Evening Star Newspaper, July 27, 1898, Page 1

— THE EVENING STAR. — PUBLISHED DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAY, AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 1101 Pennsylvania Ave., Cor. 11th St., by The Evening Star Newspaper Company. 8. H. KAUFFMANN, Pres’t. New York Office, 49 Potter Building. panties diricerhommecba ‘The Erening Star fs served to subscribers in the city by carriers, cn thefr own account, at 10 cents per week. cr 44 vents per men*h. Copies at the conater, 2 cents ea-h. By mril—anywhere tn the United States » Canada—postage prepald—50 cents er month. Saturdxy Quintuple Sheet Star: $1 per year, with foreign pestage added. $3.0 2 (Entered at the Port Office at Washington, D. C., as second-class mil matter.) {7 All mail subscriptions must be paid inadvance. Ratec of advertising made known on application. = Che Evening Star. — No. 14,168. WASHINGTON, D. ©. WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1898—TWELVE PAGES. TWO CENTS. THE STAR BY MATL. Persons leaving the city for any Ferlod can have The Star matied to them to any address in the United States or Canada, by ordering it at this office, in person or by letter. Terms: 13 cents per week; 25 cents for two weeks, or 50 cents per month. Invariably in advance. Sub- ecribers changing their address from one Post-office to another should give the last address as well as the | new one AN ANSWER TO SPAIN The President Says That It Will Be Made Soon. ——o BELIEF AT THE WHITE HOUSE Current Talk Regarding the Peace Proposal. SUSPICION OF A genes TRAP France has issued an official note to the powers that Spain asked her to open peace negotiations. Premier Sagasta of Spain denies that official negotiations are in prog- ress, but the foreign office declares to the contrary. The surrender of Caimanera has occurred. General Shafter is report- ed to have called the Spanish civil governor of Santiago “a presuming rascal.” future I will send an answer aid the President this morning, the Spanish peace proposal. y all the President said as to ctic ations. who conferred with the Presi- t night say the chief executive will t formulate the demands of this govern- for fully two days. Spain will not ~ what to expect before Friday after- jay morning, after the regu- of the cabinet has considered the There are innumerable reasons why the : I not send an immediate an- One of the first 1s that hav= to be given to such ter. ther is that the to be seriously divided on t our terms should be on: in aving susp of the earn- 's intentions. Still another must not understand that so eager for peace that at any sounding which Spain nt wants every sugge: to the desires of thi rof peace. To secure these e is necessary. The United son to bring negotiations to a head s quickly as possible. It is claimed that in the cabinet the di ference of opinion is largely over the que: tion of certain terms. The Philippines and demnity are the questions at is settled that Spain must do two Give up Cuba, lished there Give up Porto Rico to become the property of the United States. There has never been a question that the intention of the administration is to annex Porto Rico. a stable government to It is also settled that the United States shall secure several coaling stations. Whet session of the Philippines i: to be luded in the American demands is @ question likely to give the President hours of thought. Some members of his cabinet are said to hold to the alleged new doctrine hat wherever the American flag once planted it must remain. Others are to let the Philippines go if coaling nd commercial privileges are ob- matter of i nus thought. emnity next comes in It is the opinion that plor game like the present one Sam is likely to be buncoed unless harp Yankee eyes open. U ie ps his betwe $ propos n $5,000,000 ‘d that wh » claims shall not be ie Presi- ve in magnanimi do not believe are allowed in t Not Propose Terms. y is based on the be- sident will submit the de- but there are President who into what mi He may an: at may prove a Spani he the States desires peace, it is her pl to propose the terms; that will be glad to give consideration to ns from S$ hrewdly a ptt into troub! not ed that Spain may the United States Surope by asking us to submit propositions which will be distaste- and unacceptable to Spain wily Spaniards will get op- nity to put up the pitiful plea that asked for terms, which, when sub- were too hgrsh and unjust. Spain Expected to Quibble. believed to be certain that Spain quibble dicker over any terms nitted to her, regardless of how lenient may be. She wil! endeavor by every xt te w Euroze into her squab- in the hove that a general war may be precipitated which will permit her to her own te of prom House to efore p will be est: will not be sted with wil pl 1 and allow ach day, finally up with the loss of everything, even fes, which will ve taken from her in a short while. These islands would not now enter in peace terms, but in another month they will be included in the demands of the Untted States. Spain, it is argued today, has ascertaia- ed through her dipiomats that Germany, Russia end France stand ready to raise trouble over the Philippines. Sagasta has concluded that the United States will want terms as to the Philippines which will em- broil these countries. H2 has been trying to make trouble for months and thinks he knows how to do it. Complications may be avoided by forcing be is ard Men Whit y pre ACE S to grow by force Spain to say what terms she will be will- ing to make. This plan, it is urged, would be as fair to Spain as any other and would bring a settlement much quicker than by any other course. Secretary Day’s Statement. Secretary Day was with the President this afternoon. He said that it would be several days before Spain gets an answer except the one which has been sent to the effect that this country is willing to talk over peace propositions. When the President reaches a conelu- sion he will, it is thought, communicate with the French ambassader, who is now acting for the Spanish government. A Quiet Day. Today was by long odds the most quiet day of the war at the White House. The President was visited by only three men up to 12 o'clock, and had much time to think over the prospects of peace and the conduct of the war. The three visitors were Senator Foraker, Representative Wadsworth of New York and Major Gen- eral Breckinridge. SPANIARDS WELL IN AMBUSH Attacked an Expedition on the Steamer Wanderer at Banes. Sharpshooters Drove Them Into the Woods Again and the Ameri- cans Got Away. KEY WEST, Fla., July 27.—News reached here today of the attempted landing on Cuban shores of a large expedition, men an} arms, by the steamer Wanderer, which left K about a week ago. Panes, west of Havana, was the point selected for arkation, but arriving there, the expe dition was confrorted by a body of ca’ alry, a thousand or more strong, and a sharp engagement ensued. The Wanderer was to have been met by a party of Cu- bans, who had evidently been dispersed by the Spanish forces before the arrival of the steamer. ‘The Wanderer, which was not under con- vey, drew up about four hundred yards from the shore, and began discharging her cargo by means of small boats. At first there was no sign of resistance, and a por- tion of the supplies had already been placed on the beach when a vigorous rifle fire was opened on the members of the ex- pedition from a wooded growth lining the ch, and a force of Spanish cava‘ burst into view. There were about two score of sharp- shooters with the expedition, and they at- tempted to cover the retreat by lying fat and returning the Spaniards’ fire. They picked off a number of the cavalrymen, and @s the opposing forces backed to the woods the Wanderer’s men got their boats off, but not before William Davis, mate; William Ross, seaman; Benito Sabsta, Ga- briel Alvaraez, Felix Lopez and Rojolu Garcia had been slightly wounded. After the Wanderer’s men had gotten to the peppering with Mauser ‘ther damage. returned here been thirty- pushed down their fire, rer each the hull of the Wand ing no Vicksburg morning, after having days on the blockade. She reports that on Tuesday last, while two miles off shore, west of Havana, the Vedado bat- nd a battery recently erected fired shots at her. The shells fell close to ship, and she quickly got out of range. Ss SURRENDER OF CAIMANERA. bullets, but inflict The gunboat is It Has Strong Rifie Pits and Earth- werks Thrown Up. GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba, July 26 (de- layed in transmission).—Col. Ewers return- ed to Santiago last night after receiving the surrender of the Spanish troops at Cai- manera. He was accompanied by Mr. Brooks, the British consul, and officers from Caimanera. Col. Ewers will probably return here after consulting with Gen. Shafter. ‘aimanera was found to be strongly de- fended and rifle pits and earthworks com- pletely surrounded the village. Only the smokestack of the Sandoval, the ‘panish gunboat sunk at that place, is vi above the water, and it is improbel that she can be raised. Spanish troops at Caimanera are a nd hungry lot. Pratt, who had charge of the le sign launch from the Marblehead which took Col. Ewers to Caimanera, says that the Spa: sked for permission to fire off their field pieces, muzzle-loading guns, be- could not unload them. Marblehead went up toward Cai- anera this morning for the purpose of ng the mines there. No news has been received here regarding the operations of the American forces in Porto Rico. The Armoria arrived from Key West this morning, ana the work of coaling, provi- sioning and cleaning the ships is proceed- ing and will be completed in a few days. ee ORDERED TO PORTO RICO. The First Regiment of Volunteer in— gineers at Peekskill. ‘The Ist Regiment of United States Vol- unteer Engineers, now rendezvoused at Peekskill, N. Y., has been ordered to re- port to General Miles for duty in connec- tion with the operations for the capture of Porto Ric6é. Colonel Eugene Griffin, com- manding the regiment, was at the War Department today in conference with Ad- jutant General Corbin, Quartermaster Gen- eral Ludington and Commissary General Eagan in regard to the subsistence and transportation of the regiment. His orders contemplate a departure of the regiment as soon as the necessary arrangements can be perfected. The troop will probably proceed by rail from Peekski'l to New York city, where they will embark on a trans- port and proceed directly to Porto Rico, the next landing place being left to future determination. ———_-e-____ GEN. BRECKENRIDGE’S RETURN. He Will Report at Length on the Con- ditions at Santiage. Maj. Gen. John C. Breckenridge, who Was promoted from brigadier and inspector general, returned tcday from Santiago and reported to the Secretary_cf War. He ac- companied Gen. Miles to Santiago, and when the latter went to Porto Rico re- turned to this country. The future assign- ment of Gen. Breckenridge has not been determined. He will make a long report to the Secretary, covering his observatiors while in Cuba. Gen. Breckenridge’s staff, consisting of Capt. Dickman and Lieuts. Feote and Breckenridge, returned with bim. IF SPAIN IS HONEST This Country Would Consent to an STRAIGHTFORWARD POLICY WANTED Outline of Peace Conditions That Will Be Asked. THE QUESTION OF INDEMNITY By tomorrow our government will have determined and will have communicated to the French ambassador just what form the steps leading toward peace shall take. It is likely that if the Spanish government is really in earnest in its desire for peace, our government will consent to an armis- tice as a preliminary. But it can be stated positively that the President is determined to lose no ground through the peculiar ef- fects of Spanish diplomacy. The armistice, if granted, will be conditioned upon the most binding pledges that it is to be follow- ed by a treaty of peace. Moreover, the preliminary agreement that provides for an armistice must in itself constitute an un- dertaking on the part of Spain to submit to certain broad conditions imposed by the United States as the basis of peace. Military operations are to go steadily for- ward, so far as the United States is con- cerned, until the negotiations have ad- vanced much further than they are at pres~ ent. They are subject to interruption at any moment by an armistice, but it must be said that this is scarcely expected im- mediately. It is realized that when the Spanish government learns the extent of the demands to be made by the United States, the first effect will be to induce a reflex movement, which in turn will result in the continuation of active hostilities for a time. This time it is expected, however, will be brief, only perhaps so long as is necessary for General Miles to completely invest San Juan de Porto Rico. That stroke will, it {s thought, bring the Spanish government to a realizing sense of the hopelessness of further resistance, if it has not before that time yielded to the earnest representations of those European powers that have been so persistent in their efforts to secure peace. Military experts allow two weeks at the maximum as the period of time necessary for Miles to secure this commanding position, and therefore it is hoped that within that space of time the Spanish government will have been brought not exactly to the approval of a treaty of peace, but to an application for an armis- tice that will in its conditions amount to a concession of those things most desired by the United States government. Santiago Experience Recalled. It is pointed out that the conditions promise on a large scale to duplicate those existing at Santiago when General Toral surrendered. The Spaniards surrendered with provision for a commission to adjust the details of the surrender. Likewise Spain may secure an armistice and pro- vide for a commission to adjust the details of a peace treaty, but the effect of the first action will be like that of Toral’s surrender. As to the terms to be imposed by the United States, it seems probable that our State Department 1s again about to give the diplomats of the old world a lesson in straightforward dealing, leaving the de- vious paths of old-time diplomacy and striking straightforward and without dou- ble dealing or hair-splitting toward the object in view. In such negotiations, con- ducted on the broad and high plane which has characterized the attitude of the United States government from the very beginning of the controversy with Spain which led up to the war, there will be lit- tle chance for the successful exercise of that peculiar character of shifty diplomacy that has come to be known as Spanish. Not that there will be any disposition shown to take undue advantage of the po- sition of a defeated and helpless nation, but to justify and secure the indulgent treatment that the United States is now in a temper to accord, the Spanish nego- tiations must on their side be honestly, fairly, openly and directly conducted. It cannot for an instant be tolerated that, through the indulgence of the United States by granting an armistice or other- wise In the early stages of the peace ne- gotiations, the Spenish government shall covertly secure a breathing spell to ré- cuperate and rally for further resistance to the American arms. Outline of Conditons. As far as can be gathered, our govern- ment has in a general way already pre- pared itself to announce the outlines of the conditions it will seek to impose in the consummation of peace. Of course, it is not deemed proper now officially to make any public statement of these, but much light is thrown upon the situation by un- official utterances. It should, however, be stated that the President has not yet com- mitted himself beyond recall in this mat- ter, and that he is prepared to give heed ty the counsels of the leaders of the party and of the people. Generally stated, two propositions seem included in all lists of demands, namely, the absolute inde- pendence of Cuba, with the provision that the tsland shall be absolved from responsi- bility for any debt against {t by Spain. The last clause will, it is expected, cause some friction, inas- much as it is certain to arouse to desper- ate resistance certain European holders of bonds issued by Spain based on the reve- nues of Cuba, The second proposition is the absolute cession of Porto Rico to the United States, likewise unincumbered by a Mab-ity for any bonded indebtedness, It ts believed that Spain hag practically made up her mind to this condition before instituting the overtures for peace. Another point upon which the United States will, it is believed, insist is the ces- sion of certain coaling stations in the Ladrones and Carolines, probably Guam Island in the former and Yap Island in the latter, and perhaps one other in a different quarter of the world not yet designated. ‘These territorial concessions will, it is ex- pected, be regarded as sufficient by our government as compensation for the ex- Penditures made by this country without a specific demand for money indemnity. : The Philippinen Question. heretofore charged there, but beyond that it~magy be that we will not care to go. An €ntirely different attitude might have been assumed by our government but for the course adopted by the insurgents under Aguinaldo, which, it WITH THE DIPLOMATS | is asserted, leaves the United States under | Spain's Peace Proposal the Absorbing no moral obligation to care for his people. It will be recalled that the revolution in the Philippines began without instigation by the United States prior to the outbreak of war between the United States'and Spain. Since the war the insurgents have assumed a very imperious attitude; have conducted their military operations without particu- Jar reference to the wishes of the American ‘commander, Admiral Dewey; have been generally intractable in their relations with our troops and sailors, and finally, have set up an independent government of their own absolutely without: referenee to the United States. These things are quite suffi- cient to absolve our government from any responsibility for what happens to Aguin- aldo in the future, though, of course, it is not meant by this to assert that it has definitely made up its mind to relinquish all claims to the islands; beyond the coal- ing stations already referred to. Question of Indemnity. . Touching the question of indemnity, it may be remarked that our government will not be in the mood to abandon any claim on this score if Spain, by further resist- ance, obliges it to go to the heavy expense of sending a naval expedition to Spain and of continuing on a large scale the military movements now under way. - THE HONOLULU CEREMONIES Rear Admiral Miller Sails Today on the Oruiser Philadelphia. First New York Volunteers Will Gar- rison the Island—They Leave on Saturday Next. SAN FRANCISCO, July 27.—The cruiser Philadephia has arrived from Mare Island. Rear Admiral Miller will transfer his flag to her from the Albatross, and she will sail for Honolulu today to participate in the ceremonies of raising the wmerican flag. The Philadelphia has been ‘wtrengthened by a few small guns. Forward are two new 8-pounder Hotchkiss: gums, and there are two others of similapiealiber aft. She has also two small revolving guns and four Gatlings. Her crew has been slightly ancreased by men from the eastern nawy yards, one de- tachment having come out with Lieutenant Commander Stevens, whovis new the exec- utive officer of the cruiser: There are thirty-five officers on board, the same number in the. admiral's com- plement, 285 men in the erew and fifty ma- rines, The steamers Lakme un@<North Fork will leave here on Saturday for Honolulu with 750 men of the Ist’ NewYork Volun- teers, who will garrison the fsland. The government has decided to make per- manent troopships of the steamets Arizona and Scandia. The Arizona is to be fitted out with bunks for 1,800 men, and 1,500 will be accommodated on the Scandia. The lat- ter vessel is now in charge of United States officers, the German crew having been paid and discharged. General Merriam has designated five prominent officers who are to go on the St. Paul to Honolulu. They are Colonel Bar- ber of the Ist New York, Major Langfitt of the 2d Regiment, Volunteer Engineers; First Lieutenant Winthrop, quartermaster ist New York; First Lieutenant Griffith, assistant surgeon 1st New York, and Cap- tain Lydig, commissary of subsistence. Captain J. G. Blaine is also to sail on the St. Paul for Manila. THEY WILL GO TO MANILA. Lieut. Col. Stover in. Command and Capt. Jas. G. Blaine With Him, SAN FRANCISCO, July 27.—General Mer- rlam has issued an order designating the officers and troops to go out on the trans- port St. Paul to sail on Friday for Manila. Lieut. Col. Stover of the Ist South Dakota wil! be in command of the troops, which will include the first battalion of the ist South Dakota Infantry, thirteen officers and 328 men; recruits of the 130th Minn2- sota, Major A. M. Diggies, commanding, six officers and 310 men; recruits for the Ist Colorado, Captain Carrell, command- ing, one officer and 155 men. First Lieut. J. K. Polk, adjutant of the Tennessee regiment, has been assigned to General King’s staff, and will be adjutant of the second brigade in place of Captain James G. Blaine, who goes to Manila on the St. Paul, iLeut Henry Eastman will act as regimental adjutant, Troop A of the Utah Cavalry 2nd the Nevada troops will leave the Presidio on August 5, the former for tne Yosemite and the latter for Sequoia Paric. et ARRIVED WITHOUT MONEY. Ship Masters Did Not Expect to Pay Duty at Santiago. Adjutant General Corbin received a tele- gram explaining certain -misconceptions concerning the customs duties applied to merchandise arriving at Santiago de Cuba since its capture. It is as.follows: “SANTIAGO wia HAYTI, “Suly. 26,.3808012:17. a.m. “Adjutant General, United States Army, “Washington: “Press reports not true.+ I:only know. of three ships having arfived, onedfrom Kings- ton, the others from thie Usilted States. The Bratton has gold itsearges the other, a ship from New Orleang:hasesuld only a part of it and tells me he-tsigoing away tonight. I think he will. sel before he leaves. The trouble is they: di@ not expect to pay eny duty and arrimed here without money. The Spanish cussoms as applied to Spanish subjects has only been collected and the twenty cents per-ton as ordered by the Secretary. I discovered this morning an attempt on the partsof the municipa) authorities to collect a localxtax of 40 cents per one hundred kilos,in this in- stance amounting to twenty-five hundred dollars. I had already settled this matter by ordering its non-collection. ‘The fact 1s there is no money here to do business and merchants are very timid about making purchases, fearing the effect of the Red Cross supplies, whe really. ding the town. The New Orleang man, fér instance, brought twenty-ning: he sold at etghty-five Pp ‘ y inal 5 meat at seventy cents only afew people Buy; were here people Gnd I think @ few effects of Topic. FRANCE ALONE WAS CONSULTED Formal Instructions Given to Am- bassador Cambon. PLANS FOR NEGOTIATIONS os In diplomatic quarters Spain's peace pro- posal, made through the French ambassa- dor, is the absorbing topic, and the reply of the President is awaited with the keen- est interest not only by M. Cambon, but by all the foreign representatives. They showed their interest early today by call- ing at the State Department and at the French embassy to learn with more exact- ness the details of Spain's proposal. This developed several features of the proposi- tion which had not before .been entirely clear. In the first place, no foreign gov- ernment outside of France has been con- sulted by Spain in this overture for peace, and the present movement is not shared, directly or indirectly, by Germany, Aus- tria, Italy, Russia or Great Britain. It can now be stated, however, that the for- mal proposition submitted yesterday has been under consideration at Madrid for five days prior to yesterday, during which time the British as well as the French authori- ties were cognizant of the fact that Spain was about to sue for peace. This being settled, it appears that a good-natured, but not the less keen, rivalry sprang up between Sir Drummond Wolff, the Brit- ish ambassador at Madrid, and M. Pa- tenotre, the French an.yassador there, as to which government should have the hon- or of initiating the movement designed to restore the peace of the world. Owing to the cordiality existing between the gov- ernments of Great Britain and the United States it was at first felt that Sir Drum- mond Wolff would be commissioned to ap- preach the United States, acting at Wash- ington through Sir Julian Pauncefote; but Spain appears to have preferred the inter- mediation of the French government, and Ss a result the negotiations were finally intrusted to the French ambassador at Washington. Spain's Proposition. Another € point is the exact proy ositton made by Spain. There has been some mi ehension over this, owing to the publication of an ed text of the propositior that Spain end ‘other r asked President MeKinle state lerms of peace. As a matter of fact, the Spanish proposition dees not mention lhe word “term st or suggestioa dent shall cl inquiry s to whether the United om rts erting ade by Spain is will ope; ed on the theory that ers in the affirmative negotiations for a the comm clothed with a then the opened betwe ties who ar of bringing does the Spanis reference to “x time, it is fi ttlement. Neitier jon contain the propos! an) At me don th at idea that if peace negotiations are entered m there will be suspension of hostilities pending an agreement upor the € rms of pe in this connection there to be a i n made betwee word “ar- and “suspension of hostilitie: for, while it is said the former is not ask ed or expected, it seems te be taken for granted that a su: sion of hostilities will be e tial for carrying forward the peace negotiations. Instructions to Cambon. The Spanish proposition is clothed with all the solemnity and formality of a gov- ernment act, despite the cable report from Madrid that the peace proposal is of a “private” nature. The instructions to Am- bassador Cambon bear the official signa- ture of the Spanish minister of foreign af- fairs, and, besides expressing the desires of the cabinet and government that the peace negotiations be opened, they are given the added solemnity of approval and earnest personal request by Queen Regent Maria Cristina, The instructions bear the date of Madrid, June 25. These formalities dis- miss all question in tie minds of oilicials here as to the regularity of the Spanish proposition as expressive of the wishes of the government of Spain. Aside froin this, Ambassador Cambon is too much of a vet- eran in diplomacy to have embarked on any private overtures toward peace. Various Plans Suggested. As to the manner of conducting the peace negotiaticns, several plans are said te be opeu besides that of having Gen. Porter and Sencr Castillo, the United States and Spanish ambassador at Paris, respectively, ccnduct them. One plan is to have Spain name peace plenipotentiaries, who will come directly to Washington and conduct negotiaticns. This, however, is said to be somewhat inexpedient, as it would take nine days for the Spanish plenipotentaries to reach Washington, and there is a dispo- siticn to avoid delay. Another tentative plan is to have Spain name Ambassador Cambon as the Spanish plenipotentiary at Washington, thus conferring on him au- thcrity to treat directly with the President and carry forward the negotiations to a conclusion. It is probable that this plan will be more acceptable to the United States, as it would keep the negotiations at Wastington and also give them an agreeable personal character. The authori- ties her2 have the highest regard for the ability and sincerity of the French repre- sentative here. These plans, however, will not be settled until after the President gives his answer to the first inquiry made by Spain as to the willingness of the United States to enter upon general negotiations tor peace. Spain Must Make the First Ofer. Since the conference between the Presi- dent and M. Camben both the French gov- ernment and the Spanish government have been fully apprised of the action taken at Washington. Being thus apprised that the peace movement is now under way; it is not improbable that Spain will, within the next two or three days, take another tm- portant step forward, by voluntarily sug- the first definite tender of terms, as she is | the one raost interested in terminating the NC war. It will then be for the United States to say how far the terms are acceptable, and perhaps to suggest counter terms. The yellow fever conditions are being suggested as one reason favorable to the corclusion of peace, for it is being urged that the material advantages which the United States will gain by continuing the war will be heavily offset by the inroads of disease which has made its appearance at Santiago and elsewhere. Another point being made in favor of a peace settlement is that the aspect of the war will be even mere glcrious and more a tribute to the high aims of this government if it deals in a spirit of magn:i-=<: with the conquered enemy. It is said also that Spain is ro completely humbled and so powerless to further continue the war that the United States can secure through peace negotia- tions everything which even a prolonga- tion of the war would ultimately make possible. ——_ +e PRINCE HENRY EXPLAINS The Irene Incident From the German's Point of View, Be Claims There Was a Strict Ob- servance of the Rules of Neutrality. BERLIN, July 27.—A dispatch from Shanghai today says an official statement from Prince Henry of Prussia in regard to the Irene incident at Subig bay, Philippine Islands, has been published in the Post Asiatischelloyd, the Iren. went to Subig bay to take off some Spanish women and children At Isla Grande the ‘man warship happened to meet a sieamer belonging to the insurgents, which left without any difficulty ar ing. On re- turning the Irene met outside Manila bay two United States ships, which did not speak her. In conclu:ion the statement sets forth that the removal of women and childrer effected from motives of humanity and with a strict observance of the rule of neutrality.” Ee ATED THE SEVEC INVEST! Surgeon General Sternberg Says Con- ditions Were Exaggerated. Surgeon General Sternberg réturned to Washington from New York, where. he made an inspection of the hospital ship Reli h most satisfactory results. While in New York the surgeon general a ited the Seneca and examined into the allegations that have been made in the papers of the improper equipment of that ship for the homeward trip from San- tiago, which resulted in much suffering of gers aboard. The surgeon gen- found that while there was some nd for the statement, the conditions had been exaggerated. The Seneca was overcrowded with passengers. Among them were forty-two soldiers from the hospital, who were not so badly wounded as to re- quire their immediate transfer to the Unit- ed States. Most of them were able to walk about the ship unaided. They were, how- er, ordered away from the hospital at Siboney because the officers in charge, an ticipating another great battle,whicn would overtax their resources in the matter of space, desired to free the hospitals from every patient who could be sent away. In addition to this, a number of civilians who were not properly entitled to the privilege were allowed pas resulting in over- crowding. The physician in charge was found to be thoroughly competent, and much of the complaint on the score of in- sufficient medical attendants was ascriba- ble to the unexpected illness of the other physician. here was some medicine aboard of the most ne: ry kind. It is understood that General Sternberg’s inve tigation has satisfied the department and no further inquiry regarding it will be made. DIRECTED TO PUSH ON Brooke Told to Go on to Porte Rico. As a result of telegraphic correspondence between Gen. Brooke, commanding the Ist Army Corps, at Newport } and the ofiicials of the War Department, Gen. Brooke was today authorized by Secretary Alger to push forward with his fast ships at once to Porto Rico, leaving the slower transports to follow when ready. This ac- tion was based on Gen. Brooke's 1eport that the movement of his troops was being deiayed by the difficulty of getting the treops and equipments aboard some of the transports. He suggested that he be lowed to start at once with such of the transports as were ready, and Adjutant General Corvin telegraphed nin: today that the Secretary of War had approved his proposition and authorized him to act ac- cordingly. This action is in strict accord with the policy of the administration as nounced by Secretary Alger, to prosecute the war vigorously in Porto Rico and else- where, regardless of the Spanish over- tures for a suspension of hostilities looking to an agreement on terms of peace. it 3s belicvea at the War Department tnat tien. Brvoke und a portion of his expedition will icuve Newport News during tne day ang that they will join Gen. Mules’ forces in Porto Kico by Sunaay or Mongay next. $+ AIN’S KING HAS MEASLES. The Attack is Following the Usual Course. MADRID, July 27, 10 a.m.—Iinguiries made at the palace today confirm the re- Pert that the king is suffering from the measles. The atiack is following its usual course. Cablegrams to Porto Rico. NPW YORK, July 27.—The central cable office of the Western Union Telegraph Company has been advised by the West In- dian and Pansma Telegraph Company (owners of the cables to Porto Rico) to de- cline to accept business for all stauons in Porto Rico except San Juan. a FOREIGN MARKETS AFFECTED. Spain’s Pien for Peace Had a Gooa Influence Abrond. MADRID, July 27, noon.—The big rise in prices on the bourre here today ts looked wpon as denoting great confidence that peace between Spain and the United States will be concluded. | Official Statement of the Action Asked by Spain. PREMIER SAGASEA’S CONTRADICTION He Denies That Official Negotia~ tions Are in Progress. THE DENIALS _ PURPOSE OF PARIS, July -The official note was issu=d here toda “At the request of the ment the French amb: ton has been authorized government to present a note from the cabinet at Madrid to the President of the United States. It is in the name of Spain that M. Cambon, who is charged to watch Spanish interests in the United States, made this communication to President McKinley following Spanish govern- ador at Washing- by the French at the White House prday afternoon in the presence of § PARIS, Ju of France hi notifiea all the French embas- Sies of the fact that Spain has made pro- posals through M. Cambon, the French am- bassador at Washington, for peace with the United States. Gen. Porter Not Informed. The United States ambassador, Gen. Hor- ace Porter, and the sec of the United States embassy, Mr. Henry Vignaud, tay the embassy has not received any :nforma- tion regarding the peace negotiations ini- tlated at Washington. They add that the announcement saying they would be co: ducted here is preraature The French officials proposal was sont from Madrid to M. Cambon, the Frenca amba=: at Wash- ington, in his capacity as representative of Spanish interests in the Sta Mr. Cambon thereuy > the gov- ernment h requesiin; tor his guidance in the ma: and received authority to open the peace negotiations. The French ignorant of the peace conditions which Spain is ready to offer. rt that the first United ed tructions government is A Government Denial. MADRID, July 27.—Th2 government de- nies that it has been occupied with the ques- tion of peace. Premier Sagasta contradicts the stateme at official negotiations are in progress; but the foreign office announces that negotiations due to pri e initiative are proceeding. The government denies that the cabinet council yesterday occupied iiself with the question of peace, although Senor Gamago, minister of pubiie instruction and public works, made a long speech on the subject. Duke Aimodovar de Rio, minister of for- eign affairs, says negotiations of a private character have been opened, due to private initiativ The council discussed the Amer! ing in Porto Rico and consequences. Nothing new was announced with refe to the situation in Cuba or tae Phil- an land- its ence ippin Warned of Prevarications. LONDON, July The equivocal de- nial from Madrid recently when inquiries were made en the subject of the reportea peace negotiations, we seemingly given out at the Spanish capital prior to Spain's formal application at Washingion for peace. Many similar communications, intended for home consumption, may be expected during the negotiatio pose of such denials is to suscepti w real point at issue. ‘Tne liveliest satisfaction is expressed in all warters and in the newspapers throughout Europe at the that Sp: as at last done the rigat st Ume ing the war, is looked upon as being within m It is taken for granted of negotiations impi tilities, and it & but the only pur- ay Castilian li not affect the and they ties une dur- ance. the opening tion of hos- that believed here ae United States was at first unofficially ap- proached and gave a general idea of the conditions she would in on before M. Cambon, the French amt dor at 4, as ington, presented hi formal negotiations will cons the formulation of terms 4 jy settled. that London Papers’ Comment. LONDON, July 27.—The , in an ed- itorial this morning applauding Spain for accepting the inevitable, her to “face the facts of the p situation with the same frank courage which secured the respect of the Americans on the battle- field.” Discussing the probable terms of peace, the Times says: “The United States will probably take Porto Rico in lieu of a money indemnity, and it would be best for the world at large if America boldly undertook the burden of giving Cuba and the Philippines a strong, honest government through American offi- cials, “If Spain is permitted to reassume sov- ereignty over the Philippines she will have to engage in a war of conquest, which might be attended with serious conse- quences to American and other interna- tional interests in the Pacific.” A Protectorate. The Daily News says: “It would be an act of extreme gener- osity to leave Spain in possession of the Philippines, but generosity is often the best policy. If the United States should be content with such a reward of its la- bors as would leave the Philippines to Spain it would set the world an example of conspicuous magnanimity.” hime advises Seizure of Porto Rico. MADRID, July 27.—The ministerial El Cerreo, in an important article declaring that the seizure of Porto Rico is “only an afterthought on the part of the United States.” says: “The Washington government cannot ig- nore the steps Spain has already taken in favor of peace, and therefore, in accord- ance with the most elementary principles of international law, acts posterior to those