The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-09
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features of the reply and also on the ex-
plicit instructions concerning the delivery
of the answer which usually accompany
document of this solemn character. Neither
at the White House nor at the State De-
partment was there any official knowledge
that the reply had reached Washington.
and the usual office hours closed with no
appointment made for, conference. There
was felt to be little likelihood, even though
the ambassador received the complete reply
and instructions. that there would be
night conference at the White House for
the purpose of presenting the document.
Pending the official delivery of the answer
speculation was rife as to its contents.
There was little or no further doubt that
the length of the reply meant that Spain
had not given a simple and direct affirm
ative to the American conditions. 1t was
evident that if the reply was an acceptance
it was accompanied by extended discussion
and probably by conditions. This caused
considerable apprehension in official circles
here, for while it was felt last week that
Spain would surely yield in every particu-
lar it began to be felt that possibly there
might be another period of discussion, and
possibly an indirect attempt to open up
diplomatic exchange on the nature of the
terms. The prevailing view, however. was
that the reply was on its face an accept
ance, although not such one as precluded
all possibility of further discussion. All
vital points were believed to be conceded
the abandonment of Cuba, Porto Rico and
the Ladrones, and the establishment of
commission to pass on questions relating to
the Philippines.
In the carrying out of this programme it
was believed that Spain would seek to Sc
cure an understanding on many incidental
points involved, some of them of consdera-
BILE Importance. For instance, some doubt
was raised as to whether Spains acceptance
would be operative until referred to and
ratified by the Spanish Cortes, and it will
be understood that the reply might call at
tention to this condition. The same condi-
ton, it was pointed out, exists as to the
United States, for a peace treaty requires
the ratification of the Senate to become op-
erative. In case Spains answer discussed
these incidental points, there promised to be
wide latitude for controversy and delay un-
less the President and Cabinet declined to
enter the field of discussion.
Late in the afternoon the President re-
ceived an indirect intimation that the Span
ish reply had come to the French embassy.
A Cabinet officer who was with him at this
time said on leaving: 1.-The information that
has come from Madrid about the action of
the Spanish Cabinet indicates that Spain
has accepted our terms in a general way,
but leaves several questions open that we
did not include in the terms submitted. The
communication offering those terms was ex-
plicit, specifically stating such points as
would be left open to further negotiations.
We will stand on those terms.
The administration has not yet given Sc
rious consideration to the personnel of the
peace commission, but it can be stated that
no not in accord with the Presidents
present views as to the disposition of the
Philippines will be appointed, and Mr.. Nc
Kinley favors keeping at least Manila har-
Dor and bay and sufficient territory around
it for its support and protection, if not the
whole of Luzon island. AS to members of
the Cabinet being made members of the
commission, there are precedents for their
appointment, notably the treaty of Client.
The concluding portion of the Spanish re-
ply was received during the evening, but it
was not until late hour that 1t was de-
ciphered whole and gone over by the
ambassador. No effort was made to com
municate it to the United States govern
ment tonight beyond a note to Secretary
Day advising him that the document had
been received, but not disclosing it's con-
tents. 1t is probable the reply will be de-
livered to the President before the Cabinet
meeting tomorrow, although no hour has
been fixed. There is complete reticence in
all quarters as to the text Of the reply, but
there is reason TO believe it is not an un-
qualified acceptance of the American terms
but is framed on the theory of accepting
the essentials and trusting to a hoped-for
conciliatory spirit on the part of this gov
ernment to moderate to some extent fea-
lures which the Spanish government seems
to regard as unessentials.