The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1898-07-31
CABINET AGREES AFTER A LONG
DISCUSSION
On All Other Points Perfect Agreement
Was Reached-What We Propose
in the Way of Coal Stations

States to the Spanish note asking peace.
Practically all was in readiness for final
vote, the language of the diplomatic note
to be communicated to Spain having prac-
tically been settled upon yesterday. The
hour fixed for converting was 1890 o'clock.
but 1t was considerably past that when all
OF the members of the Cabinet had as
sembled. Secretary Day announced on join
ing the Cabinet at 11:10 that an official
statement outlining the nature of the reply
to Spain probably would be made public
this afternoon.
The paper prepared by Secretary Day for
presentation to NJ. Cambon. the French Am
bassador, as the answer of the United states
to SPANS proposal contained about llOo
words. 1t was pretty we'll understood be-
fore the Cabinet met today that practical
agreement had been reached upon the an
swer to be returned to the Spanish over
lures for peace, and that what remained for
the Cabinet to do was simply to go carefully
over the text of the communication the
Secretary had been charged to prepare over
night, and to give 1t the seal OF formal
approval.
Secretary Day had had two conferences
with the President since the adjournment
Of the Cabinet yesterday, one last night ana
another early this morning, with the result
that he had completed his share of the
work before the hour appointed for the re-
assembling of the Cabinet. 1t was impos-
sible to gather details as to the nature OF
the communication relating to the Philip
pines, which, after all, was the only point
that gave rise to protracted discussion or
had revealed any substantial differences
among members of the Cabinet
However 1t was learned that an arrange
ment has been proposed which has met
the approval of the Cabinet, providing for
the reference of so much of the Philippine
question as touched their future government
to a commission, probably limited to Amer
lean and Spanish representation. The scope
and power of this commission could not be
learned in advance of the Cabinet meeting
and the method devised for the enforcement
Of any verdict 1t might reach was left to
surmise. Still, the general principle under
lying the arrangement is understood TO be
DEVELOPMENT Of the sober second thought
of the American people as to the dlsposl-
ton Of the Philippines unclouded by the
clash of war and unaffected by momentary
lust for territorial acquisition.
or course. it is understood that no mat
ter what form the Philippine arrangement
takes, the United States Is TO acquire
naval station there, for 1t Is understood
that the original plan to acquire coaling
station has been broadened into demand
for a naval station. The argument that
brought about this change was the repre-
sentation of the naval war board that one
of the most pressing needs OF the United
States naval vessels in Asiatic waters was
a good dry dock and some machine shops
where the repairs that were always requ1r-
ed by the completed warships of today can
be effected. 1t was also pointed out that
under strict application of the neutrality
laws, as urged by some Writers, the United
States might be prevented in time of war
from taking it's own coal from its own coal
ing station though the same rule cannot be
applied TO a naval station, which would be
held under an entirely different tenure.
The maintenance of a naval station would
require more territory than a coaing sta
ton and the existence of dockyard at Ca
vite has fixed the eyes Of the Naval War
Board upon that place as one ready made
for our occupation. A naval station in
wolves some resident population to supply
the necessary labor and some agricultural
land Is required to maintain this popula-
ton. The extent of the territory depends
entirely upon the size of the station and
its importance.
Some Of the naval officers are urging that
the whole of the island of Luzon is not
too great an expanse to support properly
such a station as the United States will re-
ouire. They point also to the difficulty
that would be encountered in defending
vrbic ba
the island upon which it is located. On the
other hand 1t is pointed out that there are
several hundred thousand semi-barbar-
GUS Inhabitants of Luzon whose govern
ment would oblige the United States to
keep a considerable military and naval
force always on and about the island with
out proper recompense. The statement of
General Merritt contained in his cablegram
today that he probably would need all the
troops that had been assigned him was
regarded as a little ominous of trouble IN
come, though whether this is to be with the
natives or is incident to the siege of Ma
Mia is not evident. The Generals dis.
patch. 1t is supposed. was brought to Hong
Kong on the British gunboat Pluver. and as
he makes no mention of the reported SIR
render of Manila, although his dispatch nm
doubtedly is the latest from the Philin-
pines, that report Is now looked upon as AZ
least premature. 1t is noticeable, too. that
Admiral Dewey in his telegram made No
reference to the reported surrender.
The American reply distinctly gives
warning that the proposition as to sur
render OF all sovereignty in the West In
dian waters and the selection of an island
in the Ladrones is beyond any discussion
whatever. As to the Philippines the renlv
says in substance that, as further indem-
nifty to the United States for its expenses
the United States will hold the CITY of
Manila. its bay and harbor, pending the
determination of the future government
of the whole island, or Of the group. One
island of the Ladrone group is to be coded
TO the United States this government TO
make its selection later. In demanding the
surrender of Spanish sovereignty in all
our nearby waters. the reply diplomati-
cally avoids making any pledges to what
is to be done by this government as to
Cuba.
While the Cabinet was in session a sig
nifcant cablegram was received from Ad-
miral Dewey. 1t announced the arrival Of
Major-General Merritt and the expedition
with him al Manila. but graphically paint
ed the uncertainties as to the future there.
The dispatch. which has not been made
public save in its unimportant features,
largely guides the Cabinet in its DISPOSE
ton Of the Philippine problem. Without