The Portland daily press., 1898-11-01

6Q6G bN6 OulU6u Ot6G6S lut0uu W IO1AA
burse them for "Pacifc expenditures, -
they remark that they are not enlightened
as to whether the American expect to
endorse the Spanish obligations to the ex-
tent of 'Paciflo expenditures" in the
archipelago or whether Jhey will hand
Spain lump sum of gold large enough
to cover Spain's outlay SO designated.
Possibly the American commissioners
themselves are not at this moment fully
determined on this point. 1t is unlike
ly, however, that the Americans will care
to become identified IN the slightest de-
gree with Spain in her responsibility to
her creditors. The clearer method seems
to be to hand to Spain spot cash, or some
thing as good, ana to bid her apply 1t on
her debts by whatever name known, or
to put it in her wallet for whatever use
she may elect.
While the United States have designat
ed "Pacifc expenditures as those they
will re-imburss to Spain. the presentmenG
of the American commissioners today did
not demand either schedule or an IN
ventory of the same from tha Spaniards.
But the suggestion naturally raises an
inquiry as to the kind or quantity OF
Spain's "Paoffic expenditure" in the
Philippines; ..and some light may be given
on that matter now.
There is considerable traffic between the
islands and some time ago a system of
AOSCOoehAys
set QUITO supply these projected 4S light
stations. OF these she has already con-
structed II of the first.class and 16 of the
second class. What they cost is not yet
known here; but in American waters
those Of tho first class cost $25. 600 to $3.50, :
600 each; so that, on an average basis Oh
the minimum cost in the United States;
Spain's 33 light houses may represent
an outlay of 1895, 1000.
Spain has constructed breakwaters at
Manila, at an expense not yet known
hsre and wharves of small value along
the Pasig river. She has recently built
barracks for 1000 men, not occupied by
American troops, the cost OF Whloh On. Is
not yet asoertainable. At Cavite, Spain
had builta naval station which. before
1t was sacked, by the natives. was said
to be equal to the Mare Island station
and may then have been worth s., 800, 600.
Whether or not the last two items can ne
strictly designated "Pacitic expenditure"
must be determined in conference, but
the lighthouses, water Improvements,
barracks and naval station are necessary
to the United States as the owner of the
Philippines and are deemed worth a fa1r
price.
Spain has also built some schoolhouses.
which the Americans are willing to take
over at cost.
The Spanish commissioners listened
oUUCAuiVCAys UASuSh A0o
evidences of impatience and surprise at
the financial suggestions in the Amerl.
can presentment and finally asked until
Friday to consult the Madrid government
and make reply.
Adjournment was then taken to that
day. After the conferences dissolved, the
Spanish commissioners expressed the
opinion that the American demands
would create in Spain as they had upon
her commissioners. AN. exceedingly grave
impression. We're the Spanish commls-
sioners pushed to finalldetermlnation
tonight, they would reject the American
demands, but the changing tone OF the
Spanish press recently, urges the consum-
nation of treaty of peace. however
rigorous, the argument being that, all
though the Spaniards bow to the Ameri-
oan demands, the commissioners do not
acknowledge the justice or admit no
legality of them.
Tonight the Spanish commissioners
feel that the United States to all intents
and purposes have not offered any finan-
cial inducement to Spain to oede by
treaty any part of the Philippines. Had
the American commissioners even offered
to take over the entire Philippine debt
of SAC, 900, 600 the Spaniards affect to feel
that 1t would have been as nothing; !;
and they regard today's propositions as
SO meagre as not to warrant even a
schedule of Spain's Pacific e1pendi-
in tho archipalaO0