Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1898-08-04

Washington, July 29-The initiation
of overtures for peace has had the ef-
feet of suspending in a large measure
for the time being, at least, interest In
the military and naval situation.
Though it is not known through the
open admission of members Of the ad-
lninistration that the present phase
would remain unchanged until after
another cabinet meeting on Friday,
there was still evinccd q disposition to
discuss this matter in it's every aspect.
Naturally the first point of inquiry was
the exact shape taken by the Spanish
presentation. Curiosity on this point
remained ungratified and must proba-
bly, SO continue for some days to come,
the president having decided that
nothing more definite than the atate-
ment issued from the White House
TUESDAY, shall be given to the public
for some time. The motive is pru-
dental one, and the president has
even gone so far as to suggest to the
Madrid authorities the eXpediency of
| keeping the text Of the Spanish over
| ture from publication at this time.
| The next point Of interest was the
character and extent Of the
| by the United States as the condition
Of peace. 1t is felt that the statement
| Of terms Of peace from Spain and the
United States may be some days Off,
and there doubtless will be considera-
BILE diplomatic fencing at the outset be-
fore the actual point of stating terms
is reached. There will be muct discus
sion in al! likelihood regarding an
armistice, for it is the distinct purpose
of the Spanish authorities to secure q
suspension of hostilities pending the
negotiations for peace. 1t may be that
the appeal will be granted, but if so, 1t
will only be under the strictcst safe
guards to prevent any loss to this
country, and upon binding pledges that
certain we'll defined objects are to be
conceded to us. The president dis
cussed this complex subject all day
with various members of the cabinet
as they called in the course of ordi-
nary business. 1t is virtually adj
mitted by leading members of the ad-
ministraton that upon only one
point in the peace negotiations is there
likely to be serious friction, and that
relates to the future of the Philippines.
AS to Cuba and Puerto Rico our gov
eminent feels that there is a reason
able certainey Of encountering
Little Opposition
to our demands. The Spanish govern
ment might insist upon the proposition
thrown out by the Vatican, namely,
that the United States shall annex
Cuba, the ostensible purpose being to
secure full protection for the Spanish
clement left in the island, but while
this would be a veXation it would yield
to adjustment. AS to the Philippines
there is full expectation of greater
difficulties to be surmounted. There is
reason to believe that these difficulties,
like the Cuban question, will be rath-
er internal than international in their
character, at least at the outset. The
president is firmly Of the opinion that
the United States has no use for the
islands as q permanent possession.
The gravest problems of government
would result were the attempt to be
made to annex them, owing to the
heterogeneous and ill-favored character
Of the large population of the islands.
1t is confidently expected that when
the two governments arrive at the
roint of actually fixing terms they will
be found much closer together than is
generally expected. 1t is felt by Of
ficials that with diplomatic formalities
out of the way the actual peace terms
will require little time for arrange
ment, and it is even suggested that an
analamous proposition might be en-
tertained Of Spain conceding more
than the United States felt justified in
demanding.