The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1898-07-28

WASHlNGTONi u. C.t July Et'-4ue
Initiation Of overtures for peace has had
the erect of suspendlng in a large
measure for the time being at least, I'm
t.rest In the military and naval situa-
tIon. Though 1t is known through the
open admission of members OF the ad-
mlnistration that the present peace
phase would remain unchanged until
after another cabinet meeting on Friday
there was still evinced disposition to
discuss this matter In its every aspect
Naturally the first point of inquiry was
the exact shape taken by the Spanish
presentation Of yesterday. Curiosity on
this point remained ungratfhed and
must probably so continue for some
days TO come, the President having de-
clded that nothing more definite than
the statement Issued from the white
house yesterday shall be given to the
public at this time. The motive Is
prudential one, and the President has
even gone so far as to suggest to the
Madrid authorities the expedlency OF
keeping the text OF the Spanish over
ture from publication at this time. The
next point OF interest was the character
and extent OF the demand likely to be
made by the United States as the con-
ditIon OF peace,
VIII be Diplomatic FeneinE.
II is felt that the statement Of terms
Of peace, both from Spain add from the
United States, may be some days on as
there doubtless viii be Considerable dip
lomatic fencing at the outset before the
actual point Of stating terms is reach
ed A good deal OF this for instance
may result from the attempt to define
the methods OF approach TO the objects
sou ,nt, whether through . commission
or through the direct exchange OF notes
as Initiated yesterday There Will be
much discussion IN all likelihood also
regarding an armistice, for 1t Is the dis
tlnct purpose Of the Spanish authorities
to secure q suspension of hoStilities
pending the negotiations for peace. It
may be that the application viii be
granted, but II so It viii be only under
the most eredttv1 afeguards to pre-
vent loss OF any advantage to the
United States, and upon binding pledges
that certain well defined objects are 70
be conceded to us
complex subjset.
The President discussed this complex
subject all dag with various members
of the cabinet us they called IN the
course Of ordinary business. Secretary
Alger and Postmaster General Charles
Emory Smith spent some time this after
noon at the white house presum-
nkF WrNn
President. It Is virtually ad-
mltted by leading members of
the administration that upon
only one point in peace negotiations is
there likely to be serious friction. and
that relates to the future of the Philip
pines. AS to Cuba and Porto Rico, our
government feels that there is a reas-
enable certainty OF encounterlng little
opposition TO our demands. The Span
ish government might insist upon the
proposition thrown out by the vatican
yesterday, namely, that the United
States shall annex Cuba, the ostensl-
bic purpose being to secure full pro-
tectlon for the Spanish element left In
the island, but while this would be
vexatious point It would yield 20 ad-
justment
AS to the Philippines, there is a full
expectation OF greater difficulties, like
the Cuban settlement will be. rather In
ternal than international IN their char
acter the least from the outset.
Don't Want Philippines.
The President is firmly Of the opinion
that the United States has no use for
the Islands as a permanent possession.
The gravest problems of government
would result were the attempt to be
made to annex them. owing to the
heterogeneous and ili-faVored charac-
ter OF the large population Of the is-
lands. while any effort 10 unite with
other powers IN a Joint administration
might be fairly expected to result as
unsatisfactory as the trlpartlte ar
Eangement between the United States,
Great Britain and Germany for the
government OF the Samoan group. How
ever, there are evidences that large
element in the United States are OF the
opinion that the Islands should be ac-
qured by the United States and It is
hoped by the President that before II
comes TO the formulation oficlallV OF
the United States demand. public sentl-
ment In this country through newspa-
per discussion and otherwise, Will have
- Aet VI aAdlNAt0 hA 10 Eua1lH LlAG AuNN
eminent to perceive the popular de-
maHd clearly.
spain mny Conesdo ali Demands.
II may be stated that Il Is confidently
expected that when the two govern
ments arrive at the point of actually
fixing terms they will be found much
closer together than is generally sup
posed, II 81 FELT by onlcinls that with
the diplomatic iormalltl0s out OF the
wlg The actual pence terms would re-
quIrc !ittle time Tor arrangement. and
today II was even suggested that the
dnomalous condition might be present.
90 OF spnln's coucedlng hs much or
moro than the United states felt justi-
NED ~ demanding. There Is little rcn-
ton 10 doubt that Spain has made MP
her mind TO give up Cuba II II almost
equally certain that Spnin recognizes
mat she must consent niso 10 the ubAn-
Comment Of Porto Rico. With those two
vital points passed there Is likely to be
htIle delay on the question OF Indemnity
nv there is every disposition here not 20
press with undue severity on Spain In
this respect.
A. In Indemnity.
About tho only reason which might
compel this government to insist upon
an indemnity would be a further stub