THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

Otago Witness, Issue 2319, 11 August 1898, Page 16

THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

THE TERRIBLE YELLOW

FEVER.

A SUCCESS IN PORTO RICO.

A Strange Story.

Washington*, August 1.

M. Cambon, the French Ambassador at Washington, is acting as the fully accredited commissioner and envoy on behalf of Spain. He has induced President M'KinJcy to modify the terms of peace. The point of modification either extends the date of the armistice or affects the extent of* American interests in the Philippines. The American newspapers generally declare that it would be imbecile on the part of America to hand the Philippines back to the barbarous misrule of Spain. Ihe American Peace Commissioners will prcbably be General Woodford (who was American Minister at Madrid when the war was declare), Mr Richard Olney (the former Secretary of State), General Benjamin P. Tracey, and Mr G. F. Edmunds. The Porto Ricans welcomed the arrival of tie American expedition, and 2000 of them volunteered to serve in the American army. Genera] Miles is advancing on San Juan, and is meeting with scarcely any opposition. August 2. The American cruiser Columbia has gone ashore at Ponce, Porto Rico. The feeling is growing throughout America against handing over the Philippine Islands to either the Spaniards or the rebels. August 6. •Reports from Manila state that Aguinaldo has threatened to massacre Bishop Nozalcda and others of the clergy who are among the refugees at Cavite. As it is feared that serious trouble may arise with the insurgents Admiral Dowvy and General Merritt have been ordered to suppress anything in the nature of a riot. The American cruiser Columbia, which went ashore at Ponce, Porto Rico, has been floated off. Widespread desertion of the Spanish soldiers to the American Army is taking I'lace. August 4. M. Cambon, the French Ambassador, had an hour's interview with President M'Kinley, to whom it is supposed he handed Spain's reply to the peace negotiations. Possibly, however, he only asked for. ; n elucidation of the details. No official statement has been made. An impression prevails- that Spain has not accepted the terms unreservedly. It is understood that President M'Kinley is disposed to exercise patience, but if he sees a disposition to shilly-shally he will cancel the offer of terms to Spain. Garcia, one of the Cuban insurgent leaders, reports that he has captured Mayan and 500 Spaniards. American troops are being hurried to Porto Rico regardless of peace prospects. It is alleged that Mr Alger, the War Secretary, desires that as many as possible shall shave in the glory of the American conquests. August 6. The Archbishop of Manila has sougnt American protection, fearing a massacre of the clergy and refugees at Cavite by the insurgents. A difficulty is being experienced by tlie garrison in .Cuba, because as the Spaniards leave the insurgents in many places are ready to assume the government, and wreak vengeance on the Spanish residents. The Americans have succeeded in raising the Spanish warship Maria Teresa sunk during Admiral Cervera's attempt to escape from Santiago. The vessel is quite intact. The chief officers of the American army signed an appeal to General Shafter to remove the troops to the Northern States as the malarial fever had destroyed the efficiency of the troops and they fear the inroads of yellow fever ; further, that the army must be removed or perish. On representations being made to Washington transports were instantly ordered to Santiago, instead of carrying forces to Porto Rico. August 7. An American force under Brigadier Haines captured Guayama, a town of Porto Rico, 37 miles south-east of San Juan, after a .slight skirmish. Pressure is being brought to bear on the Spanish commander of the South Cuban port of Manzanillo, recently bombarded by the American fleet, to surrender. The residents are anxious that he should do so. The commander desires the American fleet to make a further demonstration against the town, sufficient to prevent his being court-martialled. August 8. All the energies of the War department are concentrated on bringing General Shafter'.'! army away from Santiago. General Ames reports that the army is incapable of marching, except to the transports. New York, August 5. It ii believed that Spain has accepted the fundamental conditions of peace, and that the difficulties relate to minor details which are not raised in a contentious spirit. A full acceptance by Spain is expected to-day or to-morrow. The United States Government will establish a coaling station at Tutuila, Samoa. Madrid, August 2. King Alfonso, who has lately been unwell, is better. The reply of Spain to the conditions of peace offered by America was sent on Tuesday, but the greatest secrecy is maintained in reference to its nature. Feeling in Madrid is of a more hopeful character. August 5. Colonel San Martin was tried by courtmartial on a charge of abandoning Ponce, in Porto Rico, without offering resistance.

He was convicted and shot. His second in command committed suicide.

August 6,

Senor Sagasta, the Premier, is conferring with the various party leaders on the peace details, and it is expected the Cortes will be convened at an early date. General Campos consideis it is madness to continue the war.

August 7,

The Spanish Cabinet has approved of the basis of the reply to America's peace proposals. It is stated that the reply will give no occasion for further response from America. Another report states that the Cabinet will fight the question of the non-assump-tion by America of the Cuban debt.