Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-08-10
SPANS REPLY.

terms was presented to President Nc
Kinlev by Amha 3sador CamDon last
evening. 1t is not satisfactory. A
number OF new questions are raised IN
the reply. The Spanish ministers pro-
fess willingness to cede territory to the
United States, but say they cannot do
so without the authority of the Cortes.
IL is stated that an armistice until the
Cortes can meet is suggested, the situa-
ton in the meantime to remain as at
present. According to reports the
Spanish ministry asks to retain Porto
Rico in exchange for ceding the Phil
ippines TO the United States. The
time to be allowed Spain for the re-
moval of troops, it is said to be sug-
gested, should become subject for
negotiations, and possibly for settle
ment by the peace commission. 1t IS
understood that the ministers also sug-
gest that the United States should
promise to establish q protectorate
over Cuba, for the security of life and
property, and that the idea of an indie
pendent Cuban government Is aoso'
utely repugnant to Spain.
There are rumors that sharp note
will be sent by President Mckinley in
answer to the Spanish communication.
Ii is considered probable that the Pres
ideDt may suggest to the ministry they
lose no time in assembling the Cortes,
with view to considering the course
they are to pursue. In the meantime,
it is regarded as unlikely that he will
consent TO an armistice, or will agree to
refer to peace commission any of the
questions involved in his original prop
osition. 1t is considered probable that
the Spanish ministry will be informed
that the longer the war continues from
this date, the less likely the United
States will be to accord generous con
sderation to Spanish claims, and that
when terms are again submitted they
may not be as easily complied with as
the pending propositions.
An informal meeting of the cabinet
was held last night with all the mem
bers present except Secretaries Gage
and Wilson. The Spanish reply was
discussed and it is understood that
another note to Spain was also consid-
cd. After the meeting the cabinet
members refused to discuss the situa
ZION or to make any statement regard
ing SPANS message. 1t was intimated
that an official statement will be given
out to-day.
The Spanish reply is said to be divid-
ed into five points-Cuba, Porto Rico,
the Ladrone Islands, occupation of Ma
Mia, and appointment Of commission,
which are treated in the order named
So far as could be learned no mention
is made OF the Cuban debt. The reten-
ton of arms and ammunition by the
Spanish troops comes in for indirect
reference under the head OF Cuba.
Ia the absence of an official statement
it is impossible to give the complete
Spanish position on the American con-
ditions. But the following is from the
| best information obtainable:
Treating each eubject-Cuba, Porto
Rico, the Ladrones, Manila and peace
commissions-an acceptance in some
cases is understood TO relate to condi
tons somewhat different to those laid
down by the American government. As
to Cuba, the American terms demand
! ed the evacuation of the island, with
! out specifying the future form of gov
eminent. The Spanish reply is said to
accept the principle that Spanish SOW
ereignty over Cuba will end, but it is un.
derstood to take up the future govern
ment of the island, and because Of the
extent OF Spanish interests there, it 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 evacuatiDg Cuba, this is
detail which the Spanish reply is said
to r. gard as among many which can be
left to the commission for final deter
minalion. The American conditions
MS to Porto Rico, tie Ladrones and Ma,
Mia, are believed to be accepted, but
the topics are treated at length and it
will require the full text to show how
far the language used may be construed
as an acceptance.
The provision as to the commission is
assented to. The commission is 10 con-
sist of five men on each side, with Paris
as the probable meeting place. The
Spanish reply il said to develop some
| what the scope of the commission, leav-
ing to it not only the determination of
the future of the Philippines, but also
the details involved in the arrangement
of lasting peace.