The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-09-16


met in special session at O'Clock this
afternoon and adjourned a, 4. All of the
members were present except Secretary AL
ger, who Is not 'in the city. All united IN
the statement after the meeting that they
had agreed TO say nothing more Of the
Deliberations than that the peace commits
sioners had been fully instructed. As TO
the nature OF these Instructions they con-
veyed not a word. Each one pointed out
that to do so would be extremely impolit.c,
and would amount TO arning the Spanish
commissioners in advance against them.
The peace commissioners who were ap-
preached on the subject made similar re-
sponses thus closing all official avenues OF
information.
1t IS said that the commissioners were
"fuiiy instructed" and upon seeking q
further explanation OF this phrase. IL ap-
peared that the cabinet had patiently gone
over in the discussion with the commits
sioners every subject that in their opinion
could be brought into the proceedings be-
fore the joint committee. On each of these.
the American commissioners were made ac-
ouainted Will, the views and wishes OF the
administration.
1t Is not TO be understood from this that
The commissioners go under ironciad and
unchange able instructions at all points, for
had there not heen a certain amount Of
fexsbility IN the instructions also. as one
OF the cabinet members put II. the pres.-
dent might just az well have reduced his
wishes to paper In the form OF an ultimatum
and sent that TO Paris by messengers.
Latitude Given Commissioners.
mere mou,hpieces bur having chosen with
the greatest care and consideration Ave
men in whom he puts the most explicit con-
Gdenee the president feels that they are 10
De trusted with the interests OF the United
States. II is rot expected they w.ll have
free rein III the larger questions OF policy.
bur with ample opportunities for consulta-
tons by Cable and otherwise there is no
reason why the commissioners should not
be abla 20 carry out the desires Of the ad
opportunity 70 somewha; shape those de-
sires by conveying Information they may
acquire.
For instance Il IS expected that at Paris
the commissioners will meet Gen. Merritt.
fresh from Manila. and IN addition they will
there have the benefit az a SPECIAL report
from Admiral Dewey. These will Be Of
me greatest value. for the comm. .sioners
are not acquainted with the Philippine quaz-
ison in detail and even the information
that is to be acquired from the Spanish
peace. commissioners Is not 10 he ,fesp.sei
when i; takes such an official form tina. it
can be relied gpon as to accuracy
Al the arrangements have been com
ple;ed for the departure os the commission
ard is staT. Most OF tina parry vii leave
Washington about o'clock tomorrow ar
ternoon fer New York but circumstances
may delay the commissioners until the
nigh. train The Carapaala sails at p n
Saturday, and expl.clt Instructions have
been given all uabarx az tha party - ~
81 boar! nj that .i;ne. Special baggage
.sss have been printed fer the belongings of
the members and 4 small paper pasier
showing rei au3 blue bars crossed on a
whit, background gi.es handy say of
making Rea. Wake and Biue iieat:aca
sson q the personal aa3 general lusgsSs
e. the party.