The Indianapolis journal., 1898-12-03
Matters Not Yet Settled Are Such as
If 1t Becomes Necessary.
NO DESIRE TO HNNEX CEUTA
UNITED STATES DOES NOT WANT
THE MEDITERRANEAN ISLAND,
But In Anxious to Secure at Least One
Of the CarOIines-Germany' Bid
Viewed with Suspicion.


positively that no hitch has occurred in the
proceedings of the peace commission at
Paris. An impression to the contrary in GER
tain quarters probably arose through mis-
understanding of the phase those proceed
ings have reached. With tho acquiescence
by the Spanish commissioners in the Ameri-
can demands set out in the original proto-
col all danger of failure to reach the
point of signature Of a peace treaty disap-
peared, and that such a treaty will be forth
coming, covering at least all of the proto-
col points, IS considered assured. What is
now going on in Paris is a negotiation re-
specting certain objects which the United
States government seeks to accomplish in
that manner, instead of resorting to the
more usual, but more tedious method Of
correspondence between the two govern
ments. These objects have been clearly
stated In general terms in the cable dis
patches from Paris, namely, the acquisition
of one Of the Caroline islands as a cable
station and coaling station; Of certain rights
to land cables on Spanish possessions at
other points; the procurement of freedom
OF religious worship in the Carolines and
the revival of certain treaties of trade and
commerce, etc. But, as stated, these mat
ters are purely the subjects OF diplomatic
negotiation, and do not in any manner af-
feet the conclusion of the peace treaty.
They might all fail to be realized and still
the treaty would not be affected.
Moreover, while Spain was the subject of
peremptory demands before the acceptance
OF the protocol points, she is free of COM
mo- fIa III I'll,
changes are In progress. She may sell to the
United States one of the Caroline islands
or may refuse to do so, and moreover. If
we buy the islands it must be at a price
satisfactory to Spain. She may even sell the
Caroline group to Germany instead of to
the United States. If she can obtain a bet
ter price from the former There is good
reason to assume the correctness of the re-
port that Germany is even now bargaining
for these islands All other points covered
by these negotiations likewise, are mat
ter of mutual grant and not of demand.
The statement that Spain has refused to
sell us Ceuta, opposite Gibraltar, for coal
and cable station, is inaccurate. The United
States government has not made any prop
osition for the acquisition of that island,
and would hesitate very long before enter
ing on the turbulent field of activities in
volved in the assumption of territory in the
neighborhood of the Mediterranean. The
case is different respecting the Carolines.
The American naval experts have urged
very strongly that this group as a whole be
retained, If possible, and in addition that
the Peew group lying to the westward, be
purchased. They have pointed out that the
southernmost island of the Ladrone group.
Waloa, lies only 800 miles north of Ponape
in the Carolines, and the Pelew islands are
only about 600 miles distant from the Phil
ippines. With these the United States
would have a complete chain of islands
located at convenient distances more than
half way across the Pacific. Moreover, the
vast bulk of trade in that quarter of the
world passes directly through the natural
channel between the Ladrones and the Car
olines, of which the United States would
have command. If Germany is able to out
bid the United States fer these islands she
may obtain them, but suspicion is enter
tanned that the naming of 100000 was in
spired by a friendly desire to get the best
possible terms for Spain from the United
States by raising the price of the goods.
One of the pledges which is almost as good
as treaty obligation in its force even now
is that the United States, in return for the
release of the political prisoners from Cuba
and Porto Rico, held by Spain, will secure
the release of the Spanish prisoners held
by Aguinaldo. and to this matter attention
is being devoted here. There has been an
almost daily dispatch from General Otis
announcing the arrival OF a transport
there loaded with United States troops and
the War Department is fairly confident of
its ability now to undertake the full control
of the islands, with the assistance of the
naval contingent under Dewey. 1t is real
lied that the task of inducing Aguinaldo to
surrender the captives, for whom he has de-
manded such an extravagant ransom ($l-
10000 under penalty of cutting their
throats is going TO be a difficult one, but,
after all. the United States commissioners
in Paris have only undertaken that the
United States government shall use it's best
efforts to secure the release of the pris-
oners; they have not pledged the govern
ment to perform the impossible.
After the Cabinet meeting to-day it was
stated that nothing had been heard from
Paris respecting the failure of the peace
commission to negotiate the purchase of
Strong island. one of the Caroline group,
nor is the matter regarded as one of great
consequence. In any event It is not vital
to the treaty of peace. and IL the Spaniards
show an inclination not to part with 1t the
matter VIII be allowed 10 drop.
LITTLE PROGRESS MADE