The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1898-08-04

now turned toward Madrid, for it is
realized that upon the Spanish cabinet
depends the restoration of peace. 1t
had been announced here in quarter
that removed the information from
any question of accuracy that the de-
cision of the Spanish government was
not to be submitted before to-day at
the earliest. In the absence of any
new phase in the negotiations here
speculation naturally turned back
ward toward the remarkable meeting
at the White House Saturday, and
great interest was manifested in every
particular respecting that event. "A
disposition was shown in some quar-
ters to question the authority of the
French ambassador to act as he did
respecting Spain. But it can be again
stated that, regardless of any techni-
cal point, such as the absence of
signed, sealed and delivered mail Gre
dentials, which of course could not
reach here in the little time at hand,
that the president regarded NJ. Cam
bon as
Fully Qualified to Act
as a representative of the Spanish
government in the Negotiations, SUBJ
ject, of course, as are almost all min
listers of ambassadors in these days,
to the reference Of the work accom-
plished by them to the government
they represent for final approval. M.
Cambon made it so clear that he had
been fully instructed on every point
likely to rise in the negotiations that
the president was satisfied that by &C
cepting him as the representative Of
Spain in this matter a vast saving Of
time would be effected and point Of
the utmost Importance that the nego-
tiations would be technically conduct
ed without the interposition of any
neutral government. However, any
question that might have arisen as to
the powers Of the French ambassador
was set at rest by short, guarded and
concise statement issued from the en-
hassy itself. The discussion turned on
the nature Of the change made at the
instance of NJ. Cambon in the list of
American demands. 1t was contenIcd
in some quarters that no change had
been made, in others that
An Important Modification
had developed. AS a matter of fact,
as to. the importance, of this change
there is a difference Of opinion between
the parties, the administration looking
upon it as unconsequential, while NJ.
Cambon attaches Importance to it.
However this may be, as the admins
tration believes that the change is not
essential, and that it certainly does not
affect the principle of the document. it
might be we'll to recapitulate briefly
just what the demands of the United
States were. AS to Cuba, it is de-
handed that Spain is to release her
government, possession and control.
1t will be noticed that nothing is said
Of Cuban independence, and the ac-
ceptance of this position leaves the
United States free to deal with the is
land as it may deem best. Puerto
Rico, with the small islands adjacent
and embraced within her jurisdiction,
is to be ceded Internationally to the
United States. One of the Ladrone is
lands likewise is to be ceded to the
United States as a coaling station.
These three conditions
Being Granted by Spain
are to be taken as part payment in lieu
of the full indemnity. What further
payment shall be required is to be de-
termined by a commission having au-
thority to act for the president, subject
to his approval. Whether Spain shall
retain possession of the Philippines as
a whole or in part is left to the COM
mission to determine. The reason for
deferring the decision as to the future
of the islands in this fashion is because
the administration is not yet satisfied
itself; it is not clear at this moment
what sound policy should dictate in the
matter. Meanwhile, and until the CON-
mission has satisfactorily disposed Of
the future Of the islands the United
States is to exercise a military govern
ment over Manila harbor and bay
The commission will be actually q
peace commission, and will prepare
the treaty which will terminate form
ally the war with Spain. However, a
suspension of hostilities may be sooner
declared when the Spanish govern
ment shall definitely accept the condi-
tons above laid down and renounce it's
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