The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-11

a suspension of hostilities. Gen Blanco
has been ordered to proclaim to-day an
aTmistice without conditions. He will de-
termine later the duration and details of
this armistice, so as to carry out the gem
erous intentions of her Majesty and the
wishes of the friends of peace
'.Second-Her Majesty's government has
granted to the Island of Cuba institutions
liberal as those enjoyed by Canada un-
der the British flag. The Cuban Chambers
will meet on the fourth of next May 1t
will be their duty and privilege to put into
practice and develop these institutions. In
addition to this Cuba is represented in the
Parliament at Madrid
"Third-Public opinion in this country
appears to ignore the fact that the loss
of the Maine was Immediately followed by
official and reiterated expressions Of con-
dolence from her Majesty the Queen, from
her government, from her charge d 'afTaires
in Washington and from the authorities i'm
Havana, all Of which tended to affirm the
horror which this disaster had caused to
arise in Spanish hearts, as also the SYM
pathy felt for the United States govern
ment and navy and for the American ma
tion.
The Spanish minister feels confident that
he can count upon the courtesy and sense
of justice of the United States government
to enlighten public opinion upon this SUBJ
ject.
"Fourth-As to the cause OF this lam
entable disaster, it resolved itself into a
question of facts. which can only be set
tied by material proofs. The Spanish min
lister reiterates the assurance that his gov
eminent is ready to submit the question
to experts designated by the maritime pow
ers. whose conclusions are in advance ac-
cepted.3
Senior Polo delivered the document i'm
person to the State Department and aside
from the interest in the communication it
self, the call had added interest as an evil
dence of a renewal of diplomatic negotia-
tions this being his first call at the depart
ment in ten days. Later Senior Du Bose
first secretary of the legation, made an
other call at the department on the same
general subject Besides delivering the note
the call permitted personal exchange be-
tween the secretary of state and the Span
ish officials of an agreeable character.
During Senor Poios call at the State De-
partment he notified the authorities that
word had come from Havana that Gen
Blanco had been prompt in executing the
orders of the Queen Regent, and that the
proclamation of armistice had been duly
promulgated to-day. The first effect of this
will be to bring about a complete cessation
of all Spanish hostilities throughout the
island. The Spanish troops will for the
time being go into garrisons Their future
disposition has not even been considered,
for much depends on the duration of the
armistice and the course of the insurgents
If the insurgents continue their fighting,
and make attacks on the Spanish troops
the situation will become complicated. for
it is hardly believed that the Spanish forces
will lay down their arms for any length of
time of they continue to be under fire from
the insurgents
The attitude of the insurgent advisers at
Washington is that of rejecting the armis-
tice. Senior Quesada, of the Junto, de-
clared to-day that the armistice was sim
ply Spanish trick, designed to create the
impression that the insurgents were unrea-
sonabie. From his 81 ipcent nothing short
of independence will satisfy the Cubans
1t remains to be seen how far Gen. Gomez
and the insurgents In the field entertain
this view. If they also reject the armis-
tice, Spain is not likely to continue it, and
thus the resort to arms will continue as it
has been during the last three years.
influences will now be brought to bear to
induce the insurgents to suspend hostilities
so that terms for a complete settlement may
be reached. One of the ambassadors at
Washington pointed out to-day that the in
fiuence Of the Pope was relied on to a con-
siderable extent with the insurgents, as
they are a part of a country which is
thoroughly Catholic and loyal to Rome
While the influence of the great powers
is not likely to be exerted in any material
way against the insurgents, yet this in
f1uence will be brought to bear as far as
possible from every moral standpoint. The
influence of the United States government
also will be a very material factor in case
the present crisis between the United States
and Spain is averted and the armistice is
accepted in Washington as a tentative
ground for the solution of the Cuban prob
lem.
The attitude of Congress on the general
subject is problematic. During recent days
the feeling in both houses has been intense,
and it remains to be seen whether the
changed conditions brought about by the
armistice will suffice to allay this feeling.
Resolutions authorizing intervention are al
ready prepared. but these were framed
when diplomatic negotiations were in
deadlock
Diplomatic circles in Washington were
keenly interested in the change brought
about by Spains grant of an armistice. The
ambassadors and ministers exchanged calls
and there was general exchange of con-
gratulatiOns, as it was felt that the ar
mistice at least gave time for calmer coun-
ellis The French ambassador, NJ Cambon
received a cable dispatch from the Foreign
Office at Paris informing him that the ar
mistice had been granted and was wholly
without conditions. Besides seeing his as
sociateS of the diplomatic corps the am
bassador saw Archbishop Ireland who was
instrumental in securing the influence of the
Pope, and Joined the archbishop in express
sions of satisfaction. Throughout the nego-
tiations the French ambassador and the
French government has taken a leading
part in averting an open rupture between
the United States and Spain. While the
British government has been most active
in seeing that the action of the powers did
not assume a menacing attitude towards the
United States, yet 1t is known that Great
Britain joins with the other powers in ap-
proving the latest move of an armistice and
is hopeful that this will clear the way for
fuller settlement of the general Cuban
question.
OPINION ON ARNISTICE.
England IndOrses, but Fears the Ac-
tim Comes Zoo Eafc