Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-28

The President discussed this compile,
subject all day with various member.
or the Cabinet, as they called in tn,
course Of ordinary business. Secretar,
Day and Postmaster-General Smith spent
some time this afternoon at the Whit,
House, presumably exchanging views
with the President II is virtually ad.
mitted by leading members Of the ad-
ministration that upon only one poin,
in the peace negotiations is there likely
to be serious friction, and that relates to
the future OF the Philippines. AS to Cuba
and Porto Rico. our government feels
that there is a reasonable certainty OF
encountering little opposition to our de-
mands. The Spanish Government might
insist upon the proposition thrown out
by the Vatican yesterday-namely. that
the United States shall annex Cuba, the
ostensible purpose being to secure full
protection for the Spanish element left
in the island. but while this would be a
vexatious point, it would yield to adjust
ment.
THE PHILIPPINES.
AS to the Philippines, there Is q full
expectation of greater difficulties TO be
surmounted. There is reason that these
difficulties, like the Cuban settlement,
would be rather internal than interna-
tional in their character, at least at the
outset. The President is firmly of the
opinion that the United States have no
use for the islands, as permanent pos
session. The gravest problems Of gov
ernment would result were the attempt
heterogeneous and ill-favored character
of the large population of the islands,
while any effort to unite with other
Powers In joint administration might
be fairly expected to result as unsatis
factorily as the tripartite arrangement
between the United States, Great Brit
ain, and Germany for the govern
ment Of the Samoan group. However,
there are evidences that a large element
in the United States are of the opinion
that the islands should be acquired by
the United States, and 1t is hoped by
the President that before it comes TO the
formulation officially of the United
States demands, public sentiment in this
country, through newspaper discussion
and otherwise, will have so far crys-
tallized as TO enable the government TO
perceive the popular demand clearly.
GOVERNMENTS NOT FAR APART.
1t may be stated that it is confidently
expected that when the two governments
arrive at the point Of actually fixing
terms they will be found much closer to-t
gether than is generally supposed. 1t is
felt by officials that with the diplomatic
out OF the way, the actual
peace terms would require little time for
and to-day 1t was even sug-
gested that the anomalous condition
might be presented of Spain's conceding
as much as or more than the United
States feel justified in demanding
There is little reason to doubt that Spain
has made up her mind to give up Cuba
1t is almost equally certain that Spain
that she must also consent to
the abandonment of Porto Rico.
INDEMNITY NOT TO BE PRESSED.
With these two vital points passed,
there is likely to be little delay on the
question Of indemnity, as there is every
here not to press with undue
severity on Spain in this respect. About
the only reason which would bnpel this
government TO insist upon an indemnity |
would be a further stubborn resistance by
Spain. Speaking broadly, the statement |
was made to-day by an influential official |
that settlement in which Spain should |
two vital points-namely, Cuba |
and Porto Rico-and at the same time |
should gain two vital points-namely, /
freedom from a war indemnity and re-
tention Of her control of the Philippines |
would appear to be a just balance OF |
equities.
MORE PRAISE FOR WAINWRIGHT.
Nothing was heard from the Miles ex-
petition to-day at the War Department,
but Captain Higginson, the senior officer
Of the naval convoy, forwarded brief |
cablegram that gave keen delight to the |
Navy Department, because of the unstint- |
I'd praise it accorded to a popular and
lashing young officer, "Dick" VAIN
wright, the commander of the little Glou-
,ester. Wainwright. having been COM
nended by his superior officer Higginson,
or his action at Guanica, justly deserves
he distinction of being the only officer
# Rear-Admiral SIMPSONS fleet who has
,een twice commended in reports.
MILES'S CHANGE OF PLAN.
The War Department has resigned it.
elf to the summary change in its plans
made by General Miles when he landed at
fuanica, instead Of on the northeast
cast of Porto Rico, as previously agreed
pom. II is surmised that he was led to
make this change by reason Of the deten-
ion Of his lighters, and foresaw a weeks
clay in effecting a landing, unless he
rent in where he did. and ran his troops
nd artillery directly ashore. He hau
hus avoided exposing his troops to the
ardships suffered by Skaters men as
hey lay for so many days off Santiago.
1t is suggested that the General has
cored an important diplomatic advantage
a setting foot upon Porto Rican soil be-
ore the first overtures had been received
rom Spain looking toward peace.
FROM NEWPORT NEWS
The departure of General Brooke and
ieneral Haines from Hampton ROADS,
ihich is expected tomorrow, to reinforce