Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-28

fdHCt lOI It's dpptdIduCS.
Washington, July 27.-In diplo-
matte quarters, SPANS peace pro-
posal, made through the French
ambassador, is the absorbing topic
and the answer of the President
is awaited with keenest interest.
The diplomats showed their inter-
est early to-day by calling at the
State Department and at the
French embassy to learn with
more exactness the details of
SPANS proposal. This developed
several features of the PROPOSE
ton which had not been entirely
clear before. In the first place, no
foreign government outside or
France has been consulted by
Spain in this overture for peace,
and the present movement Is not
shared, directly or indirectly by
Germany, Austria, Italy, Russia or
Great Britain. 1t can now be stat
ed, however, that the formal prop
osition submitted yesterday has
been under consideration at Mad
rid for five days previous to yes
terday, during which time the
British as we'll as the French au-
thorities were cognizant OF the fact
that Spain was about to sue LOT
peace.
Another essential point is the
exact proposition made by Spain.
There has been some misappre-
hension over this, owing to the
publication of an alleged text OF
the proposition, and other reports
asserting that Spain asked Presl-
dent Mckinley to state terms OF
peace As matter Of fact, the
Spanish proposition does not men
ticn the word terms" and there
is no request or suggestion in 1t
that the President shall state terms
of peace. The distinct inquiry
made by Spain is as to whether
the United States will open nego-
tiations toward the settlement OF
the war and the arrangement or
ueace. 1t is based on the theory
that if the President answers In
the affirmative then the negotlons
for terms will be opened between
commissioners or parties clothed
with the responsibility of bringing
about a settlement. Neither does
the Spanish proposition contain
anv reference to "armistice,' but
il seems to be taken for granted
that a suspension Of hostilitles Will
be sessntial to carrying forward
the peace negotiations.
The Spanish proposition Is
clothed with all the solemnity anu
formality of a government act, de-
snite the cable report from Madrid
that the peace proposal is OF a
"nriyate" nature. The instructions
TO NJ. Cambon bear the official sig
nature Of Duke Almadovar de RIO.
the Spanish minister Of foreign
affairs, and besides expressing the
desire of the cabinet and govern
ment that the peace negotiations
be opened, they are given the add
ed solemnity of approval and ear
nest personal request by Queen Re
gent Maria Christina. The in
structions bear the date Of Mad
rid July 25. These formalities
dismiss all question in the minds
of officials here as to the regular
itv Of the Spanish proposition as
expressive Of the wishes OF the
government CT Spain. Aside from
this. NJ. Cambon is too much Of a
veteran in diplomacy to have en-
parked on any privates overtures
toward peace.
Since the conference between the
President and N. Cambon. both
the French government and the
Spanish government have been full
" apprised of the action taken at
Washington and it is not improb-
able that Spain within the next
two or three days, will take an
other important step forward by
voluntarily suggesting what terms
of peace she will regard as con-
sistent.
The yellow fever conditions are
being suggested as one reason IA
yorable to the conclusion of peace,
for it is being urged that the
material advantages which the
United States will gain by contin-
uing the war will be heavily Off
set by the inroads Of disease. An
other point being urged in favor OF
a peace settlement is that the as
pect Of the war will be even more
glorious, that tribute to the high
aims of the government. IL it deals
in a spirit of magnanimity with the
conquered enemy.
It is said also that Spain is so
completely humbled and 50 pew
Srless to further continue the war.
that the United States can secure
through peace negotiations every
thing which even a prolongation