The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-08-01

WASHINGTON, July M-Persons best
Informed as 20 the proba bilities declare
that the answer OF the Spanish govern
ment to the terms of peace outlined by
the government Of the United States is not
expected before Tuesday. This opinion IL
based upon knowledge Of the time when
the United States communication was re-
ceived in Madrid. which was not until an
early hour this morning. the time requr-
ed TO decipher 1t, the necessity for an ex-
tended consideration of the matter by the
Spanish cabinet, and also the necessity
for carefully framing the rejoinder. 1t Is
not meant by this statement to question
in any manner the plenipotentiary powers
of NJ. Cambon, the French, ambassador. On
the contrary. they are in latitude wider
than those usually conferred in such cases
But his position is somewhat similar 10
that OF the president himself. who 10
obliged to secure the sarction OF the Unit
ed States senate 70 any treaty.of peace
that he may prepare. while the ambassa-
dor must submit to the Madrid cabinet for
It's approval any agreement that he may
enter into.
But In the drafting OF such an agreement
he is fully authorized to proceed In his
discretion and 10 guard against any pos
sibility OF repudiation of his action he has
. been given the nlinutest definition OF the
concessions that viii be made by the
Spanish government on every point that
could by any possibility be expected 10
arise in the course of the negotiations.
II was not known to our government
that NJ. Cambon had such powers when
he appeared at the White House to re-
ceve the American answer. but the presi-
dent was fully satisfied Inat he was COM
petent 20 deal in an authorized manner
with our government. The production OF
his credentials was hailed with satisfaction
as tending to hasten the reaching Of an
agreement without loss OF time and in the
most direct manner. for technically the
United States Is now treating with SPAN
without the intervention OF any third
power. 1t may be said also that NJ. Cam
bon has proceeded with Straightforward
ness towards his object. and that there IS
no fear of devious diplomacy being intro
duced into the negotiations.
There is much speculation as 20 the
nature of the amendment in the answer
of the United States that the ambassador
succeeded in inducing President Mckinley
TO make after the document had been 3,
carefully constructed by his cabinet. Al
@h,.
relates 10 that part Of the answer which
deals with iae future Of the Philippines.
II IS known that the Spanish efforts wers
concentrated upon The retention of the
Islands. and the Madrid cabinet was Will
.uE to make almost any sacrifice in .ts
power - secure that end. Whether or not
the ambassador prevailed in tA3s Is not
known. but there is reason TO believe that
the success To be obtained was limited.
and that the United Sta,e- proposes TO re-
tain some foothoid. a It.le more impor-
taut than a simple ooaling station. in the
islands Had oar demand been limited 70
a cca,5rg station. there would have been
no douh, of It's acceptance. and z Is even
probable that the concession might have
been made ot considerable tract OF land
for a naval station and supporting zone.
Put it ls believed there was strenuous
objection 10 ;Ae cession u The
ely q Manila. tAe metropolis 81
the group. and particularly 20 the
reference - 4 commission q The question
q tae futarc government of the islands,
Cor the Spanish government is deSiroUS