Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1898-08-10

/ certain.
| Last Wednesday Spain sent a note ask
ing for further Information on certain
points OF our demands. These points
were OF no vital Importance, and led to
the belief that Spain had practically de-
cided upon the acceptance Of our terms.
Then followed several days Of waiting,
during which the Spanish leaders were
| discussing the terms demanded by the
United States and preparing a reply.
This reply was received by President
Mckinley yesterday, and at this writing
has not been made public.
| The fact that he reply is rather lengthy
seems to give ground for the suspicion
that 1t Is not an unconditional acceptance
OF our terms. On the other hand, the fact
that President Mckinley did not immedi
ately make public the su distance OF the re-
ply, gives reason to suppose that the con-
dtions, IL any, are not such as to imme-
| diately put an end to the negotiat ions, as
the rejection OF any OF the terms certainly
would do.
|
ton are to the effect that Spain accepts in
| general the terms of the United States,
but makes certain suggestions as to the
arrangements OF details by the peace
commission which do not affect the terms
/ themselves.
| All uncertainty as to the substance OF
SPANS reply will be removed soon-prob
! ably to-day.
1 MAY GO TO SPAIN.
| An unsatisf factory answer, or further
delay by Spain in accepting the demands
/ OF the United States, may result in the
! early departure of the eastern squadron
! to Spain. The time since the surrender
/ OF Santiago has been occupied in putting
! the wars hips in better shape for service,
and they could start at short notice.
! The latest report is that Admiral Samp-
son Will succeed Commodore Watson in
command OF this squadron, the latter be-
ing placed III command of second di-
/ vision OF the squadron
TAe reported reorganization of the
squadron would make it much stronger.
t 1t would include both armored cruisers
New York; and "Brooklyn', and the
battleships Oregon" and "Massachu
sets
The cruiser Minneapolis may join
/ the fleet for the demonstration against
/ the coast of Spain, and then proceed to
the Philippines by way OF the Suez canal.
1t would not be surprising if the battle
ship Oregon and possibly Others OF the
/ squadron accompanied the" Minneapolis"
to the Philippines, where their presence
might be desirable pending the settle
ment OF the Eastern question.
CAMPAIGN IN PORTO RICO.
| IL the movement Of the eastern squad
ron has been held in allegiance because Of
the exchange OF peace notes, the same
cannot be said OF the campaign in Porto
Rico. Operations there have been Wig
orously pushed, and the Americans have
made great strides. They already have
control OF the entire south coast of the
island, and are investing the interior in
small detachments.
Gen. Brooke's brigade on Tuesday Of
last week landed at Arroyo. This landing
Is important. A road leads from Arroyo,
about twenty miles, to Csyey, where 1t
| intersects the military road from Ponce to
San Juan. Cayey is eight miles beyond
Aibonito, where the Spaniards, 1t is ex-
pected, will make a stand. They will thus
be caught between two tires-the Ameri-
cans advancing from Ponce on one side
and from Arroyo on the other.
| The place selected by the Spaniards is
said to have great strategic advantages.
The pass is narrow and difficult. There
is a eli II on one side and precipice on the
other. The cliff and road are said to be
mined. 1t is reported that 1000 Spanish
troops are defending the pass.
Aibonito passed, it is believed the last
important obstacle between Ponce and
San Juan will have been removed.
A general advance Of the American
forces began Sunday. The army is NOV
ing across the island in four divisions, for
the purpose of driving the Spaniards back
to San Juan, toward which the American
forces are converging. Another week, it
is confidently expected, will see the
Americans knocking at the doors OF the
Porto Rican capital.
Gen. Miles has notified the war depart
ment that he has troops enough on the
island, and the shipment of troops has,
therefore, been stopped. This will keep
at home the Maine troops, which had
been ordered to the front, unless an
other order to move is issued.
BRINGING TROOPS NORTH.
In response to the alarming reports OF
the condition OF the American troops at
SaQti ago. the department has bepun the
removal of troops north to recuperate.
The troops are being brought to camp at
Montauk point, he easternmost point of
Long Island, place admirably adapted
for the purpose. Troops have also been
transferred to Montauk from Tampa.
The condition of Skaters troops is not
so much due to yellow and malarial fevers
as to general debility caused by hard
campaign, and the tropical climate
Troops will be brought north as fast as