The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1898-07-28

WASHINGTON, July 27.-The Spanish
government has sued for peace, not in
directly through the great powers Of
Europe, but by direct appeal to Presi-
dent Mckinley. The proposition YVES
formally submitted to the presidents
about o'clock yesterday afternoon by
the French ambassador, M. Jules Cam
bon, who had received instructions.
from the foreign Office at Paris to de-
liver to the United States government
the tender of peace formulated by the
Spanish ministry. At the conclusion
of the conference between the president
and the French ambassador, the follow
ing official statement was issued from
the White House:
"The French ambassador ON behalf
of the government Of Spain, and by
direction of the Spanish minister of
foreign affairs, presented to the presi-
dent this afternoon, at the White
House, q message from the Spanish gov
ernment loolxing to the termination Of
the war, and the settlement of terms
of peace"
This was the only official statement
made public, but it sufficed to put at
rest all conjecture, and to make it clear
and definite that at last Spain had taken
the initiative toward peace. Although
peace rumors have been current almost
daily heretofore since the war began
not one of them had the shadow Of
foundation and until the French am
bassador received instructions from
Paris late Monday night, no overtures
of any kind had been received. Shortly
before midnight Monday night dis
IL, 30 -
known to the embassy that the ambas-
sador would be charged with the i'm
portant mission of opening peace nego-
tiations in behalf of Spain. The COM
plete instructions, including an official
letter from Duke Almadover' Rio,
Spanish minister Of foreign affairs,
were received yesterday morning.
Thereupon NJ. Thiebeaut, first secretary
of the embassy, called at the state de-
partment, and asked that an hour be
appointed for a call by Ambassador
Cambon. on the president. The pur-
pose of the call was not stated. 1t was
arranged at the White House that the
call should be made about 3 o'clock. M.
Cambon first went to the state depart
ment, where he was Joined by Secre-
tary Day, and the two then proceeded
together to the White House. The call
lasted about half an hour, and after the
first formalities had been executed by
M. Cambon, the talk bee me general,
and quite informal, the president, the
ambassador and the secretary OF state
discussing the outlook for a conclusion
of hostilities.
The proposition submitted by the
ambassador acting for the Spanish gov
ernment was quite general in terms,
al 30 tHA al
point of an earnest plea that negotia-
tons be opened for the purpose of
terminating the war and arriving at
terms of peace, The communication
of the Spanish government, it was said,
did not suggest any specific terms of
peace, nor was any reference, it was
rumored, made to Cuba, the Philip
pines, Porto Rico, or other Spanish
possessions. The evident purpose Of
the Madrid authorities was to first learn
whether the United States would treat
on the subject of peace and after that
to take up such terms as the two parties
might suggest
1t was finally determined that the
president would consult the members
of his cabinet concerning the PROPOSE
tion, and after a decision had been ar
rived at M. Cambon would then be in
vited to the White House for further
conference and for final answer from
the United States government. Before
the call closed, a brief official memo
randum was agreed upon, in order TO
set at rest misleading conjecture and to
give to the public information on O
subject which had advanced beyond
the point where diplomatic reserve was
essential. s-s.- .--,s -
1t is generally understood that spec
iaI cabinet meeting will be held in
older to make prompt reply to the
proposition. Secretary Long arrived at
the White House shortly after the
French ambassador had departed and
had talk with the president, during
which the Spanish proposal was gone
over briefly. Mr.. Long said afterward
that 1t was an initial move, but in reply
to inquiries as to whether it was likely
TO bring speedy cessation of HOSTILE
ties, he expressed some doubt, saying
that no decision on the points involved
had been reached thus far.
so far as this country Is concerned it
is the general impression that the COM
plete Spanish evacuation of Cuba and
Porto Rico will be insisted upon as a
sine qua non. There is not the same
certainty as to the Philippines, Lad
rones and Carolines, although the be-
lief is growing that the terms of the
United States will include coaIing sta
tions in these groups. On the part Of
Spain, it is believed that she now has
reached such realization of her mis-
fortune that she will readily consent TO
terms for the evacuation of Cuba and
probably Porto Rico. The Spanish de-
sire is apparently very strong for the
retention of the Philippines, although
there is little doubt that coaling sta
tions there and at other points would be
conceded. The matter of war sndem-
nifty is for future consideration, al
though there does not appear TO be dis
position among the officials here 10 pile
up heavy war indemnity against
Spain III her present helpless condition.
BalloOn For Porto Rico. :
WASHINGTON. July 26.-The signal