The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-03-18
EXCHANGE OF RATIFICATIONS,
French Ambassador Will Act for
Spain When the Treaty Arrives.


WASHINGTON, March 1.-THE first news
of the signature of the peace treaty by the
Queen Regent of Spain was conveyed to
Secretary Hay and the officials of the ad-
ministration through the exclusive bulletin
OF the Associated Press. The secretary was
naturally gratifed at the action, which he
had expected would follow the course of the
Cortes. The action makes it possible to ex-
change the ratifications.s and thus complete
the treaty within the time set by the treaty
itself as the maximum. The protocol was
signed Aug. Is last at the White House by
the President and Ambassador Cambon.
Dec. 10 the treaty was signed at Paris by
the commissioners. Feb. 6 1t was ratified by
the United States Senate, after a memorable
struggle; Feb. 10 the President gave 1t his
signature and now to-day, seven months
and four days after the signing of the
protocol, the Spanish Queen Regent gave
her formal assent and signature
Official news of the action at Madrid was
| not conveyed to the State Department be-
fore the close of the department for the
day. NJ. Cambon visited the department
about ten minutes to o'clock, and, in the
absence of Secretary Hay, called upon AS
sistant Secretary Hill. He told the latter
| that he believed the treaty had been signed.
1t seems now probable that to the ambas-
sador will be confided the honor of closing
| the task which he set about seven months
ago Of bringing two great nations then at
war TO a state of peace. Usually, the rule
is for a nation situated as is Spain to send
special envoy charged with the duty of
| exchanging the ratifications. In this case,
| the wish of the United States government
will be consulted and there is little doubt
| in n ba Kindly ont far
| the ambassador by the President, that he
will elect to have NJ Cambon act for the
| last time as the representative of the Span
| ish government, and make the exchange. A
| good reason also for accepting again the
ambassadors offices in this last function
would be the saving of time. 1t is presumed
| that the Spanish government is desrous to
| hasten the complete restoration of peace
| and this government is certainly equally
anxious, so that If time can be saved by
accepting the services of the ambassador
| here, instead of awaiting the selection and
coming of one from Madrid that course is
| likely to be pursued.
| The signing of the treaty cannot in any
| manner affect the status of the Spanish
| prisoners in the hands of Aguinaldo for the
| United States government is doing all that
| it can TO secure their release. Still, it is
| apprehended that the Spanish government.
| being able TO address itself directly to the
United States government so soon as the
ratifcations are exchanged will not neglect
TO press the matter the attention of the
State Department and perhaps will solicit
authority to resume direct negotiations with
the insurgents looking TO the release of the
prisoners. The hope is entertained, however
that II may be unnecessary to decline a re-
quest. for by that date the insurrection
may have been quelled. If the Spanish gov
ernment should insist, however, some dis
agreeable questions may be raised, involv-
ing the formal recognition of the insurgents
by Spain. in which case perhaps 1t might
claim the right to deal directly with Aguin-
aldo.
Contrary to an expectation that seemed
TO have obtained in some quarters, the sig
nature of the treaty to-day does not in
volve the immediate discharge of all the
volunteer soldiers. 1t was stated positively
at the State Department that legally the
treaty does not so into effect until the rati-
| fcations have been exchanged and 1t will
| further be necessary for the President TO
proclaim IL before the people of the United
States. including the soldiers. can know Of
| ficially that the war is over In all other
aspects, however, the State Department will
treat the war as at an end.
| 1t is believed here that the new Spanish
minister will come prepared, Immediately
after making the exchange OF Publications,
! to institute negotiations for a treaty of
trade. commerce and amity, the old treaty
having been nullifed by the outbreak OF
war. and there being nothing in the way of
n formal convention 10 protect trade be-
tween the United States and Spain. Also
| one OF the first duties OF the officials in the
War Department who are charged with the
administration OF the customs affairs OF the