Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-07-27
SPANS PEACE PROPOSAL.
Cabinet Conferences-Negotiations tt
he Opened-War to Proceed.

| BE Opened-Wnr to Proceed.
| WASHINGTON, ID. c., July 26.-Durins
the late afternoon and evening, the Presi-
dent conferred with most Of the members
| of his Cabinet, and the Spanish PROPOSE
ton was thoroughly canvassed. Secreta-
| ries Day, Alger, and Long were at the
White House during the afternoon, and
| in the evening the President was Joined
by Secretaries Bliss and Wilson and Post.
| master General Smith. There was no
| Cabinet meeting in the ordinary sense,
| but these talks with individual members
served about the same purpose as for
NAL meeting. In case peace negotiations
are opened, the means by which they Will
be carried on are not determined, nor
have they been officially considered. II
Is understood, however, that one means
likely to be proposed is to authorize di-
rect negotiations between Spain and this
country, Spain being represented by Senior
Leon Castillo, the Spanish Ambassador
at Paris, and the United States by Gene
raj Horace Porter, our Ambassador 10
France. This plan is quite tentative, how
ever, and 1t is rather doubtful whether
the United States Government would con-
sent to have such important negotiations
removed SO far from Washington and
conducted in a European capital, where
the atmosphere might not be conducive
to forwarding the desires of this country.
SPANS OFFER ALL THE TALK.
SPANS peace proposal excited the deep
est interest throughout Washington, and
for the time being war news gave way
to animated discussion on the prospects
of peace. This was particularly true in
diplomatic circles. The move Of the French
Ambassador took the members Of the
diplomatic corps completely by surprise.
The conference of Secretaries Alger and
Bliss and Postmaster-Genera Smith with
the President lasted until nearly mid
night. At its conclusion Secretary Alger
said that no special Cabinet meeting had
been called for tomorrow. Probably a
regular session of the Cabinet will not
be necessary for the President to deter
mine upon his answer to the French Am
members OF the Cabinet, it seems prac-
tically determined to accept the offer to
open negotiations. Nothing could be
learned upon what terms the peace propo-
stions will be based, until there had been
further conference of those having the
matter in charge.
THE WAR WILL PROCEED.
In the mean time, the war will go on
with vigor.
SPAIN CAN'T PAY INDEMNITY.
LONDON, July H.-The London morn
ing papers agree that it will be impossi-
bic for Spain to pay an indemnity. and
that it is improbable that the United
States will demand money compensation.
They all concede that the Spanish flag
has gone forever from Cuba and Porto
Rico.
The conquest Of the Philippine Islands
is admitted TO present grave possibilities.
The general opinion is that the United
States will retain coaling station, and
have a reversion in the island.
AMERICAN MAGNANIMITY.
The Daily News says: at would be an
act of extreme generosity to leave Spain
in possession of the Philippines, but gen.
erosity is often not the best policy. If
the United States should be content with
such a reward for its labors as would
leave the Philippines to Spain. it would
set the world an example of conspicuous
HOPES WE WILL BE MODERATE.
The Daily Mail says: 1--WE hope Presi- |
dent Mckinley will be moderate. Cuba, |
Porto Rico, and the Philippines should be |
ample compensation, without an indem- |
lity."
ADVICE TO SPAIN.
LONDON, July 27-The Times, In an |
this morning, applaudlng Spain |
or accepting the inevitable, advises her |
o face the facts Of the political situation |
with the same frank courage which Sc
.ured the respect OF the Americans on the |
Discussing the probable terms Of peace,
he Times says:
WE SHOULD HOLD PHILIPPINES.
1.-THE United States will probably take
Porto Rico, in lieu of a money indemnity,
md it would be best for the world at
arge IL America boldly undertook the
'urden of giving Cuba and the Philippines
strong, honest government, through
American officials
IF Spain is permitted to reassume
overeignty over the Philippines she will
lave TO engage in war OF conquest,
which might be attended with serious
consequences to American and other in
irrational interests in the Pacific"