Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1898-08-13
PROTOCOL AGREED UPON.
Embodying the Terms Of Peace
Between Uncle Sam and Spain.
PEACE APPEARS TO BE IN SIGHT.


nary negotiations looking toward the
confirmation of peace advanced long
step yesterday when the secretary OF
state and the French ambassador
agreed upon the terms upon which
future negotiations for a treaty are to
be conducted and reduced these to the
form of a protocol This protocol, 1t is
true, is yet TO be signed and is to be
submitted to the Spanish government
before the formal signatures are affixed,
but the Administrations view as to the
progress made was set out in Seere-
tary Days sentence; 1t is expected
that this protocol will be executed.
There is always the possibility in deal
ing with the Spanish government that
1t may recede at the last moment from
an implied agreement, but 1t is scarce
ly probable that 1t would be willing
to involve the French ambassador in
the difficulties that would follow what
to the world would seem to be repudia-
ton of his benevolent efforts in be-
half of Spain
There must be a delay-possibly from
"a to AS hours-before the next step can
be taken and the protocol made bind
ing upon both the United States and
Spain by the attachment of the sig
natures of the plenipotentiaries, Sec
rotary Day for the United States, and
NJ. Cambon for Spain. The delay will be
largely attributable to physical causes.
The protocol is long and 1t must be
translated and turned back and forth
into code and simple language no less
than five times before 1t reaches Mad
rid through the French foreign office.
This work was not begun until late yes
terday afternoon. after it had con-
sumed the best energies of Assistant
Secretary Adee, of the state depart
ment and M. Thiebaut, secretary of the
French embassy.
AS to the character of the protocol ii
can be stated on authority that the
terms are in all practical points those
set out in the abstract of the presi-
dents conditions published from the
White House a week ago. From this
fact it is deduced that the extra con-
ditions or qualifications sought to be
imposed by the Spanish government
were abandoned at least in large part
by the French ambassador. 1t is be-
lieved that the protocol carries within
itself provision for the cessation of
hostilities. on this point the naval con-
tingent is urgent that our government
adopt the Napoleonic policy of refusing
to enter into an armistice without ac-
quiring some substantial pledge to Sc
cure the contamination of peace What
they particularly desire is that our gov
eminent SHAH demand as a condition
of the cessation of hostilities the sur
render to the United States military
forces of MORO Castle at the entrance
of Havana harbor and some such
points Of vantage at the other inn
portant ports in the territory soon to
| fall under our control.
The peace negotiations are now be-
| lieved to be advanced to point where
the president has felt warranted in
turning his attention to the selection OF
the commissioners to be charged by the
United States with the drafting Of a
treaty of peace. But one name has been
positively determined upon, namely.
that of Secretary Day. who will head
the commission. Beyond that point
there is no certainty Mr. Woodford
our last minister to Spain, has been
also mentioned, though as he is cred
tied with entertaining a desire to re-
turn to Madrid in the capacity of
United States minister after the war
the two ambitions might conflict. One
of the names that finds universal APP
proval is that of Mr. Eustis exam
bassador TO France, whose staunch
Americanism, combined with diplo-
matte knowledge and legal ability are
urged as fitting him especially for ap-
pointment as peace commissioner.
The navy officials have made up their
minds that peace is at hand, and are
planning for a reduction of the naval
establishment to a peace basis. The
first step to be taken will be the re-
tirement of the monitors from active
service. They are uncomfortable craft
to live in and afford the men little op-
portunity for general training An
other matter which has received atten-
ton is the promotions to be accorded
to officers who have distinguished
themselves during the hostilities. A
step was made in this direction yes
terday by the submission to the presi-
dent of recommendations by the sec
rotary of the navy for the advance
ment of all of the officers of Samp-
sons fleet who distinguished them
selves. 1t was announced some time
ago that board would be appointed
to decide on all promotions to be rec
commended, but for some reason this
plan seems to have been abandoned so
taf as some OF lne cnlef OflcerS were
concerned.
General Merritts force in the Philip
pines is to be increased by the 1000
troops now at San Francisco, which
will be sent as soon as transports can
be obtained. Secretary Alger says that
q 900 troops will sail at once. The de-
partment has not sufficient transports
at hand to convey the remaining 5000
at present, but the secretary says with
those already arrived and on the sea,
together with 1000 which are to leave
San Francisco at once, General Mer-
rift will have a force of $1,000, and
there will be no hurry for the en-
5arkation Of the remaining troops.
Deadly Typhoid Fever.
Atlanta, Aug. 11-Fiye privates, all
volunteers. died yesterday from ty-
phoid fever in the general hospital at
Fort Mcpherson. There are now 61S
patients in the hospital here. OF these
400 are suffering from typhoid fever.
Fort Tampa has sent $50 typhoid pa
90 mo fpora