New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-17
PEACE RUMORS DENIED.
WASHINGTON HAS NOT BEEN SOUNDED
on THE QUESTION OF TERMS.

Washington July 1G.-In view Of renewed re-
ports that the French Ambassador al Washing
ton NJ. Cambon, had opened peace negotiations
or inquiries relative to possible terms Of peace,
II can be stated authOrtatively after inquiry
at the French Embassy that no negotiations or
inquiries Of any character relating to peace
have been made as yet, officially or unofficially.
direct or indirect. by the French Ambassador.
The reports grow out of VI. Cambon's call at
the White House on July II. The purpose of this
call and the entire conversation which passed
between the President and the Ambassador are
fully known and it can be stated positively that
the conversation contained no reference to the
present conflict between Spain and the United
States, or the prospects of its being brought to
close 1t related to a subject wholly outside
Of the war or its close, by peace otherwise
and the question Of the did not up
even incidentally. The only incidental question
referred to was the loss Of the French steam
ship Bourgogne for which the President
pressed the deepest regret well as his salts
faction that the inquest had mitgated the early
reports of the occurrence. The main question
discussed. however related solely to the United
States and France, without the remotest bear
ing on Spain, and in due time this discussion
will bear fruit in certain expressions Of good
will between this country and the French Re-
public
THE REPORT ACCEPTED AT MADRID
Notwithstanding the well-esta bshed charac-
ter Of this conference between the President and
the French Ambassador. it has served a text
for reports that NJ. CambOn was sounding this
Government on the terms OF peace. This has
been asserted so positively that even some off,
cials have accepted It as accurate. and as an
indication that the peace movement at last had
assumed tangible form. The report has even
been accepted at Madrid. after being cabled to
the "Imparcial" The French Ambassador here
was never authorized by his Government to
make peace overures or inquiries. and in the
absence of such instructions ne would not as
sumo such delicate duty Furthermore. he
has not taken any such step with or without
instructions. AS a result OF his call AT the
White House. the French Government was ap-
prised by cable fully % what occurred. and this
report conveyed not the slightest reference 70
Spanish affairs the progress Of the war. or the
possibilities Of peace. Tho Associated Press is
able 10 make this statement with full nforma-
ton as to the nature Of the conference between
President Mckinley and Ambassador Cambon.
The appearance of every representative Of the
European Powers at the State Department Is
seized upon by the many watchers there as
evidence that they are the bearers OF peace over
lures. Thus. when the German Secretary OF
Embassy. Baron Speck Won Sternburg. came TO
.he Department to-day. his visit Immediately
e,,,e rise TO the story that he had come charged
1.:,h such mission. This, however, met with
very prompt denial from everybody concerned,
srd IT was added as well that the visit had no
reference to the Philippines
NO OVERTURES MADE.
The statement attributed TO Premier Sagasta
that Spain had been making extra official in
quiries to learn what terms the United States
might accept basis for peace failed OF
confirmation to this extent that UP to this
moment the state Department has not been
approached on the subject directly or indirectly.
Perhaps the Spanish Premier may have some
means OF obtaining the Information ne desires
that Is not known TO officials here. but. however
that may be- the statement remains good that
the United States Government has not even
unofficially indicated the terms 1t would accept
as a basis for peace negotiations. or course.
these matters have been discussed between Gov
ernment officials without relation TO any Span
ish inquiries, and 1t is also true that the Presi-
dent would like very well to gauge accurately
the wish OF the majority of the American people
In this matter Without assuming 10 speak for
him In a matter Of this importance. ii is gath
cred from high members OF the Administration
that the President himself Is disposed to be
moderate In his demands and while securing all
that he feels the United states is fairly en-
titled to exact from nation in Spans dis
tresscd condition. he is not disposed to embark
in a world-cOnquerine enterprise and insist
upon the retention Of remote territory that
would be unseryiceable to US. In other words.
unless there is an overwhelming demand on the
part OF the American people for the adoption
OF such A course 1t IS not believed that the
President as a fnaty would insist that Spain
abandon all Of her colonial possessions. While
the proposition is tentative. it is felt that as
minimum demand he will be content with the
ACQUISITION Of Porto Rico admission OF the
,ndcpendence Of Cuba coaling station In the
Philippines, with provision for some KIND OF
protectorate over the islands, and moderate
indemnity 1t is judged that the Spanish Gov
ernrnent has pretty fairly mbbed some such
idea as this and that the uttcrances OF Premier
Sapasta and the cautious declarations in the
pro- Spanish newspapers are simply intended 10
gradually bring the Spanish people into state
OF mind where they will be willing to submit
quietly to the imposition Of some such terms OF
peace II is realized that at present the condi-
tions in Spain are not ripe. and that some time
how much cannot be estimated now-wiII De
required to cultivate public sentiment In SPAN
to the proper point