The record-union., 1898-08-02
As She May Deem Best When Set
Element Is Finally Made.
Porto Rico to Be Internationally Ceded to
America, and a CoaIing Station
Also to Be Given In the
Ladrones.

turned to-day toward Madrid, for it
was realized that upon the Spanish
Cabinet depended the restoration Of
peace. 1t was announced here in
quarter that removed the information
from any question of accuracy that the
decision of the Spanish Government
was not TO be submitted before to-mor-
row at the earliest. In the absence of
any new phase in the negotiations to-
day speculation naturally turned back
toward the remarkable meeting at the
White House yesterday, and great in
terest was manifested in every partic-
ular respecting that event A DISPOSE
tion was shown in some quarters to
question the authority of the French
ambassador to act as he did, repre-
senting Spain. But ii can be again
stated that regardless of any technical
point, such as the absence of signed,
sealed and delivered mail credentials,
which of course could not reach here
in the little time at hand, the
President regarded NJ. Cambon as fully
qualified to act as a representative
of the Spanish Government in the ne
gotiations, subject, of course, as are
almost all Ministers or ambassadors,
in these days, to the reference of the
work accomplished by them to the
Government they represent for final
approval
NJ. Cambon made it SO clear that he
had been fully instructed on every
point likely to raise in the negotiations
that the President was satisfied that
by accepting him as the representative
of Spain in this matter a vast saw
ing of time would be effected, and a
point Of the utmost Importance, that
the negotiations would be technically
conducted without the interposition of
any neutral Government.
However, any question that might
have arisen as to the powers of the
French ambassador was set at rest by
a short, guarded and concise state
ment issued to-day from the Embassy
itself. Then. discussion turned in the
nature of the change made at the in
stance Of NJ Cambon in the list Of
American demands. 1t was contended
in some quarters that no change had
been made, in others that an important
modification had developed. AS a mat
ter of fact. as to the Importance Of
this change there is a difference of
opinion between the parties, the Ad
ministration looking upon it as incon-
sequential. while NJ. Cambon attaches
Importance to it.
However this may be, as the Admin
istration believes that the change is
not essential, and that it certainly does
not affect the document il might be
We'll to recapitulate briefly just what
the demands of the United tSates We're.
AS to Cuba, IL is demanded that Spain
release her Government, possession and
control. 1t will be noticed that moth
ing is said of Cuban independence. and
that the acceptance of this proposition
leaves the United States free to deal
with the island as ii may deem best.
Porto Rico, with the small islands ad-
jacent and embraced within her ju-
risdiction. is to be ceded uncondition-
ally TO the United States
one Oh the 1<aQTone lSlan0S likewise
is TO be ceded to the United States as
a coaling station. These three condi-
tions, being granted by Spain, are to
be taken as part payment in lieu OF
the fun indemnity. What further pay
ment shall be required is to be deter
mined by a commission having author
ity TO act for the President subject to
his approval Whether Spain shall re-
tain possession of the Philippines, as
a whole or in part, is left to that COM
mission to determine. The reason for
deferring the decision as to the future
of the islands in this fashion is be-
cause the Administration is not yet
satisfied itself.
Meanwhile, and until the commission
has satisfactorily disposed of the fu-
ture of the islands. the United States
Is to exercise a military government
over Manila harbor and bay A sus-
pension Of hostilities may be soon de-
clared. when the Spanish Government
shall definitely accept the conditions. as
above laid down and renounce its au-
thority over Cuba and Porto Rico.
Notwithstanding the fact that he now
has direct cable to Washington. Gen
eral Miles sent no message during the
day. and all heard from him was con-
tanned in belated telegram. announc-
ing the arrival at Ponce of the advance
of General Schwan's brigade. 1t is be-
Ieyed that General Miles has succeeded
in his plan Of intercepting the troop