The Mena star., 1899-07-27

sions Have Also Applied for Pensions.
 Washington, July 25.--There win be neither war nor arbitration over the Alaskan boundary dispute. It will be settled by amicable agreement between the United States and Great Britain, one nation making concessions on this question in return for concessions by the other on some other question at is- sue between the two governments. This is the view expressed by an off cial having much to do with the pend- ing negotiations. Referring to Sir Wilfred Laurier's speech in the Cana dian house of commons, in which the Canadian premier declared there were only two ways by which the difficulty could be settled-arbitratio or war the official said significantly: Sir Wilfred Laurier is merely stating to the Canadian parliament the recog- nized methods by which civilized na- tions settle controversies. There are three methods-frst, by mutual agree ment; second, by a resort to arbitra- ton, and third, by war. Sir Wilfred has neglected to mention the first and most important of these methods
 A dispatch from London to-day states that the St. James Gazette, in com menting upon the debate in the Cana dian parliament on Saturday regard ing the Alaskan boundary question, says:
 The brisk air of the United States and Canada is conducive to strong words which would never pass the lips of European statesman unless m order to mobilize was on the point of issuing Nobody thinks of war in connection with the Canadian American dispute. Yctsince it is who will have to fghtff Canada makes quar- rel, we must plead with one of our fellow sub- | jects to quieter style. If Sir Charlea l Tupper's words mean anything, he desires the 1 presentation Of an ultimatum, which coald only | mean war. Sir Wilfried Laurier, though calmer, was tolerably emphatic. As things are going now, we are drifting to very serious col- lision with the United States, which Great Britain is earnestly anxious to avoid.
 | Plans for the Philippine Campaign.
 Washington, July 25. The president and Adjt. Gen. Corbin are already giving attention to plans for the cam paign which is to be renewed in the l Philippines as soon as the rainy season hears an end. The hope is to make a complete finish of the Tagal nsurrec- 1 ton within the months of October and November, if the weather will permit. There is no probability that Gen. Miles will go to the Philippines, but it is not impossible that Gen. Wesley Merritt may return there. The president has no idea of superseding Gen. Otis, but he is considering whether it may not be advisable to divide the duties so that one commander may confne his l e4t fs. ..ffta eral while another has charge of the active military operations. The only criticism of Gen. Otis. for which the president feels there may have been some foundation, is that he has at tempted to do too much i'll filling the | position of governor while at the same time directing the field campaign. If Gen. Merritt goes to Manila it will be for the purpose of sharing responsi- bilities with Gen. Otis.
 Applicants for Com missions.
 Washington, July 25. In the exami- nation of records of application for commissions in the new volunteer regi- ments some damaging discoveries were made. These were that certain caDdi- dates on leaving their former service in the state regiments had filed claims for pensions and had alleged disabilities of various kinds in support of these claims They had failed to consider the possi- bility of another chance to serve their country and had sworn evidence which disqualified them from appointment. But doubtless thinking that the war department would not be so inquiring they had boldly ignored the pension claims and had asked for commissi ons. |
 Topeka Capital Changes Hands.