The Saint Paul globe., 1898-08-01

WASHINGTON, July 31.-Those best
informed as to the probabilities de-
clare that the answer of the Spanish
government to the terms of peace out
lined by the government Of the United
= States is not expected until Tuesday.
This opinion is based upon a knowl-
edge of the time when the United
States communication was received in
Madrid, which was not until an early
hour this morning; the time required
to decipher it. the necessity for an
extended consideration of the matter
by the Spanish cabinet, and also the
= necessity for framing the Spanish re-
ioinder.
1t is not intended in this connection
to question the full plenipotentiary
powers of NJ. Cambon, the French am
bassador, in dealing with the subject.
On the contrary, they are, in latitude,
wider than those usually conferred in
such cases. But his position IS some
what similar to that of the president
himself, who is obliged to secure the
sanction of the United States senate
to any treaty Of peace that he may
prepare, for the ambassador must sub
nit to the Madrid cabinet for its ap-
proval any agreement that he may
enter into.
But, in the drafting of such an
agreement, he is fully authorized to
proceed in his discretion, and, to guard
against any possible population Of his
action, he has been given the minut-
est definition of the concessions that
will be made by the Spanish govern
ment on every point that by any pos
sibility could be expected to arise in
the course Of the negotiations.
1t was not known to our government
that NJ. Cambon had such powers when
he appeared yesterday afternoon at
the White house to receive the Amer
lean answer, but once the president
was satisfied that he was competent
to deal In all authorized manner with
our government, the production Of his
credentials was hailed with satisfac-
ton as tending to hasten the reaching
of an agreement without loss of time
and in the most direct manner, for
technically the United States is now
treating with Spain without the inter-
vention of any third power 1t may
NC SdIo IlClueIlldlly lIldl M
IS proceeding with straightforwardness
towards his object, and that there Is
no fear of devious diplomacy being in
troduced into the negotiations.
CHANGE IN TERMS.
There is much speculation as to the
nature of the amendment in the an
swer of the United States that the
ambassador succeeded in inducing
President Mckinley to make, after the
document had been so carefully con-
structed by his cabinet. All that can
be knowingly stated Is that it relates
to that part of the answer which deals
with the future of the Philippines.
1t is known that the Spanish efforts
were concentrated upon the retention
of the islands, and the Madrid cabinet
was willing, to make almost any sacri-
flee In its power to secure that end.
Whether or not the ambassador pre-
vailed in this is not known, but there
is reason to believe that the success
he attained was limited, and that the
United States propose to retain some
foothold a little more important than
a simple coaling station in the islands.
Had our demand been limited to a
coaling station, there would have been
no doubt of it's acceptance, and it Is
even probable that the concession
might have been made of a considera-
bic tract of land for a naval station
and supporting zone. But it is be-
lieved there was strenuous objection
to the surrender Of Manila or the sub
mission of the question Of the future
government of the islands to a com
mission, for the Spanish government Is
desirous that its sovereignty shall be
unquestioned.
1t is supposed that it was this point
that was the subject of amendment al
the hands of the president, but to what
extent is not made public.
AS mention has been made in the
public discussion of the possibility o1
the acquisition Of one Of the Caroline
islands, it may be stated authoritative.
ly that the matter has not been consid.
cred by the cabinet up to this time
The progress made by the negotia.
tions has given rise to suppositior
in some quarters that hostilities are
to be suspended very soon. This will
depend entirely upon the attitude o.
the Spanish government and the ma
ture Of its answer to our demands. L
has been made clear to the French am
bassador that hostilities will not bt