The Monticellonian., 1898-08-05
M. Camhon,s Powers.

ter by the Spanish cabinet and also the necessity for carefully framing the re- joinder.
 NJ. Cambon's Powers.
 It is not meant by this statement to question in any manner the full pleni- potentiary powers of NJ. Gambou, the French ambassador, in dealing with the sub iect. On the contrary, these are in latitude wider than those us. ually conferred in such cases But his position is somewhat similar to that of the president himself, who is obliged to secure the sanction of the United States senate to any treaty of peace that he may pre- pare, for the mbassador must submit to the Madrid cabinet for it's approval any agreement he may enter into. But in the drafting of such an agreement he is fully authorized to proceed in his discretion, and to guard against any possi bility of repudiation of his action he has been given the minutest dehni- ton of the objections that will be made by the Spanish government on every point that by any possibility could be expected to arise in the course of the negotiations.
 Hailed With Satisfaction.
 It was not known to our government that M. Cambon had such powers when he appeared Saturday afternoon at the White House to receive the American answer but when the president was satisfied that he was competent to deal in an authorized manner with our gov ernment, the production of his credentials was hailed with satisfac tion, as tending to hasten the reach ing of an agreement without loss of time, and in the most direct manner, for, technically, the United States IS now treating with Spain without in- terYention of any third power.
 There is Much Speculation
 as to the nature of the amendment in the answer of the United States that the ambassador succeeded in inducing President Mckinley to make, after the document had been So carefully con strueted by his cabinet. All that can be knowingly stated is that it relates to that part of the answer which deals with the future of the Philippines.
 Wants to Retain the Philippines.
 It is known that Spanish efforts were concentrated upon tine retention of 1 the islands, and the Madrid cabinet was willing to make almost any sacri- flee in it's power to secure that end. l Whether or not the ambassador pre- vailed in this is not known, but there is reason to believe that the success he attained was limited, and that the United States proposes to retain some foothold little more important than a simple coaling station in the islands. Strenuous Objection to the Occupation oi l Manila.
 l Had our demand been limited to a coaling station there would have been no doubt of it's acceptance, and it is even probable that the concession made might have been made of consider able land for a naval station and sup porting zone But it is believed there was strenuous objection to the oc- cupation of the city of Manila, and particularly to the reference to a com mission on the question of the future government of the islands, for the Spanish government is desirous that its full sovereignty shall remain unaf- fected and without question.
 Some mention has been made in the public discussions of the possibility of the acquisition of one of the Caroline islands, it may be stated authorita lively that the matter has not beer considered by the cabinet up to thi: time.