Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1898-08-24
SERIOUS PROBLEMS.
WIN Engage the Attention Of the
Peace Committee.
The DISPOSAL OF THE PHILIPPINES.
ProbleIn-Military Government
for Cuba and Porto Rico.


Dent believes that the most serious
will be called upon to deal with is
the Philippines. Before the commits
sion assemblies it rs hoped the affairs
of Cuba and Porto Rico will be found
In such process of adjustment as to
leave little for the commission to con-
slider under that head. The absolute
REIMBURSEMENT by Spain of all SOW
ereignty over the islands in the West
Indies will allow only the property
questions to be settled between the
governments; that IS, what Spain
shall take away and what shall re-
main ais captures of war, and the pro-
lection of Spanish subjects and their
property in the islands. The greater
Questions growing out of the war, as
relating to Cuba and Porto Rico, will
have to be dealt with by the United
States alone.
The fact that the Philippines will
present the difficult problem in the
peace negotiations has caused the ad-
ministration to give it a great deal of
careful attention. Several suggestions
have been made as to what shall be
done, one being the retention of the
bay, city and harbor of Manila, Just
what the protocol gives temporarily.
Another is that Su'big bay and suffi-
clent amount of territory for a naval
and coaling station be secured, and
the building UP of an American city
at that place begun. Still another
idea which is being considered is the
retention of the island Of Luzon, the
advocates of that plan believing that
there would be trouble between the
governments which occupied a por-
tfon of the island with line of de-
marcation, such as would exist in
case Manila and the bay only were
retained. The island of Luzon is the
largest OF the group, and contains
about 5000, 900 people, which are said
to be the better class in. the Philip
pines. 1t is believed, however, that
the administra ton and the commits
sion will be greatly Influenced by the
reports which Admiral Dewey and
General Merritt Will make on the SUBJ
Ject. Their reports are expected be-
fore the commission meets.
The final determination as to the
government of Porto Rico and the
settlement of the government of Cuba
are problems for settlement, but the
impression prevails that these islands
will become quite rapidly Ameri-
oanized, and every encouragement
for them to do so will be given. Porto
Rico will be under military control
for the present. Cuba also will be
similarly governed, but it is proba BILE
I that American reforms In the matter
OF government will be such that the
people of Cuba Will see the advantage
of becoming annexed to the United
+ States. 1t is thought the sanitary i'm
provement of Havana and other
cities, the management of the munic-
ipalfties, and the liberality offered
the country people will be of such a
character as soon to convince the
people that the changed conditions
are for their good.
There has been little doubt al,out
soon settling the transfer of Porto
Rlco, and the reception which the
American troops have received in
that island is a justifica tdon for the
belief. Porto Rico will be treated at
once as AN American possession. The
! first movement in this direction. will
/ be the sending of "a delega ton of Off
cials from the postoffice department
10 investigate and report upon the
mail facilities there now, and to make
such recommendations as they deter
mime upon. Mail routes, methods of
transportation, and the conditions of
Postoffices generally in the island will
be examined. Military postoffices will
be established at once wherever
troops are sta tened, and at such
! other points as may be demanded by
the interests of Americans and the
people Of the islands. if the present
offices are not available. "a similar
course will be taken in Cuba, but this
Is likely to be delayed as the imme-
diate removal of the Spanish and oc-
cupa*ton by the United States is not
expected.
Berlin, August 15.-The leading pa.
pers welcome peace between the Unit
ed States an Spain and express the