The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-14


hshment OF temporary and permanent adj
ministrations for our new colonial possess
sions, the caring for the wounded and pris-
oners and the relief of the distress in Cuba.
The question of immediate attention is the
appointment of the peace commission
which is to meet at Paris, and of the mill
tary commission to meet at Havana and
san Juan. The President conferred with
secretary Day during the day relative to
the peace commission, but it was said at the
State Department late in the day that an
announcement of the commissioners might
oe deferred for some days. 1t is understood
that the President has not fully determined
on the personnel of the commission. Sew
eral OF the public men who saw him to-day
were satisfied that the commission would be
made up of Secretary Day, Senators Alli-
son and German, either Joseph III. Choate
or Elihu Root, of New York. and probably
prominent army officer. General Corbin
is spoken Of favorably in connection with
the army appointment on the commission.
The military commissions for Cuba and
Porto Rico are not receiving any attention
from the State Department, as the military
authorities will have entire charge of these
branches Of the peace settlement.
During the day the State Department re-
ceived call from NJ. Thiebaut, secretary
or the French embassay, for the purpose of
leaving letter explaining the authority
given by cable to the French ambassador
to sign the peace protocol. These assur-
ances already had been given verbally, but
the letter gives them in a more definite
form. and in the course of few days the
complete written authorization from Madrid
will be filed with the State Department
Many congratulations kept coming to the
State Department and to the White House
on the establishment of peace
Acting Secretary Allen said to-day that
the matter of establishing coaling stations
the disposition of Admiral Cervera and 9TH
er Spanish prisoners, and like questions
brought up by the peace settlement, would
receive consideration in due time, but that
there was no immediate necessity for pass
ing upon them. Preparations are making
to receive the battle ships and armored
cruisers now under orders to come north.
Dry docks Nos. 1 and 2, at the New York
navy yard. are available for the big cruis-
ers New York and Brooklyn, but not for the
battle ships Dry dock No. 3 will receive the
battle ships, but will not be in condition be-
fore Sept. ], as it has just gone through a
long period of repairs. Captain Bartlett, in
to get back these craft into their old chan
nels. The old single-turreted monitors will
be returned to the League Island navy yard
Some of the auxiliaries are still needed to
look after mine fields established along the
coast.
The War Department was busy all day
With matters pertaining to the cessation of
hostilities Secretary Alger consulted the
President Int xvI,a, ha
turned said that the military commissioners
for Cuba and Porto Rico would not be an
nounced to-day. There was no need of
haste, he said, as by the terms of the pro-
tocol ten days We're allowed for the selec-
ton of the commission. There has been
some speculation as to who will be commits
sioners, and nearly all of the more prom
lnent officers of the army have been can
vassed, both volunteer and regular. It.seems
to be generally conceded that General Lee
VIII be one of the commissioners for Cuba
on account of his knowledge of the condi-
tions in the island. General Brooke and
General Henry are mentioned as probable
commissioners for Porto Rico.
The subject Of mastering out part of the
volunteer forces has been considered. and 1t
is probable the total force will be reduced
to 100000 This mastering out will not be-
gin at once. Garrisons of both regular and
volunteer soldiers will remain in Cuba. Por-
to Rico and the Philippines Manila and
Porto Rico will be governed through the
military arm at present and probably the
authority which the United States exerts in
Cuba by the same method This state of
things is likely to continue until Congress
meets.
1t is the understanding of the War Depart
ment that the Spanish soldiers in all places
over which the United States exercises au-
thority will be virtually prisoners of war
and under the orders of the United States
officers in command.