The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-08-02

blC9 dIlu ult 70 tlii'S Stduoho OCiianuou'
Washington, ID. c., August xii
eyes turned to-day toward Madrid, for
it was realized that upon the Spanish
Cabinet depended the restoration OF
peace. 1t had been announced here in n
quarter that removed the Information
from any question of its accuracy that
the decision Of the Spanish Government
was not to be submitted before tomorrow
at the earliest. In the absence OF ala!
new phase in the negotiations here to
day speculation naturally turned back
ward toward the remarkable meeting OF
the White House yesterday and great
interest was manifested in every partl-
cular respecting that event. A DISPOSE
ton was shown in some quarters to
question the, authority of the French Am
bassador to act rs he die, representing
Spain. But it can be again stated that
regardless of any technical point such
as the absence of signed, sealed anu
delivered mail credentials, which of
course could not reach here In the little
time at hand. that the President re-
garded NJ. Cambon as fully qualified TO
act as a representative OF the Spanish
Government in the negotiations, subject
of course as are almost all ministers or
ambassadors in these days, to the re1er-
ence of the work accomplished by them to
the government they represent Tor maj
approval Nj. Cambon made it clear
that he had been fully instructed on
every point likely TO rise in the mind OF
the President However, any question
that might have ariven as to the powers
of the French Ambassador was set at
rest by short, guarded. and concise
statement issued to-day from the EN-
bassy itself.
Then discussion turned on the nature
of the change made at the instance OF
NJ. Cambon in the list of American de-
mands 1t was contended i'll some
ouarters that no change had been made,
in others~gthat an important modfica-
ton had developed. AS matter OF fact
as to the Importance of this change there
is difference Of opinion between the
parties, the Administration looking upon
it as inconsemential, while nj. Cambon
attaches Importance to it. However.
this may be. as the Administration be-
ieves that the change is not essential
and that it certainly does not AFFECT
the principle of the document, it might
he well to recapitrlate briefly just what
the demands of the United States were.
As to Cuba. it is demanded that Spain
is to release her Government. possession
and control. 1t will be noticed that moth
ing is said of Cuban independence and
that the acceptance Of this position
leaves the United States free to deal with
the island as it may deem best.
Da,to Rico with the small islands
adjacent and embraced within her juris-
diction. is to be ceded Internationally to
the United States.
One of the Ladrone Islands likewise is
tn he coded TO. the United States rs a
coaling station.
These three conditions being granted
by Spain. are to be taken as part pay
ment in lieu Of the full indemnity. What
further payment shall be required is to
he determined by Il commission, having
authority to act for the President. SUB
iect TO his approval. Whether Spain
Shall retain possession Of the Philippines
ms whole or in part is left to that COM
mission to determine. The reason for
deferring the decision as to the future OF
the islands in this fashion is because
the Administration is not yet satisfied
itself: it is not clear at this moment
what sound policy should dictate In the
matter. Meanwhile and until the com
mission has satisfactorily disposed Of the
future Of the islands the United States
is TO exercise military government over
Manila harb0r and bay. The commission
will be actually a peace commission and
will prepare the treaty which VIII termi-
ute formally the war with Spain. How
ever, a suspension Of hostllliles may be
sooner declared when the Spanish GOV
eminent shall definitely accept the con-