The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-28
the the United States felt justified in demand

ing.
There is little reason to doubt that
SPAN has made up her mind to give up
Cuba
1t is almost equally certain that Spain
recognizes than she must consent also
10 the abandonment of Porto Rico.
Win these two vital points passed there
Is nkely to be little delay on the question
OF indemnity, as there is every disposition
mere not to press with undue severity on
SPAN in this respect.
ABOUT the only reason which would i'm
pei this government to insist on an indem-
hity would be further stubborn resist
ance by Spain.
Speaking broadly, the statement was
made to-day by an influential official that
settlement, i'm which Spain conceded two
vital points, namely Cuba and Porto Rico.
ana at the same time gained two vital
points, namely, freedom from a war in
demnty and retention of her control of
the Philippines, would appear to be a. Just
balance of equities
Nothing was heard from the Miles expe-
dillon to-day at the war department. but
capt. Higginson, the senior officer of the
naval convoy, forwarded a brief cablegram
that gave keen delight to the navy depart
ment, because of the unstinted praise it
accorded 10 a popular and dashing Young
officer, Dick Wainwright, the command
er Oh the little Gloucester. Lieut. VAIN
wright having been commended by his su-
perlor, capt. Higginson for his actions at
Guanlca, enjoys the solitary distinction of
pelng the only officer attached to Admiral
SAMPSON S fleet who has been twice official
~ commended since the war began
The war department has reconciIed itself
to the summary change in its plans made
by Gen Miles when he landed at Guanica
instead OF on the northeast coast of Porto
RICO as previously greed upon. 1t is sur
missed that he was led to make this change
by reason of the detention of his lighters,
ana 1oresaW a weeks delay in effecting a
landing unless he went in where he did.
and ran his troops and artillery directly
ashore
He has thus avoided exposing his troops
to the hardships suffered by Gen. Shat
ter's men as they lay for so many days
off Santiago.
1t is also suggested that the general
has scored an important diplomatic ad-
vantage in setting foot upon Porto Rican
soil before the first overtures had been
received from Spain looking toward
peace.
The departure of Gen. Brooke and Gen.
Hams from Hampton Roads, which is ex-
pected tomorrow, to reinforce Gen. Miles
in Porto Rico is a very substantial evil
dence of the purpose of the government
not to abate the prosecution of military
operations at this stage of the negotia-
tons. The two generals are embarked on
liners and should reach Gen Miles by
next Monday putting him In possession
of a sufficient force to begin the move
ment upon San Juan at once.
The second captured battle flag was re-
ceived at the war department to-day with
a brief note from Gen. Shafter, as fol-
lows
Fragment of Spanish flag captured by
the Thirteenth United States Infantry, at
San Juan, July l"
Inspector General Breckinridge, who
had been a member of Gen. Skaters
staff, called at the White House this af-
ternOon and personally described to the
President the conditions existing there
when he left July 20 He spoke particu-
larly Of the remarkable enthusiasm dis
played by the United States troops there
ami of their cool. brave conduct under
lire, He { so minimized the yellow fever
conditions, and said that the troops had
fully prepared in advance for its appear
ance.