Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1898-07-16

Point to the Spaniards.
WASHINGTON, July 16.-Tho Ameri-
can amy under General Shafter may
be forced to attack Santiago and take it
by assault This belief is based on
telegram received from General Shafter
and given out III part at the war depart
ment last evening, showing that serious
bitches have occurred in the negotia-
tons for surrender between the Spanish
and American commissioners. 1t is be-
heved the part made public does not
give all the facts.
Hints dropped by officials indicated
that the Spanish had succeeded IN get
ting General Shafter into false posi-
ton, which may result in quick sus-
pension of negotiations and an appeal
to arms to convince the Spaniards that
their best policy is square dealing.
If Skaters forces are compelled to
make an assault on Santiago, it is real
lied that there will be the bloodiest
kind of work The Americans will be
in no mood to give quarter, and the hui
name regard for their foes, which has
hitherto marked their operations, will
be forgotten in the Unsuitable anger
produced by what must be looked on as
new instance of Spanish deceit and
trickery.
The bombardment of the city will
be undoubtedly of the most destructive
and disastrous character, and the Span
iards who survive will have reason to
Il. 1r,,e e
to deal frankly and sensibly with the
enemy when he was disposed to be not
only merciful, but most considerate.
1t is understood the president, while
greatly chagrined by the slow progress
and threatened failure of the negotia-
tions for surrender, still believes the
Spaniards will in the end yield in all
essential points. He takes the view
that the difficulties raised by the Span
is commissioners are more matters of
form than of substance. They are try
ing by all sorts of little devices to guard
what they call their honor and save ap-
pearances, but when these matters of
mere outward show are adjusted to suit
their quixotlc ideas they will accept the
situation and adhere to the terms they
made at the outset. There is strong
hope here that in the end the views
held by the president may turn out cor
rect.
Secretary of War Alger is not among
those who take hopeful view of the
situation. He is said to be convinced
that General Toral is not acting in good
faith, and believes the wisest course for
General Shafter to pursue would be to
drop negotiations Immediately and be-
gin an assault on the city. There is said
to be suspicion in the mind of the Sec
rotary that the Spaniards are looking
for. reinforeements, and hope that by
means Of the delay in negotiations those
reinforcements will have time to reach
Santiago and attack Skaters army on
the flank.
1t seems incredible that the Spaniards
would resort to treachery of this kird,
but if they do the day of reckoning for
them will be terrible. 1t is believed
that if Secretary Alger We're left free
to act on his own impulse he would at
once order General Shafter to begin the
bombardment ofsSantiago so angry is he
at the delay in the negotiations and so
convinced that the Spaniards mean
treachery.
After an extended conference with
the president last night, at which three
other members of the cabinet were
present, Secretary Alger said: "The
situation is just this: The Spaniards at
Santiago are prepared to surrender, but
they want to carry their arms. We
have determined to grant no such con-
cession nor any concession except the
generosity of this government to trans
port them to Spain.
Secretary Alger was asked if it was
not the expectation that when it was
known that no other terms would be
granted the surrender would take place.
and replied that such was the case. In
any event no other concession would
be afforded by this government.
1t was nearly l O'Clock when the con-
ference at the White House adjourned.
Besides Secretary Alger there were
present Secretaries Bliss and Wilson
and Postmaster General Emory Smith.
Adjutant General Corbin was present
during the last hour of the conference.
Secretary Alger did not say how
much time would be allowed the enemy
to reach conclusion, but it is known
that the administration will make it