Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-28
SPAIN ASKS TERMS.
The French Ambassador Opens Ne.
gotiations on Spain's Behalf.
AMERICAN DEMANDS not KNOWN.
the President to Consult the Members of
His Cabinet Concerning the Proposition
and Then Hold Another Confer.
encs with N. CambOn,

washington, July T.-The Spanish
government has sued for peace, not
indirectly, through the great powers
OF Europe, but by a direct appeal to
President Mckinley. The proposition
was formally submitted to the presi.
dent at three o'clock yesterday after.
noon by the French ambassador, M.
Jules Cambon, who had received in.
structions from the foreign office at
Paris to deliver to the United States
government the tender Of peace
formulated by the Spanish cabi.
net. At the conclusion of the confer
ence between the president and the
French ambassador, the following Off
cial statement was issued from the
white house: 1.-THE French ambassa.
dor, on behalf Of the government of
Spain and by direction Of the Spanish
minister of foreign affairs, presented
to the president yesterday afternoon
at the white house message from the
Spanish government, looking to the
termination Of the war and the settle.
ment OF terms Of peace"
Shortly after midnight Monday
night dispatch to the French en-
bassy made it known to the embassy
that the ambassador would be charged
with the important mission of opening
peace negotiations in behalf of Spain.
The complete instructions, including
an official letter from Duke Almadovar
Rio, Spanish minister of foreign af-
fairs, were received yesterday morn
ing. The proposition submitted by
the ambassador, acting for the Span
ish government, was quite general in
terms, and was confined to the one
essential point Of an earnest plea that
negotiations be opened for the purpose
Of terminating the war and arriving
at terms Of peace. The communication
Of the Spanish government did not
suggest any specific terms OF peace,
nor was any reference made to Cuba,
The Philippines, Porto Rico or other
Spanish possessions The evident pur.
pose of the Madrid authorities was to |
earn first whether the United States
would treat on the subject OF peace,
md after that to take up such terms
Is the two parties might suggest. 1t
vas finally determined that the presi-
lent would consult the members Of his
'abinet concerning the proposition
md, after decision had been arrived |
It, M. Cambon would then be invited |
% the white house for further con-
erence and for final answer from
he United States government.
Secretary Long arrived at the white
louse shortly after the French am.
'assador had departed and had talk
With the president, during which the
spanish proposal was gone over briefly.
Mr.. Long said afterward that 1t was
N official move, but in reply to in.
luiries as to whether it was likely to
ring speedy cessation Of hostiIities
lie expressed some doubt, saying that
10 decision on the points involved had
'een reached thus far.
Naturally, the plea Of Spain to open
'eace negotiations opens up wide
leld of conjecture on what the terms
+ peace will be. Thus far there is no
fficial warrant for saying what terms
pain will propose, or what terms the
United States will offer or accept. So
ar as this country is concerned, it is
he general impression that the com.
'lete Spanish evacuation Of Cuba and
'orto Rico will be insisted upon as
inc qua non. There is not the
anne certainty as to the Philippines,
.adrones and Carolines, although the
elief is growing that the terms of the
Inited States will include coaling sta.
ions in these groups.
On the part Of Spain it is believed
hat she has now reached such real. Q
,ation Of her misfortune that she will S
eadily consent to terms for the evacu-
tion of Cuba and probably Porto Rico.
he Spanish desire is apparently very /
trong for the retention OF the Philip I
ines, although there is little doubt Z
nat coaling stations there and at
ther points would be conceded. t
The matter of war indemnity is for !
lture consideration, although there e
oes not appear to be a disposition !
mong the officials here to pile up a
eavy war indemnity against Spain in y