The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1898-08-05

Washington. July 80. = The terms
which the United States government
will find acceptable as a basis of peace
are being reduced to form by Secre-
tary Day, the president having reached
conclusion on their outlines. These
terms We're the formal subject Of most
Of the discussion yesterday in official
circles. If the presidents purpose was
to secure free expression of public
opinion on this subject he has been
gratified with the response made
through the newspapers and in the eX-
hibition Of interest by government Of
ficials in the complex problem now
presented. Although it was thought
that no outline of the situation as
sumed by the United States govern
ment on this subject would be forth
coming until after the cabinet meet
ing to-day there has been the best
conference the president has had indi-
ufdually with members of his cabinet
he has already made UP his own mind,
and Secretary Day has now practical
~ reduced to form the reply the Unit
ed States will make to Spain's over
lures through Ambassador Cambon.
On the principal points the administra-
TONS policy was so we'll understood
and stated by the Associated Press
that there is
Nothing Left to Conjecture.
About the only point that seems to be
open to amendment of an extensive
character is the disposition of the Phil
irpines. While the administration has
not failed to take notice of the de-
mand for their acquisition by the
United States as exhibited in certain
sections of the country, it can be stated
that the conclusion has been reached
TO abide by the first decision on this
point, namely, to relinquish the is
lands, retaining a coaling station, and
the surrender of a sufficient zone to
make it self-supporting. This decision,
1t is possible, though not probable,
may be again changed before the cabi-
net disposes of the matter, as strong
influences are at work to induce the
president to insist upon the substitu-
ton of at least an independent govern
ment over the Philippines for Spanish
rule. If this point shall be difficult of
settlement the answer to Spain may
not be rendered Friday, but may have
to wait upon another cabinet meeting
next Tuesday. There was u display of
Indignation in official circles upon the
publication of what was reported to be
statement from the Spanish premier
imputing bad faith to the United
States in
Pursuing the War
and continuing to make conQuests
However, this feeling soon wore off as
it became apparent upon reflection
that the statement was either apocry-
phal, or that, if genuine, it was simp-
ly one in series Of complex moves on
the board of Spanish politics and was
intended for purely home consumption.
The report from Madrid toward the
close Of the day that the newspapers
there had given their approval to the
terms of peace described by the presi-
dent went toward relieving certain
feeling of discouragements that was
manifested at the opening of the day,
for it was patent that members of the
administration apprehended the rejec-
ton OF their demands by Spain at the
beginning. IT. however, it shall APP
pear that this Madrid statement is
we'll founded and that the Madrid pa
pers fairly reflect the views of the
mass OF the Spanish people then it
seems probable that the difficulties
that will lie before the administration
i'll accomplishing peace would be rath-
er internal than external, and will be
based upon the preparation Of a treaty
that shall secure the satisfaction of the
United States senate. 1t may be point
ed out in this connection that if we are
really as near to peace as many peo-
pie suppose, it will become necessary
TO issue call for an extra session of
the senate to act upon the peace treaty
with all Of the promptness that the i'm
portance Of the subject demands.