NEWS OF THE WEEK.
ON Wednesday it was announced that Spain had opened negotiations for peace. The method of approach was as foalows. The French Ambassador, M. Carabon, " acting on behalf of the Government of Spain and by direction of the Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs," presented a Note to the Government at Washington shortly summarising the causes of the war and stating that Spain admits that she has been worsted," and that her sufferings as the result are very great." —A curiously Latin touch of self-pity; no American or English- man, however great his punishment, will ever allude to his sufferings.—Spain, the Note proceeds, believes the time has now come "when she can properly ask for the co-operation of the United States in the termination of the war, and therefore asks to be furnished through the French Ambassador with a statement of the terms upon which the United States would be willing to make peace." This Note was read in English to the President, who expressed his gratification, and stated that he would discuss the matter with his Cabinet, and make a statement later. The answer will, it is expected, be made known to-day. It should be remembered that though the Presi- dent can stop all hostilities, and controls all negotiations in regard to peace, every treaty has to be ratified by the Senate before it is binding.
