Omaha daily bee., 1898-10-02
WORKING OUT PEACE
Commissioners at Paris Hold Their First
Formal Meeting.
SESSION CONTINUES BUT HALF AN HOUR
Spanish Representatives Hope for an
Enduring Peace,
TAKE UP CUBA AND PORTO RICO FIRST
More Delicate Questions Waiting Action Not
Touched Upon.
AXE UP CUBA AND PORTO RICO FIRST
WITHHOLD PROCEEDINGS FROM THE PRESS
Imprcssion Left by the First Meeting
In Felt 10 he Decidedly Favor
able rs to satisfactory
Results.

Copyright, 1898, by Press Publishing COZ
PARIS, Oct. 1.-(New York World Cable
gram-Special Telegram.)-The first JOINT
meeting of the United States and spanish
peace commissions, held today in the iorelsh
Office at Quai d'Orsai, proved, as predlcteu
by cable, to be practically a mere dlplo-
matte parade. The session lasted only nall
an hour the members OF both commissions
assembling punctually at 2:SO in the gor'
geous anteroom to the salon allotted for the
deliberations prior to the commencement OF
proceedings. The commissioners OF both ma
tions mixed together, conversing on most
amicable terms, three of the Spanish com
missioners, Montero Rios, Abarzuza and
Villarutia speaking English, the latter hav-
ing perfect command of that tongue.
Day and Montero Rios led the way into
the salon and took their places opposite
each other at the end of a long table, the
other commissioners ranging themselves
next to their presidents. The order OF
sitting on the American side was Day, Davis,
Frye, Gray and Reid, Abarzuza being oppo-
site Davis, then Garnica Villarutia. Ihe
only attaches present were Moore secretary,
and Ferguson, official Interpreter, the Span
ish secretary, Ojeda, not having yet arrived
from Jauger.
The exchange of credentials occupied somo
time, after which, it is learned from reli-
able Spanish source, Montero Rios opened
the proceedings by expressing the hope that
the deliberations would result in establish
ing a genuine and enduring peace. This
sentiment was cordially reciprocated by Day,
Views were then exchanged as to procedure
and the next meeting was fixed for Monday
at o'clock, when the arrangements will
be made for further sessions.
Your correspondent Is satisfied, from
most careful and exhaustive inquiries, thai
no mention was made of the delicate ques-
tions awaiting settlement beyond an inti-
nation from Montero Rios that the Spanish
commissioners considered that the Cuba and
Porto Rico matter 5nould pe first opened
Day assented and there Is every reason tc
believe this point was settled beforehand a.
a private meeting between Day and MonterC
Rios at the American embassy, when tht
American and Spanish ambassadors wer,
also present. There was also a mutua
agreement that no information of wha
passed at the meetings of the commission
should be given out to the press, the Span
iards being especially strong on the vita
necessity of obviating all premature dis
closures
The French foreign minister has Sc
up in the anteroom an elegant buffet will
wines and tempting dishes, but with tn
exception of cigars, which a majority of tn
commissioners smoked, his hospitality wa
not availed of.
The impression left by the inaugural meet
ing is distinctly favorable, as far as the ap
parent disposition OF the Spanish commits
sioners Is concerned
Every Convenience Provided.
A special entrance is set apar
for the use of the commissioners
in order to furnish them wit
every privacy and convenience. On enter
ing, easy, broad step lead to a large ante
room. Extending thence in front of tn
| building, is a suiteof three great rooms oveI
looking the river Seine. In front of tn
windows are balconies containing large vase
filled with growing plants. Next to tn
anteroom Is a spacious reception room. TIL
floor Is covered with beautiful crimson ve
vet carpet and the furniture consists of
satin divan in the center, with a numbt
Of easy chairs around the walls. Ricl
heavy draperies, are drawn around ii
windows, and there is just enough statuar
in the place to make 1t artistic. The neI
room to it is of similar appearance ar
may be termed a lounging salon. 1t COZ
meets with a larger apartment, in whiC
exquisite lunch is spread for the prva
use of the commissions. 1t adjoins Il
conference chamber.
The entire suite of rooms may
described as being Of massive appearance
Handsome, crystal chandeliers, hang fro
the ceilings and the walls are wholly paI
eed with gobelin tapestries. You enter II
conference hall through magnificent doub
portiers. In the center of the hall and e.
tending nearly the length of the apartmel
is a massive rosewood table, covered with
red velvet table cloth and having arouI
it large, handsome chairs for the use of Il
commissioners. Before each chair is a larg
leather bound portfolio, and tray upt
which are pencils, ink eraser, a file hoo
quill and steel pens, china ink well and
sponge cup. This apartment is carpeted wi
maroon and gold and the walls and Gel
inigs are OF deep olive and gold. 1t co
tains five great windows, draped with 81
| and priceless lace curtains. They overlo
, the beautiful private gardens of the forei
: minister, which contain exquisite statua
and anna rara traaa and shr,tha