The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1898-08-05

turned LOudy lO"dIu NAdAIiN, |"
was realized that Upon h Spanish
cabinet depends the restoration of
peace. 1t had been announced here in
a quarter that removed the information
from any question Of it's accuracy that
the decision of the Spanish govern
ment was not to be submitted before
tomorrow at the earliest. In the alb
sence Of any new phase in the negotia-
tions here today, speculation naturally
turned backward toward the remark
able meeting at the White house Sun
day and great interest was mani
tested in every particular respecting
that event. A disposition was shown
in some quarters to question the au-
thority of the French ambassador to
act as he did, representing Spain; but
it can be again stated that, regard
less of any technical point, such as the
absence of signed, sealed and deliver
ed mail credentials, which of course
could not reach here in the little time
at hand, the president regarded M.
CambOn as fully qualified to act as a
representative of the Spanish govern
ment in the negotiations, subject, Of
COURSE, DIS are dllllOSl dill lliIllSlcIS VI
ambassadors in these days, to the ref
erence of the work accomplished by
them to the government they repre-
sent for final approval. M. CambOn
made it so clear that he had been full
1y instructed on every point likely to
rise in the negotiations that the presi-
lent was satisfied that by accepting
him as the representative of Spain in
this matter a vast saving Of time
would ha effected an6-1 Dnint of the
utmost jmpOrtance-that the negOtia-
lions would be technically conducted
without the interpOsitiOn Of any neu-
trai government. However, any QueS-
tiOn that might have arisen as to the
powers of the French ambassador was
set at rest by a short, guarded, and
concise statement issued today from
the embassy itself.
Then discussion turned on the nature
of the change made at the instance of
M. Cambon in the list of American de-
mands. 1t was commended in some
quarters that no change had been
made; in others, that an important
modification had developed. AS a mat
ter fact, as to the Importance of this
change, there is a difference of opin-
ion between the parties, the admins
tration looking upon it as inconsequen-
tial, while M. CambOn attaches i'm
pOrtance to it. However this may be,
as the administration believes that the
change is not essential and that 1T GER
tainly does not affect the principle of
h document, it might be we'll to re-
capitulate briefly just what the de-
mands of the United States were.
THE TERMS IMPOSED.
AS to Cuba, it is demanded that
Spain is to release her government, pos
session and control. 1t will be noticed
49, - =: .1:I - C,,La~ ;~InyNnr-
dence and that the acceptance of this
position leaves the United States free
to deal with the island as it may deem
best.
Porto Rico, with the small islands
adjacent, and embraced within her jul
risdiction, is to be coded uncOnditiOn-
ally to the United States.
One of the LadrOne islands, likewise,
is to be ceded to the U&ted States as
a coaling station.
These three conditions being granted
by Spain are to be taken as part pay
ment in lieu Of the full indemnity.
THE PHILIPPINES.
What further payment shall be re-
ouired is to be determined by a COM
mission having authority to act for the
president, subject to his approval.
Whether Spain shall retain possession
of the Philippines as a whole or in
part is left to that commission to de-
termine. The reason for deferring the
decision as to the future of the is
lands in this fashion is because the ID
ministratiOn is not yet satisfied itself;
it is not clear at this what
sound policy should dictate in the mat
ter. Meanwhile and until the COM
mission has satisfactorily disposed OF
the. future of the islands, the United
States is to exercise a military govern
wont ovor Mo~1o harhnr and how
The commission will be actually a
peace commission and will prepare the
treaty which will terminate formally
the war with Spain. However, a sus-
pension of hostilities may be sooner
declared when the Spanish govern
ment shall definitely accept the condi-
lions above laid down and renounce its
authority over Cuba and Porto Rico.
STILL NO NEWS FROM GENERAL
MILES.
Notwithstanding the fact that he
now has a direct cable to Washington
General Miles sent no message during
the day and all hat was heard from
him was contained in a belated tele-
gram announcing the arrival at Ponce
of the advance of General Schwan's
brigade. 1t is believed that General
Miles has succeeded in his plan OF
in~tercepting the troop transports be-
fore they reached the point in eastern
Porto Rico originally selected for their
landing, and in diverting them to the
excellent harbor he has secured.
TO ABANDON CAMP ALGER.
Acting on the recommendation o.
Surgeon General Sternberg, Secretary
Alger has practically concluded tt
abandon Camp Alger, near this city
because of dissatisfaction with sanitary
conditions there, as exhibited by tn,
large number of sick soldiersThe chang,
will not be made Immediately, how
ever, for it is not positively known We
which regiments now in the camp will
be withdrawn to make up the total O
about 5000 men required to be supple,
to General Wade's command, and, il
the second place, it is believed to b.
absolutely essential to have the new