The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-11-13

of Porto Rico and from the Western
Hemisphere. which became peopled and
civilized through the proud deeds OF our
ancestors.
II might perhaps have been possible TO
compensate by some other cession Tor
the injuries sustained by the United
States However the inflexibility of the
demand obliges us to cede. and we shali
cede, tho island of Porto Rico and other
islands belonging TO the Crown OF Spain
In the West Indies, together with one
OF tho islands Of the archipelago of La
drone TO be selected by the American
government.
INDEFINITE TERMS.
"The terms relating to the Philippines
seem to our understanding quite indeh-
mite. On the one hand, the ground on
which the United States believe them
selves entitled 10 occupy the bay, harbor
and city OF Manila, pending the conclu-
sion of the treaty OF peace cannot be
that OF conquest, since, In spite OF the
blockade maintained on tho bay by the
American feet, and In spite of the siege
established on land by a native, sup
ported and provided for by an American
admiral, Manila still holds its own ami
the Spanish standard still waves over
the city. On the other hand. tho whole
archipelago OF the Philippines is in the
power and under the sovereignty OF
Spain.
Therefore. the government OF Spain
thinks that the temporary occupation OF
Manila should constitute n guaranty. II
is asserted that the treaty OF peace shall
determine the control. disposition and
government Of the Philippines. but as 10
the intentions OF the Federal govern
Spanish government must therefore de-
clare that, while accepting the third con-
dition they do not a priori (renounce) the
sovereignty OF Spain over the archipel-
ago leaving n 10 the negotiators 70
agree as 10 such reforms as the condi-
tions OF these possessions and the level
OF the culture of their natives may rem
der desirable.
''The government Of her Majesty ac-
cents the third condition. with the above
mentioned declarations.
SPANS ACCEPTANCE.
"such are the statements and observa-
tlons which the Spanish Government has
the honor 10 submit in reply 10 Your
Excellency's communication, they accept
the proffered terms, subject 10 the ap-
proval OF the COrtes OF the Kingdom,
as required by their constitutional duty.
me agreement ltANfAh AtiN w. o'f
ernments implies the irremediable sus-
pension OF hostilities and the designation
of commissioners for the purpose OF set
Ting the details Of treaty of-peace and
OF signing it under the terms above indi-
Gated.
II avail myself Of this occasion to offer
TO Your Excellency assurances or my
highest consideration
MR.. DAYS RESPONSH
Following IS Secretary Days response
through NJ. Cambon, under date or Au-
gust 10th, and which Spain declares en-
bodied acquiesence TO her reservation
of Philippines sovereignty from discussion
in the Peace Commission:
your Excellency: Although 1t Is our
understanding that the note or Duke OF
Almodovar De Rio, which you left with
the President on yesterday afternoon, IS
intended TO convey an acceptance by the
Spanish Government OF the terms set
forth in my note OF the SOth ultimo, as
a basis upon which the President would
appoint commissioners to negotiate and
conclude with commissioners on The
part of Spain treaty OF peace, l un-
gersand that we concur in the opinion
that the Dukes note, doubtless owing 10
the various transformations which IL
has undergone in the course or Is cir
cuitous transmission by telegraph. and
in cypher. is not, In the form In which |
/c.on,iruad an Seventh papel