The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1898-11-18
Washington Letter.
From our regular Correspondent

WASHINGTON, d. G.. Nov. 13, 1898.
Spain was very careful that the
string attached to it's declination OF
our demand for possession OF all the
Philippine islands should be in plain
sight, Its claim that the wording of
the protocol prohibits our demanding
the Philippines is nothing more than
a diplomatic dodge, intended to extend
the negotiations, and its claim that
our capture of Manila forty-eight
hours after the protocol was signed
was illegal, is much like that of the
lawyer, who told his client that it was
impossible to put him in Jail on the
evidence presented against him, the
interview taking place through the
bars of a Jail cell, in which the client
was confined. President Mckinley
and Secretary Hay know exactly what
the Spanish Commissioners are after
an offer of a large specified sum of
money, as recompense for the cession
of the Philippines, in place OF the offer
to repay Spain an amount equal to
what it has spent for public improve
ments on the islands. They know also
that Spain really has no claim for
dollar, because it is not in possession
of the Philippines, and could not ever
again be in possession of them, even it
we should withdraw our army and
navy from them. Aguinaldo now has
force that could easily whip any
force that Spain could send against
him, and would do it. if the Americans
were not in the way. Knowing this,
any sum that President Mckinley
may agree to pay Spain will be the re-
suit of liberality on the part OF this
government, and not of any actual
right that Spain has to ask to be paid.
No new instructions have been sent to
our Commissioners, because none are
needed They know exactly what to
do, and it will all end in the Spanish
Commissioners giving in and agreeing
to the treaty of peace upon our terms,
and the matter will be settled probably
inside of ten days.
Since Gen. Lawton, who was in
command of the second division of the
Fifth Corps in the movement against
Santiago, gave his testimony, no more
was heard about anybody being afraid
to put Gen. Lawton on the stand be-
cause of the fearful things he would
tell. 1t has been the same in Gen.
Lawton's case as in that of all the 9TH
er officers of prominence who have tes-
titled. Before they were heard, things
were put into their mouths by
writer's for yellow journals, that they
had never dreamed of; after they have
testified in favor Of the general effic-
iency of the management of the war,
as every one of them has done, their
names are dropped by the yellow jour
nails. Gen. Lawton closed his testi-
mony with these words "Taking in
consideration the conditions that we
were obliged to face, the character of
the country, its climate and other
things being considered, l can say
there were no series or gross mistakes
made. | can say there was no lack of
care on the part of any o. those in
authority, whose duty it was to look
after the interests of the camp. We
had with us as fine staff officers as
there are In the world no better could
be found. These men worked night
and day, and human being could do
more than they did,"
This government isn't looking for
trouble in the East, but if trouble
should come, it is fully determ ined
that it shall not catch us unprepared.
The cruiser Buffalo and the gun boat
Helena, are on the way, via the Suez
canal, to Manila, to join Admiral
Dewey's squadron, and the battleships
Iowa and Oregon are on the way, via
Honolulu, to the same place. With
these four vessels added to his present
force, Dewey will have Naval force
second to that of no country except