The Indianapolis journal., 1898-11-22

including those which, as subsidiary and In
cidental to the principal provisions, should
form part Of the treaty of peace.
1t was at this juncture that the Amer
leans notified the Spaniards that they de-
sired to treat of the religious freedom Of the
Caroline islands, as agreed twelve years
ago; also for the release Of the political
prisoners now held by Spain in connection
with the instructions in Cuba and the Phil
ippines; also of the taking over Of the ISL
and of Kusai or Ualan. in the Carolines, for
a telegraphic and naval station; also of ca
ble-station rights at other points in Spain's
Jurisdiction, and also for the renewal of
certain treaties previously in force between
the United States and Spain and which may
have lapsed or been vitiated by war.
Tonight those in a position to know say
that the United States commissioners have
undoubtedly made their final proposition.
When the conference opened this afternoon
Judge Day. addressing Senior Montero Rios
and his colleagues of the Spanish commits
sion, recurred to the protracted negotia-
tions and reafflrmed the desire of the Amer
lean commissioners to reach an amicable
conclusion Then, handing the American
presentation to the interpreter, Judge Day
concluded his remarks by saying that the
Americans, preferring not to break the
armistice or to resume hostilities, had de-
termined to present another and final propo-
sition, which he hoped would lead to a
speedy and amicable adjustment. That
portion of the presentation setting forth the
new proposal that the United States must
have possession of the entire Philippine
archipelago, with tender of $4,000 600 for
a treaty cession of the islands. was then
read. Without betraying their mental atti-
tude the Spanish commissioners suggested
an adjournment until Wednesday. The new
proposition, with its collaterals, was en-
bodied toward the end of the American
memorandum. which filled thirty typewrit-
ten sheets. Only this part was read in the
joint session, the memorandum being then
delivered to the Spaniards for translation
by their own staff.
SPANS proposition to invoke the offices
Of a third power to construe the words
'"control, disposition and government of
the Philippines was rejected by the Amer
lean commissioners on the ground that the
diction of the third article of the protocol,
dealing with the Philippines, is so broad
and clear as to afford no justification for
arbitration as between the parties to the
agreement.
Analysis OF the American memorandum
shows that all other suggestions and con-
siderations in it hinge upon treaty cession
at the amount named by the United States
and within one week. In the event of cession
Spain may enjoy 1or term of twelve years
rights of commerce in the Philippines equal
to those of the United States. If the United
States acquire the islands by conquest Spain
may not enjoy such rights. Should Spain
refuse cession she would remain liable for
indemnity claims, national and individual
since the outbreak of the last Cuban insur-
rection. Should she refuse she would also
lose, probably, as further indemnity for the
expense of conquest, one of the Carolines,
which she may now sell, and other cable
privileges within Spanish jurisdiction might
be taken by the United States without any
return to Spain for them.
This evening the Spaniards doubtless do
not know whether they will accept or reject
the American terms. They are telegraphlng
the substance Of the American memoran-
dunn to Madrid, and they expect to reply at
Wednesdays meeting. Possibly they may
conclude that because one money offer is
made another offer may follow pressure
upon the American commissioners. But, be
this their expectation, it will not be realized.
The American terms, submitted almost at
the close of the eight weeks of patient hear
ing and painstaking argument are prac-
tical ultimatum. The next joint meeting of
the commissions will be held Wednesday.