The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-07-28

of overtures for peace has had the ef-
feet of suspending in a. large measure
for the time being, at least, interest in
the military and naval situation.
Though it is known through the open
admission of members of the admins
tration that the present peace phase
would remain unchanged until after
another cabinet meeting on Friday,
there was still evinced a disposition TO
discuss this matter in its every as
pect.
Naturally. the first point of inquiry
was the exact shape taken by the
Spanish presentation of yesterday. Gu
riosity on this point remained unsrat-
ified. and most probably will so con-
tinue for some days to come the presl-
dent having decided that nothing more
definite than the statement issued from
the White House yesterday snail be
given to the public al this time. The
motive is a prudential one, and the
president has even gone so far as TO
suggest 70 the Madrid authorities the
expediency of keeping the text of the
Snanish oVertures from publication at
this time.
The next Soint of interest was the
character and extent of the demand
likely to be made by the United States
as the condition of peace. 1t is felt that
the statement of the terms of peace.
both frcm Spain and from the United
States. may be some days off, as there
doubtless will be considerable dlplo-
matte fencing at the outset before the
actual point of stating terms is reach
ed. A good deal of this, for Instance.
may result from the attempt to define
the methods Of approach to the OBJ
iects sought. whether through a COM
n q
of notes. as initiated yesterday.
There will be much discussion, in all
likelihood, regarding an armistice, for
it is the distinct purpose of the Span
ish authorities to secure a suspension
Of hostilities pending the negotiations
for peace. It may be that the appll-
cation will be granted, but II so, 1t VIII
be only under the most effective safe
guards to prevent loss of any advant-
age to the United States.
Il can be stated positively the presi-
dent is determined to lose no ground
through Spanish diplomacy. The armis-
tice. if granted, will be conditioned
upon the most binding pledges that it
is to be followed by a treaty Of peace.
Moreover, the preliminary agreement
that provides for an armiStice must
constitute in itself an undertaking on
the part of Spain to submit to certain
bread conditions imposed by the Unit
ed States as the basis for peace.
The president discussed this complex
question all day with various members
of the cabinet as they called in the
course of ordinary business. Secretary
Day and Postmaster General Smith
spent some time this afternoon at the
White House, presumably exchanging
views with the president
1t is virtually admitted by leading
members of the administration that
upon only one point in peace negotia-
lions is there likely to be serious fric-
ten. and that relates to the future of
the Philippines. As to Cuba and Porto
Rico, our government feels that there
Is O. reasonable certainty of encounter
ing little opposition to our demands.
The Spanish government might insist
upon the proposition thrown out by
the vatican yesterday. namely, that
the United States shall annex Cuba, the
ostensible purpose being to secure full
protection for the Spanish element left
in the island, but while this would be a
vexatious point, it would yield to adj
iustment.
SPANISH CONCESSIONS.
1t may be stated that it is confidently
expected that when the two govern
lnents arrive at the point of actually
fixing terms they viii be found much
closer together than is generally sup
posed. II is felt by officials that with
the diplomatic formalities out of the
way the actual peace terms would re-
quzre little time for arrangement, and
I sday ii was even suggested that the
anomalous condition might be present
ed of SPANS conceding as much or
more than the United States felt JUS
titled in demanding. There is little rea-
son TO doubt that Spain has made up
her mind to give up Cuba. 1t is al
most equally certain that Spain recog-
nizes that she must consent also to the
Of Porto Rico. With
these two vital points passed, there is
likely to be little delay on the ques-
ton of indemnity, as there is every
here not to press with un-
due severity on Spain in this respect !
About the only reason which would i'm
pei this government to insist upon an
would be a further stubborn
resistance by Spain.
Speaking broadly, the statement was
made today by an influential official
that Spain conceded two vital points,
namely, Cuba and Porto Rico. and at
the same time gained two vital points,
namely, freedom from a war indemnity
and a retention of her control of the
Philippines. which would appear to be a
Just balance of equities.
SPANS LAST EFFORT.
It is realized that when the Spanish 1
government learns the extent of the T
demands to be made by the United I
States the first effect will be to make a /
'eilex move, which, in turn, will result /
n the continuation of active hestilities
or a time. This time, ii is expected, /
however. will be brief, only perhaps so /
ong as necessary for General Miles to
invest San Juan de Porto
Rico. That stroke, il is thought, will
,ring the Spanish government to a re-
llization of the hopelessness of further
esistance, if it has not before that
ime yielded to earnest representations
4 those European powers that have
'een so persistent in their efforts to Sc
ur peace. Military experts allow two
weeks as the maximum period of time
necessary for General Miles to secure