The Mena star., 1898-04-13
ARMISIICE GRANTED.
An Important Spanish Document
 delivered to State Department.
A Summary or the Contents of the spanish Note-Ihe Disaster to the Battieship Maine Noticed and Sympathy
 Expressed.

WASHINGTON, April 1.-The Spanish government, through it's minister at Washington, Senor Polo Bernabe, last night delivered an important off clal document to the state department. stating that the armistice which the queen regent of Spain had commanded ten Blanco to proclaim Sunday was without conditions; that her maiesty's government had granted liberal insti- tutions to the island of Cuba which the coming Cuban parliament would adopt; recalling the condolence and sympathy expressed by the queen regent and her government on the disaster of the Maine and the horror this disaster had occasioned in Spanish hearts, and ap- pealing to the courtesy and sense of justice of the United States govern ment to enlighten public opinion upon the attitude of Spain. The note also repeats the offer of the Spanish gov ment to submit the Maine question to experts designated by the maritime powers of the world
 This document was the official noti- hcation of the Spanish government to the United States of the granting of an armistice and it's essential terms. Minister Woodford's dispatch Satur- day night had briefly stated the fact that an armistice had been agreed upon, but it was not communicated as coming from the Spanish gov ernment. Yesterdays communica- tion cleared up misapprehension on the most vital point of Spain's concession, namely, that the armistice was without conditions. The note was received by the state depart ment after the first cabinet meeting, and was one of the main subjects of consideration at the second cabinet meeting held at night. Although the Spanish note was surrounded with the usual secrecy of official negotiations. the following summary of its contents was secured:
 First--iIer majesty, the queen regent of Spain desirous Of ending the troubles which arc desolating Cuba has commanded a suspen- sion of hostilities. Gen Blanco has been or dered to proclaim an armistce without con- ditions He will determine later the duration and details Of this armistice so as Co carry out the generous intentions or her maleSty ana Ine wishes of the friends of peace
 Second-Her majesty has granted to the is- land Of Cuba institutions as liberal as those enjoyed by Canada under the British flag. The Cuban chambers will meet on the 4th of next May. It 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 reit- erated expressions of coincidence from her majesty the queen. from her government, from her charge daifaires in Washington and from the authorities in Havana; all of which tended to affirm the horror which this disaster had caused to arise in Spanish hearts as also the sympathy felt for the United States govern ment and navy and for the American nation.
 Fourth--As to the cause of this lamentable disaster it resolves itself into question of facts which can only he settled by material proofs. The Spanish minister reiterates the assurance that his government is ready to sub nit the question to experts designated by the maritime powers whose conclusions are in ad- vance accepted.