The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-12
DEVELOPMENTS or THE DAY.
SpatR's Assent to the Peace Terms
Was Expected by administration.

DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DAY.
spaiR's Assent to the Peace Terms
Was Expected by Administration.
Associated Press Dispatch.
! WASHINGTON, Aug. 1.-THE interest in
| government circles centered to-day in the
press dispatches from Madrid, as the first
news of the decision of the Spanish gov
ernment would be made public there, and
there was no likelihood of anything being
known officially In Washington during the
day as to Spains decision respecting sigma
lures to the peace protocol. After the close
of office hours Secretary Day drove over
to the White House and had a half hours
conference with the President He stated
that no further word had been received
from Ambassador Cambon, but admitted
that he expected a call from that gentle
man tomorrow. Certain members of the
Cabinet expressed the opinion that the
President would have some news for that
body when it meets tomorrow, which was
construed into an intimaton that the am.
bassador's call probably would be made In
the morning.
Officials show no loss of confidence in their
original opinion that the Spanish govern
ment will authorize NJ. Camhon to sign the
protocol just as it was transmitted from
Washington to Madrid last evening The
naval war board, led by acting Secretary
Allen. called on Judge Day about noon lit
is believed its purpose was to impress on
the secretary the Importance OF making the
surrender of important strategic points at
the entrance of harbors. such as MORO
Castle at Havana harbor, condition fol,
the cessation of hostilities. 1t is question:
able, however, whether it is not too late to
amend the protocol in its substance, as pro-
posed by the war board.
A rumor was afloat this afternoon to the
effect that Secretary Alger, in anticipation
of the beginning of the formal peace nego-
tiations. had cabled General Miles and Gen.
Merritt in Porto Rico and in the Philip
pines, respectively, orders that looked to
cessation of hostilities. When his attention
was directed to this rumor, Secretary Alger
pronounced it to be without foundation. and
as absurd and his words were practically
repeated. with emphasis, by Adjutant Gen.
Corbin, through whose hands any such
messages must pass. The publication OF
such stories, moreover, was deprecated az
tending to encourage the Spanish govern
ment to further delay and passive resist
ance. AS a matter of fact General Miles
seems to be pressing forward with the
greatest energy and a cablegram received
from him late in the afternoon reported the
forward movement of General Schwan In
charge of one of the divisions of The Ameri-
can army, and the ensuing skirmish.
Ernst's brigade is also advancing rapidly
along the road to Aibonito and made what
Miles described as very important cap
ture at Coamo yesterday. Merritt undoubt-
edly is pursuing his campaign in Luzon. 1t
is stated positively that he is under no re-
straining order from the War Department,
but that it is left entirely TO his own discre-
ton when and how to attack Manila Inas-
much as it has been reported from Cavite
that he was simply awaiting the arrival
there of the double-turreted monitor
Monadnock, it is presumed this attack will
soon follow. If 1t has not been made al
ready, for, according to the calculation Of
the Navy Department, the Monadnock is
about due now at Cayite. While not quite
clear as to General Merritt's purpose in de-
ferring his attack until the vessel arrives.
it is the opinion of the military officials
that his plan is to plant the two monitors,
Monterey and Monadnock. directly within
range of the Manila batteries and If a de-
mand for surrender is refused to batter
down these defenses. Only fully armored
vessels can be safely employed in such
work, hence the delay on account OF the
nonarrval of the Monadnock.
Secretary Alger to-day cabled to General
Miles to apply Immediately TO the Porto
Rican ports captured by him the tariff
drawn up by the government for Santiago
and other Cuban ports. This Is in line with
the policy of the War Department OF ex-
tending the American system of tariffs as
rapidly as possible over captured territory.
The settlement of the details of the evac-
uaton of Cuba and Porto Rico is already
receiving the earnest attention of the Of
ficials. Some provision is to be made for
the treatment of the Spanish prisoners and
for the disposition of the small arms ana
the artillery and stores. There Is also
some naval property of value remaining In
Cuban and Porto Rican ports. and ii Is q
question whether not this should be de-
manded by us or be allowed 10 remain iii
Spanish possession. The conclusion has
been reached by Secretary Alger 10 refer
these matters TO a military commission. ana
Adjutant General Corbin Is now looking uo
precedents for the guidance of such a com.
mission. Possibly this commission woula 4
meet the question raised by the naval war
board as to the propriety OF holding Nora
Castle as a pledge until the formal signature
of a treaty of peace.
The attitude of the Cubans undar Genera
Gomez in the northern part OF SANTIAGO
province. just outside of the Inns markins
the territory conceded TO the United states