The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-08-12

Washington, August 9.-More than
twenty-four hours after it had begun
to reach Washington, the Spanish note
in answer to the presidents peace con-
ditiOns was presented at the White
house by the French ambassador. What
the nature Of the answer was con only
be contectured at this stage, the secre-
tary Of state at the conclusion of the
conference making the formal state
ment that nothing whatever could be
said upon the subject. The conference
lasted an hour and twenty-five min
utes. This prolonged discussion was
believed TO indicate that the Spanish
answer was not satisfactory in all re-
.spects, though in just what points it
fell short in the expectations Of the
president, it is impossible to say. 1t
was felt by the observers that had the
answer been a complete acceptance of
our terms the result would have been
made public.
On the other hand, it would be a
strained inference to conclude that the
answer was unsatisfactory entirely,
for in that case, according to the pres
ident'S statement heretofore made, his
offer would have been definitely with
drawn and the war resumed with
greater energy than before. 1t would
seem that there could scarcely be a
good reason in this case for withhold
ing the result of the conference.
On the whole it is rather to be con-
cluded that a middle result was obtain
ed; that Spain bound to have at
taChed certain conditions to her ac-
Ceptance of the presidents terms, but
that the latter was not disposed to re-
gard the injection of the new matter
as sufficient in itself to warrant an i'm
mediate termination of the peace negO-
tiatiOns. According to this view, the
president has taken exception to some
of the Spanish conditions, but has al
lowed a last opportunity for them to
be withdrawn or modified
THE REPLY LENGTHY.
The reply of the Spanish government
is understood to be a document en-
bracing about 1,200 words. 1t bears
the signature Of the Spanish minister
of foreign affairs, and the ~form of
statement throughout is that of her
majesty's government, similar to the
American terms, being in the name of
the president. The copy delivered to
the president was in English, the trans
1atiOn from Spanish to French having
been made at Paris, and that from
prior to the presentation of the answer
at the White house. This obviated de-
lays, and gave the president and Sec
retary Day an English text at the out
set of the conference with the ambaS
sadOr.
DIVIDED INTO FIVE HEADS.
The Spanish reply is said to be divid
ed into five points or heads, namely Gu
ba, Porto Rico, LadrOne Islands, Occu-
Of No. iIz nd 1n int ony1t
of a peace commission, which are treat
ed in the order named SO far as could
be learned no mention is made of the
Cuban debt. The retention of arms
and ammunition by the Spanish troops
comes in for indirect reference under
the head of Cuba.
UNOFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE
REPLY.
In the absence of an official state
ment it is impossible to give the Span
ish position on the several American
conditions. But the following is from
the best information obtainable in
treating each subject. An acceptance
in some cases is understood to relate
to conditions somewhat different to
those laid down by the American gov
eminent. AS to Cuba, the American
serms demanded the evacuation of the
island, without specifying the future
form of government. The Spanish re-
ply is said to accept the principle that
Spanish sovereignty over Cuba will ter
inmate, but iS is understood to take up
the future government OF the island,
and because OF the extent Of the Span
ash interests there, is said to take the
view, either express or implied, that
the United States should administer
the affairs of the island. AS to the
time of evacuating Cuba, this is de-
tail which the Spanish reply is said
to regard as among many which can
be left TO the commission for final de-
termination.
The American conditions as to Porto
Rico. the Ladrones. Manila, etc. are
believed to be accepted, but the topics
are treated at some length, and it will
require the full text to show how far
the language used may be construed
as an acceptance.
The provisions as to the commission
Is assented to- The commission is to
consist of five commissioners on each
sile, with Paris as the probable meet
$ng place. The Spanish reply is said
10 develop somewhat the scope of the
commission. leaving to 1t not only the
determination of the future of the Phil
ippines but also the details involved in
the arrangement of a lasting peace.
The outcome of the conference is un
known, bat the best opinion obtaina-
BILE is that the matter is still open;
that Ambassador Cambon will report
10 Spain the results of his efforts and
tic desires of this government and
that another reply from Spain as to
some details will be necessary to
final COZ. clusion.
= There were just four parties to the
GOnference-President Mckinley and