The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-13
Considering Means for AIlaying Ex-
pie as to the Terms of Peace.
SEMI-OFFICIAL STATEMENT
ARMY TO RETURN HOME WITH ITS
GUNS AND AMMUNITION.
COrtes Not to Be Summoned Till Au-
tumn-NOthing Settled as to Per-
sonnet of the Commissions.

MADRID, Aug. 1.-THE protocol having
been signed the government is now con-
sidering the domestic situation for the best
means Of allaying the excitement, and prop
agating the idea that SPANS surrender is
not so complete as indicated by the bald
terms of the protocol. AS the first step in
this direction a semi-official note has been
issued. 1t is as follows:
THE government is Of opinion that the
most critical period of the peace negotia-
lions has now arrived, as it depends on the
arrangements of details as to whether the
peace will be more or less advantageous.
Spain wishes to preserve her sovereignty
over the whole of the Philippines, to which
she proposes to accord all political and adj
ministrative reforms consistent with the
maintenance of her sovereignty. In regard
to the evacuation of Cuba and Porto Rico,
1t will be asked that the army be allowed
to depart hororably and that assurances be
given guaranteeing that Spanish and for
eign interests will not suffer. The army
which has not been conquered, will return
to Spain with its guns, arms and munitions.
I'm regard to the Cuban debt, as the
United States refuses to assume it, Spain
will endeavor to arrange with the Cuban
treasury to pay it when the island is able,
lead to considerable discussion, and the
matter will be submitted to commission
of diplomats under the presidency of Senior
Castillo
The Liberal thinks the only bright feature
Of the peace treaty is the immediate suspen-
sion of hostilities so that our unhappy SOL
diers will no longer have to die without
knowing wherefor.' Continuing, the
Liberal congratulates the country the
fact that the war is ended. though Spanish
rule in America is completely terminated,
I'VE reserve the right to criticise the pro-
tocol when freedom is restored to the
press" In conclusion, the Liberal says:
Those who pretend that the events of the
last three years were simply accidents,
which do not affect Spanish history, are de-
ceiving themselves"
The protocol will be published simultane-
ousiy here and in Washington. The papers
discuss the situation quietly, and great re-
lief is felt in government and court circles
that President Mckinley has not demanded
a convocation of the Cortes to approve the
peace preliminaries. The Cortes will now
not be summoned until autumn, by which
time it is expected that the agitation of the
extremists will have cooled down and the
country have become more inclined to ac-
ceot accomplished facts.
The commission to meet in the West In
dies will be composed, it is understood of
military officers, and 1t is believed here that
this commission will pave the way for COM
mercial treaties and for a recognition by
the United States or Cuba of portion of
the Cuban debt. The suggestion that Senior
Moret, former minister for the colonies,
may preside over the Paris commission is
not very popular Various names are men,
toned in connection with the commissions
personnel. but nothing has yet been settled
as to this
Senior Sagasta has again assured the
Queen Regent that he does not fear Carlist
trouble, and the Carsts themselves appear
to recognize that the country is not in the
temper that would support a Carlst rising.
They are now specializing on the return of
the disconnected repatrfated army, hoping
for mischief there.
The government has decided to withdraw
its prohibition of wheat export from and
after next Monday.
The Official Gazette publishes an order
declaring the expectation of wheat and flour
free from Aug. Is. Wheat imported prior to
that date is taxable at pesetas per 100 kilos
and -four at 10 pesetas per 100 kilos.