Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1898-08-03
THE WAR.
NEWS AND RUMORS OF ARMY
AND NAVY.
SPAIN REPORTED TO HAVE ACCEPTED
OUR PEACE TERMs-THE CAM
PAIGN IN PORTO RICO.

Inc probability OF an early peace takes
the foremost place in the war news of the
week. The United States reply to
SPANS note intimating that peace was
desirable, is now in the hands of Spain
and she is considering it.
The substance of our reply is that Spain
must comply with certain inevitable con-
ditions before the United States will
formally enter upon peace negotiations.
These inevitable "first conditions" are
unofiicially said to be, briefly, he with
drawal OF all the Spanish military and
naval forces from Cuba and the rein-
qulshment OF Spanish sovereignty in that
island similar action with regard to Porto
Rico, with the additional provision that
Spain shall cede that island and also one
OF the Ladrones to the United States; no
responsibility TO be imposed on the
United States for financial obligations
contracted by Spain in behalf Of Cuba
and Porto Rico, which are to be held to
include all outlying possessions OF Spain
In the W. stern hemisphere; the United
States will maintain control over all other
territory where the American flag has
been raised the surrender OF Manila and
sufficient area OF adjacent land to en-
able the United States to afford it ade-
.quate safety from hostile attacks.
When Spain accepts these terms, then
the United States will consent to grant an
armistice to arrange final terms OF peace,
which include the settlement of the
knotty Philippine question.
This is pinning Spain down pretty
closely, and naturally she will squirm.
But II the dons, basing their conclusions
to enter upon the present war, imagine
that they have an undecisive and vacil-
lating executive to deal with, they will
speedily realize their mistake. President
Mckinley will accept no equivocation
and countenance no Spanish hngglng.
Spain must accept our first conditions at
once, or suffer the consequences of delay.
This policy at first glance may seem
ungenerous to an enemy already crushed,
but 1t is the only policy which knowledge
of Spanish "diplomacy" permits.
1t is reported by press and private
dispatches from Madrid that Spain sent
forward her reply Tuesday night 1t is
said further that it is understood Spain
accepts the terms imposed by the
United states, with "unimportant reser-
vationsn.
II the reply was sent forward last night
1t will probably reach the President to-
day, and Its purport may be given to the
public. If satisfactory it will mark the
actual beginning OF peace negotiations,
and cessation Of hostiities will immedi-
ately follow under an armistice, pending
the final settlement of peace. The state
ment that Spain's reply makes "unimpor-
tant reservations'', however, leaves room
for conjecture.
The effect which the opening OF peace ne
gotiations will have on the Spanish pop
ulace is uncertain, but the mutterings of
the Carlists are growing ominous. 1t is
intimated that several European powers
would send warships to Spain to protect
her from Der own people.
THE PORTO RICO CAMPAIGN.
Pending the development of the peace
overtures, the United States Is not allow
ing the campaign to drag. The sending
OF Watson's fleet to Spain may be delayed,
but the delay will allow a needed over
hauling Of the vessels which will compose
the fleet.
The campaign in Porto Rico is moving
forward rapidly and smoothly. The
Spaniards are fleeing from the southern
coast before Gen. Miles advancing army,
xrb ypb - l.,
Porto Ricans with shouts OF "Viran los
Americanos".
The triumphal entry Of Gen. Miles into
Ponce, and the enthusiastic reception
accorded the Americans by the Porto
Rican populace, Is somewhat of sur
prise. Gen. Miles expected to find large
number of American sympat hizers among
the Porto Ricans, but he was not pre-
pared for such an openarmed welcome.
In view OF SPANS pleadings that it is
cruel to tear from the mother country so
"loyal and devoted" a child as Porto Rico
has always been, the readiness with which
the dutiful child throws off the Spanish
yoke is surprising.
Gen. Miles cabled the war department
on Sunday that Porto Rican volunteers
are surrendering themselves, with arms
and ammunition. Four-ti of the peo-
pie, he adds, are overjoyed at the arrival
of the army.
The main body of the army is at Ponce,
but the advance has moved forward to
Juan Diaz, twelve miles on the road to
San Juan.
THE ARMY AT SANTIAGO.
Reports from Skaters army at Santiago
indicate an alarming number on the
sick list, but there are comparatively
few yellow fever cases, and there have
been very few deaths.
THE PHILIPPINES.
The Philippine problem is growing
more difficult. 1t is no secret that for
some time the administration has been
concerned at the attitude assumed by the