Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-18
SPANISH POSITION,
Two Important Statements Made
al Paris,
FINANCIAL PROB|Ty" IDEA,
Discussion Of Pledge Of Philippine Re-
sources InadmiSSible.
.pAC,FrC EXPENDITURE, NATTER,
Spain Cannot Permit an Inquiry ms
to How She Has spent Proceeds OF
Philippine Loan-We Will Have TO
Set Time Limit.
Set Time Limit.

PARIS. November T7-The clerical force
of the American Peace Commission was
busy nearly all last night in transiatng
the Spanish memorandum presented at
Yesterdays joint session. While the
translators and typewriters were render
ins the Spanish argument into printed
English. counsel for the American com
mission studied It sheet by sheet, making
notes of records to be examined, and OF
law points bearing on the matter in hand.
As result. when the Americans gathered
for their daily session to-day, the Spanish
presentment lay before them in English,
ready for consideration, and accom-
panied by data bearing upon it.
PROPOSED ARBITRATION.
No unofficial persons knows the con-
, tents of the document presented by the
Spanish commissioners yesterday but it
is safe TO assume that, added to her In
slstence on the reservation Of her Philip |
pine sovereignty, and her proposition to
arbitrate the construction of the third
article of the protocol, Spain has made
two other important statements:
First. That on the high ground of
financial probity she cannot allow any
discussion here of the validity of her ac-
ton in pledging the resources of the phil
ippines for the payment of the Philippine
debt.
Second. That in connection with the
American proposition to reimburse Spain
for her pacific expenditures in the Philip
pines. she ca.'no, admit Of an inquiry as
to how she has spent the proceeds of the
loan based on the Philippine pledges.
MATTERS BROUGHT TO A POINT.
II Spain has assumed this attitude, and
il is believed she has done so, she pract-
callv compels the American commission
ers TO consider at least the entire Phlllp-
pine debt and its assumption by the
United States or the Philippine Islands as
a condition TO Span's amicable surrender
of her sovereignty over those Islands.
II is difficult 10 understand how the
Americans can reply to this in any other
manner than by strictly outlining their
position. and giving tie Spaniards a time
limit i'm which TO accept the Pre- cpositions
of the United States. But the American
commissioners may patiently continue
their endeavors to arrive at an amicable
understanding on the subject
OUR ADMINISTRATIONS HOPEFUL.
WASHINGTON. November 1.-THE ad-
mnistration feels encouraged over the
outlook for a successful termination or
the labors of the peace commissioners at
Paris whether this renewed confidence
is based upon an abstract Of :he Spanish
reply which was submitted at yesterdays
meeting, or Is founGed upon private ad-
vices indicating a weakening OF the span
ish position, is not known, but it Is prob
able that both of these have had an influ-
ence in Frightening the prospects.
The Spanish reply was not surprise
TO the American commissioners, who, in
fact, had prepared themselves in advance
with instructions received directly from
the President and Secretary Hay for a
complete answer. Still 1t was probably
retarded as better policy. and -'ore in
accord with the amenities Of official inter
course. that the Americans should do the
Spanish commissioners the courtesy OF
giving deliberate consideration TO their
carefully written communication, but with
all due intent to give proper weight TO the
Spanish representations, IL must be said
that up TO this point they have had very
little effect in influencing the American
commissioners; not because of any obsti-
nate disregard of facts on their part, bur
for the simple reason that almost every
one Of the points made by the Spanish
commissioners has been anticipated in the
preparation of the American case-pO
small tribute 10 the acumen and diligence
of Judge Day and Secretary John b.
Moore.
CONSTRUCTION OF PROTOCOL.
The attempt of the Spanish commits
sioners TO induce the Americans TO accept
their construction of the meaning of the
protocol. where it touches on the Philip
pines has been a fiat failure. The Presi-
dent himself was party TO the prepara-
ton of the protocol 1t was he who. sus-
pecting a purpose on the Spanish side 10
becloud the issues and leave open door
for future escape from the consequences
of the war. swept aside as so much chaff
the message Of the Spanish Duke Almodo-
var de Rio and, reducing the demands Of
the United States TO what is called a
"precis." declared that the Spanish Gov
ernment might accept that as an exact
statement of the demands Of the United
States. Having made the document the
President believes himself to be the per-
son most competent TO construe its mean
ing. and the American commissioners
are consequently in conformity with his
view.
MERELY MATTER OF SOUND.
Inasmuch as the Spanish are making
| most strenuous efforts 10 assert their
| sovereignty over the Philippines, all based
upon the use Of the word disposition"
| instead of possession" I'm that part OF
the protocol relating 10 the future of the
Philippine Islands. 1t may be stated that
the American commissioners have been
| obliged 10 call attention 10 the fact that
| N .Cambon, who acted for the Spanish
| Government I'm arranging the protocol nc
clared positively that the change. which
| was made at his instance. amounted 10
| nothing. was Of no significance in English,
| or as affecting the object aimed at but
! was made because il sounded better In
| Spanish and would not be so humiliating
| 10 the Spaniards Consequently, the Amer
| lean commissioners could mot for an In
| stant think OF allowing the sincerity Of
| the then French Ambassador 10 be drawn
into question.
SPAIN URGED TO YIELD.
MADRID. November l7.-Almost all the
papers deprecate the diatory proceeding
| al Paris, expressing their belief that the
United States will decline arbitration and
urging the government 10 yield quickly