Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1898-08-08
SPANS
REPLY
It's Reported That Enc
my Has Accepted
Peace Terms.
The Philippine Insurgents
rIanifesting Ugly Spirit
Trouble Expected.
Encouraging Reports From
Porto Rico-Shafter
Has $1,000 Sick.

Washington, Aug. 3.-Although the
official reply of Spain to the peace
terms submitted did not reach the
United States government Tuesday, it
is known that the Madrid government
has virtually accepted, them. It is
understood, however, that an attempt
will be made by Spain to secure sew
eral slight notifications in the terms.
The officials here make no conceal
ment of their apprehension Of serious
trouble to follow the execution of our
program in regard to the Philippines.
The reports of the military and naval
commanders of late have contained
warnings of expected conflicts with the
insurgents and no surprise would be
felt at the receipt of news of the out
break at almost any moment. When
the intimation came that the insur-
gents were threatening the lives Of
some of the helpless monks orders
were sent to the American military
commander to look into the matter
and act in the interest of civilization
and humanity. AS the insurgents
have shown particular hostility to-
wards the monks it is a reasonable eX-
pectation that before long a collision
will have occurred between them
selves and the American troops if the
latter undertakes to interfere in the
execution of the vengeance of the in
surgents.
Some reports which have been re-
ceived from Porto Rico, but which for
polite reasons cannot be made pub
lie, have given great satisfaction TO
the officials of the war department,
since they go to show that the resist
ance which can be made by the Span
ish troops will be very little and it is
even possible that Gen. Miles will
achieve an almost bloodless victory.
Gen. Sha4.er's health reports state
that he is now caring for over 5000
people. including Spanish soldiers
many of whom were found to be very
i'll. The task is a formidable one and
an attempt to care for all hands prob
ably explains in a measure the lack
of adequate preparation of the trans
ports employed in bringing home
some of the wounded and sick. The
conditions on those boats have been
found to be so shocking as to demand
an immediate official investigation
which was begun Tuesday. Some
court martials may be looked for in
high places unless it can be shown
clearly that the lack of preparations
was unavoidable.
Major General Young called at the
war department Tuesday fresh from
the front where his health broke
down under the severe exertions i'm
posed by the campaign. He spent
some time with Secretary Alger, as
did Major Gen. Wade, who has not
yet been able to perfect arrangements
for his expedition to Porto Rico.
Fire-proof wood is again in full
favor in the navy, Secretary Long
having Tuesday issued an order re.
quiring it's use for decks of battle
ships and monitors, the only place
from which it has been excluded by
preceding orders on account Of some
commanders reports of dampness
Secretary Long stated that no change
has been made in the orders as to
Watson's squadron, so that if the
Brooklyn is to be attached thereto
the fact is not known at the depart
ment. 1t is much more likely that
the Brooklyn is coming north, as it
was reported to the department a
long time ago that she was the first
vessel Of the squadron to need an
overhauling and cleaning.
Although the war department of
flcials will not admit that they have
any intention of reinforcing Merritt's
forces at Cavite, there is reason to
believe that some troops now in
eastern camps who desire to see active
service will soon find an opportunity,
unless the government changes pre-
vent the plans in hand with respect
to the Philippines. 1t is believed to
be necessary, even if our claim is
limited to the terms stated in the
conditions submitted to Spain, name