New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-05
MAP OF THE SCENE OF OPERATIONS IN PORTO RICO.


have thoroughly considered this matter before
rendering the first reply.
However 1T was perceived from the news dis
been inconclusive so it was then presumed that
nothing definite could be expected before to-
morrow noon at the earliest.
There Is a confident belief among the Admin
istration officials that the Spanish Government
will accept the terms laid down by the Presi-
dent and that the delay of day or two In
recognizing the Inevitable is to be accounted for
by reasons OF Spanish international policies.
which would not countenance an unresisting
submission without at least display OF a pur-
pose to improve the terms. This, however. can
not he accomplished and the French Ambas-
sador who is well aware of that fact, unques-
tonably has so informed the Spanish Govern
ment though that Government has preserved
it's record in good form to meet the criticism OF
its political opponents by submitting the coun-
ter-proposition presented yesterday by NJ Cam
bon TO the President
There is no doubt that the peace negotiations
are proceeding to the entire satisfaction Of the
Presidents and members OF the Cabinet
statement TO that effect made to-day by
high official of the Administration, who ex-
presses the belief that within very short time
a
ties The conference yesterday afternoon at the
White House. in which the President. NJ. Cam
bon and Secretary Day participated. de-
voted almost entirely 70 n discussion Of details
which are regarded by the President unim-
portant and hence the requests of the French
Ambassador for the most part will be acceded to.
The questions upon which the Spanish Govern
ment have so far asked for additional nforma-
rJeJ b,,t ho dr1ipi
fectly legitimate and proper, and up to this time
nothing has occurred to bring in question the
sincerity of their motives. Under the crcum-
stances it is the purpose OF the President to deal
with them In a spirit OF perfect fairness. and to
make the road to peace smooth for them
the rights and dignity OF this Government will
permit and to this end unimportant concessions
will be readily granted.
NO CAUSE FOR FURTHER DELAY.
It was midnight last night before the conces-
sion OF the President regarding the meeting
place of the peace commissioners was communi-
Gated to the Madrid authorities. so that allow
ing for the difference in time. 1t was impossible
for an answer to have been received this morn
ing However. IT is expected that the delay will
not be long, probably at most not more than
day or two. and that the answer when 1t comes
will be found to be an unconditional acceptance
OF the terms as they now stand The French
Ambassador was not disappointed In the result
of his meeting with the President yesterday
He realized that the Spanish plea for an abate-
ment of the conditions would be useless. so far
as 1t touched the vital points OF the demands
He undoubtedly had reached that conviction at
the second interview, when the President. in go
ing over with him the terms he proposed as
basis for peace. had impressed strongly upon
him the determination Of our Government not
to indulge in haggllng for advantage: not to be
equipped with two sets OF terms. maximum and
minimum conditions. but TO lay down at once
the propositions that the United States deemed
to be fair and just as basis for peace. and.
having done so. to adhere to them firmly. so far
all matters Of principle were concerned.