Evening star., 1898-06-14
NO 0INTERVEN
Rumors of Foreign Activity Excite
No Special Interest.
We WILL DICTATE TERMS OF PEACE
Popular Sentiment ind avor of Ex-
Pansion Growing.
CHANGING PARTY
LINES

The frequent repetition of foreign inter-
ventton rumors excites no interest in ofi-
cal and congressional circles at Washing
ton. These stories are regarded as silly.
1t has been too frequently reiterated to r.
quire any further statement on the subject
that foreign intervention between Spain and
tbs United States will not be recognized by
this government, and that the adminstra-
ton is not open to suggestions of terms Of
peace. When Spain sues for peace this
government will suggest the terms. Though
Spain has experienced nothing but disas-
ter since the war began and is every hour
threatened with greater disaster, she has
given no indication of readiness at this
time to yield to the inevitable. The sug-
sestion, coming from Madrid dispatches,
that Spain is ready to accept peace pro-
posals which do not "emanate from the
enemy is read with amusement. This gov
ernment Is not soliciting the good offices of
any foreign power to induce Spain TO sue
for peace. A proposition for peace will
have to come from Madrid, and the terms
upon which peace will be granted must be
fixed by this government, without interfer-
ence or suggestion from any foreign source.
A few persons only regard it as probable
that after the fall of Santiago and Porto
Rico Spain will sue for peace.
The General Opinion.
The general opinion in official and polt-
ical circles is that the stubbornness of Spain
will not be overcome until after the fail
of Havana If after Cuba, Porto Rico
and the Philippines are in the possession
OF the United States Spain continues to
keep up the pretense of war, this govern
nent Is prepared to force peace upon her
by operations against the ports of Spain.
1t is thought to be hardly likely that Spain
will carry her folly far as to render
this necessary, but she will have to recog-
nize the permanent loss of Cuba Porto
Rico and the Philippines before peace can
be concluded There has been 4 very de-
ciced development ir Congress in favor of
the policy of the administration to retain
possession of Porto Rico and the Philip
p.Ecs. The efforts of some of the demo-
cratic leaders to commit the minority
party in Congress in opposition to a policy
OF eXl a1si n have Gey elo ed a condition of
affairs not before understood. The republi-
cans in Congress have become almost a
Unit in favor of the policy of extension,
and the sentiment in favor of such policy
is growing rapidly among democrats 1t is
discovered that the attempt to commit the
ing with determined resistance and that
the number CT democrats who favor the re-
tension of the Philippines and Porto Rico
and the annexation of Hawaii is increas-
iLg.
Vigorous protests are being made against
IL; wise leadership, which would commit
the minority party to a disastrous policy
OF stagnaton. II is expected that there
VIII be vigorous contest at the demo-
cratic caucus TO he held this evening and
that the purpose of the caucus, which is to
bind democrats in opposition to any ex-
parsicn. will either have to be abandoned
@: the caucus action will be ignored by
many, and there Will be a serious division
in the party ranks.
Popular Scrtimcnt FayOrs Expanstou
The correspondence of members of the
House Of all parties who have been in COM
munication with their friends at home with
view to securing denomination indicates
an immense popular sentiment in favor of
a policy which will expand the influence of
this country, and favor the acquisition of
this territory, as is essential to an expan-
sion OF our commerce and influence. 1t is
thought by many that this is not merely a
temporary popular outburst, but is based
on the deliberate conclusion that the close
of this war cannot find US in exactly the
condition We were in at it's outbreak and
that the time has come when existing con-
ditions must regulate our conduct as a ma
ton without too much regard for tradi-
uons. Some of the strongest men in the
minority party contemplate with great an
prehension the efforts to commit that party
to policy of opposition. and it is generally
conceded that the demand for the retention
of territory acquired by this war will be
irresistible. There is no longer the least
doubt expressed that the administration is
thoroughly in sympathy with the popular
sentiment On this subject, and that the
President will have the support of a large
majority of Congress in carrying out a new
policy. Party lines seriously threaten
ed, the policy of expansion being supported
by some of the strongest men of all parties.
and but small minority of the republicans
showing any disposition to oppose it.