The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-08-11

ing some substantial pledge 10 secure the
consummation of peace. What they
particularly desire is that our Govern
ment shall demand peace as Il condition
of cessation of hoStilities the surren-
der to the United States military forces
of Morro Castle ut the entrance of IIa-
vana harbor and some such points Of
vantage at the other important ports in
the territory soon to fall under our con-
troll.
The peace negotia tIons are now believ-
ed to be advanced to Il point where the
President has felt warranted in turning
his attention to the selection of the
commissioners to be charged by the
United States with drafting Of n treaty
of peace SO far rs can be gathered. but
one name has been positively determined
upon, namely. that of Secretary Day.
who will head the commission. Beyond
that point there is no certainty. although
some prominent names have been
brought forward Mr.. Woodford. our
last Minister to Spain. has been so men
toned. though rs he is credited with en-
tertaining n desire to return to Madrid in
the capacity of United States Minister
after the war tho two ambitions might
conflict. a peace commissioner. not always
being welcome as Il minister resident.
particularly where he has been n marty
to forcing an obnoxious peace upon the
country to which he is to be accredited
One Of the names that finds universal
approval among persons versed in diplo-
macy is that of Mr.. Eustis. ex-ambasso-
dor to France. whose staunch American
ISM combined with diplomatic knowl-
edge and legal ability are urged as
fitting him especially for appointment
as peace commissioner. The fact that
Mr.. Eustis is Democrat would not
initiate against his chances. as it is pre-
Sllmed the President would rather prefer
to make the commission non-partisaD.
The naval officers have made up their
minds that peace is at hand. and are
planning for a reduction of the naval
establishment to a peace basis. The
firSt step to he taken will be the retire
ment Of the monitors from active ser
wee They are uncomfortable craft to
live in. and afford the men little oppor-
tunlty for general training.
Another matter which has received ot-
tenton is the promotions to be accorded
to officers who have distinguished them
selves during the hostiities. A sten
the submission to the President of REQ
concentrations by the Secretary of the
Navy for the advancement of all of the
officers of Sampson's feet who have
distinguished themselves. IT was an
nounced some time ago that board
would be appointed to decide on all pro-
motions to be recommended, but for
some reason this plan seems to have
I.n In, ,1I,N
chief officers were concerned.
General Merritt's forces in the Philin-
pines are to be increased bv the seven
thousand troops now at San Francisco.
which will be sent as soon as trans
ports can be obtained. Secretary Algcr
said to-day that 1000 troops would sail
at once The Department has not suffi-
cient transports at hand TO convey the
remaining 5000 at present. but the
Secretary says with those already arriv-
cd. and on the sea. together with the
1000 which are to leave San Francisco
at once. General Merritt will have a force
of $4,000, and there will be no hurry
for the cmharkation of the remaining
troops. The Department has had an
offer of two ships to transport the
troops. but considered the price asked
excessive. and il is probable the return
Of the transports that first went to
Manila will be awaited. The Secretary
to-day cahled General Merritt askino
him when it was expected the TRANSPORTS
would return to San Francisco. ana if
they are likely to reach that point with
III three weeks, their return will he
awaited as it will take at least thar
length Of time to get new TRANSPORTS in
readiness to carry troops.
The answer of Spain to the terms of
peace not being entirely satisfactory to
this Government. there was some an
prehension early in the day that neco-
tiations might be broken off or further
delayed. a conference between the
French Ambassador and Secretary Dov
ut the State Department during the
morning, however, seemed to relieve
the situation, as this was followed
promptly by a call Of the Secretary on
the President, with whom he remained
some time.
After his talk with the President tbe
Secretary said:
I'VE have agreed upon a protocol en-
bodying proposed terms for the negotia-
tions of treaty of peace including the