Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1898-08-13
which the president was reputed to have

regarded as unsatisfactory.
1t is believed the protocol carries with
in itself provisions for the cessation of
hostilities. On this point the naval con-
tingent is urgent that our government
adopt the napoleonic policy of refusing
to enter into an armistice without ac-
quiring substantial pledge to secure
the contamination of peace. What they
particularly desire is that our govern
ment shall demand as condition of the
cessation of hostilities the surrender to
the United States military forces of
Moro castle at the entrance of Havana
harbor and points Of vantage at other
ports in the territory soon to fall under
our control.
The peace negotiations are now be-
lieved to be advanced to a point where
the president has felt warranted in
turning his attention to the selection of
the commissioners to be charged by the
United States with the drafting of
treaty of peace. So far as can be gath
cred. hut one name has been positively
determined upon namely, that of Secre-
tary Day. who will head the commission.
Beyond that point there is no certainty,
although some prominent names have
been brought forward. Mr. Woodford,
our last minister to SPAIN has been so
mentioned, though. as he is credited with
entertaining a desire to return to Madrid
in the capacity of minister after the
war, the two ambitions might conflict,
peace commissioner not always being
welcome as a minister resident par
ticularly where he has been party to
forcing an obnoxious peace upon the
country to which he is to be accredited.
One of the names that find universal APP
prevail among persons versed in diplOm-
acy is that of Mr.. Eustis, ex-ambassador
to France, whose staunch Americanism,
diplomatic knowledge and legal ability
are urged as fitting him especially for
appointment as peace commissioner.
The fact that Mr. Eusts Is Democrat
would not initiate against his chances,
as it is presumed the president would
rather prefer to make the commission
nOn-partisan.
The naval officers have made up their
minds that peace is at hand and are
planning for a reduction of the naval
establishment to peace basis. The
first step to be taken will be the retire
ment of the monitors from active service.
They are uncomfortable craft to live in,
and afford the men little opportunity for
general training. Another matter that
received attention is the promotions to
he accorded officers who have distn-
guished themselves during the HOSTILE
ties. A step was made in this direction
rpStprdnV Inv the submission tn the
president of recommends tions by the
secretary OF the navy for the advance
ment of all Of the officers of SIMPSONS
feet who distinguished themselves. 1.
was announced sometime ago that
board would be appointed to decide on
all promotions to be recommended, but
for some reason this plan seems to have
been abandoned
General Merritt's force in the Philip
pines is to be increa sed by the 1000 troops
in San Francisco, which will be sent as
soon as transportation can be obtained.
Secretary Alger says that with the men
already arrived and on the sea. together
with 1000 which are to leave San Fran
cisco soon. General Merritt will have
force of 5000, and there will be no hurry
for the embarkation of the remaining
troops. The department has had an
offer Of two ships to transport the troops.
hut considered the price asked excessive,
and it is probable that the return Of the
transports that first went to Manila will
be awaited. The secretary cabled Cen
cral Merritt. asking him when it was ex-
pected the transports would return to
San Francisco. If they are likely to
reach that point within three weeks
their return will be awaited, as it will
take at least that length of tipe to get
new transports in readiness to carry
troops.
Even up to the last minute the adj
n'ipistration continues offensive mill
tary operations. The battalion of ma
rines at Guantanamo set sail yesterday
for the Isle of Pines, with orders to seize
and occupy it. This is the largest of
the outlying islands belonging to Spain,
and it has been used for years as
penal colony. 1t is an important base
t" secure, If for no other reason than
because 1t has been used since the be-
ginning of the war by Spain as a base
for smuggling food and supplies to
Blanco's beleagured forces in Havana.
Secretary of the Navy Long has rec
commended to President Mckinley that
Acting Rear Admiral Sampson and Com
modore Schley he advanced to the rank
of real admirals. Schley will be adj
vanced six numbers and Sampson eight.
This places both officers a the bottom of
the list. Schley retaining seniority over
Sampson. Congress will have to make
provision for extra compensation before
the officers can be raised in rank.
Vancouver r. c., Aug. 11.-A Manila
letter dated July Is says: There is
great friction here between the Ameri
cans and Germans. The latter are help
ing the Spaniards in the most open man
ner. Dewey has told them that if this
continues there will be war between the
two nations. This is fact, as the Eng
lish and German consuls We're discussing
openly in the English club only last
night. We have come to the conclusion
that the Germans do not want to help
Spain, as they cannot afford to. They
have not sufficiently strong navy.
They wish merely to obtain a few pick
ings after it is all over here.
"One would think by the large fleet
that Germany has in Manila bay at pres
ent that its interests here must he very
great. This, however, is not so, as the
total German and French trade here
numbers no more than percent. against
Great l'ritain's so percent, so it is not for
that they have so many vessels here
Sraniards looked upon them at the be-
ginning as their deliverers, but their
opinion is changing. and Germany is
now not very popular at this place. At
one time Germans could pass through
Spanish lines where the English were
refused"
Rome. Aug. 1.-THE Tribune says that
the vatican is in constant communica-
tinn with Archbishop ireland, Mgr
Martinelli apostolic delegate in the
United States, and Duke Almodovar, the
Spanish minister of foreign affairs, en-
d'aVorirg to secure clauses in the treaty
of