The Portland daily press., 1898-08-03
WAR SITUATION.
Trouble in Manila Looked
For Anytime.

Washington, August Though this
was the third day since the President de-
livered to nj. Cambon the terms offered
by the United States to Spain as basis
of peace, no answer came from Madrid
and in fact was scarcely expected.
The press reports Of the long cabinet
meetings held in the Spanish capital yes
terday indicated that the Spanish cabinet
was unprepared at least to accept the
terms offered at once and without appear
ing to attempt to secure some modifica-
tion in the interest of Spain. 1t is felt
that such course is absolutely imposed
upon the Sagasta ministry. by the existing
conditions in Madrid. Nevertheless it is
not to be seen that the President cherishes
the slightest intention of consenting to
any essential modification of the condi-
tions and the slight delay that has oc-
CURED in making answer is not BIZ lieved
to be discouraging nor to be taken as a
sign of the purpose of the Spanish cabinet
ultimately to reject the proposition.
When the doors of the State Depar tment
closed this afternoon it was realized that,
owing to the difference of time between
Washington and Madrid there was little
chance of receiving the expected answer
before tomorrow and If it sho aid come
tonight, the French ambassador would
not be able to present 1t to the President
because the time required for its trans
mission would make the hour too late
and the announcement could not be made
until tomorrow.
The officials here make no concealnent
OF their apprehension of serious trouble
to follow the execution of our programme
In regard to the Philippines. The re
ports of the military and naval command
ers of late have contained warnings of ex-
pected conflicts with the insurgents and
no surprise will be felt at the receipt OF
news of an outbreak at almost any mo.
menu The United States government
iton not only towards the foreign resi-
dents at Manila, but also towards the un-
paid classes of the Spanish community,
women, children, nuns and priests.
Therefore, when intimation came that
the insurgents were threatening the lives
OF soma monks, orders were sent to tie
American military commander to look
into the matter and to act in the interests
Of civilization and humanity.
As, according to reports, the insurgents
have shown particular hostility towards
the monks, it is a reasonable expectation
that before long a collision will have oc-
CURED between themselves and the
American troops if the latter undertake
to interfere in the execution of the ven-
gencs of the insurgents
Some reports which have been received
reasons cannot be made public, have given
great satisfaction to the officials of the
war department since they go to show
that the resistance which can be made by
the Spanish troops will be very little, and
it is even possible that General Miles will
achieve an almost bloodless victory. In
fact, it has been suggested with some
plausibility that the Madrid government,
realizing the impendency of peace, and
the lack of loyalty. toward the monarchy
of the mass of Porto Ricans has allowed
the Spanish garrison of the island to
understand that they are not expected to
sacrifice their lives in useless resistance
to superior forces.
General Shafter's health reports today
state that he is now caring for over 6000
sick people, including Spanish soldiers,
many of whom were found to be very ill.
The task is a formidable one, and the
attempt to care for all hands probably
explains in a measure the lack of ade-
quate preparation Of the transports en-
ployed to bring home some of the wound
ed and sick. The condition on these
boats were found to be SO shocking as to
demand an immediate official investiga-
tion which was begun today, and some
court martiais may be looked for in high
places unless it can be shown clearly that
the lack of preparations was unavoidable.
Major General Young called at the
war department today, fresh from the
front, where mis- health broke down I'M.
der the severe exertions imposed by the
campaign. He spent some time with
Secretary Alger, as did Major General
Wade, who has not yet been able to per-