The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-28

the United States on the demands, pub
lie sentiment i'll this country, through
newspaper discussion and otherwise. will
have so far crystallized as TO enable the
government to perceive the popular tie
mand clearly. 1t may be stated that it
is confidently expected that when the
two governments arrive at the point Of
actually fixing terms they will be found
much closer together than is generally
supposed. 1t is felt by officials that with
the diplomatic formalities out of the way
the actual peace terms would require lit
tie time for arrangement and today it was
even suggested that the anomalous con-
dition might be presented of Spains CON
ceding as much or more than the United
States felt justified in demanding. There
is little reason to doubt that Spain has
made up her mind to give up Cuba. 1t
is almost equally certain that Spain rec
ognizcs that she must consent also to
the abandonment of Porto Rico. With
these two vital points passed here is like
~ to be little delay on the question of
indemnity, as there is every dispositions
here not to press with undue severity on
Spain in this respect About the only
reason which would impel this govern
illtut w lilSiSi upDU uI iiutIiulls Noulh
he further stubborn resistance by
Spain. Speaking broadly. the statement
was made today by an influential official
that ii settlement in which Spain coa--
ceded two vital points. namely Cuba and
Porto Rico. and at the same time gained
two vital points, namely freedom from
Il war indemnity and retention of hen
control of the Philippines would appear
to be Il just balance of equities.
Nothing was heard from the Miles ex-
pedition today at the War Department.
but Captain Higginson the senior officer
Of the naval convoy, forwarded brief
cablegram that gave keen delight to the
Navy Department because of the un-
stnted praise it accorded to popular
and dashing young officer, ''Dick" Vain
wright, the commander of the little
Gloucester. Wainwright, having been
commended by his superior, Higginson,
for his actions at Guanlca enjoys the
solitary distinction of being the only Of
ficer attached to SIMPSONS fleet who
has been twice officially commended since
the war began.
The War Department has reconcIed
itself to the summary change in its plans
made by General Miles when he landed
coast of Porto Rico, as previously agreed
upon. 1t is surmised that he was led to
make this change by reason Of the de-
tention of his lighters and foresaw Il
weeks delay in effecting landing unless
he went in where he did and ran his
troops and artillery directly ashore. He
has thus avoided exposing his troops to
the hardships suffered by Shafter's men
.iS l1V 50 off ii
ago. 1t is also suggested that the Gen
eral has secured an important diplomatic
advantage in setting foot upon Porto
Rican soil before the first overtures had
been received from Spain looking to-
ward peace.
The departure of General Brooke and
General Hanes from Hampton Roads
which is expected tomorrow to reinforme
General Miles in Porto Rico is very
substantial evidence of the purpose of
the Government not to abate the prosecu-
ton Of military operations at this stage
of the negotiations. The two Generals
are embarking on rapid liners and should
reach General Miles by next Monday,
putting him in possession of a sufficient
force to begin the movement upon San
Juan at once.
ne second captured Daltle nag was re-
ceivcd ut the War Department today
with n brief note from General Sha fter
as follows:
Fragment of Spanish flag captured by
the Thirteenth United States infantry at
San Juan, July. 1st."
Inspector General Breckinridge. who
had been Il member Of General Shafter's
staff, called at the White House this af
ternQon and personally described to the
PRESIDENT the conditions existing there
when he left. July 20. He spoke particu.
larly of the remarkable enthusiasm dis
played by the United States troops and
o. their cool, brave conduct under fro
He also minimized the yellow fever con
ditions and said that the troons had
fully prepared in advance for its appear !