Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
MORE PEACE TALK.
0vertures Expected at Washington
Almost Any Moment.
SANTIAGO WILL Be SURRENDERED.
A. least Hope 10 Entertained TO That e.
fect--Diriculty In Landing Troops
and Supplies disposition Of
the spani. h Prisonsra

inc Sphnl II TfihOneT.
WASHINGTON, July 9.-There was 9
continuation of peace talk yesterday,
and other evidences in this line than
those OF Thursday are coming to the
surface. Such, for instance, was the
confirmation by the state department
Of the report that the Cadiz feet was
returning to Spain, since 1t is scarcely
conceivable that the Spanish govern
ment would doom this last remnant OF
their fleet to destruction at the hands
of Watson's squadron, which In all
probability could head 1t off before IL
reached Cadiz its home port. There.
fore, the assumption is that the Span
ish government calculates that at least
an armistice precedent to peace will be
obtained before the ships reach Spain.
An unusually definite report was In
circulation that the United States had
been sounded in the interest OF peace
by the British ambassador, but when
1t was brought to Sir Julian Paunce-
totes attention he authorized an ex-
plicit denial and said he had not com
municated with the government in
any way regarding the termination OF
the war Ii would be no surprise II
peace overtures came TO the govern
ment any moment, either directly
from Spain or through some interme-
diary. THIS is felt to be so imminent
that II leads to numerous rumors that
actual overtures have been made, but
the reports are premature and are
based on expectations rather than
anything tangible. This Is not only
the official statement Of government
authorities, but the same view Is
taken at the British, French, German
and other foreign embassies and lega-
tiOns, where it is stated that although
the peace movement has not assumed
definite form, all circumstances tend
In the direction OF desire by Spain to
terminate the conflict
Conditions at Santiago also are re-
garded as favorable just now, accord
ing to Gen, Skaters dispatch received
during the forenoon. Nothing more
came from him during the day, but
the impression is that the Spanish are
In desperate plight within the lines
Of the city and Gen. Skaters action
In allowing Gen. Linares TO commune.
cate freely with Madrid is an implica-
ton that there Is at least a reasonable
hope that the spanish general con.
templates surrender. However that
may be, every preparation is making
for great engagement, the final one
at Santiago it is hoped, which may be-
gin even as early as to-day II Skaters
reinforcemeuts are on hand. The de-
partment has not heard 80 far OF the
arrival Of these soldiers but believes
they have reached Shafter
The greatest difficulty that has been
encountered is in the landing OF troops
and supplies. This being the hurri-
cane season and the wind setting
straight on the southern coast, the
masters OF the transports have become
alarmed and taken their ships many
miles out to sea, necessltating long
journeys by the ships boats, which
make their landings through the surf
with the greatest difficulty and
danger. SO slow and tedious has been
the service under these conditions that
Secretary Alger has ordered Gen.
Shafter to seize the transports, one
and all, and place them as near the
coast as he chooses, without regard to
the fears of their masters.
The government has not yet deter
mined how to dispose of Admiral Ger.
vera A feeling Of the highest
admiration prevails here at the
gallantry displayed by the old
warrior and the noble spirit ex-
hibited by him under misfortune
The disposition is to treat him with as
great liberality as conditions will per-
mt IL has been proposed that he be
released on parole not to engage in
hostilities against the United States
until the end of the war, but it has not
yet been decided whether 10 do this or
TO confine the admiral technically
within the limits of the naval academy
reservation at Annapolis. All the other
captured Spanish naval officers will be
confined there save the surgeons, who
will be allowed to remain with the en-.
listed men at the prison station at
Seavys island, Portsmouth harbor, N.
IL. The st. Louis Is due there to-day
with the first lot of prisoners, while
the Harvard is just about to start from
off Santiago with the remainder.
The report of the appearance of a
Spanish privateer off the coast of Brit
ism Columbia, which appears to have
created such commotion on the north
western coast, came from one of the
government agents in that section of
the world. Moreover, the same person
said that two vessels were taking on
coal at British Columbian port which
1t was presumed was intended for the
Spanish fleet should it have its way
into the Pacific ocean through the
Suez canal.
nick Soldiers Are Sent Back Homo.
SAN FRANCISCO, July a-Seven Of
The Roldiprs who laft hara a., Al. -