Page:Cambridge Modern History Volume 7.djvu/713

 189s] Peace negotiations. 681 men. On July 27 he entered Ponce, from which point he directed operations, and in the course of two weeks had obtained possession of a large part of the island, when hostilities were suddenly arrested. The rapid progress of the American arms and particularly the destruction of the Spanish fleets at Manila and Santiago, induced the government of Spain on July 22, 1898, to make formal overtures for peace. It was intimated that Spain was prepared to relinquish her sovereignty over Cuba, and a wish was expressed to learn from the President the basis on which a " political status " might be established there and an end be put to a conflict " which would continue without reason should both governments agree upon the means of pacifying the island." The President replied on July 30. The suggestion that the war might be brought to a close on the basis of an agreement as to the future status of Cuba was not accepted. On the contrary, it was declared that the " local question " as to the peace and good government of Cuba, out of which the war had grown, had by the course of events been " transformed and enlarged into a general conflict of arms between two great peoples." The terms which the President offered were expressed in these words : " The United States will require : "First. The relinquishment by Spain of all claim of sovereignty over and title to Cuba, and her immediate evacuation of the island. "Second. The President, desirous of exhibiting signal generosity, will not now put forward any demand for pecuniary indemnity. Nevertheless, he cannot be insensible to the losses and expenses of the United States incident to the war or to the claims of our citizens for injuries to their persons and property during the late insurrection in Cuba. He must, therefore, require the cession to the United States and the immediate evacuation by Spain of the island of Porto Rico and other islands now under the sovereignty of Spain in the West Indies, and also the cession of an island in the Ladrones to be selected by the United States. " Third. On similar grounds the United States is entitled to occupy and will hold the city, bay, and harbour of Manila, pending the conclusion of a treaty of peace which shall determine the control, disposition, and government of the Philippines. "If the terms hereby offered are accepted in their entirety, com- missioners will be named by the United States to meet similarly authorised commissioners on the part of Spain for the purpose of settling the details of the treaty of peace and signing and delivering it under the terms above indicated." In regard to Cuba, Porto Rico, and other Spanish islands in the West Indies, and the island in the Ladrones, the answer of Spain, which was dated August 7, in substance accepted, without qualification or reserve, the President's terms. In respect of the Philippines, it was less specific. Though it declared in conclusion that the government of the Queen CH. XXI.