The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-07-28
THE QUESTION OF PEACE
ABATEMENT OF TERMS MAY BE DE-
 LATED SOME DAYS.

LAYED SOME DAYS.
 Considerable Diplomatic Fencing LiIse-
 ly at the Outset Before the Actual
 Point of Stating Terms is Reached-
 Much Discussion Likely Regarding an
 Armistice-The Philippines May Cause
 Some eFrictton-Hopingfo for Chrystali-
 ration of Public Senttment-Possib1e
 Terms Upon Which Peace May be
 Brought About.
 Washington, July 27.-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. AL though 1t was known through the open admission of members of the adminis- tration that the present peace phrase would remain unchanged until after an- other cabinet meeting on Friday, there was still evinced to-day disposition to discuss this matter in it's every as- pect Naturally the first point of in- quiry was the exact shape taken by the Spanish presentation of yesterday. Gu riosity, however, remained unsatisfied. The next point of interest was the char acter and extent of the demand likely to be made by the United States as to the conditions of peace.
 A Delay Likely,
 It is felt that the statement of the terms of peace both from Spain and from the United States may be delayed some days, 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 result from the att tempt to define the methods of ap- proach to the object sought, whether through a commission or through the direct exchange of notes as initiated yesterday. There will be much discus sion in all likelihood also regarding an afmistice, for it is the distinct purpose of the Spanish authorities to secure suspension of hostilities pending the negotiations for peace. It may be that the application will be granted, but if so 1t will be only under the most effec- tive safeguard to prevent loss of any addition to the United States and upon binding pledges that certain well defin- ed objects are to be conceded to us.
 Discussed a Complex Subject.
 The president discussed this complex subject all day with various members of the cabinet as they called in the course of ordinary business. Secretary Day and Postmaster General Smith spent some time this afternoon at the White house, presumably exchanging views with the president. It is virtu- ally admitted by leading members of the administration 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 Porto Rico, our govern ment feels that there is a reasonable certainty of encountering little opposi- tion to our demands. The Spanish might insist upon the proposition thrown out by the vatican yesterday namely, that the United States shall annex Cuba, the ostensible purpose be- ing to secure further protection for the Spanish element left in the island, but Wnlle LQlS WOulu De d NCAnllouo hoihe, it would yield to adjustment.
 The Philippines.
 AS to the Philippines, there is a full expectation of greater difficulties to be surmounted. There is reason to believe that these difficulties will be rather in- ternal than international in their char acter, at least from the outset. The president is firmly of the opinion that the United States has no use for the islands as a permanent possession The gravest problems of government would result, were the attempt to be made to annex them, owing to the heterogen- ous and ill-favored character of the large population of the islands, while any effort to unite with other powers in a joint administration might be fair 1y expected to result as unsatisfactorily as the tri-partite arrangement between the United States, Great Britain and Germany for the government of the Samoan group. However, there are evidences that a large element iE the United States is of the opinion that the islands should be acquired by the United States and it Is hoped by the president that before it comes to the formulation officially of the United States demand public sentiment in this country through newspaper discussion and otherwise, will have so far crys- tallized as to enable the government to perceive the popular demand clear ly.
 Closer Than Supposed.
 It may be stated that it is confident ly expected that when the two govern nents arrive at the point of actually fixing terms they will be found much closer together than is generally sup posed. It is felt by officials that with the diplomatic formalities out of the way the actual peace terms would re- uuire little time for arrangement and to-day it was suggested that anama- lous conditions might be presented of Spain's conceding as much or more than the United States felt justified in demanding. There is little reason to doubt that Spain has made up her mind to give up Cuba. It is almost equally certain that Spain recognizes that she must consent also to the abandonment