Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-27
VET A LONG WAY OFF
Considerable Time May Elapse Before
the Peace.
WHAT THE GENERAL FEELING is
This Government, 1t is Held, Should
Not Announce Its Terms.
CIEWS OF PUBLIC MEN

views OF PUBLIC MEN
The general feeling appears to be that
there may be considerable distance be-
tween the advances toward peace made by
Spain through the French ambassador
yesterday and the actual establishment of
peace. The overtures of Spain are cor
fession on her part of what has long been
apparent 10 the whole world, that she cam
not sustain a contest with the United
States. II does not appear that Spain in
the communication through the French
ambassador went far enough in her ac9
acknowledgement of failure to indicate the
frankness on her part necessary to a COM
plete understanding. No doubt is telt that
this first step will ultimately lead 20 peace
but the character of the communication is
said to have been such as to leave the cor
clusion possibly long way off There is
some question as to whether the approach
nent was not in the nature of an effort to
lave this government commit itself and
disclose to the powers of Europe the policy
which it may be the design of the admins
tration to follow. IT, as is intimated, the
overture was merely in the form of an in
quiry as to what terms would be granted
Epain if she would sue for peace the an
Ewer is one which would greatly interest
Some Of the powers of Europe and il
might have a direct influence upon any ef-
forts Spain may, at this time be making to
Induce certain powers to interfere in the
Philippines.
Perhaps Feeler.
1t is suggested that the inquiry might be
prompted more by desire to disclose our
policy. with the hope Of finding in it point
Of antagonism to the supposed interests of
some foreign power. than by an intent to
Eseedily close the war. At all events Spain
IS not in a position to ask our terms until
she has declared her intention to yield
The opinion is quite generally expressed
that this government should not and will
not submit to being catechised on merely
Hypothetical propositions and that the re-
ply, If any further reply is made than that
given the French ambassador at yester-
days interview. will be very general and
diplomatic in its terms. rather pointing out
the proper means for Spain to adopt to as
certain our purposes than in any way dis
closing our policy.
Government Should Not Commit Itself
On this point several men in Congress ex-
pressed to Star reporter opinions almost
Identical All said that this government
H-A'-AN 4ACb CO4iiAIiL 4lStII on Jlt matter OF
terms in advance of actual negotiations of
peace based on the yielding of Spain.
Representative Ermentrout of PENINSULA
MIA said that he thought this government
could not be expected to inform Spain and
the world what terms we would grant
while Spain was not committed even to the
proposition of suing for peace on any terms
except those of her own making If Spain
has been defeated. he said, she has only to
sue for peace and to accept the best terms
she can get, unless these terms are such as
TO make utter destruction by war prefer
able TO their acceptance. She cannot die
tate terms to US nor question US as to our
intentions while maintaining a reserve on
her own part.
L believe he said, that the United
states is likely to be generous There is no
question as to what disposition must be
made of Cuba and Porto Rico. The ques-
ton is what We shall do with respect to
the Philippines. This is a question which
Chiefly concerns ourselves. Do we want
tEese islands, or do we not? We NAV not
believe it to be to cur advantage to re-
tain more than a naval station, or per
h&ps one island. but We are to decide that
TO- ourselves. Spain is not in a position
to dictate the decision"
representative JOY or Missouri expressed
about the same idea in different form He
said he did not think the President was
required to say to Spain what he would
do If she should sue for peace He said
he was much in doubt about our wanting
to retain the Philippines as an entirety.
but was decidedly opposed to anything like
joint protectorate. He thought it quite
probable that others besides Spain might
he int GrEafff
policy in advance of peace negotiations be-
ing opened and that II was proper for this
government 10 maintain a suitable reserve
Representative Otey of Virginia said that
It has been evident for some time that
Spain would soon have to sue for peace.
but he thought the administration should
be careful about answering categorical
questions as to what We will do
OTerture5 begun with questions, in that
way, might have motives other than secur-
ing peace. and Spain might not be alone
interested in the reply
Bothersome Question.
81 will be glad when the war ends" said
Representative Eddy of Minnesota to Star
reporter this afternoon, but | am afraid
that before peace comes there will be many
vexaticus problems to settle. The question
of what to do with the Philippines will
bother US a great deal. l am afraid OF
course. we will ind the solution of the
question and it will be a proper one and
along good American lines, but there will
be much thinking in the meantime
We cannot turn those Islands back to
Spain. because the insurgents would have
something to say about that There might
be embarrassment in an attempt 10 dis
pose of them to another country. There is
one tbirg certain. however whatever we
do with the Philippines. it must be with
the reservation CT a coaling station for
ourselves
Porto RICO we must take ourselves I
think that Is conceded on all sides There
VIII be no yielding on that point. The
Island Is necessary TO US military sta
ton in the West Indies"
II Is pointed out number of times In
discussing the question that Spain Is not
IN position TO ask questions of us be-
lore asking for peace The petition for
peace must have for its motive the saving
or Spain from further disaster She is not
IN a position to infict damage upon this
government, nor, In fact. to continue the