Western news-Democrat. (Valentine, Neb.) 1898-1900, 1898-10-06

The freedom with which the Spanish
minister for foreign affairs, the Duke Al
modovar del Rio, has given publicity to
the instructions to the Spanish peace conn
missioners as to the disposition Of the
Philippines has given rise TO the suspicion
among the officials at Washington that
there is behind it a deliberate purpose to
draw out in advance the position of the
American commissioners on this most inn
portant point. 1t is stated now that here
tofore the Spanish Government has wait
ed upon the United States Government to
make each Of the steps towards fnal
peace before making a move on their side,
so that this sudden change in policy is
accounted for only ON the ground stated.
There is beside this apparent purpose a
yelled threat in the last instruction, not
under any circumstances to allow the
United States to interfere with any dispo
sition of the islands outside Of those re-
tanned by the United States, such as Luz
ION, that Spain may see fit to make. This
is believed to be an invitation to some OF
the continental powers to step forward in
support of Spain in this extremity in the
hope of receiving as a quid pro quo soma
Of the Philippines as a coaling or naval
station.
President Mckinley will probably rec
ommend in his message to Congress the
creation of a new cabinet office, the incum-
bent to be known as the Secretary of the
Colonies. The enlarged foreign policy of
the United States will, it is believed, make
this new Office necessary for the purpose
Of giving unity and conference to the pol
icy adopted in the colonies. The Presi-
dent will not formulate the organization
Of the new department until the peace
commission has determined the final dis
position of the Philippines. The colonial
office would have charge of the civil gov
eminent, the judiciary and the financial
administration of Porto Rico, the Ha-
waiian Islands, Cuba, the Philippines and
of the island Of Guam in the Ladrones.
Secretary of the Navy Long has receiv-
ed complete estimates from his subordi-
mates regarding the amounts they deem
necessary for the operation of their re-
s~pective departments during the coming
fiscal year. Their figures foot up to Sat-
100000 the largest peace estimate which
has ever been submitted. Secretary Long
proposes to recommend to Congress an i'm
portant ship building program, which will
necessitate the expenditure of considerable
money during the next four years.
The Nicaraguan Canal project is forging
TO the front in q manner that f~oreshadows
an aggressive campaign during the short
session of Congress next winter. The
necessity Of a waterway across the isAs
mus is now recognized in every quarter.
Nevertheless the opposition, which has
been able to defeat congress
sional aid in the construction of the canal,
will reappear prepared to continue the
fight hard as ever.
Col. John Hay was sworn in as Secre-
tary Of State ut the White House shortly
after IL o'clock Friday morning. Justice
Harlan Of the United States Supreme
administered the oath. The cere-
was performed III the presence of
President Mckinley, Secretaries Smith
and Wilson and Attorney General Grisgs.
1t has been decided by the Navy De-
partment to establish a naval station on
the Island Of Culebra, which is located
East VI TortO 1tlco ana guards the virgin
Passage. This island furnishes q mag
nifcent natural harbor with a depth Of
feet, in which the largest ships
n the navy can enter without difficulty.
Both classes Of the Cuban population
Ire represented continually in Washing
They are Industrious in many WAYS.
They are ingenious in schemes to influence
public opinion for an independent govern
and for annexation, as their inter-
lie.
Secretary Alger has returned to WASH
ngton. The Secretary looked much i'm
proved by his trip. He made a verbal re-
to the President on the inspection of
army camps which he had concluded.
Admiral Schley will be restored to hts
Id position as chairman Of the lighthouse
'oard after enjoying q leave of absenoo1
lie is said to prefer this to sea duty.