There has been a great dearth of news from Spain
since the fall of the late Ministry, and a corresponding wealth of disquieting rumours. Some light, however, has been thrown on the situation by a telegraphic despatch from the Times correspondent in Madrid, and by the publication, in Tuesday's issue, of the ultimatum of the " Infantry Union and Defence Committee," which was the imme- diate cause of the downfall of the late Ministry. The document sets forth the chronic causes of discontent in the Army—neglect, favouritism, bad pay, &c.—to remedy which the Committee was founded—and while protesting their devotion to the sacred interests of the country, the signatories declare their resolve that the Army shall in future be governed solely with regard to justice and equity. In conclusion, they state their desire to respect discipline, but only
on condition that the arrested officers are released and reinstated, that no reprisals will be taken, and finally that the existence of the Union: and Committee is officially recognized. These conditions, they intimated, must be granted in twelve 'hours, and General Marina, who had been sent to Barcelona to suppress the movement, soon convinced- himself that submission was inevitable.
