Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-23
PREVIOUS QUESTION CALLED.

The American peace commissioners have
called the previous question on Article
III of the protocol, and given Spain until
Monday next TO vote. Moreover, they
have served notice on Spain that II she
does not vote for their construction of
the article, it will be all the worse for
her. In other words, Spain has been
notified that unless she yields to the de-
Inands of the American imperialists and
cedes to the United States the entire
Philippine archipelago. on certain condi-
lions, she must take the consequences
The conditions are that we pay Spain
scoOoeD00 and maintain the Philippines as
an "open door," and that there shall be
a mutual REIMBURSEMENT Of all claims TO
Indemnity, national and individual. that
may have arisen since the outbreak of the
last Cuban insurrection.
What would be the consequences of
SPANS refusal 10 vote for the imperial
istic construction Of Article III and ac-
cede to the demands of the American
commissioners has been plainly given out
from imperialistic headquarters at WASH
ington. These consequences would be CO.
ercion and further humiliation of Spain,
and perhaps further reputation OF our
solemn assurance that we did not en-
gage in the late war for purposes OF con-
quest. But Spain will not provoke such
a SEQUEL to the negotiations. 1t is init
mated that the answer may be given to-
day, or at least before the date Fixed on
which a reply is desired" We are in
clined to think that Spain will avail her
self of the full limit of time, and utilize
any intervening meetings of the COM
mIssioners for the purpose OF quibbling.
Aud we are not so certain that 1t would
not play into the hands Of both the stock
,obbers and the imperialists for Spain to
defer her reply to the last moment. The
former would have an opportunity TO
circulate disquieting reports as to SPANS
attentions that might enable them 70
soanipulate the market, and the latter
might utilize the uncertainty Of the
situation TO intensity feeling against
Spain, in the hope of making the admins
rration's policy more popular.
when. however, the clock strikes In
earnest for SPANS vote, it will be vote
~ iescence-delivered under duress.
For reasons which we have pointed out
,aneatedly lately, it would be madness
for Spain 10 vote otherwise. Nowhere
&c this better understood than in admin
sstration circles. How well 1t Is under
stood IL reflected in Washington spe-
rial TO the Baltimore Sun. If, says the
special any renewal Of hostilities is TO
come. IL must be almost entirely OF a
one-sided character, for Spain is pracu-
calIy destitute OF means OF resistance.
while sympathetic expressions may be
aropped. Spain is now fully aware that
words are all she can hope for from any
1cuyopean nation. This government, adds
the special, has had the most abundant
,rtimations. also that no sort Of inter-
ference IS contemplated from any quarter,
SO we are free TO take our own pleasure
in the matter.
And there is every reason TO believe that
At has been determined that the CLOCK
shall not strike In earnest late than the
2Sth. President McKinlSv mas said as
much himself in setting forth that ne
wanted TO hurry UP matters. In order 10
cmbody the results OF the negotiations
,n his message TO the coming short ses-
sion OF Congress. He wants, as far as IN
his power lies, 10 present Imperialism to
Congress as an accomplished fact. know
ing that this would in u measure at least
forestaIl antagonism to that policy that
might develop In one form or another in
Congress. He wants TO be in position
70 plead with Congress not to discredit
him.
But when the Senate comes 70 exercise
Cts prerogatiye OF ratifying or rejecting
the work Of President Mckinley and biz
commissioners, viii his pleading prevail