The record-union., 1898-07-29
Influences Are Being Used for an
Independent Government.
The Answer to Spain May Not Be Rendered
To-Day Unless the Cabinet is
Agreed to Sustain McKinley's
First Intentions.

WASHINGTON, July 2S.-The terms
which the United States Government
Will find acceptable as a basis of peace
are being red eed to form by Secretary
Day, the Pi sident having reached a
conclusion on their outlines. These
terms We're tie formal subject of in
terest and dis ussion to-day in official
circles Ii ths Presidents purpose was
to secure e expression of public
opinion on Il IS subject, he has been
gratified with the response made
through the spapers and in the ex-
hibition of interest by Government Off
cials in the complex problem now pres
ent.
Although it was stated yesterday that
no announcement of the position as
sumed by the United States in this mat
ter would be forthcoming before it had
been formally discussed in the Cabinet
tomorrow, there is the best reason TO
believe that after the full conference
the President has individually made
UP his own mind, and that Secretary
Day has even now practically reduced
10 form the reply the United States will
make to the Spanish Governments
overture through ambassador Cambon.
On the main points of the terms of
peace the Administrations position was
so we'll defined and stated by the Asso-
ciated Press yesterday that there is left
little to conjecture. About the only
point that seems to be open to amend
ment or an extensive character is the
disposition of the philippines. While
the Administration has not failed to
take notice Of the extent of their de-
mand for their acquisition by the
United States as exhibited in certain
sections of the country, 1t can be stated
that the conclusion had been reached
to abide by the first decision on this
point, namely, TO relinquish the ISL
ands, retaining a coaling station there,
surrounded by sufficient zone of land
to make il self supporting This deci-
sion, it is possible, though not probable,
may be again changed before the Cabi-
net disposes Of the matter tomorrow,
as strong influences are at work to in
duce the President TO insist upon the
substitution of at least an independent
government over the Philippines for
Spanish rule. If this point shall be diff
ficult of settlement. the answer TO Spain
may not be rendered tomorrow, but
may have to wait another Cabinet
meeting-next Tuesday
There was a display Of Indignation in
official circles to-day upon the pubica-
tion OF what was reported TO be state
ment from the Spanish Premier imput~
ing bad faith TO the United States IN
pursuing the war and continuing TO
make conquests. However, this feel
ing soon wore off, as it became appar-
ent upon reflection that the statement
was either apocryphal, or that. if genu-
inc, il was simply one in a series of
complex moves on the board of Spanish
politics. and was intended for purely
home consumption The report from
Madrid toward the close Of the day that
the newspapers there had given their
approval 10 the terms of peace describ-
ed by the President went toward re-
lieving a certain encouragement that
was manifested at the opening of the
day. for ii was patent that members of
the Administration apprehend a rejec-
tion of our demands by Spain at the
beginning If however, it shall appear
that this Madrid statement is well
founded and that the Madrid papers
fairly reflect the views of the authori-
ties Of the Spanish Government. then
ii seems probable that the difficulties
that will lie before the Administration
in accomplis peace would be rather
internal than external, and Will be
based upon the preparation of treaty
that shall secure the satisfaction of the
United States.
IL may be pointed out in this con-
nection that if we are really as near to
peace as many people suppose. it will
become necessary to issue a call for an
extra session of the Senate to act upon
the peace treaty with all Of the prompt
ness that the importance OF the subject
demands.
Secretary Alger is deeply concerned
over the welfare of the gallant troops
under Shafter's command. now en-
camped on the outskirts OF Santiago.
The health reports show surprisingly
large number of cases of sickness. but
army surgeons authorize the statement
that these figures are misleading in
certain sense. and that TIE situation
may not be nearly so bad as they would
seem to indicate. The slightest aiiment
of the most temporary nature suffices
to place q soldiers name on the sick