The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-28

text of the Spanish overture from publica-
ton at As time.
The next point of interest was the char
acter and extent Of the demand likely to be
made by the United States as the condition
of peace. 1t is felt that the statement of
terms of peace, both from Spain and from
the United States, may be some days off,
as there doubtless will be considerable
diplomatic fencing at the outset before the
actual point of stating terms is reached. A
good deal of this for instance, may re-
suit from the attempt to define the methods
of approach to the objects sought, whether
through commission or through the di-
rect exchange of notes as initiated yester-
day.
There will be much discussion. in all like
lihood. also, regarding an armistice. for it
is the distinct purpose of the Spanish
thorities to secure suspension of hostii-
ties pending the negotiations for peace. 1t
may be that the application will be granted.
but. If so. it will be only under the most
effective safeguards to prevent loss Of any
advantage to the United States and on
binding pledges that certain well-defned
objects are 20 be conceded to us.
The President discussed this complex
subject all day with various members of
NNO NoOAlAct as tLcy CdiiCQ III Tie CUuISG Ol
ordinary business. Secretary Day and Post
master General Charles Emory Smith spent
some time this afternoon at the White
House, probably exchanging views with the
President. 1t is virtually admitted by lead
ing members of the administration that on
only one point in peace negotiations is there
likely to be serious friction, and that relates
to the future of the Philippines. AS to Cuba
and Porto Rico, our government feels that
there is reasonable certainty of encoun-
tering little opposition to our demands.
The Spanish government might insist on the
proposition thrown out by the Vatican yes
terday-namely. that the United States shall
annex Cuba-tne ostensible purpose being to
secure full protection for the Spanish ele-
ment left on the island, but while this would
be vexatious point. it would yield to ad-
justment.
AS to the Philippines. there is a full ex-
peetation of greater difficulties to be sur
mounted. There is reason to believe that
these difficulties, like the Cuban settlement
will be rather internal than international in
their character, at least from the outset.
The President is firmly of the opinion that
the United States has no use for the islands
as permanent possession The gravest
problems of government would result were
the attempt to be made to annex them, ow-
ing to the heterogeneous and ill-favored
character of the large population of the
islands, while any effort to unite with other
powers in joint administration might be
fairly expected to result as unsatisfactory
as the tripartite arrangement between the
United States. Great Britain and Germany
for the government of the Samoan group.
However, there are evidences that a large
element in the United States is of the opin-
ion that the islands should be acquired by
the United States, and it is hoped by the
President that before it comes to the formu-
lation officially of the demands of the
United States public sentiment in
this country, through newspaper dis
cussion and otherwise will have so far
crystallized as to enable the government to
perceive the popular demand 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 gen.
orally supposed
1t is felt by officials that with the diplo-
matte formalities out of the way. the actual
peace terms would require little time for
arrangement, and to-day it was even sug-
gested that the anomalous condition might
be presented of Spain's concedng as much
or more than the United States felt justi-
fled 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 on an
indemnity would be further stubborn re-
sistance by Spain. Speaking broadly, the
statement was made to-day by an influential
official that settlement in which Spain
conceded two vital points, namely Cuba
and Porto Rico, and at the same time
gained two vital points, namely, freedom
from war indemnity and a retention of
her control of the Philippines, would appear
to be just balance of equities.