The herald., 1898-07-28

States, and II Is hoped by the president that
eseors II comes to the formulation ON
cially Of the United States demand. pub
lie sentiment IN this country. through news
paper discussion and otherwise. will have
~ far crystallized as 10 enable the gov
ernment to perceive the popular demand
clearly. 1t may be stated that It is con-
fdently expected that when the two gov
ernments arrive at the point of actually
fixing terms, they will be found much closer
together than Is generally supposed. 1t Is
felt by officials that, with the diplomatic
formakities out Of the way, the actual peace
terms would require little time for arrange
ment. and today 1t was even suggested that
the anomalous condition might be pre-
scented Of SPANS conceding as much or
more than the United States felt justified
In demanding. There is little reason to
doubt that Spain has made up her mind to
give up Cuba.
II 10 almost equally certain that Spain
recognizes that she must consent also to
the abandonment of Porto Rico. With
these two vital points passed, there is Nike
ly to be little delay on the question of in
demnity, as there is every disposition here
not to press with undue severity on Spain
with this respect.
About the only reason which would impel
this government to insist upon an indem-
nifty would be q further stubborn resist
ance by Spain.
A Fair Proposition
Speaking broadly, the statement was
made today by an influential official that a
settlement with Spain lost her two vital
points, namely, Cuba and Porto Rico, and
at the same time gained her two vital
points, namely, freedom from a war in
demnity and retention of her control Of
the Philippines, which would appear to be
Q Just balance of equities.
Nothing was heard from the Miles ex-
petition today at the war department, but
Capt. Higginson, the senior officer of the
naval convoy, forwarded brief cablegram
which gave keen delight to the navy de-
partment, because of the unstinted praise
1t accorded to popular and dashing off,
Ger. "Dick" Wainwright, the commander
Of the little Gloucester. Wainwright, hav-
ing been commended by his superior. Hig-
gtnson. for his actions at Guanica. enjoys
the solitary distinction of being the only
onicer attached to SIMPSONS fleet who has
war began.
General Miles Plans
The war department has reconciled itself
to the summary change In its plans made
by General Miles when he landed at Guam
lea instead Of ION the east coast Of Porto
Rico" as previously agreed upon. It is
surmised he was led to make this change
by reason of the detention of his lighters,
and foresaw weeks delay in effecting a
landing unless he went in where he did
and ran his troops and artillery directly
ashore. He thus has avoided exposing his
troops to the hardships suffered by Shat
ter's men, as they lay for so many days or
Santiago. 1t Is also suggested that tine
general has scored an important diplomat
lc advantage In setting foot on Porto Rican
soil before the first overtures had been re-
ceived from Spain looking towards peace.
The departure of General Brooke and
General Haines from Hampton Roads,
which is expected tomorrow, to reinforce
General Miles in Porto Rico. is a very
substantial evidence Of the purpose of
the government not to abate the prosecu-
ton of military operations at this stage
Of the negotiations. The two generals
are embarked on rapid liners and should
reach General Miles by next Monday, put
ting him in possession Of sufficient force
to begin the movement upon San Juan at
once.
The Second Spanish Flag
The second captured flag was received at
the war department today, with brief
note from General Shafter as follows:
Fragment of Spanish flag captured by
the Thirteenth United States infantry at
San Juan. July l.
Inspector Breckenridge, who has been
member of General Skaters staff, called
ut the White House this afternoon and
personally described to the president the
conditions existing there when he left July
20. He spoke particularly of the remark
able enthusiasm displayed by the United
States troops there, and Of their cool,
brave conduct under fire. He also min
imized the yellow fever conditions and said
that the troops had been fully prepared in
advance for its appearance.