The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-07-22
PORTO RICO WILL Be KEPT
STARS AND STRIPES ARE TO
FLOAT THERE FOREVER
'emf-Omcial Announcement to That
Effect Made In Warrington
Only Indemnity That Is In Sight
Future of the Philippines and
Campaign In Porto Rico.
Washington Bureau st. Paul Globe.
COxcoran BuiIdinq.

WASHINGTON, July 21-(Special.)-
Commodore Watson's departure for
Spanish waters is one of the topics yet
under discussion here, but Porto Rico
absorbs interest today. The Spanish
island is to be taken and retained as
an American possession. That is what
is given out semi officially at the ma
tional capital as the latest morsel of
sensational war news. This informa-
tion comes in such way, and through
such a source, that there is considered
little doubt as to it's correctness. It is
now said that 1t has been the govern
nient's intention from the outset. There
is thought to be little if any probabil-
ity of Spain being in a position to pay
the expenses Of the war that Is now be-
Ing waged, and if she cannot pay now
1t is argued that she will never get to-
gether a sufficient sum to reimburse
the United States government for its
outlay IN bringing about the independ-
ence of the Philippines and Cuba and
the releasing of thousands of human
beings from conditions worse than slav-
cry.
FUTURE OF CUBA.
The future of Cuba will depend large
ly upon the ability of the Cuban peo-
pie to govern themselves. The present
is not regarded as a fair test Of their
capacity in that direction, and they
will, it is said, be given ample oppor-
tunity to show what sort of material
they are made of after the United
States has established a regime based
upon humane lines and the betterment
of the conditions of all the people on
the island That the Americans will
continue to control Cuba for an in
definite period is now generally recog-
niZed. Just how long that term will be
will depend largely upon the Cubans
themselves.
CONTROL OF PHILIPPINES.
The control Of the Philippines, it Is
said here in well-posted circles, will
be governed largely by future events
1t is not believed that the United States
government is over anxious to retain
the Philippines. 1t will certainly have
something to say about their future,
and may retain a coaling station there,
but there seems to be growing belief
that the Philippines, as a permanent
possession, would not be as desirable
as was at first thought. AS to the
Ladrones-well, it is said that those
Islands would make an excellent coal
ing station, and that for that reason
they may be retained by the American
government.
SEEKING ANNEXATION.
1t is known that the insurgents un-
der Chief Aguinaldo are seeking an
nexation of the Philippines by the
United States. They want no more of
Spanish misrule, and seem to have ar
rived at the conclusion that the best
form of government for them is either
actual annexation by the United States
or something In the form Of a protecto-
rate. All the talk about disaffection
among the insurgents at Manila is re-
garded here as mere fiction. 1t is said
that, when Admiral Dewey is ready to
occupy Manila, he will take the place,
and will be assisted by Aguinaldo.
PORTO RICAN CAMPAIGN.
There is every evidence that there
will be 70 repetition Of the scenes en-
acted before Santiago in the reduction
of Porto Rico. The government will
send a sufficient force Of troops to over
whelm the enemy, and there will be a
much smaller casualty list after the
island has been taken than occurred
before Santiago. The government will
send Gen. Miles to Porto Rico with
the understanding that there he Is to
remain for an indefinite period, and
he will take with him troops and sup
petition Of the hardships endured by
American troops in the Cuban cam
paign.