Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-11

trance OF Habana harbor, and some such
points at the other important ports in
the territory soon to fall under our con-
! troll
DAY HEADS OUR COMMISSION.
The peace negotiations are now be-
| neVed to be advanced to a point where
| the President has felt warranted in turn
| Ing his attention to the selection of the
commissioners to be charged by the
| United States with the drafting OF a
treaty Of peace. So far as can be gath
ered but one name has positively
been determined upon-namely, that of
Secretary Day. who will head the COM
mission. Beyond that point there is no
certainty, although some prominent
names have been brought forward. Mr.
Woodford, our last Minister to SPAIN
has been so mentioned, though he is
credited with entertaining a desire to
return TO Madrid in the capacity of
United States Minister after the war,
and the two ambitions might conflict. A
peace commissioner is not always well
come as a minister resident, particularly
where he has been a party to forcing an
obnoxious peace upon the country to
which he is to be accredited. One of the
names that finds universal approval
among persons versed in diplomacy is
France, whose staunch Americansm,
combined with diplomatic knowledge and
legal ability, are urged as fitting him
especially for appointment as peace COM
missioner
DEMOCRAT EUSTIS CONSIDERED.
The fact that Mr.. Eustis is a Demo-
crat would not mitigate his chances, as
it is presumed the President would
rather prefer to make the commission
non-partisan.
The naval officers have made up their
minds that peace is at hand, and are
planning for a reduction of the naval
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 opportunity for
general training.
PROMOTIONS FOR THE BRAVE.
Another matter which has received at
tention is the promotions to be accorded
to officers who have distinguished them
selves during the hostilites. A step was
made in this direction to-day by the sub
mission to the President of recommends
tions by the Secretary Of the Navy for
the advancement of all of the officers Of
fleet who distinguished them
selves.
1t was announced some time ago that a
board would be appointed to decide on all
promotions to be recommended, but for
some reason this plan seems to have been
so far as some of the chief
officers were concerned.
MERRITTS REINFORCEMENTS
General Merritt's force in the Philip |
pines is to be increased by the 1000 troops |
now at San Francisco, which will be sent |
as soon as transports can be secured |
Secretary Alger said to-day that 1000
troops would sail at once. The depart
ment has not sufficient transports at hand |
to convey the remaining 5000 at present,
but the Secretary says that with those
already arrived and on the sea, together
with the 1000 which are to leave San
Francisco at once, General Merritt will
soon have force of 1900, and there will
be no hurry for the embarkation of the
troops.
TRANSPORTS NEEDED.
ba % Ha. =, /
ships TO transport the troops, but con-
sidered the price asked excessive, and It
Is probable the return of the transports
that first went to Manila will be waited.
The Secretary to-day cabled General Mer
rift, asking him when it was expected the
transports would return to San Francisco.
and if they are likely to reach that point
within three weeks their return will be
awaited, as 1t will take at least that long
to get new transports in readiness to carry
troops.
NOT ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY.
The answer of Spain to the terms Of
peace not being entirely satisfactory to
this government, there was some appre-
hension early in the day that negotiations
might be broken off or further delayed
A conference between the French Ambas-
sador and Secretary Day at the State De-
Dartment during the morning, however
seemed TO relieve the situation, as this
was followed promptly by call Of the
on the President, with whom
le' remained some time. After his talk
With the President the Secretary said:
1--WE have agreed upon a protocol en-
,odying proposed terms for the negota-
ions of treaty of peace. including the
of Cuba and Porto Rico, and
t is said this protocol will be executed
4 once"
PRACTICALLY TOGETHER.
This was the first admission that the
wo governments at last had practically
ONE together on the basis of peace.
1t was intimated that what remained to
e accomplished was purely formal in cha
acter, and no doubt was entertained that
he signatures required would be attached
4 due time.
1t has developed that just before the
panish answer was delivered late yes
erday, President Mckinley announced
hat an extra session of the Senate would
e held doubtless in November, to con-
ider any treaty Of peace which might be
greed upon.
AND sCHLEY PROMOTED.