The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-08-12

conflict. a peace commissioner not al
ways being welcome as minister
resident. particularly where he has
been party TO forcing an abnoxious
peace upon the country TO which ne Is
to be accredited.
One Of the names that finds univer-
sal approval among persons versed in
diplomacy is that of MIR. Eustis, ex-
ambassador TO France. whose staunch
Americanism, combined with diplo-
matte characteristics and legal ability,
are urged as fitting him especially for
appointment as peace commissioner.
The fact that Mr.. Eustis is democrat
would not initiate against his chances,
as it is presumed that the president
would rather prefer to make the COM
mission non-partisan.
The naval officers have made up
their minds that peace is at hand and
are planning for reduction of the ma
val establishment to a peace basis.
The first step to be taken will be the
retirement of the monitors from active
service. They are uncomfortable craft
to live in and afford the men little op-
portunity for general training.
SPAIN RECEDES FROM HER DE-
MANDS.
The answer of Spain to the terms of
peace not being entirely satisfactory
to this government, there was some
apprehension early in the day that ne
gotiations might be broken off or fur
ther delayed. A conference between
the French ambassador and Secretary
Day at the state department during
the morning, however, seemed to re-
Heve the situation, as this was fol-
lowed prOmtly by call of the secre-
tary on the president with whom he
remained some time.
After this talk with the president
the secretary said:
We have agreed upon a protocol
embodying proposed terms for the ne
gotiationS of a treaty Of peace, in
Guiding the evacuation of Cuba and
Porto Rico and it is expected that this
protocol will be executed"
This was the first admission that the
two governments at least had practi-
cally come together on the basis Of
peace. 1t was intimated that what re-
manned to be accomplished was purely
formal in character and no doubt was
entertained that the signatures requir-
ed would be attached in due time.
NAVAL PROMOTIONS.
Another matter which has received
attention is the promotions to be ac-
corded to officers who have Distinguish
ed themselves during the hostilities. A
step was made in this direction today
by the submission to the president OF
recommendations by the secretary of
the navy for the advancement of all
OF the officers of SIMPSONS fleet who
distinguished themselves. 1t was an
naunced some time ago that board
would be appointed to decide on all
promotions to be recommended, but
for some reason this plan seems to have
been abandoned so far as some of the
chief officers were concerned.
The president has determined to
recommend to congress that acting
Rear Admiral Sampson be advanced
eight numbers and Commodore Schley
six numbers. This will result in max
ing each a rear admiral, but with
Commodore Schley ranking immedi-
ately below Admiral Sampson. Cap
tain Clark, of the Oregon, will be rec
commended for an advance of six num-
bers in the captains grade and Lieu
tenant Commander Wainwright will
go up eight numbers. Other promo
tiOnS throughout the fleet will be rec
commended.
MERRITT'S FORCES TO BE IN
CREASED.
General Merritts force in the Phil
ippines is to be increased by the 1000
troops now at San Francisco, which
will be sent as soon as transports can
be obtained.
Secretary Alger said today that 1000
troops would sail at once. The de-
partment has not sufficient transports
at hand to convey the remaining 5000
at present, but the secretary says with
those already arrived and on the sea,
togther with the 1000 which are to
leave San Francisco at once, General
/, Merritt will have a force Of $4,000, and
there will be no hurry for the embark
alton of the remaining troops. The de-
partment has had an offer of two
ships to transport the troops, but con-
sdered the price asked excessive, and
it is probable the return of the trans
ports that first went to Manila will be
awaited. The secretary today cabled
General Merritt asking him when it
was expected the transports would re-
turn to San Francisco, and if they are
likely to reach that point within three
weeks. Their return will be awaited,
as it will take at least that length of
, time to get new transports in readiness
to carry the troops.
EXTRA SESSION OF SENATE IN
NOVEMBER.
It has developed that just before
the Spanish answer was delivered late
yesterday President Mckinley an
, nounced that an extra session of the
senate would be held doubtless in No
! vember to consider any treaty of peace
which might be agreed upon.
/ TROOPS ORDERED TO DIFFER
ENT CAMPS.
The secretary of war has ordered one
division of the First army corps from
Chattanooga to Knoxville, Tenn, and
another division of the same corps
+; from Chickamauga to Lexington, KY.
! A division of the Fourth corps now at
! Tampa has been ordered to Huntsville,
! Ala. The Second division General
i DavisD of the Second army corps now
| at Manassas, Va, has been ordered to
| Middletown, Pennsylvania The ad-
| visibility of marching the troops from
| Chickamauga to Knoxville and Lex
! ington is under consideration. The
First Ohio and the Fifth United States
| cavalry are ordered from Tampa to
| Montauk Point. The Fourth Ken
| lucky, Colonel Colson commanding,
: has been ordered from Lexington to
/ Jacksonville and attached to the Sew
| enth corps. The movement of these
troops is in accordance with the plans
of the war department to break up
the large camps and spread the troops
about the country.