The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-11
And Cabled to Madrid Last Night by M. Cam
bon, the French Ambassador.
In the Nature of an Utimatum Which Cannot Be Ig-
nored or Evaded-Must Be Signed Without De-
lay if Spain Really Desires Peace.
Special to the indianapolis Journal.

special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON. Aug. 1O.-According to in
side accounts Secretary Day has given the
Spanish diplomats an exhibition of Yankee
shirt-sIeeve diplomacy which will open their
eyes. The reply which Spain cabed to the
President through the French ambassador
accepted the terms offered, but, it is under
stood, loaded the acceptance down with
divers and sundry conditions and with va
riety of fine-spun provisos which threatened
to lead this country into maze of contro-
versy and embarrassing entanglements. The
reply was, as stated in last nights dis
patches, disappointing in many particulars.
While pretending to be a frank acceptance
of President McKinley's terms, it was full
Of evasions and shifts. it is stated.
Secretary Day meets the Spanish move by
ignoring everything that does not bear di-
rectly on the main issues. He goes on the
bread ground that Spain accepts our propo-
sition and he has prepared protocol built
squarely on the Presidents first and only
note in answer to Spain's original over
lures. This protocol is not lengthy, but it
leaves no grounds for misunderstanding or
evasion. 1t goes right to the point and does
not wander therefrom in a single particular
This protocol was cabled to Madrid this
evening by the French ambassador, who
awaits instructions from Premier Sagasta.
If directed to do so he will sign the instru-
ment on behalf of the Spanish government.
If this authority is not sent him the
rangement is off. The latter contingency
does not enter seriously into calculation. al
though nothing can be considered certain
until it actually comes to pass in dealing
with the Spaniards.
The straightforward presentation made by
Secretary Day need not require lengthy con-
sideration by the Spanish Cabinet. 1t has
got down to a question of yes or no with
Spain. The time for argument, protesta-
ton and evasion is passed. The protocol is
in reality an ultimatum. If Spain does not
promptly yield to the inevitable and enter
into frank and honest agreement with this
country war will be waged with increased
energy and the peace which will finally
come about will be upon terms which
Spain would now regard as extremely
harsh.
Madrid may instruct NJ. Cambon tonight
to sign the protocol for Spain. or she may
defer that authorization until tomorrow or
the next day. That formality completed
it will remain for both countries to pro-
ceed without delay to complete treaty for
permanent peace. A number of states have
been made up for peace commissioners. but
it is quite clear from the variety of guess
ing indulged in that they are for the most
part speculative. It seems to be agreed
that Secretary Day is to head the commits
sion, but beyond that there is no authority
for giving any of the names. statement
has been mace repeatedly that ex-President
Harrison and ex-Secretary of State Olney
have been sounded to see whether they
would go on the commission and have indi-
Gated an unwillingness to do so. This re-
port cannot be traced to an authoritative
source.