The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-08-02

dShiHktOn, aug. l.-<All eyes tuFteu
to-day toward Madrid. for it was real
lied that upon the Spanish cabinet de-
pended the restoration of peace. 1t was
announced here in a quarter that re-
moved the information from any ques-
tion of accuracy that the decision of
the Spanish government was not to be
submitted before tomorrow. at the ear
lest In the absence of any new phase
in the negotiations to-day, speculation
naturally turned back toward the re-
markable meeting at the white house
yesterday and great interest was mani
Tested i'm every particular respecting
that event.
A disposition was shown in some
quarters to question the authority OF
the French ambassador to act as he did
respecting Spain. But 1t can be again
stated that regardless of any technical
point. such as the absence of signed,
sealed and delivered mail credentials,
which, of course. could not reach Wash
ington in the little time at hand.
the president regarded NJ. Cambon as
fully qualified to act as a representa-
tive of the Spanish government in the
negotiations, subject, of course, as are
almost all ministers or ambassadors in
these days, to the reference of the work
accomplished by them to the govern
ment they represent for final approval
NJ. Cambon made it so clear that he
had been fully instructed on every point
likely to rise in the negotiations that
the president was satisfied that by ac-
cepting him as the representative of
Spain in this matter the vast saving OF
time would be effected and, a point of
the utmost Importance. that the nego-
tia lions would be technically conducted
without the interposition of any neutral
government. However. any questions
that might have arisen as to the pow
ers OF the French ambassador were set
at rest by a short, guarded and concise
statement Issued to-day from the en-
bassy itself. Then discussion turned on
the nature of the change made at the
instance OF NJ. Cambon in the list of
American demands. 1t was contended
In some quarters that no change had
been made, in others that an important
modification had developed.
As matter of fact. as to the import
ance of this change. there is a difference
or opinion between the parties, the ad-
ministration looking upon ii as incon-
sequential. while NJ. Cambon attaches
Importance to IL. However this may be-
as the administration believes that the
change is not essential. and that IL cer-
talnly does not affect the document Ii
might be well to recapitulate briefly
just what the demands OF the United
States were.
As to Cuba. 1t is demanded that Spain
release her government. possession and
control. 1t will be noticed that nothing
is said of Cuban independence and that
the acceptance of this proposition leaves
the United states free TO deal with the
island as IL may seem best. Porto Rico,
with the small islands adjacent and en-
braced within her Jurisdiction, is to be
ceded unconditionally to the United
States.
one Of the Ladrone islands likewise
is TO be ceded to the United States as
coaling station. These three conditions
being granted by Spain are to be taken
as part payment in lieu of the fun in
demnity. What further payment shall
be required is TO be determined by a
commission having authority to act for
the president. subject to his approval
Whether Spain shall retain possession
OF the Philippines. as a whole or in part
is left to that commission to determine
The reason for deferring the decision as
TO the future Of the islands in this fash
ion is because the administration is not
satisfied itself; IL is not clear at this
moment what sound policy should die
tate in the matter.
Meanwhile, and until the commission
has satisfactorily disposed of the future
OF the islands. the United States Is to ex-
ercise military government over Ma
Mia harbor and bay. The commission
will be actually a peace commission and
viii prepare the treaty which will ter
inmate formally the war with Spain
However. a suspension of hostilites may
be sooner declared when the Spanish
government shall definitely accept the
conditions as above laid down and re-
nounce its authority over Cuba and
Porto Rico.
Notwithstanding the fact that he now
has direct cable To Washington. Gen.
eral Miles sent no message during the
day. and all heard from him was con-
tained in a belated telegram announce
ing the arrival at Ponce of the advance
guard Of General Schwan's brigade. II
is believed that General Miles has sue
ceeded in his plan OF intercepting the
troop transports before they reached
the point in Eastern Porto Rico original
~ selected for their landing and in di-
vertins them to the excellent harbor
he has, secured.
Acting on the recommendation of Sur
geon General Sternberg, Secretary Alger
has practically concluded 10 abandon
Camp Alger. near this city. because Of
dissatisfaction with the sanitary con-
ditions there, exhibited by the large
number OF sick soldiers. The change
will not be made Immediately. however,
for il is not known positively yet what
regiments in the camp will be with
drawn 10 make up the total OF about
1000 required 10 be supplied 20 General
Wade's command and, in the second
place. il is believed TO be absolutely es-
sential 10 have the new camps selected
with the greatest care and put in nit or
der for the reception Of troops before
any attempt is made to install them.