Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1898-08-04
THE PEACE TERMS.

Spain's answer to the peace terms OF
the United States was presented at the
White House late yesterday evening by
NJ. Canbon, the French ambassador.
1t is not entirely satisfactory, and fur
Their negotiations will be conducted be-
fore any official statement will be made
concerning it by either the administra-
ton or the French embassy. 1t is be.
lieved that Spain does not accept all
the terms offered, but is ready to agree
% the main points as proposed, ana
that On agreement will not be long de-
layed.
Among the questions which, it is
ssid, remains to be adjusted are the
following:
Transportation of Spanish troops
from Cuba and Porto Rico.
Disposal of the arms and ammunl-
ton in Cuba and Porto Rico.
Details as to the probable course OF
the United States in the Philippines.
Cession of Cuba to the United States
rather than any other form of surren-
der.
Pending the conclusion of the peace
treaty it is said that the United States
may be bound to restrain the Philip
pine insurgents from attacking Span
iards, as the insurgents have been given
arms and otherwise aided by this
country.
Spain, it is reported, has asked the
United States to intimate the policy it
will probably pursue with regard to the
Philippines ifthe terms already submit
ted are accepted. This is a subject re-
garding which Spain has every reason
to feel anxious. 1t would be natural
that the Spanish government should
wish to get some sort OF disclaimer from
the United States of any intention OF
seziug and holding the Philippines as 3
whole after Porto Rico and Cuba had
been turned over to this country.
II is understood that neither the
President nor the Secretary of State is
disappointed by failure yesterday to
reach definite agreement regarding
the preliminary peace terms. Such al
agreement would, in fact, be unusual in
diplomatic proceedings, and as Spain
would naturally be anxious to secure
better terms than those offered, it was
almost certain that some counter prop
osition would be made to that Of the
United States.
1t is not believed in official circles
that the Spanish reply makes peace any
the less likely upon practically the
terms which have been proposed by the
President. On the contrary, the belief
prevails that Spain asks only minor con-
csssions, appealing to the generosity Of
the United States.
1t is understood that in addition to
the message from Spain which NJ. Cam
bon delivered to the President he re-
ceived himself additional instructions
regarding all questions in dispute OF
likely to become the subject of contro-
versy. This enables him, it is said, 10
treat with the President with greater
freedom and to make known with
greater accuracy just what propositions
Spain will accept Immediately.
1t is said to be not ut all improbable
that the preliminaries leading up to the
signature of the treaty OF peace will
consume three months, so that it may
be we'll along toward the legal date fol-
the assembling of Congress before the
President will be prepared to submit 8
peace treaty to the Senate.
Premier Ssgasta has summoned Spain
leading statesmen and generals to tie Capitol
to discuss the terms Of peace. Premier Sd
gasta has reasons to believe that all the men
named, except General Weyler, are ID favor
of concluding peace now, admitting that
the government cannot wisely do otherwise
than accept those terms which the United
States has refused to permit discussion upon
and TO try to obtain concessions on the subor
dinate points, like the Philippine question
Surprise and displeasure have been caused il
Spain by tie conduct of the volunteers in
Porto Rico, and of the clergy in the West In
dies and the Philippines in so soon turning tC
the United States for protection.