The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-10-25
Repudiating the Cuban Debt May
Stop the Negotiations.
SPAIN MAY MAKE A PROPOSITION
For the United States 10 Assume Half
Breaks OG-May Have AN OPP
portunity To Dea. With In
dependent Cuba as To
the Debt.

PARIS. october 4.-The American
Peace Commissioners were in session to-
cay from 10 A. NJ. TO almost +. NJ,
when they repaired to the joint session.
They took with them carefully pre-
pared written answer to the amended
proposals Of the Spaniards regarding
Cuba Ii is understood that the Amerl-
can reply is, 70 a certain degree in the
nature of "a compromise proposal
The consideration by the commissioners
OF the Porto Rico and LadrOncs ques-
tion has now been merged with the
Cuban question. and all the points IN
yolyed are being carefully carried for
ward to a simultaneous conclusion. When
this has been arrived at the Philippine
question viii be taken up. OF course,
there is a possibility of a disagreement.
and the Spaniards, u the American com
missiOucrs decide not TO assume any
portion OK the Cuban indebtedness, may
announce their unwillingnes5 to proceed
any further with negotiations based upon
the protocol
MAY FIGHT AGAIN.
The Spaniards may prefer O resump-
tion Of hostilities TO acquicsence In the
American refusal TO share their financial
intimatcd TO the Spanisrds the possi-
hiity that Spain at some future period
may be able 30 deal with an independent
government regarding the assumption
OF the provincial ana municipal portions
bf tho Cuban debt, which is estimated
10 have been $4,000 900 before the last
rebellion in Cuba broke out, and $780,
10000 contracted since 1895 But should
Independent Cuba, as she doubtless
would. refuse to assume more than her
proper proportion OF the debt based on
actual betterments in Cuba and only,
even tn this case OF obligations con-
tracted previous to 1895, Spain would
be compelled TO appeal TO her people and
confront them with practically seven-
eighths Of the debt contracted since.
RITTER ALTERNATIVE.
Spain would also be compelled TO de-
clare her inability 10 meet her obliga-
tions and this, at present seems to the
Spanards a more bitter alternative than
10 accept the United states refusal to
share the Cuban debt
Finally. 10 Is said that there are persons
high I'm the Spaniards counsel who claim
that Spain would rather submit dumbly
and helplessly TO dismemberment than
confront this continued financial burden.
one course would leave her pride unsul-
lied IL is claimed. and the other IS re-
garded as doubtful, if not impossible Of
adoption within the boundaries Of ma
tiOnal soivency.
Spain. however. will not break off the
present negotiations before having pro-
posed that the United States share half
fhe insular debt which. ir such propOs-
ll. may be placed at 500 COO. the inter-
est rate TO be reduced to ? per cent,
which Spain may hold, practically re-
dur0c her share to SIG O0Q do tha mr.
tion proposed to be borne by the United
states or guaranteed thereby.
such proposition would not be ac- |
cepted by the United States either direct |
ly or I'm behalf Of cuba. The session OF !
the joint commission began az o'clock |
in the afternoon and ended az 6:i5
ADD PEACE COMMISSION. o5dU?oe |
The adjournment OF the Joint commits |
sion was until 4 o'clock I'm the afternoon |
of Wednesday next. Guam IN the La |
drones Islands. has been chosen by the |
Americans for the United States under |
the terms OF tho protocol and its cession |
has been confirmed by the Spanish Com |
mission
Details of minor Importance alone re- |
main 90 be decided upon i'm connection |
with the cessiou Of Porto Rico, the form |
ai transfer OF which is practically accom- |
pnshed
Tho chief matter considered at to-day's |
session was the American reply 10 Spain's |
revised and renewed propositions of the |
last meetings. and the indications are |
that the cuban question will be disposed |
of this week but no details have been |
given out hy either side regarding |
Spain's presentment Of Friday last. or |
The American answer 10 the same sub
miitci to-day