The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-28
ARMIsTIcE MAY BE GRANTED.
Spain, However. Must Not Waste Time
i'm Diplomatic Talk.

in Diplomatic Talk.
WASHINGTON. July 27--It is probable
the Spanish government will have the an
swer Of the administration to the peace prop
osition in its possession by Friday night or
saturday morning. Secretary Day on Ieay-
ing the White House after to-day's confer
ence said it was probable the answer would
be made the latter part of this week Mr..
Day smiled when asked as to the terms to
be proposed and said: ''You will all know
that in time
1t is likely that If the Spanish government
is really in earnest in its desire for peace
our government will consent to an armistice
as preliminary. But it can be stated posi-
lively the President is determined to lose
no ground through Spanish diplomacy The
armistice if granted. will be conditioned on
the most binding pledges that it is to be fol-
lowed by treaty of peace. Moreover, the
preliminary agreement that provides for an
armistice must constitute in itself an un-
dertaking On the part of Spain to submit to
certain broad conditions imposed by the
United States as the basis of peace. Mill
tary operations are to go steadily forward
so far as the United States is concerned
until the negotiations have advanced much
further than they are at present. They are
subject to interruption at any moment by
an armistice, but it must be said that this
is scarcely expected Immediately 1t is real
lied that when the Spanish government
learns the extent of the demands to be made
by the United States the first effect will be
to induce a reflection movement, which in
turn will result in the continuation of active
hostilities for a time. This time, it is ex-
pected, however will be brief, only perhaps
so long as is necessary for General Miles
to completely invest San Juan de Puerto
Rico. That stroke it is thought will bring
the Spanish government to realization of
the hopelessness of further resistance if it
has not before that time yielded to the earn
est representations of the European powers
that have been so persistent in their efforts
to secure peace. Military experts allow two
weeks as the maximum period of time
necessary for General Miles to secure this
commanding position, and, therefore it is
hoped that within that space of time the
Spanish government will have been brought
not exactly to approval of treaty of peace,
but to an application for an armistice. 1t
is pointed out that conditions promise on a
large scale to duplicate those existing at
Santiago when General Toral surrendered.
The Spaniard surrendered with provision for
a commission to adjust the details of the
surrender. Likewise Spain may secure an
armistce and provide for commission to
adjust the details of peace treaty, but the
effect of the first action will be like that of
Torals surrender.
AS to tile terms to be imposed by
the United States it seems probable our
give The diplomats of the ole, world
a lesson in straightforward dealing,
abandoning the devious paths Of
forward and without double-deaiinS or
hair-splitting toward the object in view.
In such Negotiations, conducted on u on the
lied the attitude of the United States gov
eminent from the very beginning Ct the
controversy which led to the war. there
will be little chance for the successful oxer-
else of what is termed Spanish diplomacy.
There will not be any disposition shown to
take undue advantage of the position of
defeated and helpless nation, but to justify
and secure the indulgent treatment that the
United States is now in a temper TO accord
the Spanish negotiations must be honestly
fairly, openly and directly conducted 1t
cannot be tolerated for an instant it is an
nounced, that through the indulgence of the
United States by granting an aImiStice or
otherwise in the early stages of the peace
negotiations the Spanish government shall
covertly secure breathing spell to recu-
perate and rally for 1urJher resistance to
the American arms
AS far as can be gathered our govern
ment in general way has already prepared
Itself TO announce the outlines or the cOndi-
tons it will seek to impose IN the consuln-
nation of peace. 1t is not deemed proper
now officially to make any public statement
situation by unofficial utterances. 1t should
be stated, however, that the President has
not yet committed hlmselI beyond recall In
this matter and that he is prepared to give
heed to the counses of the leaders of the
party and the people. Generally stated,
two propositions seem included in all lists
Of demands, namely, first, the absolute in
dependence of Cuba with the provision that
the island shall be absolved from response
biiity from any debt heretofore charged
against 1t by Spain The last clause, it is
expected, will cause some friction. mas
much as it is certain to arouse to desperate
resistance certain European holders of
bonds issued by Spain based on the revenue
of Cuba. The second proposition is the abb
solute cessation of Porto Rico to the United
States. likewise unincumbered by a liability
for any bonded indebtedness
Another point on which the United States
It is believed. will insist. is the cession OF