Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-06
FENCING BY SPAIN.
Effort to Gain Advantage in the
Field of Diplomacy.
washington Evening star-s1)

Washington Evening Star-s1)
1t is possible that day or two may pass
before it is known definitely whether
Spain has accepted our terms for the
negotiation Of peace 1t is evident that
Spain wants to bubble little before de-
fnitely declaring herself. 1t is difficult
for her to abandon the hope Of gaining
some slight advantage in the field of
diplomacy, to retrieve somewhat her fall
ure in the field OF battle. Little doubt IS
felt that Spain will accept our terms, but
il is believed that before that has been
done a persistent effort will be made TO
gain advantage by having the terms modi-
fed or more explicitly defined so as to
hold this government down to closer lines
when it comes 10 drawing up the treaty
of peace itself. 1t is not improbable that
further explanation Of our terms will be
asked for, and it may be that the answer
will come first in the form of q counter
proposition. 1t may be said with rea-
sOnable certainty, however, that no coun-
ter proposition will be considered, and
there certainly is no prospect of any mod
ifcatiOn nor material change I'm the form
Of agreement proposed as the basis Of
negotiations.
Firmness on the part of this government
is not likely 10 result in failure Of
agreement, since Spain Is in a position
where she cannot afford TO hold out, and
the influence of the French Ambassador
will probably be I'm the direction of having
the terms accepted as promptly as posi-
Bile. There is quite long step between
an agreement on these terms as a basis
OF negotiations and the agreement on
treaty of peace, but it is definitely under
stood that the treaty of peace itself is
not to be in any way more favorable to
Spain than are the general terms given
as a basis Of negotiation
The question of the disposition OF war
materials now in possession OF Spain IN
Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines,
which apparently Spain is anxious 10
have included IN the preliminary agree
ment, belongs properly to the future final
settlement by treaty.
1t is not probable that Spain will be per-
mitted to retain any Of the war material
in Cuba or Porto Rico. The disposition Of
whatever materials OF this sort she may
have In the Philippines will be a matter
Of the greatest consequence 10 Spain II
she is permitted to retain any part Of the
Philippine groups The belief is strongly
supported that the administration desires
that our acquisition Of territory in that
region should be confined to the absolute
possession Of one island. II the rest OF
the group should be restored to Spain-or
should never be occupied at all by this
covernment-Spain would be rendered
helpless TO maintain her government over
the islands remaining TO her If she were
compelled to surrender all her military
equipment and stores, whatever they
amount 10. The insurgents are already
in possession Of a large amount OF arms
and ammunition captured at Cavite.
Spain will naturally strive 10 secure per-
mission for the withdrawal of her army
now al Manila. with its arms and equip
ment. TO another part Of the group, If the
United States should decide merely to re-
tain the Island Of Luzon.