Evening star., 1898-11-03
This is the Question Now Interesting
Paris Public.
DIFFERING OPINIONS EXPRESSED
Talkof Counter Propositions as to
indemnity Question.
HOAR'S SPEECH APPLAUDED

PARIS, November 3.-The generally ac-
cepted view here of the peace negotiations
is that the Spaniards win not agree to the
propositions submitted by the Americans to
take the Philippine Islands and to reimburse
Spain for the money spent upon permanent
improvements in those islands. But there
Is conflict of opinion as to whether the
Spanish commissioners tomorrow will pre-
sent counter-proposition. This matter, it
is added, was undecided at o'clock this
afternoon. -.
The Echo de Paris today. expresses strong
approval of the speech delivered at Wor-
cester, Mass. November l by Senator Hoar.
in which he denounced the so-called pol
icy of American extension. The paper men,
toned quotes the speech fully and remarks
that all American political men .'apparent-
ly do not agree with the policy of conquest. -
Critical Point Reached.
The Figaro says: The peace negotiations
have reached a very critical point. Up to
yesterday the Spanish delegates had re-
ceived no definite instructions from Madrid
Will the Spanish government accept the
American proposition? We doubt it,
The Petit Bleu remarks: "One must ad-
nit in looking beneath the surface that
the late war has completely changed the
American character. Outside of being anX-
ious merely for commercial supremacy and
playing small political part, save regard
ing the South American republics. the
United States felt no desire to interfere in
European politics. But everything has
changed very suddenly. After the success
against Spain the American government
felt itself capable of taking part in Euro
pean politics add advances of Great Bri-
tain showed the American ministers they
could speak up. This popular feeling has
induced the American government to de-
mand the whole Of the archipelago, when
at the outset a part of the Philippines was
al. that was demanded.
Exceeds War Inde 1nnity.
This new demand exceeds var in
demnity. and this is the weak point which
American diplomacy has encountered, The
Spanish government is at the end of its
resources. and. hopeless as It Is FOR her to
attempt to master the insurrection in the
Philippine. Islands, even If they were
handed over to her tomorrow.rit is evident
that If. instead Of using the word aban-
donment, .cession' against a cash indem-
nifty IS spoken of, the .Spe nish ana Amer
lean delegates may come to terms.
The American dclegatesthave ma5e gov
eral offers. and have at the prcsertt time
proposed the sum of $fh00oaW The Span
iards wart more, and have demanded
slaa. 900 900. -,
The Spanish delegates, for whose sad
condition one must feel pity, had for mo-
ment the Illusion that Europe would inter-
vene and defend the interests of Spain.
They must have lost this Illusion by now.
American diplomacy has played its part
with great cleverress, and has from the
outset gained an extra ordinary position AT
the present rtment the United States is
taking advantage of the hatred against
England which is growing upon the con-
tnent, and offers its neutrality if Europe
Will leave the United States a free hand
with Spain.
Europe VIII Not Interfere.
Besides, Europe really has no interest
to interfere. The various European gov
errments foresee what will inevitably come
If the United States restores the Philip
pine Islands TO Spain. AS soon as Spain
rad proved her inability to quash the re-
volt. Germany would offer her Interested
assistance and Immediately the coVetous-
ness of French, English and Russian diplo-
macy would provoke international inter-
vention. which would raise a quarrel of
exceptional gravity.
AT the present moment 1t is because
something of the sort might happen that
the attitude of Europe in general toward
the Spaniards and Americans is as follows:
come to sCme agreement about the price
of the Philippines, make concessions on
either side; but. whatever you do, be quick
ABOUT It. There are plenty of troubles
hoatlng round Just now upon the politica.
horiZoE without a prolongation OF these
dangerous negotiations of yours"