The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-11-01

PARIS. Oct. H.--At the meeting Of the
peace commission today the Americans
presented written expression Of the pur-
pose OF the Americans TO take the entire
group Of Philippine isls uds and to assume
such . proportion OF the Philippine debt
as has been spent for the benefit OF the ISL
aStds in public works. improvements and
permanent betterments.
The Americans were removing their
wraps when the Spaniards entered the ante
room. and polite and cordial greetings
were exchanged as the two groups, COM
mingiing. passed through the grand salon.
'where buffet was spread. and entered the
conference chamber. In which. before leav-
ing. the Spaniards would learn the atti-
tude Of the United States toward the Phil
ippines.
The Spanish commissioners took their ac-
customed places at the historic table. the
afternoon light full in their faces, while
the Americans ranged themselves oppo-
site. with their backs to the light and with
the interpreter standing at the end of the
table, on the right hand OF Judge Day and
the left Of Senior Montero Rios. and be-
tween the two secretaries. Mr. Moore and
Senor Ojeda.
American Demands Read.
Secretary Moore. upon tE. request Of
Judge Day, passed to Mr.. Ferguson. the
interpreter. the formulated demands Of the
United States regarding the Philippines.
which were read to the Spaniards IN their
own tcague hs rapid rehderinx from the
English. in which they were written. AL
though the Spanish commissioners did not
betray anxiety, their attention to the read
Ing was keen. They had anticipated that
the United States would take over the
islands. but the terms and details Of the
transfer had all along been a subject OF
speculation.
The reading disclosed the fact that the
United States government had determined,
to posses for istseif certain territory and
parts OF land bounded by and lying within
such parallels OF latitude and longitude as
mark the limits of the Philippine archpel-
ago. The United States does not propose
assuming the Philippine debt OF 5000 900.
but Is willing TO be responsible to Spain for
sum OF money equal TO the actual ex-
penditure by Spain In the Philippines for
the advantage OF the islands and for the
good Of their people, for permanent better
ments and for improvements both physical
and mental
What Are "Pacinc Expcndituress p.
The reading from the presenfrnent speci-
Acs that the United States will reimburse
Spain to the exten. of her pacific expend-
huYss" made in the archipelago. This
phrase pacific expenditures is employed
10 d:fferentiate the expenditures By Spain
in combating instructions in the Philip
pines. The one is felt by the commission
ere 10 be fair burden on the acquiring
power. while the other and latter class of
expenditures Is held 10 have been logically
assumed by Spain in the inevitable hazard
TO a nation resorting 10 arms to enforce
orders IN It's own territory.
Such is the vital portion Of the present
men' made by the American commission
ers today. and tt is to be observed that
while the main proposition as TO possession
and financial responsibility i. clear and
definite. many details have been left 10 the
development OF the discussion between the
two commissions Thus. while the Span
.ards are tonight quite certain that the
United States intends 10 reimburse them for
pacific expenditures" they remark that
they are not enlightened as TO whether the
Americans expect 10 indorse the Spanish
penditures's in the archipelago or whether
they Will hand Spain hump sum of gold
large enough 10 cover Spain's outlay so 6es-
tgnase<i. Possibly the American commits
ssosers themselves are no. at this raonen.
fluffy determined on this point II is un-
likely. however, that the Americans WEI
care 10 become identified In the slightest
degree with Spain in her resnosss billties to
her creditors. The clearer method seems
10 he 10 hand 10 Spain spot cash or some
thing as good. and Ia bid her apply II on
her debts by whatever name known, or put
IL In her wallet sor whatever use she may
eject.
No Schedule Yet Required.
While she United States has designated
pacific expenditures as taose Il VIII re-
trnsarse 10 Spain. the presentuent ~ the
American commissioners today do not de-
mani either a schedule or al inventory %
the same from the Ssanl&rts But she
suggestion naturally raises an snquiry as
20 the kind and quantity of sra.s's pacific
expenditures IN the Philippines. and some
.ighs may ~ given on that matter now
TAerc IL considerable trafae anscYs- The
sstarss, and some tire ago system OF
lighthouses became necessary. Spain set
sus 10 saps'iy this, aid projected torty-eigat
Eight stations OF these she has already
constructed seventeen % the ssrss csass ana
sixteen 81 tire se>cud cizss What they