Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1898-07-28
Supercedes For a Time Interest
In War Operations.
PRESIDENT REMAINS SILENT
BE Will Give No Information and sug-
gested Same to Madrid.
HITCH LIKELY OVER PHILIPPINES.

The Philippines Would Present a Grave
Problem of Government-BeIieyed the
President VIII Ascertain Public opin-
ion on the Matter In This Country.
Peace Likely To BE Easily Arranged.
WASHINGTON, July 2S.-Tks initia-
ton of oyertures for peace has rad the
effect of suspending in large measure
for the time being at least interest in
the military and naval situation.
Though it is known through the open
admission of members of the admins
traticn that the present peace phase
would remain unchanged until after
another cabinet meeting tomorrow,
there was stlll evineed disposition to
discuss this matter in it's every aspect
Naturally the first point of inquiry was
the exact shape taken by the Spanish
presentation of Tuesday.
Curiosity on this point remained un-
gratified and must probably so continue
for some days to come, the president
| having decided that nothing more def
mite than the statement issued from the
White House Tuesday shall be given to
the public at this time. The motive is
prudential one and the president has
even gone SO far as to suggest to the
Madrid authorities the expediency of
keeping the text of the Spanish overture
from publication at this time. The
next point of interest was the character
and extent of the demand likely to be
made by the United States, as the con-
dition of peace. 1t is felt that the state
ment Of terms of peace, both from
Spain and from the United States, may
be some days off, as there doubtless will
be considerable diplomatic fencing at
the outset before the actual point of
stating terms is reached. A good deal
of this, for instance, may result from
the attempt to define the methods of
approach to the objects sought, whether
through a commission on through the
direct exchange of notes as initiated
Tuesday.
There will be much discussion in all
likelihood also regarding an armistice,
for 1t is the distinct purpose of the
Spanish authorities to secure q suspen-
sion of hostilities pending the negotia-
tions for peace. 1t may be that the ap-
plication will be granted, but if so it
will be only under the most effective
safeguards TO prevent loss of any ad-
vantage to the United States and upon
binding pledges that certain well de-
fined objects are to be conceded to us.
The president discussed this complex
subject yesterday with various members
of the cabinet as they called in the
course OF ordinary business. 1t is yir-
tually admitted by leading members of
the administration that upon only one
point i'll peace negotiations is there
likely to be serious friction, and that
relates to the future of the Philippines.
As to Cuba and Porto Rico, our govern
ment feels that there a reasonably GER
tainity of encountering little opposition
! to our demands.
About the only reason which would
impel this government to insist upon an
indemnity would be further stubborn
resistance by Spain. Speaking broadly,
the statement was made Yesterday by
aa influential official that settlement
in which Spain conceded two vital
points, namely, freedom from a war in
demnity and retention of her control
OF the philippines would appear to be a
just balance OF equiry.
The grayest problems OF government
would result were the attempt to be
made to annex them, owing to the het-
erogeneous and ill-favored character of
the large population of the islands.
while any effort to unite with other
powers in joint administration might
be fairly expected to result as unsatis-
factorily as the tripartite arrangement
between the United States, Great Brit
ain and Germany for the government of
the Samoan group However, there are
evidences that a large element in the
United States ara of the opinion that
the islands should be acquired by the
United States, and it is hoped by the
president that before it comes to the
formulation officially of the United
States demand, public sentiment in
this country through newspaper discus
sion and otherwise will have so far
crystahzed as to enable the government
to perceive the popular demand clearly
1t may be stated that it is confidently
expected that when the two govern
ments arrive at the point of actually fix
ing terms they will be found much
closer together than is generally sup
posed. 1t is felt by officials that with
the diplomatic formalities out of the
way the actual peace terms would re-
quire little time for arrangement. and
yesterday it was even suggested that
the anonamalous condition might be
presented of Spain conceding as much
or more than the United States felt JUS
titled in demanding.
There IS little reason to doubt that
Spain has made up her mind to give up
Cuba. 1t is almost equally certain that
Spain recognizes that she must consent
also to the abandonment of Porto Rico.
With those two vital points passed there
is likely to be little delay on the cues
ton OF indemnity, as there is evers dis
No ~ IL