The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-08-03
OFFICIALS ANXIOUS
ABOUT PHILIPPINES.
Signs of Peace in No Way Relieve
the Suspense-The Monks
i'm Danger.

In Danger.
WASHINGTON. Aug. 2.-Although this
was the third day since the President de-
Evered to NJ. Cambon the terms offered by
the United States to Spain as a basis
of peace, TO answer came from Madrid.
and in fact was scarcely expected. The
press reports of the long cabinet meetings
held at the Spanish capital yesterday in
Dictated that the Spanish cabinet was I'M
prepared at least to accept the terms Of
fered at once. and without appearing to
attempt to secure some modification in the
interest Of Spain.
1t is felt that such course is absolutely
imposed upon the Sagasta ministry by the
existing conditions in Madrid Neverthe-
less. 1t Is not to be seen that the Presi-
dent cherished the slightest intention OF
consentng 10 any essential notifications
of the conditions. and the slightest delay
that has occurred in making answer Is not
believed to be discouraging nor to be taken
as sign of the purpose OF the Spanish
cabinet ultimately to reject the PROPOSE
ton.
When the doors OF the state department
closed this afternoon it was realized that.
owing to the difference OF time between
Washington and Madrid there was little
chance or receiving the expected answer
before tomorrow, and indeed, should it
come tonight the French ambassador would
not be able to deliver it, because the time
required for its transmission would make
the hour too late and the announcement
could not be made until tomorrow The
officials here make no concealmeut of their
apprehension of serious trouble to follow
the execution of our programme in regard
to the Philippines The naval and military
commanders there lately have warned the
departments Of expected conflicts with the
insurgents, and no surprise will b., felt at
the receipt Of the news of an outbreak at
almost any moment The United States
government feels that it has assumed a
moral obligation toward not only the for
eign residents at Manila but toward the
unprotected classes OF the Spanish com
munitv-women. children, nuns and priests.
therefore, when the intimation came that
the insurgents We're threatening the lives
W 'o'S '4SAP'cSS Hlolhsi orders We're sent
10 the American military commander 70
look into the matter and to ac. in the
interest of civilization and humanity.
According to reports. the insurgents have
shown particular hostility toward the
monks, and it is a reasonable expectation
that before long a collision will have oc-
CURED between them and the American
troops If the latter undertake 10 interfere
in the execution Of the vengeance Of the
insurgents.
Some reports which have been received
from Porto Rico, blu, for political reasons
cannot be made pubic. have given great
satisfaction to the officials OF the war de-
partment, since they go to show that the
resistance which can be made by the
Spanish troops will be very little. and Il
Is even possible that Gen. Miles will achieve
an almost bloodless victory. In fact. IL
has been suggested. with some plausibiHty.
that the Madrid government. realizing the
impendency of peace and The lack Of low
atty toward the monarchy Of the mass of
Porto R!cans. have allowed the Spanish
garriSonS Of the island 70 understand that
they are not expected to sacrifice their
lives in useless resistance to 4 siluerif,r
force. so that all that Is to be expected Is
to be rather formal opposition to the
progress of Gen. Niles triumphant march
across fha Stand