The record-union., 1898-08-05
The Terms Not Modified in Any
Essential Point,
Consequently There Was Little Occasion
for Prolonged Discussion Of the
Matter by the Spanish
Cabinet.

an expectation at the State Department
that perhaps toward the close of the
afternoon some word might be received
from Spain through the French En-
bassador, in reply to the Presidents de-
liverance yesterday, upon the subject
of peace conditions. This expectation
was based upon the fact that the terms
themselves had not been modified in
any essential point; that there was lit
tie occasion for prolonged discussion by
the Spanish Cabinet, which was pre-
sumed to have thoroughly considered
this matter before rendering its reply.
However, it was perceived from the
news dispatches that the Madrid Cab
met meeting had been inclusive, SO it
was then presumed that nothing definite
could be expected before tomorrow
noon at the earliest.
There is q confident belief among the
Administration officials that the Span
ish Government will accept the terms
laid down by the President, and a
delay of day or two in recognizing the
inevitable is TO be accounted for by rea-
sons of SPANS internal politics. which
would not countenance an unresisting
submission without at least a display
of a purpose to improve the terms. This,
however. cannot be accomplished, and
the French ambassador, who is we'll
aware of that fact, unquestionably has
so informed the Spanish Government,
though that Government has preserved
its record in good form to meet criti-
cism of its political opponents by SUBJ
mitting the counter-proposition pre-
sented yesterday by NJ. Cambon TO the
President.
Meanwhile preparations for the Wade
expedition go on steadily, a number of
general officers being to-day ordered to
attach themselves thereto among them
being General Randall, who was as
signed only yesterday to command the
new military camp at Montauk Point.
Navy Department officials also insist
that no change has been made in the
orders to Watson's squadron. Indeed,
there seems to be now evident pur-
pose to dispatch this fine squadron to
European waters, regardless of the ter
mination of the war, the idea being
that the splendid display which will be
made by the American ships will have
a beneficial effect in inspiring respect
for our naval strength.
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt of the
Rough Riders has succeeded in hurry
ing the movements of the War Depart
ment in fetching Skaters army away
from Santiago. though in his disregard
OF the conventonalites he has drawn
upon his head rather sharp rebuke
from the Secretary Of War, who evil
IDENTIFY regards the course pursued by
Colonel Roosevelt as being calculated
10 in1ure discipline, though inspired by
the most worthy motives.
1t Is only fair to state that the War
Department for some time has been in
tent upon removing these troops, and
II is now more than a week ago that
General Shafter was instructed by a
special cablegram to cheer up the sol
diers by publicly informing them OF the
determination. 1t was rather a question
of ways and means than lack of in
tention TO redeem this promise that
caused delay. AS far as the question of
removing the troops back into the
mountains was concerned Che question
which seems to have precipitated the
Indignation meeting among the Ameri-
can commanders at Santiago). ii is
learned that the medical department
here made no such recommendation.
All that il had to say on the subject
was that if the troops must remain near
Santiago. an effort should be made TO
remove them at once to some healthier
camping ground.
Surgeon General Sternberg agrees
thoroughly with the opinion expressed
by the signers of the Round Robin" at
Santiago that men who have suffered
from the severe malarial fevers of the
South Cuban coast. so far from being
immune against attacks of yellow fe-
yer. as has been asserted in some quar-
ters. are actually in very much greater
danger than those who have escaped
the malaria. Malarial fever. II is stat
ed, is no more a protection against
subsequent attack of yellow fever than
would he case of measles against
smallpox. while the fearful debility re-
sulting from the malarial fever should
certainly tend to make the victim an
especial mark for yellow jack.
The department to-day gave out
statement of its resources in the way
Of transports at Santiago and. as an IN
cident directed attention to the fact
that the troops cannot be withdrawn
as whole until the Spanish prisoners
are disposed Of. Otherwise, there is no