The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-29

| "dSHih5toH, " July &o.-lne teTms
which the United States government.
will find acceptable as a basis of peace
| are being reduced to form by Secretary
Day, the president having reached i
| conclusion on their outlines. These
terms were the formal subject of in
terest and discussion to-day in official
circles. If the presidents purpose was
to secure a free expression of public
opinion on this subject he has been
gratified with the response made
through the newspapers and in the ex-
hibtion of interest by government off,
cials in the complex problem now pre-
sented. Although it was stated yes
terday that no announcement of the
position assumed by the United States
in this matter would be forthcoming
before Ii had been formally discussed
in the cabinet tomorrow, there is the
best reason to believe that after the
full conferences the president has had
individually with the members of his
cabinet he has already made up his
own mind that Secretary Day has even
now practically reduced to form the
reply the United States will make to
the Spanish governments overture
through Ambassador Cambon.
On the main points of the terms of
peace the administration position was
so well defined and stated by the as
sociated press yesterday that there is
little left to conjecture. About the
only point that seems to be open 20
amendment of extensive character is
the disposition of the Philippines. While
the administration has not failed to
take notice of the extent of the de-
mand for their acquisition by the
United States, as exhibited in certain
sections of the country, 1t can be stated
that the conclusion has been reached
to abide by the first deciSion on this
point, namely, to rellnquish the ISL
ands, retaining a coaling station there,
surrounded by a sufficient zone of land
to make 1t self supporting. This deci-
sion, II is possible, though not probable,
may be again changed before the cabi-
net disposes of the matter tomorrow,
a strong influences are at work to in
duce the president TO insist upon the
substitution of at least an independent
government over the Philippines from
Spanish rule. If this point shall be diff
ficult of settlement the answer to Spain
may not be rendered tomorrow. but
meeting next Tuesday.
There was display of indignation in
official circles to-day upon the publica-
ton of what was reported to be a state
ment from the Spanish premier imput-
ing bad faith to the United States in
pursuing the war and continuing to
make conquests. However, this feeling
soon wore off, as it became apparent
upon reflection that the statement was
eithpr annprVnhal that IL 2
was simply one in a series of complex
moves on the board of Spanish politics,
and was intended for purely home con-
sumption. The report from Madrid to-
ward the close of the day that the news
papers there had given their approval
to the terms of peace described by the
president, went toward relieving a GER
tain feeling of discouragement that was
manifested at the opening of the day.
for it was patent that members of the
administration apprehended a rejection
of our demands by Spain at the begin
ming. If, however, il shall appear that
this Madrid statement is we'll founded,
and that the Madrid papers fairly re-
fleet the views of the authorities of the
Spanish government, then 1t seems prob
able that difficulties that will lie before
the administration in accomplishing
peace would be rather internal than ex-
ternal, and will be based upon the pre-
paration of a treaty that shall secure
the satisfaction of the United States sem
ate. 1t may be pointed out in this con-
nection that If we are really as near TO
peace as many people suppose. 1t will
become necessary to issue a call for an
extra session Of the senate TO act upon
the peace treaty with all of the prompt
ness that the Importance of the subject
demands.
Secretary Alger is deeply concerned
over the welfare of the gallant troops
under Skaters command, now en-
on the outskirts of Santiago.
The health report shows a surprisingly
large number of cases of sickness, but
army surgeons authorize the statement !
that these figures are misleading in a
certain sense. and that the situation may
not be nearly so bad as they would
seem to Indicate. The slightest ailment |
Df the most temporary nature suffices !
reports which, in their present shape. |
would not distinguish between such |
Ease and one of mortal illness.
The inference is that many OF these |
cases In Skaters camp are OF trivial |
nature, but go TO swell its grand total /
II sick and wounded. Notwithstanding \
his mitigating fact. Secretary Alger is /
going to remove the soldiers at the ear /
lest opportunity to a more healthful i
lime. The surgeon-general. under the /
direction Of the secretary, a few days /
Igo. inspected tract of land adjoin-
sg Montauk Point. Long Island. be /
onging to the Long Island Railroad