The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-12-03
DILATORY
SpANIARDS
Their Peace Commissioners Cannot
Make Definite Statements
PENDING WORD FROM MADRID,

Both sides Have Agreed Not to Mem
tion the Cuban or Philippine Debt
in the Treaty-Spanlards Sparring
For Hints of Compromises.
Paris, Dec. 3.-Yesterday's session OF
the peace commission was a repetition
virtually of several earlier meetings.
When, after two hours Of discussion
taking wide range, the Spaniards
were pressed for definite statements
they pleaded that they had not re-
ceived instructions from Madrid. There
upon the Americans declared, in dip
lomatic phraseology, that it was use
less to waste time in debate with men
who we're not empowered to make
bargains Although adjournment was
taken to today, It is probable that there
will be a further postponement till
Monday.
The Spanish version of yesterdays
session is that they asked to have the
treaty concluded first, and then the
minors matters discussed According
to reports from American sources. the
Spaniards endeavored to draw hints
as to how far the Americans were will
ing to compromise the demands dis
cussed, without disclosing what con-
cessions Spain was willing to make.
As the negotiations proceed the pros
poets of consuming much time increase.
Several very important propositions,
presenting many phases, invite discus
sion, and must afterward be embodied
in the amendments. This task Of en-
bodyng may be long drawn out, every
word and comma requiring considera-
tion.
On the questions yet unsettled, which
do not concern territorial interests
both commissions display laudable anx
iety to promote the welfare of the in
habitants involved.
An American commissioner remark
ed to the correspondent: I'VE realiz'
that these peoples are to become oul
subjects, and we desire to secure fol-
them all their rights and privileges
We keep in mind the interests of Span
ish citizens in the territories changing
hands, as well as Of others. Our Span
! ish friends exhibit a willingness to CO.
| operate in this work Of guaranteeing
! the rights of the peoples they are los
| Ing, a willingness that must command
our respect, for we realize that they
might make the task much more diff
fcult if they were disposed to display a
resentful spirit"
Among the problems Of the foregoing
nature to which the commissioners are
devoting much attention is that of the
court. Both commissions desires as
far as possible to arrange that con-
tracts entered upon and lay suits
brought under the Spanish regime may
be transferred to the jurisdiction OF
the American courts, so that the liti-
gants may lose no right through the
change of government.
The question of continuing contracts
for public works now under way is
also being considered and it is possible
that the treaty will guarantee the full
fllment of existing mail contracts.
The peace commissions have agreed
not to mention the Cuban or Philippine
| debt in the treaty, because It might
! lead to misapprehension. The Amerl-
! can commissioners have indicated tC
| the S'paniards that these debts cannot
| possibly, IN law, right or equity, bt
saddleG upon cuba or the Philippines
since the money employed was not TO
the benefit of the colonies, but to com
pei them by force of arms to suffer tn
| oppressive Spanish rule from whic
| they We're seeking to free themselves,