The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-30

| thority from Spain to the United States in
our nearby waters is to be effective also as
a quit claim of all indebtedness assumed by
the Spanish government and charged by her
| to those Islands, so far as the United States
is concerned, and all commercial treaties
now existing between the Spanish govern
ment and her possessions there and outside
powers are extinguished.
Some discussion was had as to the proba-
bility of Spanish acceptance of our terms.
The views differed. though it can be stated
that several of the more influential men,
bers of the Cabinet believed that the terms
substantially agreed would not be
| cepted by Spain at once. While believing
that the proposition made should in all rea-
son constitute the minimum to be consd-
cred. some expressed the belief that Spain
would not be Immediately disposed to reach
| an agreement on them, and that possibly a
considerable lapse of time would ensue be-
! fore that government would be ready to
yield, meantime seeking a compromise,
which, it was asserted, was not to be en-
| tertained for a moment Others took the
! ground that there was every indication that
she had decided TO make terms, and that
what was now proposed would soon be
ceded to to avoid further disaster.
One factor in the protracted discussion of
the Philippine problem was the absence of
advices as to the existing situation there
on this date, point that might be of con-
siderable Importance in the adjustment of
the question. The unconfrned dispatch
porting Manila had surrendered was read
and commented indicating that def
mite action without knowledge of the exact
situation at Manila might cause statement
regarding conditions that did not exist. The
formal papers crystallizing the results of
the two sessions to-day, will be ready for
action tomorrow. A formal vote will then
be had and the answer of this government
is likely to be communicated to Spain before
nightfall.
CAMBON WILL CALL FOR REPLY.
The President has not, so far as can be
learned, changed in any degree his DISPOSE
ton to take the American people into his
confidence in dealing. with this most diff
cult and delicate subject and about the only
restraint that is imposed on publicity at
this stage is that caused by the observ-
| ance of the amenities of diplomatic ex-
| change Thus it will be necessary to COM
municate to the French ambassador the
decision of the administration before the
/ same can be made known to the American
public. This is the rigid requirement of dip
| Iomatic courtesy and to fail in this ap-
parently trivial point would be to invite re-
| monstrance that might end in the serious
| interruption of the negotiations. 1t is said
the government s response will be handed
| to NJ. Cambon, whence it may fairly be in
| ferred that the ambassador is to call in
person for it at the White House as soon
I as he is notified that the answer is ready.
/ The matter of handing this communication
to the ambassador may involve quite i'm
| portant results In the event of its being
| sent to him or handed TO him, this act will
be in the nature of a fnality and there will
be nothing remaining for the ambassador to
do but to forward the communication TO
Madrid. IT. on the other hand, he is invited
to the White House to receive the conf
munication, it opens up the possibility of a
j conference between the President and the
| ambassador, which may carry forward the
! subject considerably beyond the point spec
| ified in the answer of the United States gov
ernment Ii is probable, however the action
of the government will be restricted simply
| to handing the answer TO the ambassador,
after which, without further discussion,
| elaboration or explanation, it will be for
Spain TO make the next move.
Up TO to-day the Spanish government has
| given no intimation whatever as 10 its atti-
! tude or purposes, beyond the orignl, propo-
| stion submitted last Tuesday, though many
/ public men say the administration fully
! expects peace to result from its answer
Public men who talked with the Presi-
/ dent and members of the Cabinet to-day
positively assert the administration has
confidence in the sincerity and motive of
the Spanish note; that the administration
| takes the view this note is the beginning
| Of the end, and that the administration Is
practically certain the answer of this gov
ernment and the general terms 1t will pro-
pose will be accepted by Spain.
The Universal Peace Union has sent to
Ambassador Cambon a letter of cordial
| congratulation on his course in presenting
to the American government overtures for
a cessation of hostilities. The letter ex-
presses a sincere hope OF an early restora-
| ton Of peace and that. through the spirit