Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-27

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''In the near future 1 will send an answer
to Spain,'' said the President this morning,
referring to the Spanish peace proposal
This is practically all the President said as
to his intentions.
Officials VINO conferred with the Presi-
dent last night say the chief executive will
not formulate the demands of this govern
ment for fully TWO days. Spain will not
know what to expect before Friday after
noon or Saturday morning. after the regu-
lar session of the cabinet has considered the
situation.
There are innumerable reasons why the
President will not send an immediate an
swer to Spain. One of the first is that
great study will have 10 be given TO such
a moTentous matter. Another is that the
Cabinet is said to be seriously divided on
the subject of what our terms should be, in
addition 10 having suspicious of the earn
estness of Spain's intentions. Still another
is that Spain must not understand that
this government is so eager for peace that
it will jump quickly at any sounding which
is made.
The President wants every suggestion of
his advisers as TO the desires of this coun-
try in the matter of peace. To secure these
suggestions time is necessary. The United
States is in no hurry, while Spain. if there
has been an awakening of common sense,
has reason to bring negotiations to a head
as quickly as possible.
1t is claimed that in the cabinet the diff
ference of opinion is largely over the ques-
tiOn of certain terms. The Philippines and
a money indemnity are the questions at
Issue. 1t is settled that Spain must do two
things:
l. Give up Cuba, stable government to
be established there.
2 Give up Porto Rico to become the
property of the United States.
There has never been a question that the
intention of the administration is to annex
Porto Rico.
1t is also settled that the United States
shall secure several coaling stations.
Whether possession of the Philippines is
to be included in the American demands is
question likely to give the President
hours of thought. Some members of his
cabinet are said TO hold to the alleged new
doctrine that wherever the American flag
Is once planted it must remain. Others are
willing to let the Philippines go if coaling
stations and commercial privileges are OBJ
tanned.
The matter OF indemnity next comes in
for serious thought 1t is the opinion that
in a diplomatic game like the present one
Uncle Sam is likely to be buncoed unless
lie keeps his sharp Yankee eyes open. Un-
less money indemnity is submitted
Spain is sure to attempt to saddle the Gu
ban debts and bonds upon this country.
She will also try to evade payment of the
claims against her by American citizens
1t is said that the claims against Spain OF
American fIa tn
Partment. aggregate between $4,000, 600
and S10o.ooo,Ooo. 1t is proposed that what
ever is just of these claims shall lot be
Left unpaid by Spain. either in direct or
indirect way
Then there is also a question of demand
Ing a regular war indemnity The Presi-
dent and his cabinet believe in magnanimi-
~ and generosity, but they do not believe
in abandoning claims that are allowed in
every war
May Not Propose Terms.
Ah speculation today is based on the be-
lief that the President will submit the de-
mands Spain desires, but there are shrewd
officials close to the President who say
THAT ne may not walk into what might
prove a Spanish trap. He may answer that
while the United States desires peace it is
not her place TO propose the terms; that
she will be glad to give consideration to
propositions from Spain.
1t is shrewdly argued that Spain may
be attempting TO draw the United States
into trouble with Europe by asking us to
submit propositions which will be distaste-
ful TO Europe and unacceptable to Spain
herself. The willy Spaniards will get op-
portgnity to put uD the pitiful pea that
they asked for terms, which, when sub
mitteG. were too harsh and unjust
Spain Expected to Quibble
1t is belieSe ed to be certain that Spain
will quibble ard dicker over any terms
submitted TO her, regardless of how lenient
they may be. She will endeavor by every
pretext tc draw Europe into her squab-
bles, in the hone that a general war may
be precipitated which will permit her to
secure her terms.
Men of prominence who were at The
White House today predicted that months
viii elapse before peace will be established.
Spain, they say, will not be SATISFIED with
anything. She viii play the fool and allow
the terms TO grow harder each day finally
giving up with the loss OF everything even
the CaEaries. which will oe taken from her
by force in short while. These islands
would not now enter in peace terms, but
IN another month they will be included in
the demands of the United States
Spain. 1t IS argued today, has ascertain
ed through her diplomats that GERMANY.
Russia and France Stand ready to raise
trouble over the Philippines. Sagasta has
concluded that the United States will want
terms as to the Philippines which will en-
broh these countries. He has been trying
TO make trouble for months and thinks he
knows how 10 do II.
Complications may be avoided by forcing