Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1898-07-28

Washington, July 27.-The initia-
ton of overtures for peace has had
the effect of suspending in large
measure for the time being at
least, interest in the military and
naval situation. Though it is
known through the open admission
of members Of the administration
that the present peace phase
would remain unchanged until
after another cabinet meeting on
Friday, there was still evinced
disposition to discuss this matter
in its every aspect. Naturally the
first point of inquiry was the ex-
act shape taken by the Spanish
presentation of yesterday. Curios-
ity on this point remained ungrati-
fed and must probably so continue
for some days to come, the Presi-
dent having decided that nothing
more definite than the statement
issued from the White House yes
terday shall be given to the public
FIN It this time.
Inv The motive is prudential one,
Ind the President has even gone
so far as to suggest to the Mad
rid authorities the expediency of
keeping the text of the Spanish
overture from publication at this
time.
The next point of interest was
the character and extent of the de-
mand likely to be made by the
United States as the condition Of
peace. 1t is felt that the statement
OF the terms of peace, both from
Spain and from the United States.
may be some days Off, as there
doubtless will be considerable dip
lomatic fencing at the onset be-
fore the actual point of stating
terms is reached.
A good deal of this. for instance,
may result from the attempt to de-
fine the methods Of approach to
the objects sought, whether
through a commission or through
the direct exchange of notes as in
itiated yesterday. There will be
much discussion in all likelihood
also, regarding an armistice, for it
is the distinct purpose Of the Span
ish authorities to secure a suspen-
sion of hostilities pending the
negotiations for peace.
1t may be that the application
will be granted, but if so it will
be only under the most effective
safeguards to prevent loss of any
advantage to the United States,
and upon binding pledges that GER
tain we'll defined objects are to be
conceded to us.
The President discussed this
complex subject all day with vari-
Gus members of the Cabinet as
they called in the course of ordin-
airy business. Secretary Day and
Postmaster General Charles En-
ory Smith spent some time this
afternoon at the White House pre-
sumably exchanging views with
the President. 1t is virtually adj
mitted by leading members of the
administration that upon only one
point in peace negotiations is there
likely to be a serious friction, and
that relates to the future of the
Philippines.
AS to Cuba and Porto Rico, our
government feels that there is a
reasonable certainty of encounter
ing little opposition to our de-
mands. The Spanish government
might insist upon the proposition
thrown cut by the Vatican yester-
day. namely that the United States
shall annex Cuba, the ostensible
purpose being to secure full pro-
lection for the Spanish element
left in the island, but while this
would be ,vexatious point it
would yield to adjustment.
AS to the Philippines, there is
a full expectation of greater diff
culties, like the Cuban settlement
will be rather internal than inter-
national In their character the