The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-07-28
Meanwhile Miles VIII Proceed to In
vest San Juan and Merritt to
Force Manila's Surrender.
PROBABLE TERMS OF PEACE
INDEPENDENCE OF CUBA, CEssION
OF PORTO RICO TO AMERICA,
And Coaling stations In the Ladrones,
lures of the Spanish Proposition.
Special d the indianapolis Journal.


WASHINGTON. July 27-The President
Is going to take time to think about the
Spanish peace '.feeler' before making re-
ply. A suspicion is growing that the propo-
this government specific statement of its
intention with regard to the Philippines, so
as to have something tangible to present
to the powers as an excuse for an anti
American coalition. The argument is ad-
vanced that foreign inte erence is the last
fOrif = hope of Madrid save Spanish SOW
ere v from total extinguishment in the
far East. and that the Cambon message to
President Mckinley was delivered in the
hope that he might furnish the material
on which campaign against his own coun-
the Spanish government could then decline
the terms and begin intriguing at the
French, austrian, German and Russian cap
ftals. The President is on his guard He will
weigh his words well before giving Cambon
his answer.
This skeptical view, which some of the ad-
ministration officials entertain, will not pre-
vent fair consideration being given the
Spanish overtures as representing an earn
est and honest desire by the Madrid govern
ment for peace. But after all, Spain has
done no more than suggest peace. Her prop
osition is limited to asking this government
If 1t will at this time enter into negotiations
having for their object the formulation of
a treaty of peace between the two coun-
tries The Madrid government neither sub
mits terms on which it would conclude
peace treaty nor does it ask this govern
ment to name terms on which it would make
peace Spain is committed to nothing bv
tne query 1t caused Ambassador Cambon
10 PROFOUND. It has nothing to lose
by propoundng it; on the other
hand, it gains something in the
eyes of continental Europe the only
quarter from which it has the faintest hone
OF help in its extremity. 1t has been the
custom in recent years for the Euronean
the end of war and the conclusion of a
treaty of peace between the warning ma
tions before interfering. This was the course
pursued in the case of the Russo-Turk,sb
war OF 1877. The treaty of San stefano was
referred to the Berlin congress and there
revised and practically made over. much to
Russias disgruntlement. Again Russia
compelled Japan to forego some of the ad-
vantages the treaty of peace with China
gave the island empire of the East If the
continental powers Of Europe really con-
template interference in this contest thew
are naturally desirous of first learning def
nitely the purposes of this government. 1t
Is within the limits of probability to sur-
mise that Spain has acted in line with the
policy of the countries named rather than
on its own initiative in having Cambon
query this government as to its readiness TO
consider the matter of peace negotiations.
In the meantime war will be pressed with
plete his investment of Porto Rico as quick
ly as possible. Preparations for putting the
navy in the pink of condition will proceed
with increased energy and General Merritt
will find on arrival at Manila orders to lose
no time in taking possession of Manila.
General Merritt should have reached Manila
yesterday. and at the War Office tonight
the talk was that Manila has probably al
ready fallen.