Evening star., 1898-11-17
What is Expected Here From the
PeacsGOmmission.
SUCCESSFUL ISSUE LOOKED FOR
Spanish Representations Have Not
influenced the Americans.
THEY WERE A FLAT FAILURE

Up to this afternoon nothing of impor-
tance had apparently reached the White
House from Paris. No cabinet officer Wis
iteds,the Presidents during the first part of
the day. Secretary Hay did not go over
from the State Department. It is evident
that the next move is expected from the
Spaniards. They have been told that the
United States VIII not further discuss our
right to take the Philippines, which Is set
tied. That position was made as clear as
day to them on Wednesday. 1t is for them
to determine whether they will accept this
position and go forward on other matters.
Their acceptance or rejection ought to be
the next news from Paris to come to the
President
The President had good many visitors
today. Representatives Stone and BrImm
Of Pennsylvana, both of whom were de-
feated in the recent elections, talked with
the President about offices in their districts.
Representatives Lybrand ana Sohthard
We're TWO ONO men to confer with the Pres
ldent at dlnereHt times during the day.
Representative Lybrand is said to be here
regarding several post offices in his dis
trict. --..
Commander Hendricks of .he District 6.
A H. ana delegation of veterans talked
with the President about a matter IN which
they are interested.
Favorable Outlook.
The administra ton feels encouraged now
over the outlook for a successful termina-
tion of the labors of the peace commission
ers in Paris. Whether this renewed conf
dence is based upon an abstract of the
Spanish reply which was submitted at yes
terdays meeting or whether it is founded
upon private advices Indicating a weaken.
ing OF the Spanish position is not known,
. 10 fIat hot Of tIre hA,,
had an influence in Frightening the pros
poets. The Spanish reply was not sur
prise to the American commissioners who
had, In TACT, prepared themselves In ad-
vance, with instructions received directly
from the President and Secretary Hay, for
a complete answer. Still it was probably
regarded as better policy, and more in ac-
cord with the amenities of official exchange,
that the Americans should at least do the
Spanish commissioners the courtesy of Civ
ing deliberate consideration to their care
fuily prepared written argument. But
with all due intent to give proper
weight to the Spanish representa-
tions, it must be said that UP to
this point they have had very little effect
in influencing the American commissioners;
not because of any obstinate disregard of
facts on their part, but for the simple rea-
son that almost every one of the points
made by the spanish commissioners had
been anticipated IN the preparation of the
American case5 no small tribute to the
acumen and diligence of Judge Day and
Secretary John Moore.
A Flat Failure.
The attempt Of the Spanish commission
ers to induce the Americans to accept their
construction of the meaning of the protocol
where it touches OH the Philippines has
been fiat failure. The President himself
was party to the preparation of the proto-
col. 1t was he who, suspecting a purpose
on the Spanish side to becloud the issue
and leave open a. door for future escape
from the consequences of the war; had
swept aside as SO much chaff the message
of the Spanish minister Almodoyar Del
Rio, and, reducing the demands of the
United States to what is called precisis
had declared that the Spanish government
might accept that an exact statement
of the demands of the United States Hay-
ing made the document the President be-
HeVeS himself to be the person best coflf-
peteEt to conStrue its meaning and the
American commissioners consequently
acting in conformity with his view.
lnasmuch as the Spanish are making
most strenuous efforts to assert their SOW
ereiSnty over the Philippines, all based
upon the use of the word disposition" in.
stead of possession" in that part of the
protocol relating to the future of the Phil
lppines. it may be stated that the American
commissioners have been obliged to call
attention to the fact that NJ. Cambon who
acted for the Spanish government in ar
that the change: which was made at his
instance, amounted to nothing: was of no
significance in English or as affecting the
object aimed at, but was made merely be-
cause it sounded better in Spanish and
would not be so humliating to the Span
lards. Consequently the American commits
sioners could not for an instant think of
allowing the sincerity of the then French
ambassador to be drawn into question.
Senator Thurston IA Visitor.
Senator Thurston of Nebraska was one of
the prominent visitors to the White House
today. The senator said he wanted to pay
his respects to the President and to con-
gratulate him upon the results of the re-
cent elections. The President also congrat-
ulated the Nebraskan upon the victory of
the republicans in that state.
There is no doubt about the Nebraska
legislature being republican in both
bra hes, said the senator. The republic
cans have thirteen majority, and will elect
republican to succeed Senator Allen"
Discussing the peace commission situa-
ticn, Senator ThurSton said that he be-
lieved there would be peaceful solution of
the questions. He also believed that the
Senate would ratify a treaty which pro-
vides for the acquisition of the Philippine
Islands by this country.
The responsibility of fighting the treaty
to death will probably be too great" said
the senator. II do not see how opponents
of such a treaty could justify what would
follow. An immense army would have to
be kept in the field until peace was finally
secured.
Il believe that four-fifths of the people of
the west are for expansion. Personally, 1
felt conservative on this subject, and was
sorry that there. was occasion for Dewey
to be sent to the philippines But do not
see any way to let go of the islands, We
cannot give them back to Spain. To ieaye
them to the natives would be for Europe to
step in and Yarntfbn the islands. Provi-
dence had somsSthinas as to do with the results
and am wiflirtg tg take what comes