Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1898-08-06
Had Full Power to Act.

Washington, Aug. ALL eyes are
turned toward Madrid for it is realized
that upon the Spanish cabinet depends
the restoration of peace. 1t had been
announced here in quarter that re-
moved the information from any ques-
tion of accuracy that the decision of
the Spanish government was not to be
submitted before to-day at the earliest.
In the absence of any new phase in
the negotiations here, speculation nat
urally turned backward toward the re-
markable meeting at the white house
Saturday and great interest was mani
tested in every particular respecting
that event. A disposition was shown
in some quarters to question the au-
thority of the French ambassador to
act as he did, representing Spain. But
it can be again stated that regardless
of any technical point such as the alb
sence of signed, sealed and delivered
mail credentials, which of course could
not reach here in the little time at
hand that the president regarded NJ.
Cambon as fully qualified to act as a
| preventative of the Spanish govern
ment in the negotiations, subject, of
course, as are almost all ministers or
ambassadors in these days, to the ref
erence of the work accomplished by
them to the government they repre-
sent for final approval.
The discussion turned on the nature
of the change made at the instance of
| NJ. Cambon in the list of American de-
mands. 1t was contended in some quar-
ters that no change had been made. in
Others that an important modification
had developed, AS matter of fact, as
to the Importance of this change there
is a difference of opinion between the
| parties, the administration looking
upon it as inconsequential, while NJ.
Cambon attaches Importance to it.
| However this may be, as the admin
istration believes that the change is
not essential and that it certainly does
not affect the principle of the docu-
ment, it might be well to apituiate
briefly just what the demands of the
United States are.
AS TO Cuba, it is demanded that Spain
is to release her government; posses
sion and control. 1t will be noticed
that nothing is said of Cuban independ-
ence, and that the acceptance of this
position leaves the United States free
to deal with the island as it may deem
best.
Puerto Rico, with the small islands
adjacent and embraced within heI
jurisdiction, is to be ceded uncondi
tionally to the United States.
One of the Ladrone islands likewise
is to be ceded to the United States as g
coaling station.
These three conditions beinl
granted by Spain, are to be taken a,
part payment in lieu of the full indem
nifty. What further payment shall b,
required is to be determined by a com
mission having authority to act fol
the president, subject to his approval
Whether Spain shall retain posses
sion of the Philippines as whole or il
part is left to that commission to de
termine. The reason for deferrine
the decision as to the future of tn,
islands in this fashion is because tn,
administration is not yet satisfied it
self; it is not clear at this momen
what sound policy should dictate il
the matter. Meanwhile and until tn,
commission has satisfactorily disposed
of the future of the islands the United
States is to exercise a military gov
erment over Manila harbor and bay
1