Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-28
No Conferences Being Held on the
Reply to Spain.
WAITING FOR TIE CABINET MEETING
Answer to Be Made Tomorrow Af-
ternoon or Saturday.
SEC'Y DAYS STATEMENT

Up to late hour today President Nc
Kinley had not consulted with any of his
cabinet officials, except briefly with Secre-
tary Day, as to the note which will go TO
Spain tomorrow afternoon or Saturday. L
has been noticeable that since Tuesday,
the day which NJ. Cambon presented
Spain's preliminary note, there have been
few important conferences at the White
House. Several cabinet members nave been
with the President, but they have talked
chiefly on departmental affairs. This lack
of conferences, so frequent during other
important periods of war, produces a belief
that the President has either decided what
reply shall be sent to Spain or that he has
concluded to leave the settlement of the
question to the cabinet tomorrow. In mat
tiers respecting the conduct of the war the
President acts without laying them before
the cabinet but in matter of policy and
history, like this, he will, it is thought, seek
the fullest and clearest thought of his ad-
visers.
He may have decided in his own mind
what is best, but this decision is not un-
alterable. Therefore it is highly improb-
atle that Secretary Day has written
draft of the American answer. He is
thought to be e. gagged in mastering pre-
cedents and in studying the diplomatic
and hidden phases presented by the note
of the Spaniards. When he goes before the
President and cabinet tomorrow he will be
able to give his views as to whether the
Spaniards are sincere. If a game of cum
nlng is to be INDUCED in it will be remem-
bered that Spain lost in the last series
OF this kind Just before the declaration of
war Preside 1t Mckinley outwitted both the
md IJrta
representative.
In SO grave a matter as the negotia ton
for peace, however, the President would
prefer to deal openly and frankly with
Spain He does not care to resort to diplo-
attic fencing. AT the outset he may give
Spain to understand that nothing but
frank, open and undodging course of ac-
ton will be acceptable to this government.
ANY other line of action will result in clo.-
ing all negotiations.
Spain Must Propose Terms.
1t is said today that the chances are
hourly growing that no terms" will be
submitted to Spain in the answer which is
to be forwarded, Spain will have 20 pre-
pose terms. These Will be considered by
the administration. Spains reputation as
a trickster returns to plague her at a time
When reputation for honesty and SIN
cer1ty would be worth great deal
Inc exact IDEAS of the President as to
spain sincerity are not known, but it is
| certain that he places no great faith in an
immediate peace. Today, to several of his
callers, he simply expressed a nope that
peace would follow the steps now under
advisement. He did not go SO far as to ex-
press belief
There is no talk in official circles of the
American answer going to Spain in the
shape OF an ultimatum
DeWey's View About the PhiIippines
Another reason for telling Spain to make
her own propositions, it is said, is found in
the desire TO obtain from Admiral Dewey
a long telegram of the exact situation in
the Philippines. His summary of affairs
there might completely alter the Presi-
dents policy as to the Philippines. Such a
communication can not be obtained in less
than a week. An answer to Spain must be
sent in less time than that. Secretary
Day said at the White House late this af-
ternoon that an answer will be sent to-
morrow afternoon or Saturday.
Representatives Joy and C. w. Stone
We're two callers to see the President to-
day about minor matters. Mr.. Stone said
that if the United States were dealing with
any otHel country tddh Spdin dIere Wouiu
probably be no deep suspicion of motives,
but the Spaniards are cunning, unsincere
and tricky" Mr.. Stcne concluded by saying
that the country has faith in the wisdom
of the President and his administration.
Senator Morgan Calls.
Senator Morgan of Alabama went to the
White House this afternoon to talk about
Haw allan affairs with the President. 1t is
thought, however, that he also discussed
peace matters.