Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-08-11
A LONG STRIDE
Continued from page ~

This deduction is supported by the
circumstances that in the early morn
ing, and before the conference between
Secretary Day and NJ. Cambon, which
u prevalent impression based upon the
utterances of public men who had
talked with the President that the
Spanish answer was unsatisfactory and
that the negotiations looked as if they
might suddenly terminate
AS this situation changed so sud-
denly after the conference it may be
fairly assumed that the ambassador
abandoned the conditions which the
President was reputed to have regard
ed as unsatisfactory. 1t is believed
the protocol carries within itself pro-
On this point the naval contingent is
urgent that our government adopt the
Napoleonic policy of refusing to enter
into an armistice without acquiring
some substantial pledge to secure the
contamination of peace. What they
particularly desire is that our govern
ment shall demand as a condition of
the cessation of hostilities, the sur
render to the United States military
forces of MORO Castle at the entrance
of Havana harbor and some such points
of vantage at the other important
our control.
The peace negotiations are now be-
lieved to have advanced to a point
where the President has felt warrant
ed in turning his attention to the Sc
lection of the commissioners to be
charged by the United Staes with the
drafting of a treaty of peace. So far
as can be gathered, but one name has
been positively determined upon
will head the commission.
Beyond that point there is no GER
tainty. although some prominent
names have been brought forward.
Mr.. Woodford, our last minister to
Spain has been mentioned though as
he is credited with entertaining de-
sire to return to Madrid in the capac-
ity of United States minister after the
war, the two ambitions might con-
met, peace commissioner not always
being welcome as a minister resident.
particularly where he has ben party to
forcing an obnoxious peace upon the
country to which is to be accredited.
One of the names that finds univcr-
sal approval among persons versed in
diplomacy is that of Mr.. Eustis. ex-
ambassador to France, whose staunch
Amcricanism, combined With dplo-
matte knowledge and legal ability are
urged as fitting him especially for APP
pointnent as peace commissioner.
The fact that Mr. Eustis is a Democrat
would not initiate against 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 re-
tirement of the monitors from active
service. They are uncomfortable craft
to live in and afford the men little OPP
portunity FIR general training. Another
matter that has received attention is
the promotion to he accorded officers
who have distinguished themselves
during the hostilities.
step was made in this direction
today, by the submission to the Prcsi-
dent of recommendation by the sec
rotary of the navy for the advance
ment Of all the officers of Simpsons
fleet who distinguished themselves il
was announced some time ago that q
borad would be appointed to decide 81
but for some reason this plan seems
to have been abandoned so far a.
some of the chief officers were con
cerned.
Gen. Mcrritt's forces in the Philip
pines is to be increased hy the ZOO
troops now at San Francisco, which
will be sent as soon as transportation
can be obtained.
Secretary Alger says that as with tn
men already arrived and on the sea
together with the 2000 which will leav
San Francisco soon, Gen. Merritt wi
have a force of $4,000 and there Will b
no hurry for the embarkation of tn
remaining troops. The q partment ha
had an offer of two ships to transpol
the troops but considered the pric
asked excessive and it is probabl
that the return of the transports tina
hrst went to Manila will be awaited
The secretary today cabled Gen. Mcl
rift, asking him when it was expecte
the transports would return to Sa
francisco, and if they are Iil,alv +