VOA慢速英语:American History: Treaty Brings Quick End to Spanish-American War

nothing but只有, 只不过

例句：I had nothing in the world but a million-pound note.
      除了一张百万英镑的钞票, 这世上我是一无所有。

      Don't scold her, she's nothing but a child.
      不要责骂她, 她只不过是个孩子。

2.In return, the United States would pay Spain twenty-million dollars.

in return作为回报,作为交换;反过来,反之

3.Senator Beveridge said the Pacific would be of great importance in coming years.

be of importance

of＋抽象名词的用法与形容词用法相同，在句中可作表语、定语、补语。在抽象名词(如use, value, help, importance, difference等)前面可用little, some, any, no, great, not much 等修饰；有的可用同根形容词代替，如：

The work I am doing is not of much value. 我做的工作没有多大价值。

His speech is of little significance. 他的讲话毫不重要。

It is of greatest consequence. 它极为重要。

It’s an invention of great importance. 这是一项非常重要的发明。

Don’t follow the way of least resistance. 不要走最省力气的路。