Evening journal., 1898-08-01
ference to Madrid for approval. which.

ference TO Madrid for approval. which.
4 given, win end the war
The first business of the conference
pas the presentation OF the terms laid
aown by the United States. Secretary
Day read the terms, pausing at the end
n each sentence to allow NJ Thiebaut,
first secretary OF the French embassy,
10 interpret into French, as the embas-
sador's knowledge Of English is limited.
This reading by Secretary Day and in
terpreting by NJ. Thiebaut took but 10
minutes Then began the discussion.
point by point
The president and the ambassador ad-
dressed each other directly, with the
greatest freedom and frankness. each
stoutly maintaining the Justice OF his
position on the several points involved.
When at last. after an eloquent plea by
the embassador 1t was agreed TO modi-
~ the conditions in one particular. Sec
retary Day withdrew for half an hour
and attended to drafting the modifica-
tion. This accomplished the embassa-
dor addressed himself TO the president,
not 50 much as the advocate OF Spain,
but personally having with the presi-
dent man for man, a like interest in
humanity.
NJ. CambOn spoke in French, each SEN
tence being caught up and interpreted
by II. Thiobaut, so that the earnestness
Of the ambassadors expression lost lit
tie by this indirect method OF communi-
cation. The president spoke with equal
rrankness. and IN the lengthy discussion
there was scarcely point In the whole
range OF the war which was not met
and freely considered.
II IS now for the Madrid government
10 give final approval to what has been
partially accomplished. 1t Is even pos
sible that this approval will come very
Bpeedily-within a day or two-for there
Is no need OF extended conferences or
correspondence All that was accom-
plished when NJ. Cambon acted as plen-
lpotentiary. From the fact that he act
ed under instructions the prospect
would seem TO be hopeful for Spain's
ratifying what has been done.
II Spain accepts the proposals Of the
United States II will operate as a final
settlement Of all questions between the
two governments on this side Of the
Philippine islands. The Spanish forces
viii be withdrawn at once from Cuba
and Porto Rico, and they and all the
outlying islands will be turned over to
the American military authorities.
The question OF the future of Cuba
will be one to be settled exclusively by
the American government and the peo-
pie OF the island. Porto Rico and the
minor islands will be governed as con-
gress may direct.
The conditions imposed are such as to
leave no reason for an armistlce except
in the Philippines They must be ac-
cepted before the United States will
consent TO the appointment OF commits
Bloners TO settle the question Of the fu-
ture Of the Philippines.
The question of the Cuban and Porto
Rican debts Is not In any way involved
Whatever obligations Spain has incur
red In connection with her western pos
sessions must be liquidated by her alone
Porto Rico IS to come to the United
states free and unincumbered by Span
lsh debts. and Cuba, whether indePend-
snt or attached to the United States,
must be free from the burden OF debt
which was one Of the chief causes Of the
insurroction.
as TO the requirements In regard to
the Philippines the reference Is rather
brief. considering their Importance The
president and his official advisers, feel
ing that they were not sufficiently In
sormed as to the exact status of affairs
In the islands and OF Admiral Dewey 8
relations TO AgulnRldO the insurgent
ieader, doomed II inexpediont TO make
any specific demands for concessions or
To waive the right to make the most
sweeping demands.