ment they represent, for final approval.
NJ. Cambon made it 50 clear that he
had been fully instructed on every point
likely to rise in the negotiations that
the president was satisfied that his &C.
cepting him as the representative of
Spain in this matter the vast saving of
time would be effected and. q point of
the utmost Importance that the negoti-
ations would be technically conducted
without the interposition of any neu-
tral government. However, as q ques-
ton that might have arisen as to the
powers of the French ambassador was
set at rest by short, guarded and con.
else statement issued yesterday from
the embassy itself.
American Demands.
Then discussion turned on the nature
of the change made at the instance of
NJ. Cambon in the list of American de-
mands. It was contended in some quar-
tiers that no change had been made, in
others that an important modification
had developed. As q matter of fact, as
to the importance Of this change there
is difference Of opinion between the
parties, the administration looking upon
it as inconsequential, while NJ. Cambon
attaches importance to it. However
this may be, as the administration
thinks the change is not consequential,
and it certainly does not affect the
principal demands Of the document, it
might be well to recapitulate briefly
just what the demands of the United
States were. As to Cuba, it is de-
manded that Spain is to release her
government, possession and control. 1t
will be noticed that nothing is said of
Cuban independence and that the &C.
ceptance of this position leaves the
United States free to deal with tho
island as it may deem best.
Porto Rico, with the small islands
adjacent and embraced within her jur-
isdictiOn, is to be ceded unconditionally
to the United States. One of the La
drone islands, likewise. is to be ceded
to the United States as coaling station.
These three conditions being granted
by Spain are to be taken as part pay
ment in lieu of the full indemnity.
What further payment shall be required
is to be determined by q commission
with authority from the president to
act, subject to his approval. Whether
Spain will retain possession of the Phil
ippines as whole or in part, is left to
that commission to determine. The
reason for deferring the decision as to
the future of the islands in this fashion
is because the administration is not vet
satisfied itself; it is not clear at this
moment what sound policy should die
tate in the matter.
Meanwhile, and until the commission
has satisfactorily disposed of the future
of the islands, the United States is to
exercise . military government over
Manila harbor and bay. The commits
sion will be actually peace commission
and will prepare the treaty which will
terminate formally the war with Spain.
However, a suspension of hostilities
may be sooner declared, when the Span
ish government shall definitely accept
the corditions'above Laid down and re-
nounce its authority over Cuba and
Porto Rico.
Notwithstanding the fact that he has
now direct cable to Washington, Cen
eral Miles sent no message during the
day and all heard from him was con.
tained in q belated telegram, announc-
ing the arrival Of General Schwan's
brigade. 1t is believed that General
Miles has succeeded in his plan of in
tercepting the troop transports before
they reach the point in eastern Porto
Rico originally selected for their land
ing and in diverting them to the excel
lent harbor he has secured.
Acting on the recommendation Of Sur
geon General Sternberg, Secretary Al
ger has practically concluded to aban-
don Camp Alger, near this city, because
Of dissatisfaction With the sanitary con-
ditions there, - exhibited BY the large
aQmbeF of 6ck soldiers, The cbsnss