The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-06


as virtual ultimatum a draft of a protocol
| embodying the precise terms rendered TO
Spain in our note of July 80 with added
stipulations of detail as to the appointment
| of commissioners to arrange for the evacu-
alton Of the Spanish Antilles.
TERMS OF THE PROTOCOL
On Aug. II NJ. Cambon announced his re-
ceipt of full powers to sign the protocol so
submitted. Accordingly, on the afternoon
| Of Aug. II NJ. Cambon, as the plenipoten-
! tiary of Spain. and the secretary Of state,
as the plenipotentiary of the United States,
signed protocol providing:
article l. Spain will relinquish all claim
| of sovereignty over and title to- Cuba
Article ii. Spain will cede to the United
States the Island of Porto Rico and other
islands now under Spanish sovereignty in
the West Indies, and also an island in the
| States.
Article III. The United States will hold
ana occupy the harbor, bay ana city or
Manila. pending the conclusion of a treaty
OF peace, which shall determine the control,
disposition and government of the Philip
pines"
The fourth article provided for the APP
polntment of joint commissions OH the part
OF the United States and Spain, to meet in
Havana and San Juan, respectively, for the
purpose of arranging and carrying out the
details of the stipulated evacuation of Cuba,
Porto Rico and other Spanish islands i'll the
West Indies.
The fifth article provided for the appoint
ment of not more than five commissioners
on each side, to meet at Paris, not later than
Oct. l, and to proceed to the negotiation and
conclusion of treaty of peace, subject to
ratification according to the respective con-
stltutional forms of the two countries.
The sixth and last article provided that
upon the signature of the protocol HOSTILE
ties between the two countries should be sus-
pended, and that notice to that effect should
be given as soon as possible by each gov
eminent to the commanders of its military
and naval forces.
diaf ok of 4I,o
tocol, l issued a proclamation on Aug. II,
suspending hOstilties on the part of the
United States. The necessary orders to that
end were at once given by telegraph. The
blockade of the ports of Cuba and San Juan
de Puerto Rico was in like manner raised.
On Aug. Is the muster out of 100000 VOlun-
teers, or as near that number as was found
to be practicable. was ordered.
On Dec l. 101, 100 officers and men had been
mustered out and discharged from the Serv
Ices; 90112 more will be mustered out by the
10th of the month. Also, a corresponding
number of generals and general staff officers
have been honorably discharged from the
service.
THE THREE COMMISSIONS.
The military commissions to superintend
the evacuation of Cuba, Porto Rico and the
adjacent islands were forthwith appointed.
For Cuba, Major General James F. Wade,
Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, Major
General Matthew c. Butler; for Porto Rico
Major General John r. Brooke, Rear Ad-
miral Winfield S. Schley Brigadier General
William w. Gordon, who soon afterward
met the Spanish commissioners at Havana
and San Juan, respectively. The Porto Rican
joint commission speedily accomplished it's
task, and by Oct. Is the evacuation of the
nag was raised over the island at noon on
that day. The administration of its affairs
mas been Professionally ntrusted to a military
governor Until the Congress shall otherwise
PROVIDE. Inc CUBAN JOINT high commission
mas not yet terminated its labors. Owing to
the dlfncultles in the way of removing the
large number of Spanish troops still in Cuba
the evacuation cannot be completed before
| the LIST of January next.
Pursuant to the fifth article of the pro-
tocoI, L appointed William r. Day, late
~ secretary of state; Cushman K. Davis,
William p. Frye and George Gray, senator's
OF the United States, and Whitelaw
Reid to be the peace commissioners on
the part of the United States. Proceed
ing IN due season TO Paris, they there met
Oh the LIST of October five commissioners
similarly appointed the part of Spain.
The negotiations have made hopeful prog
reSS so that l trust soon 10 be abe to
lay definite treaty of peace before the
Senate, with review of the steps leading
to its signature
l do not discuss at this time the govern
ment or the future of the new possessions
which will come to us as the result of the
war with Spain. Such discussion will be
appropriate after the treaty of peace shall
be ratified. In the meantime, and until
Congress has legislated otherwise it will
D0 lily QuIy 10 continue the military gov
ernments which have existed since our oc-
cupation and give to the people security in
life and property and encouragement I'M
der q just and benefcent rule.
AS soon we are in possession of Cuba,
and have pacified the island, it will be
necessary to give aid and direction to its
people to form a government for them
selves. This should be undertaken at the
earliest moment consistent with safety
and assured success. 1t is important that
our relations with these people shall be of
the most friendly character and our COM
mercial relations close and reciprocal. 1t
should be our duty to assist in every proper
way to build UP the waste places of the
island, encourage the industry of the peo-
pie, and assist them to form a government
which shall be free and independent, thus
realizing the best aspirations of the Cuban
people.
Spanish rule must be replaced by a
just, benevolent and humane government,
created by the people of Cuba, capable Of
performing all international obligations,
and which shall encourage thrift. industry
and prosperity and promote peace. and good
will among all of the inhabitants, whatever
may have been their relations in the past.
Neither revenge nor passion should have a
place in the new government. Until there
is complete tranquility in the island and a
stable government inaugurated, military
occupation will be continued.