The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-16
In Official Circles as to the Outcome
of the Negotiations.
HAGGLING OVER THE AMOUNT.
OF Indemnity TO be Paid VIII Proba-
bly, be the Sum OF spain's Rcsis-
tancc to Our Terms-Mckinley
is Unwilling to Submit to
Any Further Proionga-
tion of the Dispute.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-Attorney-
General Griggs and Secretary Bliss were
not at to-day's Cabinet meeting. The
meeting occupied less time than usual and
at its conclusion it was said that nothing
OF special importance was under discus
sion.
Administration officials do not share the
opinion expressed IN some quarters that
the Paris Peace Commission will fail In
its efforts TO agree upon treaty This
opinion is not based upon any spsciic In
formation received from Paris, but rather
upon the fact that by withdrawing from
the conference Spain has nothing 10 gain
and all TO lose.
1t is undoubtedly true that should the
Spaniards adopt this course they would
sacrifice the indemnify this government
is now disposed to grant.
NOLENS VOLENS
The United States certainly would i'm
mediately take forcible possession of the
entire Philippine Islands and at once en-
ter upon a military and naval campaign
which would only end on the uncOndi-
tiOnal surrender of whatever territory this
government would see fit to demand. 1t
is understood that the United States
would at this time consent to a cash pay
ment Of from s20OOO.OOO to S35, 80 rather
than to renew the war. but the longer
Gnal settlement is delayed the smaller
would be the indemnity. In any event
the President is not disposed 20 brook
unnecessary prolongati0n of the negotia-
tions ana II is believed has 50 indicated
to our peace commi ssioners.
The officials of the State Department DO
not expect that to-morrows meeting OF
the Peace Commissioners in Paris VIII
be the last.
On the other hand It is not expected that
the Spaniards viii come in with an un-
conditional acceptance Of our last de-
mand. Still something may be regarded
as having been achieved If they show any
disposition TO transfer the Philippines TO
the United States even with a money IN
demnity. The amount of that indemnity
after all. II is believed will be the prin-
cipal point Of difference between the two
sides.
A FAKE SCHEME.
Inquiry has been made into the charac-
ter of the projectors Of the remarkable
syndicate scheme for the purchase of
the Philippines for the sum Of i0O0C0ooO.
The result has been 10 show that they
are irresponsible parties. and IL is scarce
ly to be doubted that the project has been
put forward as a means Of enhancing
the price which the Spaniards may de-
mand for the Philippines. In other words,
the Spaniards might claim justification
for damage in sum as large as two
hundred million dollars II they could
point to the fact that a syndicate stood
ready to pay double that price for the
islands.
NO MODIFICATION.
However this has not led TO any modl-
fcation OF the American demands a S far
as can be learned and II IS probable that
several sessions Of the joint commission
viii be consumed in haggling over the
mere amount Of money TO be paid over
on account Of the Philippine Islands.
WILL NOT AGREE.
MADRID. Nov. 15.-According TO semi
official statement here the Spanish
Peace Commissioners will maintain their
present attitude in regard TO the Philip
pines and win certainly not accept the
conditions of the United States. Further
If the discussion does not return TO the
limits of the protocol as viewed by the
Spaniards the Spanish commissioners
have decided. in spite of contrary re-
ports, not TO sign a treaty Of peace
1t is also learned from the same
sources that complete accord prevails
between the Spanish government and its
peace commissioners.
STARTLING RUMORS.
LONDON, Nov. 1.-THE rumors cir
culated here yesterday Tuesday that
the American fleet was on the point of
starting for Europe has caused great ex-
citement in commercial circles.
The Daily Graphic says this morning:
"The Spanish Transatlantic fleet has
been ordered to be prepared for re-
newal of hostilities, and the forts In the
Canary Islands are being rapidly
manned"