The Mena star., 1898-12-28
LEFT TO CONGRESS.
OuF Lawmakers Can Dispose of the
 Philippines as They Choose.

senator>Frye, One of the Peace Commig- sioners, Talks of the Work of That Body
 A washSpgron Dispatoh Tens Why
 Hobson wrs>sent to Hong Kong.
 N
 Washington, Dec 97.-Senator Frye talked yesterday to a Star reporter with respect to the conditions attend ing and resulting from the peace nego- tiations. With respect to the frequent ly-repeated statement in press dis patches that the sentiment of the pow CTS, with the exception of England, was opposed to the United States and looked with disfavor upon the atti- tude of this government in dealing with Spain, Senator Frye said:
 saw no evidence of such sentiment existing outside of France, and in France that sent- ment appeared to be confined to the press, which does not reflect the sentiment of the Tt- tion nor the people generally.
 Do you think there will be any restoration of cordial relations between Spain and the United States?
 think that very soon after the ratification of the peace treaty, and the restoration Of di- plomatic relations, there will be no difficulty about negotiating commercial treaties and treaty for the release Of prisoners. and such other matters directed toward the perfect toration of friendly relations between the two governments I do not believe that the Span ish government will be at all disposed to keep up unfriendly feeling between the two govern ments The making of new treaties adapted to the present conditions would be better than the restoration of the old treaties, some fea- lures of which were obsolete
 What has been published with respect to the treaty of peace seems to indicate does it not, that this government is not committed by these et.a{ tion of the territory, the Spanish sovereignty over which has been relinquishedg
 It indicates very strongly that this govern ment is not committed in any way whatever with respect to the disposition and government of these islands If we insane enough to do so. we might give them all tack to S.s&in ,aftor the ratification of the treaty If we were Tools, we might divide them among the nthar foreign powers. The whole matter Is left in the hands of congress Congress can make any disposi- tion of the islands it sees fit The ratification of the treaty will not in any way curtail any privileges of ours in this direction.
 Why Hobson Was Sent Away
 Washington, Dec. 27.-With feel ing of relief the officials of the navy department heard that Hobson had actually sailed from San Francisco. Now that the thing is over, it may be stated that his superiors arranged the detail of the hero of the Merrimac to go to Hong Kong for his own good, more than from the needs of the serv- ice. Nothing is the matter with the gallant young officer which will not be remedied by long, quiet voyage and an assignment under a strong commanders like Admiral Dewey for few months Had he remained in this country under the high pressure there is no telling what the consequences might have been.
 Hobson, before he came into the public eye so conspicuously, was re- tiring, hard-working man. After the terrible strain of his experience in trying to blockade the mouth of Santi- ago bay he was allowed to apply him self without restraint to the work of saving one of the Spanish warships. Ever since last June the strain has been maintained and to it has been added the disturbing infu- ence of popular adulation of an overwhelming kind. Hobson's supe- riors at the department have been ob- serving with apprehension the effect of the strain and of the adulation. They realized that for his own safety something must be done. And hence the duty in Hong Kong was planned.
 Hitchcock Nominated to succeed Bliss.
 Washington, Dec 22. The nomina- tion of Ethan Allen Hitchcock, of St. Louis, at present ambassador to Rus sia, to be secretary of the interior, which was sent to, the senate yester- day, came in the nature of complete surprise to all the Missourians, as we'll as the public generally. It is said that he owes the suggestion of his appoint ment to no one except the president.