The Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Tenn.) 1888-1946, 1898-08-19

WASHINGTON, Aug. 15.-The White
| House, the war department and the
navy department yesterday resumed
| their usual Sunday quietude, condi-
| ton which has not prevailed since the
Maine was blown up in Havana har-
Dor, February Is.
Secretary Alger was at the depart
ment n few minutes and also went to
the White House, but did not remain
long. Gen. Corbin went to his office
during the day and looked over his dis
patches, but did not remain constantly
on duty as he has been doing. There
were a few clerks about the depart
ments, but scarcely a Sunday passes in
times of peace that this does not hap
pen. The busy warlike attitude has
entirely disappeared and
Washington Has Settled Down to a Peace
Basis.
The president believes that the most
serious problem W hich the peace COM
mission will be called upon to deal
with is the Philippines. Before the
commission assemblies it is hoped the
affairs of Cuba and Porto Rico will be
found in such process of adjustment, as
to leave nothing before the commission
to consider together under that head.
Only Property Questions to BE Settled.
The absolute REIMBURSEMENT by
Spain of all sovereignty over the ISL
ands in the West Indies will allow
only the property questions to be set
tied between the that is,
what Spain shall take away, and what
shall remain as captures of war, and
the protection of Spanish subjects and
their property in the islands. The
greater questions growing out of the
war, as relating to Cuba and Porto
Rico, will have to be dealt with by the
United States alone.
The Philippines VIII Present the Difficult
Problem.
The fact that the Philippines will
present the difficult problem in the
peace negotiations has caused the adj
ministratiOu to give it great deal of
careful attention. Several suggestions
have been made as to what shall be
done, one being the retention of the
bay, city and harbor of Manila, just
what the protocol gives tempo
rarily. Another is that Subig
bay and sufficient amount OF
territory for naval and coaling
station be secured and the building up
of an American city at that place be-
gun. Still another idea, which is be-
ing considered, is the retention of the
island of Luzon, the advocates of that
plan believing that there would be
trouble between the governments
which occupied portion of the island,
with line of demarkation such as
would exist in case Manila and the bay
only was retained.
The Island of LuzOn
S the largest Of the group, and con-
tains about 5000, 900 people, whick are
said to be the better class in the Phil |
ippines. 1t is believed, however, that |
the administration and the commission |
will be greatly Influenced by the re-
ports which Admiral Dewey and Gen. |
Merritt will make on the subject. |
Their reports are expected before the |
meets.
VIII Become Quite Rapidly American
ICED.
The final determination as to the |
government of Porto Rico and the set |
Element of the government of Cuba are |
problems for settlement, but the i'm |
preston prevails that these islands |
will become quite rapidly American
lied, and every encouragement for |
them to do 50 will be given. Porto |
Rico will be under military con troll for |
the present. Cuba, also, will be SINH |
lGrly governed, but it is probable that |
American reforms in the matter of |
will be such that the peo-
pie of Cuba will see the advantage of
becoming annexed to the United States.
1t is thought the sanitary improve
ment of Havana and other cities, the
of municipalities and the
offered the country people
will be of such Il character as soon to
convince the people that the changed
are for their good
To BE Treated at Once as an American
Possession.
There has been little doubt about
soon settling the transfer of Porto
Rico, and the reception which the
American troops have received in that
island is a justification for the belief
that Porto Rico will be treated at once
rs an American possession.
The first movement in this direction
viii be the sending of a delegation of
officials from the post Office department
20 investigate and report upon the mail
facilities there now, and to make such
as they may deter
nine upon
Mail routes, methods of transporta-
ion and the conditions of post offices
In the island will be exam
ned.
Postoffices will be established at once
wherever troops are stationed. and at
uch other points as may be necessary.
A similar course will be taken in
uba, but this is likely to be delayed
5 the immediate removal of the Span
III and the occupation by the United
tates is not expected.
o Troops for Manila Unless Asked
For.
No more troops viii be sent to Gen.
Lerritt unless he asks for them. 1t is
elieved at the war department that
he 10, 900 men now there are sufficient
, garrison Manila and the ground |
hich the United States, for the pres
ut, will occupy.
lafter'c Troops win BE Out OF Cuba this I
Week.
All of the troops that were with Gen.
halter in the Santiago campaign will s
: out of Cuba by Friday of this week.
en-. Shafter will accompany them to {
ontaul1 Point. There will remain at s
lntiago five regiments of immunes to '
, garrison duty. 1t is yet possible
lat battery will be sent to take the '