The daily morning journal and courier., 1898-07-27

the call closed, a brief of the memo- randum was agreed upon in order to set at rest misleading conjectures and to give to the public information on subject which had advanced beyond the point where diplomatic reserve was essential.
 When the president will submit the Spanish proposition to the cabinet has not yet been announced. The call of the ambassador was two hours after the cabinet meeting of to-day had been closed and there will not be another regular cabinet meeting until Friday. It is generally understood, however, that a special cabinet meeting will be held in order to make prompt reply to the proposition. Secretary Long arriv- ed at the White house shortly after the French ambassador had departed and had talk with the president during which the Spanish proposal was gone over briefly. MT. Long said afterwards that it was an initial move, but in reply to inquiries as to whether it was likely to bring a speedy cessation of hostili- ties, he expressed some doubt saying that no decision on the points involved had been reached thus far.
 Naturally the plea of Spain to open peace negotiations opens up a wide field of conjecture as to what the terms of peace will be. Thus far there is no official warrant for saying what terms Spain will propose or what terms the United States will offer or accept So far as this country is concerned, it is the general impression that the com- plete Spanish evacuation of Cuba and Porto Rico will be insisted upon. There is not the same certainty as to the Philippines, Ladrones and Carolines, all though the belief is growing that the terms of the United States will 1n- clude coaling stations in these groups It is believed Spain has now reached such a realization of her misfortune that she will readily consent to terms for the evacuation of Cuba and proba- bly Porto Rico The Spanish desire is apparently very strong for the reten- tion of the Philippines, although there is little doubt that coaling stations there and at other points would be conceded. The matter of war tndem- nifty is for future consideration, al- though there does not appear to be a disposition among the officials here to pile up heavy war indemnity against Spain in her present helpless condition
 Ambassador Cambon, who presented the proposition, has had a distinguish ed career in official and diplomatic ser vice of France. He presented his cre- dentials to President Mckinley on Jan uary 15 1898.
 The conference of Secretaries Alger, Bliss, Wilson and Postmaster General Smith with the president lasted until nearly midnight. At it's conclusion Sec retary Alger said that no special cabi- net meeting had been called for to-mor- row. Probably no regular session of the cabinet will be necessary for the president to determine upon his answer to the French ambassador. In fact, from what was said by members of the cabinet who have consulted with the president, it seems practically deter mined to accept the offer to open nego- tiations. It was stated that in affect ing settlement some beginning had to be made. The offer made to-day was to be such a beginning. Nothing could be known about the terms upon which the negotiations will be conducted or proposals to be made until there had been further conference by those hav- ing the matter in charge. Secretary Alger again stated when he left the white house that there would be no change in the plan of the campaign, and the war would go forward with vigor.