The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-08-01

definition of the concessions that will
be made by the Spanish government
on every point that by any possibility
could be expected to arise in the course
of the negotiations.
1t was not known to our government
that M. Cambon had such powers when
he appeared at the White House to re-
ceive the American answer, and as
only the president was satisfied that he
was competent TO deal in any author
lied manner with our government, the
production of his credentials was hailed
with satisfaction, as tending TO hasten
the reaching of an agreement without
loss of time and in the most direct
manner. for technically the United
States is now treating with Spain
without the Intervention of any third
power. 1t may be said, also, that NJ.
Cambon is proceeding with straight
forwardness towards his object and
that there is no fear of devious diplo-
macy being introduced into the nego-
tiations.
THE ONE AMENDMENT.
There is much speculation as to the
nature of the amendment in the an
swer of the United States that the am
basador succeeded in inducing Presi-
dent Mckinley to make, after the docu-
meEt had been so carefully constructed
by his cabinet. All that can be know
ingly stated is that it relates to that
part of the answer which deals with
the future of the Philippines. 1t is
known that the Spanish efforts were
concentrated upon the retention of the
islands, and the Madrid cabinet was
willing to make almost any sacrifice in
its power to secure that end. Whether
or not the ambassador prevailed in this
is not known, but there is reason to be-
lieVe that the success to be obtained
was limited and that the United States
proposes to retain some foothold a little
more important than simple coallng
station in the islands. Had our de-
mand been limited to coaling station
there would have been no doubt of its
acceptance, and it is even probable that
the concession might have been made
of a considerable tract of land for
naval station and supporting zone. But
it is believed that there was a SIREN
uous objection to the cession of the city
of Manila, the metropolis of the group,
and particularly to the reference to
commission of the question of the fu-
ture government of the islands, for the
Spanish government is DESTROYS that
It's sovereignty shall remain unaffected
and without question. 1t is assumed
that it was this point which was the
subject of amendment at the hands of
the president yesterday, though what
form that change took is still unknown.
AS some mention has been made in
the public discussions of the possibility
of the acquisition of one of the Caroline
islands, it may be stated authoritative
ly that the matter has not been con-
sidered by the cabinet up to this time.
The progress made in the negotia-
tions has given rise in some quarters
to an expectation that hostilities are
to be suspended very soon- This will
depend entirely upon the attitude of
the Spanish government and the future
of its answer to our demands. 1t has
been made clear to the French am
bassador that hostilities will not be
suspended except upon the assurance
of a full acceptance of our conditions
and he has undoubtedly informed the
Spanish cabinet it depends on Spain
when the war shall cease.