Omaha daily bee., 1898-07-28

all the solemnity and formality OF a gov
eminent act, despite the cable report from
Madrid that the peace proposal is OF "pri-
Vate nature" Tho instructions to NJ. Cam
bon bear the official signature OF Duke Al
modovar de Rio. the Spanish minister or
foreign affairs, and besides expressing the
desires OF the cabinet Of the government that
peace negotiations be opened, they are given
the added solemnity OF approval and earnest
personal request by queen Regent Maria
Cristina." The instructions bear the date
Of Madrid, June 25. These formalitics dis
miss all question in the minds Of officials
here as to the regularity of the Spanish
proposition as expressive Of the wishes Of
the government Of Spain. Aside from this,
NJ. Cambon is too much OF a veteran in di-
plomacy to have embarked on any private
overturos toward peace.
Nothing was heard from the Miles expedi-
ton today at the War department, but Cap
tain H!gginson, the senior officer Of the
naval convoy, forwarded a brief cablegram
that gave keen delight to the Navy depart
ment because Of the unstinted praise IL ac-
corded TO a popular and dashing young off,
Ger, "Dick" Wainwright, the commander OF
the little Gloucester. Wainwright having
been commended by his superior, Higglnson,
for his actions at Guanica, enjoys the soli-
tary distinction of being the only officer at
tached to SIMPSONS feet who has been
twice officially commended since the war
began.
Miles Gains n Point.
The War department has reconciled itself
to the changes in its plans made by General
Miles when he landed at Guanica instead of
on the northeast coast, as previously agreed
upon. II is surmised that he was led to
make this change by reason of the detention
of his lighters. and foresaw a weeks delay
unless he went in where he did. He thus
has avoided exposing his troops to the hard
ships suffered by Skaters men as they lay
Off Santiago. 1t is also suggested that the
general has scored an important diplomatic
advantage in setting foot upon Porto Rican
soil before the first overtures had been re-
ceiyed from Spain looking toward peace.
The departure of General Brooke and
General Gaines from Hampton Roads, who
are expected tomorrow to reinforce General
Miles in Porto Rico, is a substantial evil
dence of the decision of the government
not to abate the prosecution of military ac-
tiVlty at this stage. The two generals are
embarked on rapid liners, and should reach
General Miles by next Monday, putting him
IN possession of a sufficient force to begin
the movement on San Juan at once.
The second captured battle flag was re-
ceiyed at the War department today with
a brief note from General Shafter as fol-
lows:
Fragment OF Spanish flag captured by
the Thirteenth United States infantry at
San Juan July l."
Inspector Breckenridge, who has been a
member OF General Skaters staff, called
at the White House this afternoon and de-
gcribp1 IN tho nraeiJ,n+ .lo o-.,..,-
listing there when he left, July 20. He
spoke particularly of the remarkable en-
thusiasm displayed by the United States
troops there and of their cool, brave con
Duct under fire. He also the vel
low fever conditions and said the troops
had been fully prepared in advance for its
appearance.