Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1898-08-02
Ambassador Cambon, with Extraor-
binary Powers from Spain,
Agrees to Them.
He, However, Induces President McKin-
ley to Slightly Modify the
Original Document.
Uhe Terms Not Made Pablo, but an
Outline Is Secured from Very
High Authority.

Washington, Aug. IN. Cambon French
ambassador in Washington, on receiving
PRESIDENT Mchinley's re ply 10 the Spanish
note. presented credentials empowering
< him to act for Spain in the matter of peace
negotiations. In consequence the terms as
proposed by President McKinley were dis
cussed at once, and when NJ. Cambon left
the white house terms had practically been
agreed upon. Should Spain ratify NJ Cam
hons action peace would come at once
The terms agreed upon are not made pub
aic. From d high source. however 1t is
learned that the answer TO Spain is prac-
tically as follows:
Withdrawal by Spain of her forces and
sovereignty from Cuba, the United States
10 exercise control Gnti, stable govern.
ment can be established
Nlthdra%al Of her forces and sovereign
ty from Puerto Rico ard the absolute ces-
sion of these and the minor Spanish West
Indies to the United States
Acquiescence by Spain In the permanent
occupation by the United States. Of Guam
island, In the Ladrones. already In the pos.
session of the United States
The United States toeXslcise control over
the city and bay Of Manila and the imme-
diate surrounding territory, Including
Cavite, until such time as the commis,
s!oners appointed respectively by the two
countries determine upon the future dis
position and government OF The Philippines,
which receives the ratification of the two
governments, the United States neither
Waiving claim 10 the whole CT the Philip
pines nor specifying the exact boundary
Limit of the territory she desires to hold
permanently.
a. May End the War.
After strong argument the president and
Secretary Day consented to a modification
OF the American terms in one particular
What that modification relates to is NOT dis
closed. but it is believed rot 10 apply 10 the
condition for the absolute independence of
CUBA, the cession of Puerto Rico, or the
granting of adequate coaling stations 10
the United States in the Pacific, or to d.
minish in any vital particular the terms ON
which peace will be restored The modifica-
lion brought about practical unanin,tty be-
tween the president and Ambassador Cam.
Don, as plenipotentiary for Spain and the
latter has now transmitted the results of
the conference to Madrid for approval,
which. If given will end the war.
To Hold Manila bay.
The cabinet thought it wise to ins,st
q upon the military occupation of ManiIa
Day. including the city itself. first because
OF the strategic advantages involved. ana
secondly, because it is believed that n
Merritt Is not actually in possession of
.ne city Oh Manila at the present time he
certainly will be before the Spanish an
swer Is received -
IN view or the raising of the American
nag on Suplg bay, some of the members of
the cabinet insisted that the American 90.
cupation during the armistice should in
ciude that point also. But this was
/ waived on the theory that the possession
ri Manila bay would completely dominate |
the philippines. subig bay, however. wa Is
the last thing stricken out of the note.
There was considerable discussion in the
SSao.net over the general question of the
spanish debt which has been based upon
the revenues of Cuba and Puerto Rico
+ IT was decided unanimously that the
ABANDONMENT of Spanish sovereignty In
the west Indies would be in such shane a
to relieve the United States of any possible |
claims on the part of the holders Of ths
Spanish bonds " LAG
spain VIII be required to cede the two
lands free of debt and free from all con-
dltions. so that the United States can If |
~ should SO " 81, annex Cuba, being de-
ssIleu from such action only by the SOL
cmn declaration of tits own congress
Z Considerable attention was given To the
question of the small islands surroundir o
Cuba and Puerto Rico. 1t was made clearl
iShat the Spanish flag must absolutely dis
appear from the Western Hemisphere. and
1he Isle of Pines. the Isle of Eieques. Guile
bra island, Mona island, and other islets.
reefs, and shoals outlying from the two
main Spanish islands shall be Specifically
included In the transfer.
Answer Given to Cambon.
!. The cabinet concluded its labcrs about
Two O'Clock. and thereupon Ambassador
Cambon, representing the Spanish govern
Iment, with his secretary, M. Thiehanl Voc
GRANTED an audience by the president who
was, OF course, accompanied by the sec
rotary of state, The answer of the United |
states to Spain was read in full to Ambas-
aauor Campoh, and its meaning discussed
4n the fullest manner in an unofficial way
fihe interview lasted fully three hours he
ans prolonged by the necessity of constant
translation from French to English and
vice versa.
Did Not Commit Himself,
President Mckinley did not commit him
self In regard to the American policy except
go far as 1t was outlined In the official note
lie did explain, however. that II Spain
agreed to the proposition to give up the
West Indies before entering upon general
peace negotiations 1t would be treated fair
ny IN regard to Its possessions in the orient. |.
The president explained to the French am
passador what of course, he already knew
THAT there was difference of opinion
not only In the cabinet but throughout the
United States as to the ACCESSIBILITY Of re-
Raining the Philippines and the. other Pa
rinc groups. The president did not say he
was opposed to their retention, but he went
30 far as to explain to Spain that there
would be something to strive for. and that
the concession in regard to Cuba and
Puerto Rico would not be met imme diately
~ harsh ultimatum on the part Of the
United States.
Spain VIII Gain by EARLY Peace.
On the contrary the hope was extended
although no pledges We're made. that If
Spain accepted the inevitable at this time
and yielded possession of Cuba and Puerto
Rico peaceably, the saving of expense and
life to the United States which would he
to capture these islands would.
Of course. be considered by the peace com
Episstoners as an offset to some of the lust
plains of the United States. The presi-
ent pointed out that as this country was
large army and navy at
normous expense 1t could not consent to
cessation of hostilities whether under the
anne of an armistice or not until Spain
lad agreed to retire from the West Indies.
Gentle Warning.
The president also pointed out In his
uiet but firm manner that If Spain re-
scted the present offer and forced the
|nited States to continue Its vast expendi-
Ire of men and money 1t would result
My in adding to the items properly charge
bic against the defeated nation, and con-
tions which the United States would con-
der reasonable now would be out of the
iestion before Christmas. The president i
,plained that in view OF the division of
Union In this country there was at least !
chance that Spain might retain some of j
u possessions In the Pacific. but IL the