Omaha daily bee., 1898-11-29
SPAIN YIELDS Internationally.

ofAN IIELDo
SPANS acceptance of the American de-
mands in regard to the Philippines was
clearly foreshadowed in the course pur-
sued after the United States govern
ment had submitted Its ultlmatum. The
fact that the Spanish government took
the full time allowed by the American
peace commissioners In which to reply 10
their demands, In the meantime in
formally presenting alternative pro-
posuls, which 1t could not have seriously
expected would at that stage Of the
negotiations receive consideration,
plainly indicated that Spain would yield.
There was some doubt as to whether she
would accept the offer Of $2O,OO0,O00, but
Spanish pride surrendered to the plead
ing of a bankrupt treasury. 1t Is purely
n gift, since there can be no doubt thai
our demands would have been accepted
II we had not offered a dollar. Spain
claims that she had the stronger argyll
mem throughout the controversy, an as
sumption that can afford very little
satisfaction to her people as they con-
template the disaster their country has
suffered. The truth is that argument
had small place in the negotiations. The
| American commissioners were sent to
Paris not to debate but to dictate, a fact
which was early impressed upon the
Spaniards. The protocol disposed of
| SPANS West India colonies. Our gov
eminent had fully decided, there can be
no doubt, to take possession Of the
Philippines when the peace commission
first met. Therefore discussion Of the
| question Of dlsposing of the islands has
on our part been purely perfunctory.
The Philippine question being disposed
| Of there Is now no obstacle to a treaty Of
peace. Whatever details are to be ar
ranged will probably require little time
and there appears to be no reason why
a treaty may not be concluded within a
week. Spain having accepted u de-
mands Internationally as to the only
matter of vital concern to her will un-
doubtedly unhesitatingly concede what
ever other conditions we may require
within the limitations imposed by the
protocol. These can relate only to the
carrying out Of the agreements already
effected. The United States can right
fully make no further demands for ter
ritory or for any form of indemnity.
1t Is now correct to speak Of the
Philippines as one Of the new posses
sions Of the United States. The treaty
Of peace will not become effective, of
course, until ratified by the senate,
while the payment Of $4,000, ZOO
must be approved by both branches OF
congress. There Is no doubt that there
will be strong opposition to the treaty in
the senate. Several prominent repub'
lican members of that body have de-
clared uncompromising hostility to the
acquisition of the Philippines and the
democrats generally are against it. II
requires Il two-thirds vote to ratify the
treaty and it has seemed doubtful
whether this number can be obtained
1t is undoubtedly the confident expecta
ton Of the administration that ratitica
ton of it's action will be accomplished
without much difficulty and 1t may have
substantial reason for this. The house
it seems safe to say, will sustain thu
president, although there are some pro
nounced anti-expansionists on the re
publican side.
Peace with Spain is assured. Thu
United States could not, with any show
Of justice, renew hostilities with tina
country. Having accepted our demands
Spain Is no longer an enemy. Mean
while there is danger that we shall hav'
a foe in the Philippines far more trouble
some than the Spaniards.