Evening star., 1898-07-07
MAY SURRE DER
One of the Possibilities of the Situa-
ton at Santiago.
WHITE HOUSE CONFERENCE
Participated in Both by Officers of
the Army and Navy.
GENERAL MILES PL A N 3

uar conference of an hours length was
held at the White House this afternoon
President Mckinley was surrounded Dy
sacratarv AIger and General Miles of the
War Deuar.uent and Secretary Long, Ad-
rniraI Sieard Captain Mahan and COM
Inander Crowninshield of the Navy. The
1as+ three constitute the war board of the
navy.
On the highest authority it can be stated
that the conference was wholly for the
r,urpose of going over the situation at San
tiago 1t can also be stated that no de-
Termination to rush an attack on Santiago
was reached
The administration is satisfied with the
outlook at Santiago and has no desire TO
precipitate affairs there at a costly sacri-
flee of lives or ships of the navy.
Probability of n Surrender.
Several of the men who took part in the
conference believe that General Linares
will surrender without another shot when
ne finds that thousands of reinforcements
are arriving for General Shafter and that
to make a stand will mean the slaughter
of his men. 1t is not admitted that official
intimatiOns have been received to this ef-
feet, but the belief is 50 strong in official
circles that theS,e must be basis for it.
One Of the members Of the conference
said that the President believes that con-
ference was held this morning between
Gen. Shafter and Admiral Sampson. Act
ing on the superstition that the Santiago
conference might result in a determination
to make a combined attack on Santiago it
is hinted that the White House war con-
ference might have assembled for the pur-
pose of discussing the adgisabiity OF shut
ting off active operations for a few days
Taking what was admitted a basis. it
would not occasion surprise if the COM
manding officers at Santiago were notified
to hold off for a few,lays-
The Exchanged Prisoners.
The men who were exchanged for Hob
son and his fellow soldiers today viii be
likely to do much, it is said, to induce
Linares u give up. 1t is claimed that
Spanish soldiers are deserving to General
Shafter every day. This. along with many
other facts. may combine to put Santiago
into American hands without more blood
shed. The President naturally hopes that
this may be the outcome. He believes in
fighting and fighting hard when there is no
other way, but right now he hopes for
success without this.
The President and Secretary Long are
also opposed to jeopardizing some of the
fine ships of the navy when they may be
neeSed badly in the future. If Linares
remains stubborn and it is seen that he
will not surrender then the chances of
war, IN the loss of men and ships. will be
taken. and the Spaniards viii pay the pen
atty.
Denied by Secretary Long.
Secretary Long authorizes a denial of
the stories that there is friction between
the army and navy over the situation at
Santiago He states that they are working
IN perfect harmony ara with a full under
standing. Each rejoices in the successes
of the Othe-,," said the Secretary.
II is said that there was no mention IN
the Co ference Of Gen. Miles going to San
tiago Cr anywhere else. That matter was
lot touched upon in the conference.
Views of War OiiiciaIs.
In regard to the possibility of a surren-
der at Santiago. the officials of the War
Department thought they SAW encouraging
signs in Gen. Skaters report yesterday
that Spanish army officers were deserting
to the American side. 1t is believed that
this Is the Immediate result Of the send
ing back TO the Spanish lines in safety Of
wounded Spanish officers and men who had
fallen on the battlefield, thus dispellfng the
impression that the hign Spanish officials
have sought to create among their igno-
rant troops that the Americans were bar
barians and did not recognize the rules Of
warfare. 1t is earnestly hoped that the
conclusions drawn from Skaters dispatch
are sound. for private advices received here
speak Of the appearance Of contagious dis
ease within the Spanish lines.