Evening star., 1898-08-10

Although it was practically admitted by
those in authority that the conference be-
tween the President and the French am
bassador at the White House last evening
was not conclusive in all respects, there
was manifestation of steadfast confidence
that seemed to presage an early agreement
upon the basis of peace. Foundation for
this belief was afforded early today wher,
1t became known that the French ambassa-
dor was prepared to give a response to
further inquiries that had been necessarily
put in relation to the Spanish position
Although no definite statement could be
obtained from any one acquainted with the
details of the situation, it was surmised
that the ambassador, having presented GER
tain Spanish requests yesterday in connec-
tion with the acceptance of the four bases
of peace laid down by the President, had
been authorized to modify or withdraw
such of these additional representations as
should prove unacceptable to the United
States At any rate, when the ambassador
appeared at the State Department at IL
O'Clock and with his secretary, NJ. THE
baut, was ushered into the diplomatic
room, there was a general belief among the
officials of the department that the pros
pect had frightened materially over night
and that cessation of hostilities at least
was in sight.
The ambassador was in close conference
With Secretary Day for fifteen minutes
and then the Secretary, leaving the ambas-
sSdor behind the closed doors of the diplo-
H>atic room, repaired to the White House
for consultation with the President. This
gave rise to the conjecture that the am
bassador had submitted additional points
TO those presented last night, upon which
the Presidents decision was essential. On
the other hand, with the knowledge that a
further conference between the President
ana the ambassador was unnecessary, the
hd1calons pointed more clearly to the
simple adjustment of minor details. as rhe
occasion for the Secretary's visit to the
White House. For instance 1t NAV hsvo
been necessary for him to secure credeu-
tlals from the President in order to secure
the authority to sign for the United States
any protocol or memorandum that will
serve as basis for the cessation of bos-u.
ltles and the beginning of the work Of the
peace commission.
Return to the Embassy.
The movements of the ambassador were
OF character to excite curiosity Upon
the return of Secretary Day from the White
house they were ciOseted again for about
Ten minutes in the diplomatic room Then
secretary Day withdrew TO his own office
and the French secretary of embassy hastf-
~ left for the embassy building. returning
II such short order as to indicate that his
''Sit was Tor the purpose of procuring
some papers There was wait for a full
hour after this, the ambassador remaining
Win MS secretary in the diplomatic room
~4i'eH Was c-osea TO visitors. and Secretary
Day TRANQUILITY pursuing the business of the
department in his own office Meanwhile
AAr Adee, first assistant secretary of state
was called in and after few momspts'
conversation was seen busily engages, IN
ms own roorn, preparing the formal aprea-
ment which is to bind the United States
ana spain to enter upon negotiation of a
treaty OF peace Some difficulty was found
IN this task apparently, probably because II
was deemed essential to cover every point
"IIA such nicely as to leave no possible
Chance for misunderstanding between tba
parties hereafter. While this importsrt
diplomatic function was in progress secra.
tary Day relieved the situation very No
terlaily py making the following statement.
Agreed ON a Protocol.
We have agreed upon a protocol en-
bodying proposed terms for the nesotia.
ton OF treaty of peace, including the
evacuation Of Cuba and Porto Rico. and
II Is expected that this protocol win be
executed"
Here was the first admission that the two
governments had at last practically come
together on the bases of peace.
1t was fntimated that what remained to
De accomplished was purely formal in
character. and no doubt was entertained