The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-08-12

could now see no reason why special
session would be necessary. The presi-
dent while lacking official advice of the
Spanish agreement on the formal docu-
nent was confident there would be no
deIav in it's execution and regarded
the prompt ending of the war as as
sured.
Came at 1890.
Washington, Aug. 12-At 1890 o'clock
the French ambassador received a dis
patch giving him full authorization to
sign the protocol The dispatch is long
and its disciphering will take some time.
No hour has been set for the signing of
the protocol, but undoubtedly it Will be
signed lated in the day.
Really a Treaty of Peace.
Washington, Aug. Arrangements
were practically completed at an early
hour this morning for the signature of
the protocol which is to conclude the
war with Spain. The document, itself,
in two Identical originals, has been pre-
pared in the diplomatic bureau and All
that remained was to await word from
the French ambassador that he was
ready to attach his signature. Inere
were open and visible signs that the
state department was no longer IN
doubt as to the successful outcome OF
the negotiations. which it has been con-
Quoting with the Spanish government
through NJ. Cambon for the cessation OF
hostilities.
while the particular document to be
signed is properly enough described as
a protocol it is still technically some
thing more than that. 1t is an agree
ment midway between that and the
armistice which usually 1nterVeneS pc
tween active war and final peace. so
far as it goes, this protocol is absolute
Iy. d peace treaty. Thus having provided
for the disposition of Cuba, Porto Rico
and one of the LadrOne islands there is
nothing more for any peace commission
to do in relation to those SUBJECTS, tneir
fate is sealed and the protocol IN tnat
respect is as binding as any dehnlte
treaty of peace.
Provisions of the Protocol.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 12.-An official
statement for press publication setting
ont the provisions of the peace protocol
was read and approved at the cabinet
session today. 1t was prepared by sec
retary Day, the purpose being to make
it public Immediately after the fequ4reu
signatures had been afhXed TO Jhe pro-
tOcol 1t does not give the text of the
document but details its main points
and provisions. 49,
The protocol in general is a reiteration
of the terms of the note given to Spain,
with very little difference in the Ian
.yl1ag of those terms, though with con-
siderable supplementary paragraphlhg
of an administrative nature The most
substantial difference is IN regard TO ILle
evacuation of the captured territory
The note as handed to Ambassador
CambOn, called for immediate eVacua-
ton of Cuba and Porto Rico, WhlIe the
protocol leaves the time OF evacuation
to be subsequently determined upon,
the design being to have the date OF
withdrawal left to be fixed by JOINT
military commission Of the Unlted
States and Spain. The portion of the
protocol supplementary to what is en-
bodied in the note relates principally
to the manner of execution of the pro-
visions Of the protocol
To Sign This Afternoon.
Washington, Aug. 12.-At 2:3O p. m.
the French embassy had received the
full instructions and authorization re-
specting the signing of the protocol ana
ten minutes later NJ. Thiebaut, secre-
tary of the embassy, started for the
state department where he made an
appointment for the execution of the
instrument this afternoon. 1t IS IhOuSnI
the signatu lures will be affixed about
o'clock although, if the president is to
be present at the ceremony. 1t may not
take place until o'clock, this depend
ing, however, upon the wishes OF the
state department officials.
Manila is Included.
Washington, Aug. 12.-The protocol
provides for two commissions, first the
peace commission, which will meet IN
Paris, and second. the military commits
sion which will meet in Havana province
within fifteen days. The military com
mission will be created Immediately on
the signing of the protocol Its duties
will be of great Importance 1t Will
settle the details of the evacuation of
the Spanish armies from the West In
dies and will decide all questions rela-
tive to the removal of submarine mines,
the immediate REIMBURSEMENT to the
United States of the great fortress at
Havana, San Juan and other points