The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-08-11
other important ports in the territor!
soon to fall under our control.
DAY CHIEF COMMISSIONER.

The peace negotiations are now be-
lieved to be advanced to 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 the drafting Of a
treaty of peace. So far as can be gath
cred but one name has been positively
determined upon, namely, that of
Secretary Day, who will head the COM
mission. Beyond that point there is
no certainty, although some prominent
names have been brought forward. Mr..
Woodford, our late minister to Spain,
has been so mentioned, though as he is
credited with entertaining a desire to
return to Madrid in the capacity of
United States minister after the war
the two ambitions might conflict, a
peace commissioner not always being
welcome as a minister resident, partic-
ularly where he has been party to fore
ing an obnoxious peace upon the coun-
try which he is to be accredited to.
One of the names that finds universal
approval among persons versed In
diplomacy, is that of Mr.. Eustis, am
bassador to France, whose staunch
Americanism combined with diplo-
matte knowledge and legal ability, is
urged as fitting him especially for ap-
pointment as peace commissioner. The
fact that Mr.. Eustis is a Democrat
would not initiate against his chances,
as it is presumed the president would
rather prefer to make the commission
non-partiSan.
BELIEVE PEACE AT HAND.
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 be taken will be the retire
ment of the monitors from active serv-
ice. They are uncomfortable craft to
live in, and afford the men little oppor-
tunity for general training. Another
matter which has received attention is
the promotions to be accorded the Off
GERS who have distinguished themselves
during the hostilities. A step was made
in this direction today by the submis-
sion to the president Of recommended
tions by the secretary of the navy for
the advancement of all of the officers of
SIMPSONS fleet who distinguished
themselves. 1t was announced some
time ago that board would be ap-
pointed to decide on all promotions to
be recommended, but for some reason
this plan seems to have been aban-
doned, so far as some of the chief Of
fcerS were concerned.
Gen. Merritt's force in the Philippines
is to be increased by the 1000 troops
now at San Francisco, which will go
soon as transports can be obtained.
Secretary Alger said today that 1000
troops would sail at once. The depart
ment has not sufficient transports at
hand to convey the remaining 5000 at
present, but the secretary says that
with those already arrived and on the
sea, together with the 1000 which are
to leave San Francisco at once, Gen.
Merritt will have a force of 10000, and
there will be no hurry for the embar-
kation of the remaining troops. The de-
partment has had an offer of two ships
to transport the troops, but considered
the price asked is excessive, and it is
that first went to Manila will be await
ed. The secretary today cabled Gen.
Merritt asking him when 1t was ex-
pected the transports would return to
San Francisco, and if they are likely
to reach that point within three weeks
take at least that length of time to
get new transports in readiness to car
ry troops