The record-union., 1898-07-28

the two Governments arrive at the
point of actually fixing terms they will
be found much closer than is generally
suppressed. 1t is felt by officials that
with the diplomatic formalities out Of
the way, the actual peace terms would
require little timel for' arrangement, and
to-day it was even suggested that the
anomalous condition might be presented
of SPANS conceding 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 recognizes that she must
consent also to the abandonment OF
Porto Rico. With these two vital points
PASSED, there is likely to be little delay
on the question Of indemnity, as there
is every disposition here not to press
with undue severity on Spain in this
respect. About the only reason which
would impel this Government to insist
upon an indemnity would be a further
stubborn resistance by Spain.
Speaking broadly, the statement was
made to-day by an influential official
that a settlement with Spain concerned
vital points, namely, Cuba and Porto
Rico, and at the same time gained two
vital points, namely, freedom from q
war indemnity and a retention Of her
control of the Philippines, which would
appear to- be a just balance of equities
Nothing was heard from the Miles
expedition to-day at the War d apart-
inent, but Captain Hisginson. the senior
officer Of the naval convoy, forwarded a
brief cablegram that save keen delight
10 the Navy Department, because of Ihe
unstinted praise it accorded to a pop
ular and dashing officer, Dick" Vain
wright, the commander of the little
Gloucester. Wainwright having been
commended by his superior, Higginson,
for his actions at Guanica, enjoys the
solitary distinction Of being the only
officer attached to Simpsons fleet who
has been twice officially commended
since the war began.
The War Department has reconciled
itself to the summary change in its
plans made by General Miles when he
landed at Guanica, instead of ''or the
east coast of Porto Rico as previously
| agreed upon. 1t is surmised that he
was led to make this change by reason
of the detention of his lighters and
foresaW a weeks delay in effecting a
landing unless he went on where he did
and ran his troops and artillery di-
rectly ashore. He thus has avoided ex-
posing his troops to the harGships suf-
fered by Skaters men, as they lay for
50 many days off Santiago. 1t is also
suggested that the General has scored
an important diplomatic advantage in
setting foot on Porto Rican soil before
the first overtures had been received
| from Spain looking toward peace.
The departure of General Brooke and
| General Haines from Hampton Roads.
| which is expected tomorrow, to rein
| force General Miles in Porto Rico is a
very substantial evidence of the pur-
| pose of the Government not 10 aba-e
/ the prosecution of military operations
at this stage of the negotiations. The
| two Generals are embarked on rapid
| liners, and should reach General Miles
| by next Monday, putting him in pos
session of a sufficient force te begin
| the movement upon San Juan at once.
| The second captured flag was re-
ceived at the War Department to-day
with a brief note from General Shafter,
| as follows:
Fragment of Spanish flag captured
/ by the Thirteenth United States In
| fantry at San Juan, July 1st."
! Inspector Breckenridge, who had been
a member of General Skaters staff,
called at the White House this after
noon and personally described TO the
! President the conditions existing tn re
when he left, July 20th. He spoke par
ticularly Of the remarkable enthusiasm
| displayed by the United States troops
there, and of their cool, brave conduct
under fire. He also minimiZed the yell
| low fever condition, and said that the
| troops had been fully prepared in adj
vance for its appearance.