The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-11-18
EVERYTHING AS EXPECTED.
ADMINISTRATIONS PLEASED WITH
THE OUTLOOK AT PARIS.

spanish Reply Not a Surprise to the
American Commissioners, But Had
Been Anticipated and the COmmis-
sioners Were Armed in Advance
With Instructions to Properly Bat
tie It-Americans Holding Their
Position and Not Weakening I'm
der Spanish Argument.
washington, Nov. 1.-THE administra-
ton feels encouraged over the outlook for
a successful termination of the labors of
the peace commissioners at Paris Wheth-
er this renewed confidence Is based upon
an abstract of the Spanish reply, which
was submitted at yesterdays meeting, or
is founded upon private advices indicating
a weakening of the Spanish position, is
not known, but 1t is probable that both
OF these have had an influence in bright
ening the prospects.
The Spanish reply was not a surprise
20 the American commissioners, who in
fact, had prepared themselves in advance,
with instructions received directly from
the President and Secretary Hay for
complete answer.
Still it was probably regarded as better
policy and more in accord with the amen
tiles of official exchange, that the Ameri-
cans should do the Spanish commission
ers the courtesy of giving deliberate con-
sideration 70 their carefully written argu-
ment But, with all due intent to give
proper weight 10 the Spanish representa-
tons, it must be said, up to this point
they have had very little effect in inhu-
encng the American commissioners; not
because of any obstinate disregard of
facts on their part but for the simple
reason that almost every one of the points
made by the Spanish commissioners has
been anticipated in the preparation of the
American case, no small tribute to the
acumeu and diligence of Judge Day and
Secretary John Moore.
The attempt of the Spanish commission
ers TO induce the Americans to accept
their construction of the meaning of the
protocol, where it touches on the Philip
pines has been a flat failure The Presi-
dent himself was party to the preparation
Of the protocol. 1t was he who suspect
ing a purpose on the Spanish side to be-
cloud the issue, and leave open a door
for future escape from the consequences
Of the war, had swept aside as so much
chaif the message of the Spanish Duke
Almodovar del Rio, and, reducing the de-
mands of the United States to what is
called precisis, has declared that the
Spanish government might accept that as
an exact statement OF the demands of the
United States. Having made the docu-
ment, the President believes himself to be
the person to be the best competent to
construe its meaning, and the American
commissioners are consequently acting in
conformity with his view.
lnasmuch as the Spanish are making
the most strenuous efforts to assert their
sovereignty over the Philippines, all based
upon the use of the word disposition"
instead of possession" in that part of the
protocol relating TO the future of the Phil
lpplnes, it may be stated that the Ameri-
can commissioners have been obliged to
cali attention to the fact that NJ. Cambon.
VINO acted for the Spanish government In
arranging the protocol, declared positively
mat the change, which was made at h,s
instance, amounted to nothing was of no
significance in English, or as affecting the
OBJECT aimed at, but was demanded mere
y because it sounded better in Spanish
ana would not be so humliatng to the
spaniards. Consequently the American
commissioners could not for an instant
mink of allowing the sincerity of the
french ambassador to be drawn into ques-
ton.