The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-01
sPANIARDs SHOW SURPRISE
At the American Proposition Re
garding the Philippines

garding the Philippines.
Paris, Nov. 1.-The Americans were
removing their wraps when the Span
iards entered the ante-room yesterday
and polite and cordial greetings were
exchanged as the two groups, coming
ling, passed through the grand saloon,
where a buffet was spread and enter
ed the conference chamber, in which,
before leaving, the Spaniards were to
learn the attitude of the United States
towards the Philippines.
The Spanish commissioners took their
accustomed places at the historic table,
the afternoon light full in their faces
while the Americans ranged themselves
opposite with their backs to the light
and with the interpreter standing at
the end of the table.
On the right of Judge Day and the
left of Senior MonterO Rios, and be-
tween the two secretaries, Mr.. Moore
and Senior Ojeda-
Secretary Moore upon the request Of
Judge Day, passed to Mr.. Ferguson, the
interpreter, the formulated demands Of
the United States regarding the Phil
ippines, which were read to the Span
iards in their own tongue by a rapid
rendering from the English, in which
they were written. Although the Span
ish commissioners did not betray anxi-
ETY., their attention to the reading was
keen. They had anticipated that the
United States would talk over the is
lands, but the terms and details of the
transfer had long been subject of
speculation
The reading disclosed the fact that
the United States government had de-
termined to possess for itself certain
territory and parts of land bounded Dy
and lying within such parallels of lati-
tude and longitude as mark the limits
of the Philippine archipelago. The Uni
ted States do not purpose assuming the
Philippine debt of $40,000000, but they
are willing to be responsible to Spain
for a sum of money equal to the actual
expenditures by Spain in the Philip
min ADVANTAGE islands
and for the good of their people, for
permanent betterments and for i'm
provements, both physical and mental.
The reading of the preSentment Spec1-
fies that the United States will rein-
burse Spain to the extent Of her PA
cific expenditures made in the archi-
pelagO This phrase Pacific expendi-
tures,' is employed to differentiate the
expenditure by Spain in combating in
surrections in the Philippines.
The one is felt by the American COM
missioners to be a fair burden on the
acquiring power, while the other and
latter class of expenditures is held to
have been logically assumed by Spain
in the inevitable hazard to nation re-
sorting to arms to enforce orders in its
own territory.
Such is the vital portion of the pre-
sentiment made by the American COM
missioners and it is to be observed that
while the main proposition to possession
and financial responsibility is clear and
definite. many details have been left
between the two commissions. Thus,
while the Spaniards are quite certain
that the United States intend to reim-
bIlrse them for Pacific expenditures, D."
they remark that they are not enlight-
ened as to whether the Americans ex-
pect to indOrse the Spanish obligations
to the extent of Pacific expenditures
in the archipelago or whether they will
hand Spain a lump sum of gold large
enough to cover Spanish outlay so des-
ignated. Possibly the American COM
zaTxr n h
moment fully determined on this point.
1t is unlikely, however, that the Amer
leans will care to become identified in
the slightest degree with Spain in her
responsibility to her creditors The
clearer method seems to be to hand to
Spain spot cash, or something as good,
and to bid her apply it on her debts by
whatever name known, or to put it in
her wallet for whatever use she may
elect.
ted Pacific expenditures as those they
will reimburse to Spain, the present.
ment of the American commissioners
did not demand either a schedule or in
ventory of the same from the Span
iards. But the suggestion naturally
raises an inquiry as to the kind and
quantity of SPANS Pacific expendi-
lures in the Philippines, and some light
may be given on that matter now.
There is considerable traffic between
the islands, and some time ago a sys-
tenn of light houses become necessary.
jected 48 light stations. OF these she
has already constructed Is of the first
class and 16 of the second. What they
cost is not yet known here, but in
American waters those of the first class
cost from $25, 600 to $250,OO each, so that,
on an average basis of the minimum
cost in the United States SPANS IS
light houses may represent an outlay Of
$S25, 0O0
Spain has constructed breakwaters at
Manila, at an expense not yet known
here and wharves of small value alons
the Pasig river. She has recently built
barracks for "A, 900 men now occupied by
American troops, the cost of which is
not yet ascertainable
At Cavite, Spain has built a navy sta
ton, which, before it was sacked by the
natives, was said to be equal to the
Mare Island station and may be worth
$2,500,O00. Whether or not the last two
items can be strictly designated Pacific
expenditures must be determined in
conference, but the light houses, water
improvements, barracks and naval sta
ton are necessary to the United States
as the owner of the Philippines and are
deemed worth fair price
Spain has also built some school hous-
es, which the Americans are willing to
take over at cost
The Spanish ministers listened atten-
lively, though not without some evil
dence of Impotence and surprise at the
financial suggestions in the American