The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-30

portant Of which is the Isle of Pines.
Furthermore, this sweeping change of
authority from Spain to the United States
in our nearby waters is to be effective
also as Il quit claim of all Indebtedness
assumed by the Spanish government and
charged by her to those islands so far
as the United States is concerned, and
all commercial treaties now existing be-
tween the Spanish Government and her
possessions there and outside powers are
cXtinguished. Some discussion was had
as to the probability of Spanish acccp-
tance of our terms. The views differed,
though it can he stated that several of
the more influential members of the Cab
met believed that the terms substantially
agreed on would not be accepted by
Spain at once. While believing that the
proposition made should in all reason
constitute the minimum to be considered,
some expressed the belief that Spain
would not be Immediately disposed to
reach an agreement on them and that
possibly Il considerable lapse of time
would cnsue before that government
would ensue before that Government
ing compromise which. it was asserted,
Others took the ground that there was
cvesy indication that she had decided
to make terms and that what was how
proposed would soon be acccded to be
avoid further disaster.
SPAIN WILL KNOW TO-DAY.
One factor in the protractcd discussion
of the Philippine problem was the absence
of adviceS rs to the existing situation
there on this date, Il point that might
be of considerable Importance III the
adjustment of the question The un-
confirmed dispatch reporting that Manila
had surrendered was read and commen-
ted OH as indicating that definite action,
without knowledge of the exact situation
at Manila might cause Il statement re-
garding conditions that did not exist
The formal papers crystallizing the re-
suits of the two sessions to-day will he
prepared by tomorrow. n formal vote
will then be had and the answer of this
Government is likely to be communicated
to Spain before nightfall.
The War Department expects an easy
conquest of Porto Rico, and notwith-
standing the oyertures for peace made
by Spain the war will be prosecuted Wig
orously in that island.
The belief is general in the War De
partmcnt that General Merritt has land
ed in Manila. though no cable informa-
tjon TO that effect has been received. The
fact that Merritt sailed IL month ago
and has had ample time to reach Manila
is the ground for the belief in the depart
ment.
CARE OF SICK AND WOUNDED.
The care of the sick and wounded and
I,,,I-t 70, hnIt ~
engroSscd officers of the War Depart
ment during the day. An officer has been
dispatched to Montauk Point, Long
Island, to prepare Il hospital for the sicl,
of General Shaftcr's army when they
shall have arrived again in the United
States. Orders also have been issued
looking to the accommodation of sick
soldiers on furlOugh, enabling them to
visit their homes. 1t has been determined
TO send Il commission to visit the hoSpit-
ais of the various army camps with Il
view of amcliorating the condition of the
sick. \ surgeon of the army and Major
Hopkins of the Adiutant Generals of
fee will compose this commission with
perhaps some other officer of the army.
Major Hopkins is Secretary Alger's mill
tary aide. The surgeon generals office
also is considering the advisability of al
low liS Il HulilbtI III NOllltn dS NURSES III
the hospitals at the large camps.
General Shafter was heard from this
afternoon in II message relating to the
transports in Santiago which are wanted
to carry additional forces to Porto Rico.
He reported that they were being un-
loaded as fast as possible and that the
Yucatan. Alleghcney, Colmal and Sam
Marcus sailed for Tampa yesterday,
while the Miami and Matawan were to
sail today. Thc department wants at
least three of these boats at once ut
Tampa to load on the artillery and cav
airy of CoppinScr's division. General
Coppinger tclegraphed today that so far
these troors have left Tampa:
Eleventh and Nineteenth infantry. un-
der General Schwan; Batteries and VI
Of the Seventh artillery: Troops Il, Sec
ond cavalry and A Fifth cavalry.
The following troops are waiting trans
ports:
Batteries X and NJ, Fifth artillery:
f.. of the Sixth: III. Of the Seventh and
Q, of the Fourth. The Fifth infantry,
Fifth cavalry, General IIudSon's brig
ade. consisting of the Second Georgia.
Fifth Maryland and First Florida AMI
General Snyder's headquarters as we'll
as the division headquarters.