New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-27
SPANS OFFER OF PEACE
TERMS THIS COUNTRY MIGHT
ACCEPT.
CUBA, PORTO RICO AND THE PHILIP
PINES MUST BE ABANDONED-NO
ARMISTICE SUGGESTED.
TBY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBuSE.l

[BY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRBuSE1
Washington. July 26-Substantial form was
given to-day to the vague rumors afoat here
and at other capitals that Spain was about to
sue for peace with the United States when
NJ Jules Cambon, the French Ambassador.
charged with the care OF Spanish interests In
this country, formally advised the President,
in a personal interview. that the Madrid Gov
ernment earnestly desired speedy termination
Of the present war
Ambassador Cambon's frank announcement
was not. indeed. the first intimation to reach
the President that Spain was weary OF the
proftless struggle in which she had been in
volved by her failure to maintain in Cuba even
the semblance Of an humane and orderly colonial
administration. 1t is understood tina. within
the last week or ten days certain overtures
looking to the discussion OF terms on which
hostties might be suspended or terminated
were made to the American Ambassador at
Paris through a member OF the French Cabinet.
but the French Government promptly in
formed in return that the first steps toward
peace must be taker. in Washington. and that
any communication from the Sagasta Minis
try must be transmitted directly to the Pres!-
dent himself.
Acting on this hint NJ Cambon. who has not
left his post here since the protection OF SPANS
interests was confided TO him at the outbreak or
the war. sought this afternoon a personal audi
ence at the White House. and in the conven-
tionally guarded yet sufficiently clear and ex-
plict language which diplomacy uses. declared
that he was authorized by the Spanish Govern
ment to express its strong desire for the restora-
tion Of peace. leaving 1t TO the United states 10
suggest the conditions on which formal negotia-
ha Srtai Nj
Cambon is understood to have explained, was
anxious to know what terms this country would
demand as the price of cessation OF hostilities,
and would await with interest any propositions
which might be made the basis OF treaty Of
peace
NO TALK OF AN ARMISTICE.
II IA not believed that the French Ambassa-
dor included in his representations 10 the Presi-
dent the hint that the declaration Of an arms-
tice would be agreeable to Spaic while over
lures for peace were being considered. Such n
request would have given a color Of insincerity
to the Madrid Governments proposals; for. hard
nushed AS she is both by land and sea. delay
is the one thing on which Spain can now count
70 postpone another series OF naval and military
disasters Certainly the Administration could
not be expected to listen with patience or toler
IL
would cut short the eaborately planned and
highly promising campaign just begun in Porto
Rico. and would even renew temporarily SPANS
lease Of power In Manila, now momentarily
threatened with capture by the American forces
In the Philippines.
TERMS MKINLEY WOULD ACCEPT
To NJ Cambon's representations President Nc
~ have
United States would be glad to enter upon peace
reeot,ations on the understanding that Spain
,s 10 abandon her sovereignty over both Cuba
ond Porto Rico and TO acknowledge this coun-
,rv.s right to shape the future destiny Of the
pbil,nnine group On these terms peace could
o,sil, and promptly be restored NJ Cambon
was authorized of course. to make no comment
IN the conditions suggested by the Administra-
t,on and simply undertook to transmit them
tbrouph his home government to the Cabinet
at Madrid.
II Is expected that a result OF to-days
rather tentative exchange OF views the Spanish
Government will perhaps submit counter propo-
sails for n treaty OF peace. disclosing the MIMI
mum OF the demands which 1t Is now ready TO
grant II Premier Sagastas desire TO end the
war is deep-seated and sincere. his return propo-
sitions are counted on by the authorities here 10
make clear that .act II. on the other hand. he
submits conditions Of peace which the United
States will be compelled to dismiss as trivial and
unworranted the failure OF the Madrid Govern
ment to appreciate the straits to which 1t has
already been driven, will be taken as warning
that 10 secure peace on rational basis the war
must be prosecuted by this country to bitter
and relentless end
The reception given to-day's overture In Spain
| Itself will perhaps demonstrate shortly whether
the Spanish people are weary or not or the
present struggle. and on the temper disclosed
will depend greatly the conditions offered In
Senior Sagastas expected note.
Too much Importance should not. OF course,
he attached to the very coloress and tentative
| overtures for a cessation OF hostilities made by
snoin through NJ Cambon to-day. But that
even the first step toward peace should be taken
ar this early stage OF the conflict has undoubted
sigridcance 1t demonstrates that peace Is held
| IN he obtainable by both hostile governments;
and when that conclusion is reached In warfare
| neace may be said to be not far out OF sight.