The Portland daily press., 1898-04-11


character.
During Senior Polo's call at the STATE
department he notified the authorities
that word had come from Havana that
Gen. Blanco had been prompt in execut
ing the orders of the Queen Regent and
that the proclamation of armistice had
been duty promulgated today. The first
effect OF this will be to bring about a
complete cessation of all Spanish hostili-
ties throughout the island.
Tic Spanish troops will for the time
being so into garrison. Their future dis
position has not even been considered
for much depends upon the duration OF
the armistice and the course of the insur
gents. II the insurgents continue thei1
fpbtiug and make ATTACKS on the Span
ism troops the situation will become com.
plioated for it is harly believed that the
Snanish forces will lay down their arms
for any length of time if they continue to
I've under fire from the insurgents. The
attitude of tho insurgent advisors at
Washington is that Of rejecting the
ar1nistice. Senor Quesada of the lunta,
declared today that the armistiee was
ein,nlv n Spanish trick designed to cre-
ate the impression that the insurgents
were unreasonable. From his standpoint
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. Ii they
also reject the armistice Spain is not like
" to continue it and thus the resort to
arms will continue as it has been during
the last three years. There is little doubt,
however. that strong influences will now
be brought to bear to induce the infu :
gents to suspend hostilities SO that terms
for a complete settlement may be reached.
One of the ambassadors at Washington
pointed out today that the influence OF
the Pope was relied upon to consider
able extent with the insurgents as they
are part of country which is thorough
Iy Catholic and loyalto Rome.
While the influence of the great powers
is not likely to be exerted in any materi-
al way against the insurgents. yet this
Influence will be brought to bear as far
AS possible from every moral standpoint.
The influence of ths United States gov
ernment Will also be material factor
i'm case the present crisis between the
United States and Spain is averted and
the arrnistice is accepted in Washington
as n tenatiye ground for the solution of
the Cuban problem. The attitude OF
Congress on the general subject is
probIe,natic During recent days 1.-The
feeling in both Houses has been intense
and il remains to be seen whether the
changed conditions brought about by the
armistice will suffi,e to allay this feel
ing.
Resolutions authorizing intervention
are already prepared, but these were
framed when the diplomatic negotiations
were in deadlock.
Diplomatic circles in Washington We're
keenly Interested in the change brought
about by Spain's grant OF an armistice.
The ambassadors and ministers ex-
changed calls and therewas a general ex-
change of congratulations as it was felt
that the arn,istice at least gaye time for
calner councils.
Throughout the negotiations the French
ambassador and the French government
has taken leading part in averting an
open rupture between the United States
ard Spain. While the British govern
ment has been most active in seeing that
the action of the powers did not assume e
meracing attitude toward the United
States. yet it is known that Great
Britain joins with tie other powers in
approving the latest move of an armistice
and is hopeful that it viii clear tie way
for full2r settlement of the general
Cuban spestion.
HOW MADRID TAKES 1T.