The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-28
HE DOESN'T WANT THE PHILIPPINES
The
No Use for the Islands a Permanent Possession.
Difficulties

lied as to enable the government to
perceive the popular demand clearly
1t may be stated that ii is confidently
expected that when the two govern
ments arrive at the point of actually
fixing terms, they will be found much
closer than is generally supposed. 1t
liz felt by officials that with the diplo-
matte formalities out of the way, the
actual peace terms would require little
time for arrangement, and to-day IL
was even suggested that the anamalcus
condition might be presented of Spain
conceding as much or more than sh1
United States felt justified in demand
ing. There is little reason to doubt
that Spain has made up her miad to
give up Cuba.
1t is almost equally certain that
Spain recognizes that she must con-
sent also to the abandonment of Porto
Rico. With these two vital points
passed, there is likely to be little de
lay on the question of indemnity, as
there is every disposition here not 10
press with undue severity on SPAN in
this respect. About the only reason
which would impel this government to
insist on an indemnity would be further
stubborn resistance by Spain.
Speaking broadly, the statement was
made to-day by an influential officer
that a settlement with Spain conceded
two vital points, namely, Cuba and
two vital points, namely, freedom from
a war indemnity and retention of her
control of the Philippines, which would
appear to be a just balance OF equities.
Nothing was heard from the Miles eX-
pedition to-day at the war department.
but Captain Higginson, the senior officer
of the naval convoy, forwarded a brief
cablegram that gave delight to the navy
department, because of the unstinted
praise it accorded to a popular and
dashing officer, Dick Wainwright, the
commander of the Gloucester. VAIN
wright having been commended by his
superior, Hlgginson, for his action at
Guanica, enjoys the solitary distinction
of being the only officer attached to
SIMPSONS fleet who has been twice Of
fcially commended since the war began.
The war department has reconciled it
self to the summary change in its plans
made by General Miles when he landed
at Guanica, instead of on the northeast
coast of Porto Rico, as previously agreed
upon. 1t is surmised that he was led
to make this change by reason of the
| detention of his lighters, and foresaw
| a weeks delay in effecting a landing
unless he went in where he did and
| landed his troops and artillery direct
ly. He has thus avoided exposing his
| troops to the hardships suffered by
IShafter's men. as they lay for so many
days off Santiago. 1t Is also suggested
| that the general has scored an import
ant diplomatic advantage in setting
| foot upon Porto Rican soil before the
| first overtures had been received from
| Spain looking toward peace.
The departure of General Brooke and
| General Haines from Hampton Roads,
which is expected tomorrow. to rein
| force General Miles in Porto Rico, is a
| very substantial evidence of the pur-
| pose of the government not to abate
| the prosecution of military operations
| at this stage of the negotiations. The
| two generals are embarked on rapid
| liners and should reach General Miles
| by next Monday, putting him in pos
| session Of a sufficient force to begin the
| movement upon San Juan at once.
The second captured flag was received
| at the war department to-day with a
| brief note from General Shafter, as fol-
| lows: Fragment of Spanish flag cap
tured by the 18th U. S. infantry at San
Juan July l."
Inspector Breckenridge, who had been
a member of General Skaters staff,
| called at the white house this afternoon
and personally described to the presi-
| dent the conditions existing there when
/ he left, July 20. He spoke particularly
| of the remarkable enthusiasm displayed
| by the United States troops there, and
| of their cool, brave conduct under fire.
/ He also minimized the yellow fever con-
| ditions, and said that the troops had
| been fully prepared in advance for Its
| appearance.