The age-herald., 1898-07-21
WAR GOSSIP
 IN WASHINGTON
RY.ARCHIBALp v. BUTT.


 man. But in the light of results his seem- i ing shortcomings and defects as a general in command are forgotten and no one now would rob him of any of military honors. If General Miles was magnanimous, cer- tainly every one else can afford to be, for General Miles was the chief sufferer when the Michigan man was put in command of the expedition His unstinted commenda- ton of Shafter has made friends for him in administration circles and smoothed for , him the path to a lieusenancy. There ls some talk that when a lieutenant-general is made General Miles may not be the re- cipient but no one credits this gossip now. The very fact that the administration has let him go to the front and will not put him | in charge of the Por,o Rican expedition pre- sages his promotion when Congress shall authorize lieutenancy.
 
 News is now eagerly awaited from Gen. eral Merritt His friends predict a brilliant career for him in the Philippines. So mulch has already been done there, however, that 1t will be hard for General Merritt to do more than sustain his reputation a fine soldier. Dewey is the hero of Manila and it will be difficult to divide up the honors fin the east.
 Commodore Watson and General Brook have the next calls on glory. Watson is expected to achieve no less renown than Commodore Schley. The commission is eiv- en him to break the backbone of Spain. Upon him largely will devolve the work of bringing the war to a close. He may do this by some sudden and unexpected achievement or by the slow process where by General ShaNer reduced Santiago. Of course the conditions are entirely different. 1.S.t, him his task will be that of demolishing shore batteries and taking seaports and captuldng prizes. His first effort will be directed against the commerce of Spain. By capturing the merchantmen he can produce a panic, if not force revolution.
 His squadron is now officially termed the ''raiding squadron" His ships will rendez- vous under the lee of one of the unfortifed islands of the Canaries where they will fill their bunkers with coal. From there they will make a dash toward Cadiz, with the hope that Admiral Camara will leave the Mediterranean for the protection of this im- portant port. It is known here that the squadron under Admiral Camara does not represent near the strength which charac- terzed that sent out under Admiral Ger vera. It is not thought that the Pelayo and the Carlos V. have yet been mounted with their heavy guns. No apprehension Is felt here at all in regard to the under taking and perfect confidence is expressed as to the outcome.
 Great significance seems to have been put in the remark: q hope for an early peace," which the president made upon hearing of the fall of Santiago. It was repeated by a cabinet officer and so additional in terest was given it. It seems to have been merely an expression born of hope, with no fact to rest on whatever. Since then the president and his official advisors have said to congressional callers that no sug- gestions of peace have come from any quarter. There is this to be taken into consideration, however, that neither the president any member of his cabinet will ever give hint to the public regard ing peace negotiations until they be actu- ally accomplished. There is no way to get at the truth of the reports given out from time to time that Spain has asked France or some other power to mediate for a set- clement. The president kept his own council about the war and there Is every reason why he should not divulge the af- fairs in which another party is interested.
 News first gets out of the windows of the white house and the department bu- reaus It seldom comes stalking from an open door. It gets mixed up in the winds about Washington. General Corbin once said to me that to him the greatest mystery was how news got out. He said that some
  himself had any knowledge would glare him in the face at the breakfast or dinner table.
 He could only account for it he said on the theory that minds of public men were unconsciously read by those whose business it was to think hard and constantly on the same subject. At any rate this will be the first way. the public is liable to learn that peace negotiations are afoot. But at pres ent conditions and theories alike condemn the reports that peace conditions are ac- tually under way. The active prepara- tions for continuance of the war with vigor would not make it appear that the president contemplated an early peace. Forward and force the fighting" seems to be the motto and guiding rule of the administration at this time. The president will not insist upon what could be called harsh terms, but the settlement must be entirely at the dictation of this government
 This much seems to be known here. and not entirely through the atmosphere either, that the president and his cabinet have de- cided upon the minimum of peace terms. They include the independence of Cuba, the cesson of Porto Rico to this country and the withdrawal of the spanish from the Philippines. Also a permanent coaling station in the Ladrones.
 These terms Spain Is not ready to meet and may not be until Havana is taken and Camara's fleet whipped at the very doors of Spain The ghost of Spanish honor and pride will continue to stalk with full plume and armor between this country and Spain until the lower classes on the Peninsuar force a settlement. From this point of view there appears no immediate prospect for peace. But when other things, such as papal influence and the representations of other powers are taken into considera- tion-Quien Sabe?
 It is very likely that there will be rush of merchant vessels to Santiago now that it has been declared free port. The administration will do all dn Its power to revive business in that unhappy town and bring a moderate degree of prosperity to the people. The province of Santiago is one of the richest on the island and the governors of the various towns will be instructed to guard carefully the interests of the inhabitants. watchful eye will have to be exercised upon promoters and schemers to prevent the people from being defrauded through duress of their present poverty. The planters cannot begin to SOW until the rainy season is over, and un- til a crop is raised there must necessarily be great hardships endured. The work of the Red Cross society will keep down the ,,rioes of food supplies to a moderate fig-