Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1898-10-25

tion, but Only Speculation as to What
Was May he Done-Further Testi-
mony Before the War Investigators.
Paris, Oct 25.-There was another
joint meeting of the United States and
Spanish peace commissioners yester-
day, at which the United States re-
ply to the Spanish proposals of last
week was presented in writing. The
adjournment of the joint commission
was until o'clock in the afternoon OF
tomorrow. Guam. in the Ladrones isl
ands. has been chosen by the Ameri-
cans for the United States. under the
terms of the protocol. and it's cesslon
has been confirmed by the Spanish ccrl-
mission. Details of minor Importance
alone remain to be decided upon in
connection with the cession OF Porto
Rico. the formal transfer of which is
practically accomplished.
The chief matter considered at yes
terday's session was the American re-
ply to Spain's propositions. and the in
dications are that the Cuban question
will be disposed of this week. But no
details have been given out by either
side regarding Spain's pressntment Of
Friday last. or the American traverse
of the same submitted yesterday.
Another Chapter OF Possibilities
That is all that is known. But there
is no law against speculation. and
this is what is thought to be going on.
The consideration by the commissioners
of the Porto Rico and the Ladrones
question has now been merged with
the Cuban question. and all the points
involved are being carried forward to
4 simultaneous conclusion. When this
has been arrived at the Philippine ques-
tion will be taken up. OF course, there
is a possibility Of disagreement, and
the Spaniards. If the American COM
missioners decide rot to assume any
portion of the Cuban indebtedness. may
announce their unwillingness to pro
ceed any further with negotiations
based upon the protocol. The cortes
may then be asked to indorse their
action
May Prefer To Renew tIs Fight
In fact. the Spaniards may even pre-
fer a resumption of hostilities to ac-
puiescence in the American refusal to
share the financial burden. The Ameri-
cans. however. have intimated to the
Spaniards the possibility that Spain
may at some future period be able To
deal with an independent government;
regarding the assumption OF the pro
vincial and municipal portions Of the
Cuban debt. which is estimated to have
been S150.OO0. eco before the las; rebel
lion in Cuba broke out. ard $500 Coo
600 contracted since 1895. But should
independent Cuba-us she doubtless
would-rCfuse to assume E3Ore than her
proportion Of the debt. based on actual
betterments in Cuba and only-even in
this case-of obligations contracted pre-
vious to 1895. Spain would ne compelled
to appeal to her pc confront
them with practical eghths of
the debt contracted 81
Another Difficulty for Spain.
Spain would also be compelled to de-
clare her inability to meet her obIiga-
tions. and this Cat present) seems to the
Spaniards a more bitter alternative
than to accept the United States re-
fusal to share the Cuban debt with all
that this means. the idea being that the
Spaniards would bee able TO call the at
tention Of their creditors to their un-
yielding though fruitless efforts in
their behalf. Spain. however. Will not
break off the present negotiations be-
fore having proposed that the United
States share half the insular debt.
which i'm such a proposition may be
placed at 500. 900. .OOO Such a PROPOSE
non would not be accepted by the
United States. either directly or in be-
half of Cuba