The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-11-21

peace conclusions. whether now or after
r.newed hostilities. This disquietude.
they feel. should be composed. and the
normal conditions OF peaceful thrift be
este blished.
Moreover. although Spain affects To
believe otherwise, the quality of mercy
Is not absent from the situation. The
American commissioners cannot fail 10
see with a certain amount OF pity the
fading away OF a once proud power, be-
rsft OF her colonies in the east and west.
While Spain has no legal or moral right
to ask the United States to be h partner
In her lisses. the Americans here recog-
nize her territorial shrinkage. her less
ened resources, her empty treasury and
her debt -burdened people. They have.
or course, no power TO express any such
feeling OF sympathy through the United
States treasury; but always assuming
the interests OF humanity To be con-
currently served. qualification on the
part OF the Americans would follow re-
lief to Spain.
spain must confront the Philippine
surrender. May she not prefer acquis-
cence and some financial relief TO pro-
tracted opposition and greater loss in
will follow Immediately; IL she does not.
then war will continue. The question
is simply this: Is spot peace worth
spot cash?
1t believed that the American COM
mlssioncrs have been celebrating along
this line, and that they are inclined to
answer the question affirmatively.
What the amount may be must obvious.
ly be unknown outside the commission
possibly s20. .000,00 probably less.
In any tender to Spain care will be
taken, doubtless. to convince the Span
ish commissioners that the offer of what
may seem 10 them n small amount is not
10 be considered as indicating that the
Americans might be jockied into pay
ing a larger sum. Neither Spanish
debts. bonds nor mortgages OF any de-
scription will he considered, the trans
action being cleared up on the spot. prob
ably. If at all.
The Spanish peace commissioners have
been notified that the United States COM
mssioners will be ready to treat with
them in Joint session this afternoon. Up
less the Spaniards have an adequate
reason for further delay. the two COM
missions will join in the most important
meeting thus far held.
The American commissioners, in a
written communication. will declare that
the third article of the protocol, regard
ing the Philippines. is capable OF only
one fair construction. that no arbitra-
tion is needed 10 elucidate its terms. and
that the United Stat s cannot admit any
other power 10 figure here purely as
lexicologist.
This will he accompa MED by a clear
declaration that the United States will
possess the Philippines. Following this
declaration the American commissioners
will lay before the Spaniards two al
ternatives: First, TO accept a sum OF
money from the United States and TO
cede and evacuate the Philippines.
Second, to lose the Philippines TO the
United States by conquest, with the
possibility OF other territorial losses Ia
indemnify the United States for the
added expense Of conquest.
This communication may not be for
mally designated as an ultimatum, but
Il will lack naught OF the conclusiveness
indicated by that word. This will be so
plain that the Spanish commissioners
will scarcely haggle for more money on
the first alternative nor cherish any
doubt OF American action under the
second. should the first be declined.
Spain is exceedingly anxious to escape
the Philippine debt and possibly the sum
to be offered may be determined by an
analysis of that debt. which consists OF
$40. 900, 900 in bonds, on which she realized
$50, 900, 900. OF the latter amount she 8
believed to have expended some 10000
in, Guht Oh
States and a part In attempting to quell
the Philippine insurrection. A reason
able guess at the sum for tender would
be 500, 600, 600, though Ii may fall below
that.
The Cuban question may come UP again
today. The American commissioners
had thought the discussion on that point
finished. but the Spanish commissioners
are reported TO have declared last week
that the mortgages imposed by Spain on
the Cuban. as well as on the Philippine
revenues must not be impaired or ques-
toned. This would compel the Ameri-
can commissioners soon-and probably
today--to demand whether Spain means
TO repudiate the plain compact of the
protocol to relinquish sovereignty over
and title to Cuba. Three weeks ago the
Spanish commissioners accepted the
Cuban article in the protocol without
conditions. save that It's embodiment in
the treaty should depend only upon en-
agreement on all the articles in the pro-
tocol.
Recently. however, SPANS representa-
tives have sold that the Cuban matter
had been only temporarily passed and
WIS still In allegiance.
NONE UNDER FIFTEEN.