The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1899-03-18
NEWS IN WASHINGTON
ofthc Signing of the Trcaty-Ambns.
sndor Cambon May Act for Spain,
Status OfSpanish Prisoners.

'-htAli-NNf4o o.NI ~. S., ~lalSIl
The first news of the signature OF the
peace treaty by the queen regeHt o:
Spain was conveyed to Secretary Hay
and the officials of the administration
Though the exclusive bulletin of the
Associated Press. The secretary was
naturally gradfed at the action, which
he had expected would follow the pro-
rougins Of the cortes. The action makes
It possible to exchange the ratifications
and thus complete the treaty within the
time set by the treaty itself as the max
tmum. The protocol was signed Aug
ust 13 last, at the white house, by the
President and Ambassador Cambon.
December 10 the treaty was signed at
Paris. eG the commissioners. Febcu-
ary it was ratified by the United
States senate after memorable strug-
gle: February 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 re-
gent gave her formal assent and sigma
tftt.,,3
Official news of the action at Madrid
was not conveyed 10 the state depart
mcut before the close of the depart
merit before the close OF the department
for the dag. II. Cambon called at the
department about ten minutes to 4
O'clock and, in the absence of Secretary
Hay, called upon Assistant Secretary
Eill. He told the latter that he be-
lieved the treaty had been signed. It
seems now probable that to the ambas-
sador will be condded the honor OF clos
Ing up the task which he set about
seven months ago OF bringing two great
nations then At war, to state Of peace.
NJ. Cambon May Act
Usually the rWc is for nation stu
ated as is Spain, to send q special envoy
charged with the duty of exchanging
the ratifications. In this case, the wish
OF the United States government viii be
consulted, and there is little doubt In
view OF the kindly regard entertained
for the ambassador by the President
that he will elect to have NJ. Cambon
act for the last time as the representa-
tive OF the Spanish government and
make the exchange. A good reason also
for accepting ugain the ambassadors
offices In this last function would be
the saving OF time. It Is presumed that
the Spanish government Is desirous to
hasten the complete restoration of peace
and this government Is certainly equal
" anxious. so that II time can be saved
by accepting the services of the am
bassador here instead of awaiting the
selection and coming OF one from Ma
drid, that course Is likely to be pursued.
AS to Spanish Prisoners.
The signins 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 1t can to secure their release.
Still It is apprehended that the Spanish
government being able to address !tself
directly TO the United States govern
ment so soon Us the ratihcations are
exchanged. will not neglect to press the
matter upon the attention of the state
department and perhaps will solicit nu-
thority to resume direct negotiations
with the insurgents, looking to the re-
lease OF the prisoners. The hope Is en-
tertained. however, that II mag be un-
necessary TO decline such q request, for
by that date the lnsurrtction may have
been Quelled. II the Spanish govern
ment should insist, however. some dis
agreeable questions may be raised, in
volv!ng the formal recognition OF the
Insurgents by Spain. in which case per-
hapS IT might claim the right ito deal
directly with AguinalGo.
Contrary to an expectation that
seemed to have obtained In some quar-
terS the signature of the treaty to-day
does not Involve the immediate dis
charge of oil the volunteer soldiers.
When 1t Goes Into Effect.
It wno stated positively at the state
department that legally the treaty
does not 60 into effect until the ratin-
CATIONS !elve been exchanged, and It
VIII further be necessary for the Presl-
dent to proclaim It before the people OF
the United States, including the soldiers,
can know officially that the war IS over.
In all ohher aspects however, the
state department. will treat the war as
at an end. II Is believed here that the
new Spanish minister will come pre-
pared, Immediately after making the
exchange OF ratitications. to institute
negotiations for treaty of trade,
commerce and nmity. the old treaty
having been nullineI by the outbreak
OF war and there being nothing in che
way of u formal convention to protect
trade between the United Stltes and
Spain. Also one Of the frs; duties OF
the officials In the war department who
are charged with the administration OF
the customs affairs of the insular pos
Hcss.one of the L'ntted Stntes will be
TO prescribe regulations 10 give effect to
the pledge Of the United States to at-
ford Spanish commerce with the Philip
pines and West Indies favored treat
mcnt.