President McKinley appointed William K. Day, Secretary of State; George Gray, United States Senator from Delaware; Cushman K. Davis, United States Senator from Minnesota; William P. Frye, United States Senator from Maine, and Whitelaw Reid, formerly United States Minister to France, to represent the United States at the Paris conference.  The Spanish commissioners being Senor Montero Rios, President; Leon Castillo, representing the political side; Senor Villarrutia, diplomacy; Senor Montero the judicial, and General Cerero the military.

The United States commissioners do not have to be confirmed by the Senate, as is usually the case with presidential appointments.

Peace reigns.

Nearly a quarter of a million soldiers again resume civil life—­a nation of fighters when called upon to protect the Stars and Stripes, yet as kind and considerate as a brother when strife ceases.  Many of our brave soldiers left our shores never to return—­some were killed in battle; some were stricken down with fever; others who were at the front and saw Old Glory proudly afloat over the once helpless and downtrodden subjects of Spain started homeward but failed to reach their loved ones through disease contracted while performing their duties on the field of battle.  Such is War.  The whole nation will cherish the memory of the dead and ever extend gratitude to those who safely returned.