Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-13
HOW 1T WAS DONE.
Detailed Account of the Signing Of
the Protocol.

Dcssc~ account OF the SfGnln8 o.
the Protocol
WASHINGTON, d. c.. August H.
With simplicity in keeping with republi-
can institutions, the war which has ragged
between Spain and the United States for
period Of three months and twenty
two days was quietly terminated at %
minutes past 4 O'clock this afternoon.
when Secretary Day, for the United
States. and NJ. Cambon, for Spain, In
the presence of President Mckinley,
signed a protocol. which will form the
basis OF definite treaty of peace.
1t is but simple Justice to our sister
republic OF France 70 record the fact
| that to her good Offices this speedy ter
mination Of a war that might have run
on indefinitely was brought about, and
the President himself deemed that action
on the part of the French Government
worthy of his special praise.
The closing chapter of events that led
no to the signature of the protocol and
the cessation Of hostillties was full of
interest. There were rumors in the early
bassy had received the long-expected
final instructions from Madrid, but these
upon inquiry, proved groundless. and 1t
was not until half past IL that the note
began to come from Madrid in small lots.
The State Department was soon advised
of the fact that the message was under
transmission. but as it was evident that
it would be long and its reception would
occupy much time, the Secretary Of State
left the State Department for his
luncheon.
THE MONSIEUR APPEARS.
At 2:45 o'clock Secretary Thiebaut of
the French embassy. appeared at the
State Department to inform Secretary Day
that the Ambassador was in full posses
sion Of the note; was fully empowered to
sign the protocol for Spain, and only
awaited the pleasure of the State Depart
ment. He intimated that the Ambassador |
would be pleased to have the final cere-
mony conducted in the presence Of Presi- |
dent Mckinley, where the negotiations
were begun.
in his own office, Secretary Day made a
short visit to the White House to learn
the Presidents wishes in the matter. The
latter Immediately consented to accept
the suggestion, and NJ Thiebaut FASTENED
to inform his principal that the President
would receive him at the White House at
( o'clock. At the appointed hour driving
rain-storm prevailed, obliging all the par
lies to resort to carriages for transporta-
ion to the White House.
AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
Secretary Day came first with large
portfolio under his arm enclosing copies
If the protocol, of the proclamation to
,e issued by the President stopping hos
iities, and some other necessary papers.
Ie was accompanied by Assstant-Secre-
airy Moore, Second-Assistant-Sec
Adee, and Third-Assistant Cridler. They
we're shown Immediately into the Cabinet
DOM, where the President sat in waiting.
lie had invited to be present Assistant
Pruden and Cortelyou and
Montgomery.
When Ambassador Cambon reached the
White House 1t was just 3:55 oclock-1ve
minutes in advance Of the appointed {
our. The rain was still violent and the
ambassador abandoned his usual custom
{ alighting at the outer gates of the | {
xecutive grounds. He was driven under
he porte cochere, passing through a
ordon of newspaperamen before he and
ecretary Thiebaut were ushered inside i
hey went direct to the library, adjoin- $
lg the Cabinet-room on the upper floor h
t 4O5 they were announced to the wait ?
lg party in the Cabinet-room and We're
shered into their presence. n
After an exchange of diplomatic courte- n
es, no unnecessary loss of time oc- c.
irred, and Assistant Secretary of-State
rider on the part of the United States , -
nd First Secretary Thiebaut, on the part |
Spain, retired to a window where there ii
as critical formal examination of the | le
-otocol. u,