Minister Bryan to the Secretary of State.
Lisbon, Portugal, June 12, 1906.
Sir: In continuation of my No. 235, of the 5th instant, I have the honor to report that the Cortes opened on June 1, as reported therein, was but short lived. The absence of a quorum, due to the refusal of the followers of the late ministry to attend and the general dissatisfaction with the manner in which the late elections were conducted, induced the King to call a council of state on June 5, at which it was decided to dissolve the Chamber of Deputies and convoke a General Cortes for the 29th of September next. The present ministry promises to guarantee an absolutely free ballot at the elections to be held for the new Chamber of Deputies, and it is hoped that a legislature representative and able to accomplish legislation may be returned.
I have, etc.,