The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-08-11

capacity of United States minister after
the war, the two ambitions might con-
! f1ict, a peace commissioner not always
I being welcome as a minister resident,
particularly where he has been party
to forcing an obnoxious peace upon the
country to which he is to be accred-
tied.
One of the names that finds univer-
sal approval among persons versed in
diplomacy, is that of Mr.. Eustis, eX-
ambassador to France, whose staunch
AmericaniSm, combined with diplo-
matte knowledge and legal ability, are
urged as fitting him especially for ap-
pointment as peace commissioner. The
fact that Mr. EuStiS is a Democrat
would not initiate against his chances,
as it is presumed the president would
rather prefer to make the commission
non-partisan.
As far as can be gathered, our gov
eminent is not particularly concerned
at the insistence Of the Spanish gov
eminent upon the reference of the
peace agreement in its present stage to
the cortes. Our government, in dealing
with another recognizes only the exc
cutive branch, and holds that wholly
responsible for all of its acts or prom
ises. and 1t is probable that our govern
ment would not concern itself as to
what further internal steps would be
necessary to satisfy the sticklerS for
constitutional obserYances in Spain. If
it should happen later that the cortes
should undertake to undo the work so
far accomplished between the two
governments, of course the govern
ment of Spain would be held RESPONSE
bic for that result, but as it is pre-
sumable that the United States mill
tary forces by that time would be in
possession of Cuba, Porto Rico and Ma
Mia, it is not perceivable that internal
eommotion in Spain need give us any
further concern.
SESSION OF SENATE.
Just before the Spanish answer was
delivered yesterday President McKin-
ley announced that an extra session of
the senate would be held, doubtless in
November. With the peace situation
at a stage where a complete agree
ment is regarded as likely at any mo-
ment. discussion has again started as
to the conYoking of an extra session
of congress, but President Mckinley
within the past "a hours has said pos
itively that he has no intention of call
ing the house together, though of
course the senate will have to meet
in extra session to ratify the treaty of
peace unless unforeseen and most i'm
probable delays should occur.
lie plSSiQttIl dQuSu THAT
details incident to a treaty of peace
would take so much time that the SEN
ate would not have to meet until some
time in November.
REDUCTION OF FORCES.
The naval officers have made up their
minds that peace is at hand and are
planning for reduction of the naval
establishment to a peace basis. The
first step to be taken will be the re-
tirenlsnt of the monitors from active
service, They are uncomfortable craft
and afford little opportunity for gen
eral training. Another matter is the
promotions to be accorded to officers
who have distinguished themselves
during these stirring times. a step was
made in this direction today by the
SUI lisSion to the president by the sec
retaly of the navy of the advancement
OF all of the officers of Simpsons fleet
who distinguished themselves. 1t was
announced some time ago that a board
would be appointed to decide on all
promotions to be recon nended, but for
some reason this plan seems to have
been abandoned, so far as some of the
chief officers were concerned.
General Merritt's force in the Philip
pines is to be increased by the 1000
troops now at San Francisco, which
will be sent as soon as transports can
be secured. Secretary Alger said today
that 1900 troops would sail as soon as
possible. The department has not suf-
ficient troop ships at hand at present
to send the remaining 5000 at once.
General Merritt will have a force of
5000 when those en- route all arrive
at Manila and there is no hurry for the
remaining troops. The department has
had an offer of two ships to transport
the troops, but considered the price
asked excessive, and it is probable the
return of the transports that first went
to Manila viii be awaited. The sec
rotary today cabled General Merritt
asking him when it was expected the
transports would return to San Fran
cisco. and if they are likely to reach
that point within three weeks, their
return will be awaited, as it will take
at Least that much time to get new
transports in readiness to carry troops.