The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-11-10
OUR PHILIPPINE CLAIMS.
THE AMERICAN ANSWER TO SPAIN
SUBMITTED IN PARIS.

We Did Not Assent TO Spnin'A Reservation
Of Sovereignty and the Protocol She
signed was the Only Basis on which We
Would Consent 20 Suspend HostiIities-
The spauiards Say They VIII Withdraw
Rather Than sign the Proposed Treaty.
Fp,cidt Cdbb Despaieh 10 TIE Sun.
PARIS. Nov. a.-The most important feature
OF the American answer TO the Spanish conten-
tion with regard to the Philippines In a narra-
tion OF the facts relating TO the negotiations
preliminary TO tho signing Of the protocol. In
asmuch as the only plausible basis OF the Span
ish resistance to the American demand for the
Philippines is their assertion that the sover-
eighty Of tho archipelago was distinctly re-
served. these facts possess the utmost slgnih-
canoe. They occupy much space In the long
document submitted by the American Commits
sloners to-day. but the essential points are
contained in the following brief summary:
When Spain, through NJ. Cambon. the French
Ambassador at Washington, suggested peace
negotiations, the American Government re-
Piled promptly by submitting terms that were
practically Identical with those that were alter
ward embodied in the protocol. The language
regarding the Philippines was actually the
same. An intimation was conveyed that these
terms were irreducible. and that Spain must
accept or reject them in their entirety.
In reply. Duke Almodovar do Rio. the Span
ish Foreign Minister. sent his letter OF Aug. Z.
In which the point was made that Spain. a
priori reserved her sovereignty In the Philip
pines. Thereupon the American Government
drew up the protocol and sent 1t to M. Cambon
az a formal presentation of the only basis for
peace negotiation that the American Govern
ment would consent to sign.
A, letter which accompanied the draft OF the
protocol expressed some dissatisfaction with
the communication Of the Spanish Foreign
Minister dated Aug. z. 1t did not argue any
point In the Spanish letter. but It comprised
and was intended to be merely q reiteration OF
the only terms on which the United States
would discuss peace.
Spain then accepted the protocol without
further communication verbal or otherwise.
Suchis the essence OF to-day's answer to the
Spanish ease. 1t should be added that the
Spanish statement that NJ. Cambon called on
Secretary OF State Day after delivering Duke
Almodovar de Rios letter OF Aug. Z and re-
ceived from him a verbal acknowledgment OF
that communication is fatty contradicted. and
the American answer denies that any such In
terview took place.
II will be observed that there are grave dis
crepancies OF fact between the Spanish and
American versions OF these preliminaries. The
exact language OF Duke Almodovar de Rios
letter of Aug. z. and Of Judge Days reply
thereto in the letter which accompanied
the draft Of the protocol. ought to clear the
situation. but neither side is yet willing to
publish these documents.
The correspondent of H SUN asked the
gentleman who furnished the foregoing out
line of the American reply why 1t was that IL
the Washington Government had received an
intimation that Spain claimed pretentions
OF sovereignty in the Philippines the language
of the protocol on this point was not made as
distinct and emphatic as the first two articles.
The answer was that the Administration was
not then decided as to the disposition to be
made OF the archipelago.
The Spanish Commissioners did not debate
to-day what course to pursue in view Of the
refusal to modify their terms. Their
session Of two hours after the Americans with
drew was entirely consumed in translating the
document.
The Spaniards are much depressed by the
result OF the American elections. and r~eiterate
their intention to withdraw from the negotia-
tions and allow the Americans to seize by force
what. Spain will refuse to yield Voluntarily
There is some reason to believe that Prime Min
lister Sagasta would willingly make peace on the
terms II none better can be obtained.
The Madrid correspondent OF THE SUN tele-
tonight that the result Of the elections
III tuo Ouiteu otuteS VIII cOnSlueraDly lnHuence
the Governments decision. which will be made
tomorrow. but Senior Montero Rios. President
Of the Spanish Commission. who is practically
the commission itself. persists in his refusal to
sign a treaty surrendering the Philippines
full compensation. and the Sagasta
Government Is not strong enough to face his
protest and send another to sign what he de-
clares would be SPANS death warrant.
The projected visit Of Emperor William to
Spain is attracting increased attention. Ad-
vices from Madrid are to the effect that the
spanish Government is doing its utmost to
give the matter the greatest political signiA-
canoe. The German Emperor's move is Civ
ing rise to specuIations regarding its connec-
tion with the general European situation and
EnRland's continued Preparations for war. 1t
Is even suggested that the Emperor will be
lmptudent enough to negotiate with Spain for
A portion OF the Philippines. This. however,
be equivalent to a German declaration
Of war against the United States. and. although
William is evidently willing to arouse
resentment. he is far from ready to
cross swords with the great Western republic.