The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-07-29
mand likely to be made by the United
States as the condition of peace
DIPLOMATIC FENCING.

DIPLOMATIC FENCING.
1t is felt that the statement of terms
of peace, both from Spain and from
the United States, may be some days
of, as there will, doubtless, be con-
siderable diplomatic fencing at the
outset before the actual point Of stat
ing terms is reached. A good deal of
this for instance, may result from the
attempt to define the methods of ap-
proach to the object sought, whether
through a commission or through the
direct exchange of notes, as initiated
yesterday. There will be much discus
sion in all likelihood also regarding an
armistice, for it is the distinct purpose
Of the Spanish authorities to secure a
suspension Of hostilities pending the
negotiations for peace. 1t may be that
the application will be granted, but.
if so, it will be only under the most
effective safe guards to prevent loss
Of n advantage to the United States
and upon binding pledges hat certain
we'll defined objects are to be conceded
to us.
The president discussed this complex
subject all day with various members
of the cabinet as they called in the
course Of ordinary business. Secretary
Day and Postmaster General Smith
spent some time this afternoon at the
White house, presumably exchanging
views with the president. 1t is virtual
ly admitted by leading emb of the
administration thai upon only one
point in the peace negotiations is there
likely to be serious friction, and that
relates to the future of the Philippines.
AS to Cuba and Porto Rico, our gov
feels that there is a reason
able certainty of encOuntering little
opposition to our demands. The Span
ish government might insist upon the
proposition thrown out by the vatican
yesterday, namely, that the United
States shall annex Cuba, the OStenSible
purpose being to secure full protection
for the Spanish element left in the is
land; but while this would be a vex-
atious point it would yield to adjust
ment.
DIFFICULTIES AS TO THE PHIL
IPPINES.
AS to the Philippines, there is a full
expectation of great difficulties to be
~surmounted. There is reason to be-
lieve that these difficulties, like the Gu
ban settlement, will be rather internal
than international in their character,
at least from the outset. The president
is firmly of the opinion that the Unit
ed States has no use for the islands
as a permanent possession. The gray
est problems of government would re-
suit were the attempt to be made to
annex them, owing to the h~eterogene-
Gus and ill-favOred character of the
large population of the islands, while
any effort to unite with other power
in a joint administration might be
fairl expected to result as unSatiSfac-
tOrily as the %triparite arrangement be-
tween the United States, Great Britain
and Germany for the government of
the Samoan grOup. However, there
are evidences that a large element in
the United States are Of the opinion
that the islands should be acquired by
the United States, Inc it is hoped by
the president that before it comes to
the formulation officially of the Unit
ed States demands public sentiment in
this country, through dis
cussiOn n otherwise, will have SO
far ~crystalized as to enable the gov
me to perceive the popular de-
mand clearly.
NO DIFFICULTY IN SETTLEMENT
OF TERMS EXPECTED.
It may be stated that it is confident.
ly expected that when the two gov
ernments arrive at the point of actual
ly fixing the terms, they will be found
much closer together than is generally
, supposed. It is felt by officials that
with the diplomatic formalities out Of
A~ ""Ss SA& ISkN"A pN"SN NoOAS
require little time for arrangement
n today it was w suggested thai
the anomalous condition might be pre-.
sented of Spain conceding as much
or more than the United States fell
justified in demanding. There is lit.
tie reason to doubt that Spain has
made up her mind to give up Cuba. L
is almost equally certain hat Spair
recognizes that she must consent also
to the abandonment Of Porto Rico
With these two vital points passed
there is likely to be little delay on thu
qestiOn of indemnity, as there is every
disposition here not to press with I'M
due severity on Spain in this respect
About the only reason which would
: an indemnity would be a further stub
born resistance by Spain. Speaking
broadly, the statement vas made to
day by an influential official hat a set
Element in which Spain conceded tive
vital points; namely, Cuba n Portt
Rico, and at h same time gained tive
vital points; namely, freedom from
war indemnity and a retention of he,
control of the Philippines, would appea.
to be a just balance Of equities.
NO NEWS FROM MILES.
Nothing was heard from the Miles
expedition today at the war depart
ment, out Captain HlgglnSOn, the sen
ior officer of the laval convoy, for
warded a brief cablegram that CAV,
keen delight to the navy department
because"Of the unstinted praise it &C
corded to the popular and dashin,
young officer, Dick Wainwright, tn,
commander Of the little Gloucester
Wainwright, having been Commended
by his superior. Higginson, for his &C
lions at Guanica, enjoys the solitar.
distinction of being the only officer at
tached to SIMPSONS fleet who has beel
twice officially commended since tn
war began.
MILES CHANGE OF BASE.
The wal department has reconcile,
itself to the summary change in it
plans made by General Miles when h
landed at Guanica instead of on tn
northeast coast of Porto Rico, as pre-
viously agreed upon. 1t is surmise,
that he was led to make this chang
by reason of the detention of his light
ers and foreSaW a weeks delay in eff
fecting a landing unless he went il