Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1898-08-04
WILL ANSWER SOON
SPAIN TO REPLY TO PEACE
TERMS IN A FEW HOURS.
NOTHING FROM GEN. MILES
Notwithstanding the Fact That He
Has a Direct Gable to Washing
ton He Didn't Communicate with
War Department Monday-Spec-
ulation on SPANS Reply.

Washington, Aug. ALI eyes
were turned Monday toward Madrid,
for it was realized that upon the
Spanish cabinet depends the restor-
alton of peace. The decision Of the
Spanish government will be submit
ted sometime today.
In the absence Of any new phase in
the negotiations, speculation natural
~ turned backward toward the re-
markable meeting a. the white house
Saturday and great interest was
manifested in every particular re-
specting that event. a disposition
was shown in some quarters to cues
ton the authority Of the French
ambassador to act as he did in repre-
senting Spain. But it can be again
stated that regardless Of the fine
technical point such as the alb
sence Of signed, sealed and de-
livered mail credentials, that the
president regarded CamboQ as fully
qualified to act as the representative
of the Spanish government in the ne
gotlatlons, subject, Of course, as all
ministes or ambassadors in these
days to reference of work, accompli shed
by them to the government they rep
resent for final approval. However,
any question that might have arisen
as to the powers of the French am
Dassador was set at rest by a short,
guarded, concise statement issued
Monday from the embassy itself.
Then pubic discussion turned on
the nature of the change made at the
instance of NJ. Cambon IN the list OF
American demands. 1t was contend
ed in some quarters that no change
had been made; in others that an i'm
portant modification had developed
AS a matter Of fact, as to the import
ance Of this change there is a differ
ence Of opinion between the parties,
the administration looking upon it as
inconseQuential, while Cambon at
tacheS Importance to it. As to Cub3
it is demanded that Spain is to re-
lease her government, possession and
control. 1t will be noticed that moth
ing is said of Cuban independence, and
that the acceptance of this proposition
leaves the United States free to deal
with the island as it may deem best.
Porto Rico, with the small islands
adjacent embraced within her juris-
diction, is to be ceded uncondtionally
to the United States. One of the
Ladrone islands likewise ceded to the
United States as a coaling station.
These three conditions being granted
by Spain are to be taken as part pay
ment in lieu of full indemnity. What
further payment shall be required is
to be determined by a commission
having authority to act for the pres
ident, subject to his approval.
Whether Spain shall retain posses
sion Of the Philippines as a whole or
in part is left to that commission to
determine. The reason for deferring
the decision as to the future OF the ISL
ands in this fashion is because the
administration has not yet satisfied
itself; it is not clear at this momenC
what sound policy should dictate in
the matter. Meanwhile until the
commission has satisfactorily disposed
of the future Of the islands the United
States is to exercise a military gov
eminent over Manila harbOr and bay.
Notwithstanding the fact that he
now has a direct cable to Washing
ton, Gen. Miles sent no message Mon
day, and all that was heard from him
was contained in a belated telegram
announcing the arrival at Ponce OF
the advance of Gen. Schwan's bri
gade. 1t is believed that Gen. Miles
las succeeded in his plan of inter
cepting the troop transports before
they reach the point in eastern Porto
Rico originally selected for their
landing and in diverting them to the
excellent harbor he secured.
Acting on the recommendation Of
Surgeon General Sternberg, Secretary
Alger has practically concluded to
abandon Camp Alger near this city
because Of dissatisfaction with the
sanitary conditions there as eX-
hibited by the large number of sick
soldiers. The change will not be
made Immediately, however, for it is
not known positively yet which regi-
Jnents will be withdrawn to make up
the quota to be supplied for Gen.
Wade's command. In the second
place, it is believed to be absolutely
essential to have the new camps Sc
lected with the greatest care and put
in perfect order for the reception of
troops before any attempt is made to