The Portland daily press., 1898-07-28
oVERTuREs FOR PEACE.
Washington Opinion as to the Result
Of the Negotiations.

Washington, July 27.--Tho initiation of
RoyertUre res for peace has mad vhe effect OF
suspending in large measure for the
time being, at least, interest in the mill
tary and ma val situation. Though it was
known through the open admission OF
members of the administration, that the
present peace phase would remain un-
changed until another Cabinet meeting
on Friday, there was still evinced today
a disposition to discuss this matter in its
every aspect.
Naturally the first point of inquiry WIS
the exact shape taken by the Spanish
presentation of yesterday. Curiosity on
this point remained ungratified and must
probably SO continue for some days to
come, the President having decided 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 goneLso far as to sug-
gest to the Madrid authorities the ex'
pediency of keeping the text of the
Spanish overture from publication at this
time.
The next point of interest was the
character and extent of the demand like.
ly to be made by the United States as the
condition of peace. 1t is felt that the
statement Of terms of peace, both from
Spain and from the United States Jray be
some days off, as there doubtless Will be
considerable diplomatic fencing at the
outset before the actual point of stating
terms is reached. A coed deal OF this. for
instance may result from. the attempt to
define the methods to approachthe subject
sought, whether through commission OF
through the direct exchange of notes as
initiated yesterday. There will Ee much
discussion likely, regarding an armistice,
for it is the distinct purpose OF the
Spanish authorities to secure suspension
of hostilities pending the negotiations for
peace. 1t may be that the application
will bt granted, but il SO, it will be only
under the most effective safe guard to
prevent loss of any advantage 30 the
United States and upon binding pledges
that certain we'll defined objects are to be
conceded to us.
The President discussed this complex
subject ali day with various members OF
the cabinet as they called in the course OF
ordinary business. Secretary Day and
Postmaster General Smith spent some
time this afternoon at the White House,
presumably exchanging views with the
President. 1t is virtually admitted by
leading members of the administrati on
that upon only one point in the peace
negotiations is there likely to he serious
friction and that relates to the future CT
the Philippines AS to Cuba ana forto
Rico, our government feels that there Is
reasonable certainty of encountering little
opposition to our demands. The Spanish
government might insist upon the propo-
sition thrown on. by tho Vatican yester-
| day, namely that the United States shai4
| annex Cuba, the ostensible purpose helh5
to secure further protecti on Tor ths
| spanish clement left in the island, but
while this would ee vexatious point. II
would yield to adjustment, AS to TIT
philippines, there is q full cxpe c,arion oi
| greater difficulties to 10 surmounted.
There is reason to believe that these dill