Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-08-11

is believed that the protocol car
ries within itself provision for the
cessation of hostilities. On this
point the naval contingent is urg-
ent that cur government adopt the
Napoleonic policy of refusing to
enter into an armistice without ac-
curing some substantial pledge to
secure the consummatiOn Of peace.
What they particularly desire is
that our government shall demand
as a condition of the cessation of
hostilities, the surrender to the
United States military forces of
MORO Castle at the entrance of Ha-
vana harbor and some such points
OF vantage at the other important
ports in the territory soon to fall
under our control.
The peace negotiations are now
believed to be advanced to point
where the president has felt war
ranted in turning his attention to
the selection of the commissioners
to be charged by the United States
with the drafting of a treaty of
peace.
So far as can be gathered, but
one name has been positively de-
termined upon, namely, that of
Secretary Day, who will head the
commission. Beyond that point
there is no certainty, although
some prominent names have been
brought forward Mr.. Woodford,
our late minister to Spain, has
been mentioned, though as he is
credited with a desire to return to
Madrid in the capacity of United
States minister, after the war, the
two ambitions might conflict, a
peace commissioner not always be-
ing welcome as minister resident,
particularly where he has been
party to forcing an obnoxious peace
upon the country to which he is
to be accredited. One of the names
that finds universal approval
among persons versed in diplomacy
is that of Mr. Eustis. ex-ambassa-
dor to France, whose staunch
Americanism, combined with diplo-
matte knowledge and legal ability,
are urged as fitting him especially
for appointment as peace commits
siOner. The fact that Mr.. Eustis
is a democrat would not initiate
against his chances, as it is pre-
sumed the president would rather
prefer to make the commission
non-partisan.
The naval officers have made
up their minds that peace is at
hand, and are planning for a re-
duction of the naval establish
ment to a peace basis The first
step to be taken will be the re-
tirment of the monitors from ac-
tive service. They are uncom-
Portable craft to live in, and at
ford the men little opportunity
for general training.
Another matter which has re-
ceived attention is the promotions
to be accorded to officers who
have distinguished themselves
during the hostilties. A step was
made in this direction to-day by
the submission to the President
of recommendation by the Secre-
tary Of the Navy for the advance
ment Of all the officers of Samp-
sons fleet who distinguished
themselves. 1t was announced
some time ago that board
would be appointed to decide on
all promotions TO be recommend
ed. but for some reason this
plan seems to have been abandon
ed SO far as some of the chief Off
GERS were concerned.
General Merritt's force in the
Philippines is TO be increased by
the 1900 troops now at San Fran
cisco, which will be sent as soon
as transports can be obtained. Sec
rotary Alger said today that 1000
troops would sail at once. The de-
partment has not sufficient trans
ports at hand to convey the re-
naming 5000 at present, but the
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