The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-11-03
THE PEACE COMMISSION.

Peace Commission at Paris during the
past week have been almost as sensa
tional as those of the war. Last week
the Americans made what was practi
cally an ultimatum, in absolutely refus
ing to consider the assumption of any
portion of the so-called Cuban wal
debt, aggregating somewhere between
$500, 100000 and s5OO,0OO,O0O, or to
agree to put any pressure upon any
Government that may be formed in
Cuba to have it assumed. The Ameri-
cans also absolutely refused to assume
severe gnty over Cuba, but would
guarantee protection to all property and
life in the island. The Spaniards made
very stiff bluff against this ultimatum,
but finally accepted it, and passed on to
the consideration of the Philippines.
Here another shock has greeted them.
The American Commissioners have
thoroughly considered the question, and
arrived at the sound conclusion that
there can be no division of sovereignty
in the Philippines. Geographically and
politically the islands belong together,
and any attempt to divide them would
result in trouble. For us to take the
island of Luzon, and leave the remain
der to Spain, or to be parceled out
among European powers, would inevi-
tally lead to undesirable complications
and friction. 1t could not help being
very injurious to the interests of the
people Of the islands, and would retard
their development in civilization.
Therefore, at the joint session last
Monday the Americans presented a
written communication, expressing the
purpose of the United States to take
the entire group and to reimburse Spain
for her expenditures for the benefit of
the islands or their inhabitants, in pub
lie works, improvements and better
ments The United States would not
assume any portion of the Philippine
debt which had been incurred by Spain
for the fnrtherance of military opera
tons to quell instructions among the
natives. The Commission adjourned to
Friday to give the Spanlards time to
prepare an answer.
Strange to say, this does not meet with
the furious resistance in Spain that might
be expected. 1t is true that it wounds
the National pride somewhat deeply,
but there is another side to the ques-
ton, which practical Spaniards see very
clearly.
Unlike Cuba and Porto Rico, the
Philippines have never been source of
National revenue to Spain, or of gain
to the Court circles They have been
the special harvest-feld of the religious
Orders, which have worked them to their
utmost, and demanded that the Spanish
army and navy be used for the advance
ment Of their schemes. They have let
in few favored individuals. like Gen.
Weyler's brother, to share in their spoils,
but generally reserved all their pluns
for themselves. When the Spanish
Government would not go as far as they
wanted they would intrigue with Don
Carlos to assume the throne, and they
furnished large portion of the funds for
the later sanguinary Carlist wars, which
proved so disastrous to Spain. The secu-
lar priesthood generally is opposed to
the Orders, and they have even lost
favor with the Pope, who is opposed to
their stirring up civil war in Spain.
Therefore, not few very influential
Spaniards would be very glad to get rid
of thar drain upon the resources Of the
country and their disturbing influence.
Further, it is urged, that in the pres
ent condition of the Spanish navy, and
its loss Of prestige in the Far East, it
would be great burden to retain the
islands and attempt to govern them.
1t is to be hoped that these sensible
considerations will prevail, without much
further ado. They will have to prevail
in the end, for the American Commits
sioners are immovable, and there is no
escape for Spain. Even she at last sees
that there is absolutely no hope of for
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