The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1898-11-21
TO Be PAID FOR IMPROVEMENTS
II She Refuses the Islands viii Be Taken
From Her BY Conquest.
MAY LOSE OTHER TERRITORY ALSO.
Immediate AmlcabIe Adjustment Will Be De-
manded BY American Commissioners Set
iIement Looked For During the Week.

Washington. Nov. 21.-When the last
paragraphs of the long translation Of
the Spanish note which was presented
20 the American peace commissioners
last Wednesday was deciphered at the
state department. IL appeared that In
addition to the long argument which
was used TO show that the word "dispo-
sition" used i'm relation to the Philip
pines meant something else" the Span
ish note included proposition TO sub
NIT the Philippine clause OF the protocol
TO the Interpretation OF arbitration.
Another cablegram followed the first
long message, this time directly from
Judge Day, seeking instructions def
nitely on some points to be made in the
American answer which is yet to be
presented. These instructions have
been sent forward, and ii may be stated
without going into detail that they are
precisely In line with the policy which
the American commissioners have been
pursuing up TO this point In the negotia
tlons.
In the event that the commissioners
disagree totally at their next meeting
on the Philippines, there will be no dis
cussion of any of the subsidiary ques-
tions, but in the other event, namely,
that an agreement shall be reached on
the principle of the Philippines dispo-
sition, these matters may be expected TO
consume at least one or two additional
sessions OF the commission. One OF
these subjects concerns the restoration
of trade relations between the United
States and Spain. At the beginning OF
the war Spain terminated all of her
treaties with the United States.
With a view to bringing matters 70 a
speedy conclusion. cur commissioners
early this week. will lay before the Span
iards the final and irrevocable demands
OF this country. allowing a specified time
in which our conditions may be accepted
or rejected.
This ultimatum 1t is understood, In
wolves all that has thus far been con-
tended for, including the surrender TO
the United States of the entire Philip
pine group. and also names the amount
OF cash which this government will pay
Spain in consideration OF her expendi-
lures on account of pacific improve
nents and betterments in the island OF
LuZon.
There was no meeting of the joint
peace commissions Saturday. The first
proposition from the United States
commission TO the Spaniards regarding
the Philippine islands was not demand.
TO bring the subject under discussion
the Americans merely submitted pro-
posal TO take over the Philippine islands
and reimburse Spain the amount spent
by her there for permanent betterments.
Spain declined the terms and the pro-
posal itself. Had she stopped there
the United States would have been COM
PEELED to repeat the proposal as an ulti-
matum, or TO tender new terms.
Spain. however, put off any con-
sideration Of terms by declaring
that the United States had no
right TO impugn her sovereignty in the
Philippines; that. IL her sovereignty
there should pass, the mortgages she
had placed on the Philippine revenue
must be underwritten, and that her e
nifty forbade her to heed any questions
as 10 how she spent the loans so secured.
The Americans patiently replied that
the peace conference was charged with
the disposition OF the Philippines and
the sovereignty there. They laid down
the broad principle that expenses in
CURED in n futile attempt at subjuga-
tion should not be loaded upon the col
ony seeking freedom. Finally they
affirmed their right 10 inquire as to
the destination OF moneys raised by
plcdglng the Philippine revenues.
All this postponed a discussion Of the
main question; but i'm their next memo
randum the American commissioners
will go TO the vital point. Definite no.
tice will he given that the United States
will take over all the Philippines; and
Spain will unquestionably learn the
terms from which there will be no de-
walton. IL is more than likely that the
Americans viii hatly summon Spain to
effect immediate amicable adjustments
Should she refuse TO make a treaty
cedng the Philippines 10 the United
States. the instant alternative for Amer
lea will be the conquest OF that terr
tory at an increased cost 20 Spain in the
final settlement, and, possibly. with loss
OF Spanish life. 1t may be held that the
Philippines. II cedcd now without any
terms would be an inadequate indem-
nifty TO the United States for their war
Expenses dH -dty lhCulItuf anu lndl
Spain cannot expect. as a legal or a
moral right. any monetary concession
Philippine acquisition by conquest. how
ever. would entail upon the United
States a waste OF treasure far great, b.
than a sum that Spain may accept now
o. the basis OF peaceful cession.
spain. being barren OF territory or
cash to indemnify the United States
fully. even at this tuncture, would be
stu less able 20 meet an additional ex-
pense TO the Americans in further opera
tions In the Philippines. Moreover. q
speedy adjustment of local Philippine
condition Is demanded. Spain could
not In any circumstances effect this.
The Americans have assumed responsl
b.lity and they feel that the delay here
prevents their dlscharging IL. IL IL
fully realized that the business Interests
an the United states are more os less in