Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1898-08-04
GREAT STRIDES TOWARD PEACE
Surprising Outcome of Negotiations
at W~ashintOn.

at WashintOn.
Washington. Aug. 2.-Events Of the
most momentous character occurred at
the White House Saturday afternoon
between the president, Ambassador
Cambon of France and Secretary Day,
carrying the peace negotiations far be-
yond the mere submission of terms Of
pcace by the United States and reach
Ing the point of a preliminary basis OF
peace between the government of
spain and the government of the
United States, needing only the ratif-
cation OF the Madrid cabinet of what
VAS done to bring the war to an end.
This was accomplished on the part OF
Spain when Ambassador Cambon pra-
scented to the president credentials he
had received from the Spanish gov
eminent appointing him minister ex-
t%raordinary and plenipotentiary, with
complete instructions as to action
Gron every one of the peace PROPOSE
tions submitted by the United States,
including the disposition OF Cuba,
Puerto Rico, the Philippines. the La
drones, indemnity. armistice and all
other questions likely to arise in the
course of negotiations. With these
credentials Ambassador Cambon, or
behalf OF Spain, not only received the
Peace Conditions
laid down by the American cabinet
earlier in the day. but thereupon en-
tered upon their full discussion with
a view of reaching a final and complete
agreement. After strong argument the
president and Secretary Day consent
ed to a modification of the American
demands in n particular. There is
much speculation as TO the nature of
this amendment. but all that can be
knowingly stated is that ii relates TO
that part of the answer which deals
with the future OF the Philippines. 1t
Is known that the Spanish efforts were
concentrated upon the retention of the
islands, and the Madrid cabinet vas
willing to make almost any sacrifice in
its power to secure that end. Whether
or not the ambassador prevailed In
this is not known, but there is reason
to believe that the success he attained
was limited, and that the United States
proposes to retain some foothold a lit
tie more important than a simple coal
ing station in the islands. The per-
sons best informed as to the probable
tiles declare that the answer of the
Spanish government TO the terms OF
peace outlined by the government of
the United States is not expected until
Tuesday. This opinion Is based upon
a knowledge of the time when the
United States communication was re-
ceived in Madrid. the time required 10
decipher il, the necessity for an
Extended consideration
OF the matter by the Spanish cabinet,
and also the necessity for framing the
Spanish rejoinder. Ii was not known
TO our government that NJ. Cambon had
such powers to act In behalf OF Spain
when he appeared at the White House
to receive the American answer, but
nee the president was satisfied that
he was competent TO deal in an author
lied name 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 in now treating with
Spain without the Intervention of a
third power. 1t may be said Incident
ally that NJ. Cambon is proceeding
with straightforwardness toward his
object. and that there is no fear OF
devious diplomacy being introduced
into the negotiations.