The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-07-29

! washington, July 29.-On the main
points of the terms OF peace the admin
istration's position was so well defined
and stated by the Associated Press
Thursday that there is little left to con-
lecture. About the only point that seems
to be open to an amendment of an ex-
tensive character Is the disposition Of
the Philippines. While the administra-
tion has not failed to take notice of the
extent OF the demand for their acquisi-
tion by the United States as exhibited
In certain sections OF the country, Ii can
be stated that the conclusion has been
reached to abide by the first decision on
this point. namely. to relnquish the ISL
lands. retaining a coaling station there
surrounded by a sufficient zone OF land
TO make 1t self-supporting. This de-
cision, 1t is possible, though not prob
able. may be again changed before the
cabinet disposes Of the matter today. as
strong influences are at work to induce
the president to insist upon the suosti-
<ution of at least an independent gov
ernment over the Philippines for Span
ish rule.
The recent agitation of the Philip
ground as a self-appointed party to its
settlement Is regarded by the Spanish
government. as ours happens to know,
as a very opportune thing The idea
is that the fate Of the Philippines is one
OF the matters to be decided when the
terms of peace come up for considera-
tion, and that Germany's attitude has
placed US in an embarrassing position.
Having no desire to rush into another
war IL it can be avoided honorably. Spain
believes that we would be disposed to get
out OF our Philippine muddle as cheapiy
as possible, and that would be by heed
ing Germany's disguised warnings and
making terms which will practically
hand back the islands to Spain. This
covers the motive for her choice of
time, >and has made our government
rather more independent than IL would
ordinarily be In the manner OF receiving
Spain's overtures. Recent events have
contributed. also. to the ease with which
we could relinquish our grip upon the
Philippines as whole without loss of
dignity or cause of self-reproach The
party chiefly responsible for relieving
US of our embarrassment Is General
Aguinaldo himself, who, while he has
Justly commended himself to our ad-
ministration by his course OF modera-
tion and ordinary adherence TO the rules
OF civilized warfare. has had his undis-
ciplined vanity unduly swelled by his
success at arms.
In diplomatic quarters IL Is stated that
the peace propositions took form in
Madrid on Friday last and that not until
then had the Spanish cabinet itself de-
termined to risk direct proposition for
peace. Before that day there was
doubtless more or less talk in the li>Gof
peace, but II was not finally agreed upon
as the government policy of Spain. On
that day Duke Almsdover drafted the
proposal to this government, and 1t was
formally agreed that !. should be pre-
sented direct to President Mckinley, the
French ambassador at Washington act
ing as a medium of communication. The
proposal was cabled to Ambassador
Cambon in cipher but before acting he
advised with his government as to It's
wishes. In the meantime, the state Ce-
partment received no intimation from
the ambassador that Spain was about
to present a proposition. The instruc-
tions from Paris came last Monday
night, too late for the presentation OF
Spain's proposal that day. Tuesday the
state department was asked to arrange
for a call by the ambassador on the
president, and this being set for 3o'clock,
the proposal for peace for the first time
was made known to the United states.
Until then there was not even an inti-
nation to this government that the
proposition was to be made, so that all
cognizance OF Spain's purposes TO sue
for peace dates from 3 o'clock on Tues
day afternoon. II may be said, also. in
this connection that at no time previ-
ously had the French ambassador or any
representative Of the French embassy
spoken on the subject of peace to any
Official OF this government. The French
government had not--and has not now
authorized peace overtures or inquiry
relating to peace, nor had the spanish
,sovernment. prior to the written com
munication OF last Friday, reached
definite determination to sue for peace.
with these facts established beyond
question, the statement attributed to
Premier Sagasta. that I'VE tSpainl re-
eolved on peace many days ago, and
made known our resolutions to the
United States government" Is dis
credited with great positiveness In those
circles having the most Intelligent
knowledge OF the situation. The report
II is pointed out. comes by way Of Lon
don. which Us regarded as furnishing a
reason for this indirect effort TO prejudice
the negotiations.
The report from Madrid that the news
papers there had given their approval
to the terms Of peace described by the
president went far towards relieving