New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-13

details Of the formal convention to be settled by
the Joint commission which is TO meet next &C.
tober To this commission but single question
is left for determinaton-the political future'
namely. of the Philippine group-and even 'ha'
problem is significantly simplifed by the pro-
vision inserted In the protocol which authorizes
the United States TO occupy and hold the CITY,
bay and harbor Of Manila until treaty or
peace is finally concluded.
WEST INDIAN CEssIoN ABSOLUTE.
Rv the terms OF the agreement ratified to-day
spains cession Of her West Indian possessions
Is made an absolute one, in no way dependent
on the outcome of the specialized negotiations
over the fate Of the Philippines. The west
Indian islands are to be evacuated Immediately
and all ARRANGEMENTS for the withdrawal OF the
Spanish forces now in Cuba. Porto Rico and the
Isle of Pines are to he confded to separate mill
tary commissions which are to meet at Havana
and San Juan not later than September H.
nearly three weeks before the general feace
Commission is to assemble at Paris 1t is more
colonies in the West Indies will have been evac-
ua,ed ard title to them yielded long before 'ne
terms of the formal peace convention have neeh
framed for submission 20 the Governments at
Washington and Madrid
For It's simplicity of form and drectness OF
purpose the protocol is sure to stand as a
memorable diplomatic achievement; 1t emooo-
les with nrmness and fidelity the conditions on
wbicb nuhlic opinion in this country would glad
" assent 10 peace with Spain. while 1t skifuiiy
discriminates between the essentials 10 the
restoration of friendly relations. which must De
yielded Internationally. and the non-essentia's'
which may be left 10 the delays and uncertain
ties of diplomatic negotiation
That to-day's assent by the two Governments
70 an indefinite suspension OF hostiliues on
terms so gratifying to the United states VIII De
received In this country with a profound ana
widespread satisfaction is almost matter OF
course Perhaps the sacrifices ana suneflhsS
~ war have not yet been brought near enough
home to the American people to give eose u
that sense OF buoyancy and relief which comes
avon n the strongest nations with the re-estab-
us,,,or, ~ neace With an army of volunteers
still thirsting for active service ana Navy
flushed with an unbroken series OF triufnphs
peace may not bring unqualified balm anu
solac.. But. unequal as the war has proved IT.
self to satisfying the martial ardor or lui'y
testing the military capacity of the volunteer
soldiery. IT has lasted long enough to accom-
plish efectually all the purposes with whlch 'h'S
country entered the struggle. and has added
naee If unusual brillancy to American military
annals
UNBROKEN SUCCESS IN THE WAR.
Lasting in all but 113 days, the contest has
been carried by the United States with unbroken
success into practically all the island possessions
Of Spain. Porto Rico occupied, portion OF
Cuba wrested from Spain, Manila blockaded and
besieged till its fall had become only matter
OF days. the way to the Canaries and the ba-
learic islands opened by the destruction of the
only formidable fleet Spain could boast OF in the
Atlantc--only a few months seemed necessary
10 complete the conquest Of the Spanish colonies
and 10 launch the feets Of the United States
against the ports Of the Peninsula itself Both
at sea and on land American arms had proved
Irresistible and the campaign before Santiago
had only enforced on Spain and on Europe the
lesson Of the naval battles Of May and July j.
Minor details Of organization and administra-
ton in the conduct OF the war may call for
passing criticism but as a whole the American
people will pronounce the record made since
April u by the American Army and Navy one
OF enviable credit and distinction.
without the necessity OF putting to extreme
test the great military machine built up by the
Government during the last four months But
the country will no less gladly welcome the
restoration OF peace which has come without
the loss and suffering which fuller demonstra
ton OF American military capacity would have
entailed Justly proud OF the brilliant success
with which the war with Spain has been prose
cuted. the American people will hail It's prompt
and triumphant conclusion with approval. and
face its tremendous political results with equal
courage and confidence.
MR.. PLATT WANTS GEN. TRACY NAMED
Washington, Aug. Ex-senator Plat. OF New
York called on President Mckinley to-day. and
asked for the appointment OF General Benjamin