The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-10
But No Statement Made Either by the Pres
ident or Any Member of the Cabinet.
Further Correspondence May Be Necessary Mention
Made of the Cuban Debt, but Protection of
Spanish Interests in the Island Asked.

drawn and the war resumed with greater
energy than before. 1t would seem that
there could scarcely be a good reason in this
case for withholding the result of the con-
ference. On the whole it lis rather to be
concluded that a middle result was OBJ
tained; that Spain was found to have at
tached certain conditions to her acceptance
of the Presidents terms, but that the latter
was not disposed to regard the injection of
the new matter as sufficient in itself to
warrant an immediate termination of the
peace negotiations. According to this view
the President has taken exception to some
of the Spanish conditions, but has allowed
drawn or modified.
The reply of the Spanish government is
understood to be document embracing
about 100 words. 1t bears the signature
of the Spanish minister of foreign affairs.
and the form of statement throughout is
that Of her Majesty's government. In this
respect it is similar to the American terms.
which are in the name of the President
The copy delivered to the Pres tent was
in English, the translation from Spanish
to French having been made at Paris, and
that from French to English having been
made here prior to the presentation of the
answer at the White House This obviated
delays and gave the President and Secre-
tary Day an English text at the outset of
the conference with the ambassador.
DIVIDED INTO FIVE Joints.
The Spanish reply is said to be divided
into five points or heads, namely, Cuba,
Porto Rico, Ladrone islands occupation or
Manila and appointment of a commission.
which are treated in the order named. So
far as could be learned no mention is made
of the Cuban debt The retention of arms
and ammunition by the Spanish troops
comes in for indirect reference under the
head of Cuba. In the absence of an official
statement it is impossible to give the Span
ish position on the several American condi-
tons. But from the best information OBJ
tainable, in treating each subject-Cuba,
Porto Rico, Ladrones, Manila and the peace
commission-an acceptance in some cases is
understood to relate to conditions somewhat
different to those laid down by the Ameri-
can government. AS to Cuba, the American
terms demanded the evacuation of the
island without specifying the future form
of government The Snanisb renl,, ;s s.,a
to accept the principle that Spanish
sovereignty over Cuba will terminate. but
1t is understood to take up the future gov
ernment of the island, and because of the
extent of Spanish interests there is said to
take the view, either expressed or implied.
that the United States should administer the
affairs Of the island. AS to the time of
evacuating Cuba, this is a detail which the
Spanish reply is said to regard as among
many which can be left to the commission
for final determination
The American conditions as to Porto Rico
the Ladrones, Manila, etc., are believed to
be accepted, but the topics are treated at
some length, and it will require the full text
to show how far the language used may be
construed as an acceptance
The provision as to the commission is as
sented to. The commission is to consist of
five commissioners on each side, with Paris
as the probable meeting place. The Spanish
reply is said to develop somewhat the scope
of the commission. leaving to it not only the
determination of the future OF the Philip
pines. but also the details involved in the
arrangement of a lasting peace.
The outcome of the conference is un-
known. but the best opinion obtainable is
that the matter is still open, that Ambassa-
dor Cambon will report to Spain the results
of his efforts and the desires of this gov
ernment and that another reply from Spain
as to some details will be necessary to a
final conclusion.
THE CONFERENCE.
There were just four parties to the confer
ence. President Mckinley and Secretary of
State Day on one side. and NJ. Cambon. the
French ambassador. and his first secretary
of legation. NJ Thiebaut. presenting the
case Of Spain. The call of the ambassador
had been almost momentarily expected from
the moment the Cabinet adjourned. The
President was in readiness for the call
throughout the afternoon. but towards 3