Evening star., 1898-08-05
THE. DELAY BY SPAIN
Not Surprising That Her Reply Has
Not Come.
SAGASFA MUST WIN SUPPORT
Acceptance of Our Terms Still Re-
garded as Likely
CABINET MEETING

litical problems that must be resolved by
Senior Sagasta, the Spanish premier, before
he can finally assent to the United States
demands, the administration is not sur
prised that the answer from the Spanish
side has been delayed. 1t is believed that
SO far the premier himself is concerned,
he has made up his mind to accept the con-
ditions, but while in that decision he is
supported by majority of his cabinet he
finds it necessary to secure the support Of
leaders of other parties in order to guard
against disaster in the future. Spanish
methods have never been noted for rapid
ity, and it is said that the present is the
first case record where the Spanish cabi-
net has acted within a day or two on
matter so important pending peace
proposal. Therefore it is scarcely expected
that the last and decisive answer will be
forthcoming Immediately.
So far can be learned, there has been
no further communication between the
State Department and the French embassy
since Wednesday night Assuming that
the report is true that Sagasta is seeking
minute explanations of the details to be
adopted under each head of the Presidents
note, it is therefore probable that these ex-
plantations are being furnished by NJ. Cam
bon himself. At any rate he has made 10
further application to the State Depart
ment for information, and it is said there
that he is SO fully advised now of the
Presidents intentions that there is no oc-
casion for him to do So
At the Cabinet Meeting.
The cabinet convened in regular session
promptly at IL o'clock today. Some spe-
cial significance was attached to the pres
ence at the session of the naval board of
strategy-Rear Admiral Sicard, Commander
Crowninshield and Captain Mahan-who
came over together, closely following Sec
retary Long, who was the first to join the
President. Commander Crowninsheld later
10 the Navy Department, evidently
to obtain additional papers for the consid-
Grafton of the cabinet. The definite and
long-expected answer Of Spain to this gov
ernments terms had not been communi-
Gated, though it had been expected that this
session of the cabinet might have the op-
portunity of considering the formal Span
ish mote of acceptance. Secretary of State
Day in entering the cabinet room put at
rest all reports that the formal answer
might now be in the possession of this gov
ernment by saying that the answer of
Spain had not reached this government.
questioned regarding the statement from
Madrid that the reply would not be trans
mitted until early next week, Secretary
Day said he knew nothing of the plans for
communicating the reply and had had no
understanding as to when 1t would be made
known to this government.
Spain's Agreement Expected Soon.
The President and his cabinet have no
definite idea when the Spanish government
will answer the note of this country. The
results of Wednesdays negotiations as 20
details preliminary to peace are in Spanish
hands. this government having answered
all the questions propounded by Spain, and
NJ. Cambon having communicated to the
Spanish government the position of this
government.
President Mckinley and Secretary Day
stu see strong probabilities that Spain
Will accept the American terms and end
the war. They are certain that Spain will
have no excuse to say that she can not
accept the peace terms because of unjust
treatment on the question OF details. The
impression continues to prevail that only
q few days will elapse before Spains agree
ment to terms will be received
No one expressed the opinion in the cabi-
net today that the prospects of peace have
been lessened by the statement of the Off
GERS as to the condition of the troops at
cabinet members say that the
outlook Tor peace is as bright now as at
any time for week. They declare that
the condition at Santiago has been some
what exaggerated. One of them pointed
to the health reports of Gen. Shafter, say
ing that the last report showed that more
IA
had been stricken with disease the same
day.
bringing Back the Troops.
Secretary Alger informed the cabinet that
the bringing of troops back to this coun-
try from Santiago will begin tomorrow,
when four steamers will leave with 5000
men, He said he expected to bring 10000
men away from the fever-stricken district
next week. Others will follow as fast as
transports can be secured. 1t is stated
that the st. Paul. st. Louis, Yale and Har-
ward will be used to return the troops and
to take immune regiments to Santiago.
Tariff and Postal Regulations,
The cabinet devoted some time to talking
about tariff and postal regulations for San
tiago. 1t Is proposed to make some
changes. particularly in the tonnage tax
Secretary Gage was authorized to make
whatever changes were deemed wise and
to send them to Secretary Alger, who will
in turn send them to General Shafter. One
of the tonnage changes will be to relieve
vessels in ballast of a tax of 10 cents. The
Spaniards formerly exacted a heavy tax
on ingoing and outgoing vessels whether
loaded or in ballast. 1t is thought that
changes M ha do in he
tobacco.
Nothing has been done about tariff regu-
lations for Porto Rico. The President and
cabinet expect that country to soon be-
come a part of the United States, and the
tariff regulations for Porto Rico will be-
come about the same as those in force In
this country