Evening star., 1898-08-10

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tached in due time. What that due time
was was not explained, but it was fully
understood that it meant only such delay
as would be required for the careful prepa-
ration of the documents to be signed and
for the reception by the French ambassa-
dor of express authority to sign the agree
ment in behalf of the Spanish govern
ment.
At 1:15 o'clock, after having been for
two hours in the State Department, the
ambassador and his secretary returned to
the embassy for luncheon, declining posi-
lively to see any one or to make any state
ment whatever connected with the negotia-
tions.
Within few minutes Secretary Day left
the State Department and went to the
White House for a conference with the
President.
Short Call Mt the White House.
Secretary Day was with the President
few minutes. On leaving he said that he
had just given out a statement that this
government and NJ. Cambon had agreed
upon q protocol. 1t remained for Spain to
authorize NJ Canbon to sign this protocol
upon behalf of that government.
Reference to the Cortes.
As far as can be gathered, our govern
ment is not particularly concerned at the
ipsistence of the Spanish government upon
the reference of the peace agreement in its
present stage to the cortes. Our govern
Inent in dealing with another recognizes
only the executive branch, and holds that
wholly responsible for all of Its acts or
promises. Therefore, presumiug that the
queen regent and the Spanish ambassador
represent the executive branch of the Span
ish government, it is probable that our gov
ernment would not concern itself as to what
further internal steps would be necessary
to satisfy the sticklers for constitutional
observances in Spain. If it should appear
later that the cortes should undertake to
undo the work SO far accomplished between
the two governments, of course the govern
ment of Spain would be held responsible for
that result, but as it is presumable that the
United States military forces would by that
time be in possession of Cuba, Porto Rico
and Manila, it is not conceivable that inter-
nal commotion in Spain need give US any
further concern.
Signing the Protocol.
On account of the necessary formalities
1t is physically impossible that the protocol
can be signed today, although it is agreed
upon.
Today several of the members of the
cabinet were in conference with the Presi-
dent regarding the situation. Secretary
Long was the earliest of the councillors to
call, and Secretary Alger soon followed.
Commander Crowninshield of the war
board was called in, but the meeting did
not last very long, and had no important
bearing on the situation. Shortly before
II 80 o'clock Secretary Day, who had been
in conference with the French ambassador
at the State Department. called to consult
the President regarding the peace nego-
tations.
An early and satisfactory termination of
hostilites is looked for. Members of the
cabinet believe that by Friday morning,
at the latest, and probably before then,
the definite peace outcome will be assured
beyond all doubt.
At the White House it was understood
that Ambassador Cambon would transmit
to Spain today cablegram stating that a
complete and immediate acceptance of the
terms imposed without reservation, was
essential to effecsing peace under the Tres
ent terms offered by the United States.
Extra Session of the Senate.
In this connection 1t has developed that
just before the Spanish answer was de-
livered late yesterday afternoon President
Mckinley announced that an extra session
of the Senate would be held, doubtless in
November Thu discussion has again start
ed as to the convoking of an extra session
of Congress, but President Mckinley with
in the past twenty-four hours has said,
positively, that he has no intention of call
ing the House together, though. of course,
ths Senate will have to meet in extra ses-
sion to ratify the treaty of peace, unless
unforeseen and most improbable delays
should occur. The President added that
the preliminary details incident to a
treaty of peace would take SO much tims
that the Senate would not have to meet
until some time in November.