The San Francisco call., 1898-07-27

price. there may be little .haggling over the Philippine Islands which will form bone of contention, and an armistice will be speedily agreed to-
 If, on the other hand, there are indi- cations that any yielding by Spain on this point would cause grave civil dis orders, the final termination of hostil- tiles would be delayed. The Spanish Ministry probably realizes. however that every day of delay will make the conditions imposed by the United States more onerous, and will increase the danger of the absolute loss to Spain of the entire Philippine group.
 have reliable information that the action of Spain in proposing peace ne- gotiations at this time was brought about by a desire to save the Philip pine Islands. General Merritt Is due to arrive at Manila In a few days with 40o0 more troops. The Monterey and Monadnock will arrive about the same time to reinforce Admiral Dewey's al- ready formidable fleet, and then, un- less peace should intervene, active land operations against the Spanish army in the islands would begin. Should Spain's land forces in the Philippines be as thoroughly defeated as her navy, and there is reason to believe this will be so If the war is continued for only a few weeks longer, the problem for the final disposition of the islands will be greatly complicated. It is difficult to see how Spain could regain control over them with Aguinaldo and his in- surgent followers ready to oppose every attempt in that direction. Pres ident Mckinley may be compelled, by the existing situation, to insist upon terms which would leave the United States practically in control of all the islands.
 Of this question of the disposal of the Philippines the President will hear a great deal in the next few days. He will be strongly urged by the extreme advocates of territorial expansion to in sist upon their retention by the United States as a colonial possession. Others will urge him to set up native gov ernment under protectorate by the Tinted States, and still others will irl- press upon him the importance of end ing the war and preventing the sacri- fee of more American lives, and will urge that the question of the Philip pines be not allowed to stand in the way of reaching this end.
 Secretaries Alger and Long were at the White House during the afternoon, and in the evening the President was Joined by Secretaries Bliss and Will son and Postmaster General Smith. There was no Cabinet meeting in the ordinary sense, but these talks with individual members were as formal meeting.
 It is considered likely that one means likely to be proposed Is to authorize direct negotiations between Spain and this country. Spain being represented by Senor Leon Castillo. Spanish Elm bassador at Paris, and the United States by General Horace Porter, our Ambassador to France. Senor Castillo is one of the foremost diplomats of Europe, and General Porter while not a veteran in diplomacy, is regarded as able and tactful, and every move would be regulated by explicit instruc- tions from Washington. This plan is quite tentative, however. and it is rather doubtful whether the United States Government would consent to have such negotiations removed so far