The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-06-28
LITTLE HOPE FOR SPAIN.
Must Surrender All Her Colonies Be-
fore Peace Is Declared.

NEW YORK, June ga special to the
Tribune from Washington says: In view of
the increasing frequency with which rumors
Of possible peace negotiations are entering
into the discussion of semi-official and in
spired European journals, considerable sig
nificance is attached to the statement by a
member of the Cabinet that no proposition
would be for a moment entertained by the
United States at this time which did not
involve SPANS absolute REIMBURSEMENT of
sovereignty over Cuba, Porto Rico and the
Philippine islands. The probable attitude of
the United States to these former colonial
possessions of Spain in the future this au-
thority declined to discuss, but in his opin-
ion the complete eradication of Spanish in
fuence and interest, so far as these islands
were concerned had already become fore
gone conclusion, and the United States
would not at any time hereafter permit
Spain to enter into any negotiation regard
ing them.
Regarding the ultimate terms of peace
which the United States may find it neces-
sary to exact in case the expensive conflict
is prolonged many months, involving the
necessity of extending American operations
against the peninsula itself or its closer
colonial establishments only the most in
definite discussion is just now INDUCED in
open to the accusation of any desire for ter
ritorial ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, but any sugges-
ton of interference by the friends of Spain
for the ultimate disposition of the West
India islands or the Philippines is sure to be
repealed by the United States in the most
unequivocal and decisive manner.
The officials of the State Department ex-
hlblt confidence, apparently based upon con-
vincing assurances. that Spain has in reality
less TO expect from one or two European
nations than is warranted by the interpre-
tation put upon various statements attrib-
uted to leading men, published in papers
having the shaky reputation of tremendous
inspiration, and little concern is now dis
from sources which have been more than
once discredited in the last six months The
persistence with which the Spaniards have
been trying to make capital out of the un-
friendly expressions in certain European
localities. considered to be commercial ri
walls of the United States have ceased to be
regarded as more than amusing, or, in some
recent instances, perhaps pathetic.
The third change in the Spanish govern
ment in less than three months is looked
vergence of opinion. if not Generalization,
that is rapidly increasing in Spain, and as
indicative of an impending collapse which
will terminate the future attempt to main
tain control of her colonies when the power
of governing her home possessions has al
most vanished The presumption that Euro
pean governments might seize the oppor-
| tunity, after the capituation of Santiago
and the destruction of Admiral Cervera' s
| fleet, to endeavor to ascertain from the
| United States what terms OF peace would
be acceptable is now believed to have been
| replaced by the other extreme alternative
| of their sounding Spain as to the sacrifices
| she is ready to make. coupled with the adj
vice that ii is imperative upon her to under
| take the immediate satisfaction of Ameri-
/ can demands