The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-28
SPANISH TRAP.
Concluded from FIRST Page.)


gotiations are entered on there will
be suspension of hostilities pend
ing an agreement on the exact
terms Of peace. In this connection there
appears to be a distinction made between
the word armistice' and suspension of
hostilitles, for while it is said the former is
not asked or expected it seems to be taken
for granted that a suspension Of hostilities
will be essential to carrying forward the
peace negotiations.
the solemnity and formality of govern
ment act, despite the cabled report from
Madrid that the peace proposal Is OF a prl-
waite" nature. The instructions 10 M cam
bon bear the official signature of Duke AL
nadovar de Rio, the Spanish minister or
foreign affairs. and besides expressing the
desires OF the Cabinet and government that
the peace negotiations be opened, they are
given the added solemnity of approval and
earnest personal request by queen regent
date of Madrid, July Is. These formallties
dismiss all question in the minds OF oft1cials
here as to the regularity OF the spanish
the government Of Spain. Aside from this
M. Cambon Is too much of a veteran in di-
plomacy to have embarked on any private
overture towards peace
AS t. the manner of conducting the peace
negotiations several plans are said to be
open. besides that of having General Porter
and Senior Castillo, the United states and
Spanish ambassadors at Paris, respectively,
conduct them. One plan is to have Spain
name peace plenipotentiaries who Will come
tiations. This. however. is said to be some
what inexpedient, as it would take nine
days for the Spanish plenipotentiaries to
reach Washington, and there is every desire
to avoid delay. Another tentative plan is
to have Spain name M. Cambon as the
Spanish plenipotentiary to Washington,
thus comforting on him authority to treat
directly with the President and carry the
negotiations forward to a conclusion. 1t is
probable that this plan will be more ac-
ceptable to the United States. as 1t would
aclaf md
also give them an agreeable personal char
acter, as the authorities have the highest
regard for the ability and sincerity of the
French representative here. These plans,
however, will not be settled until after the
President gives his answer to the first in
quiry made by Spain as to The willingness
of the United States to enter upon general
negotiations for peace III.
Since the conference between the Presi-
dent and M Cambon, both the Frerch gov
eminent and the Spanish government have
been fully apprised of the action taken at
Washington. and it is not improbable that
Spain, within the next two or three 'davs,
will take another inpc, tant step forward.
by voluntarily suggesting what terms of
peace she will regard as consistent. These
of course, will be initiatory and will be
designed as preliminary step to-
ward bringing the two governments to-
gether on the final peace conditions. From
the standpoint of the United States it is
for Spain to make the first definite tender
of peace, as she is the most interested in
terminating the war It will then be for the
United States to saw how far the terms are
acceptable, and perhaps to suggest counter
terms The yellow fever conditions are be-
ing suggested as one reason favorable to
the conclusion of peace. for it is being
urged that the material advantages which
the United States will gain by continuing
the war viii be heavily Offset nv the inroads
of disease. Another point being urged in
favor OF a peace settlement is that it will
be tribute to the high aims of this gov
eminent if it deals in spirit of magnanim-
1ty with the conquered enemy.
1t is said also that Spain is so completely
humbled, and so powerless to further con-
tinue the war. that the United States can
secure through peace negotiations every
thing which even prolongation of the war
would ultimately make possible