The River Falls times. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1894-1933, 1899-01-03

Chicago. Dec. 81. - A special cable
orsm TO the Tribune from Havana
savs: Startling rumors are flying
obout and are given credence by ex-
cited crowds thronging the streets. 1t
noe reported that Gen. Mariana Memo
oaI and his Cuban forces at La Paya
had been asked to take the oath of al
iog,ancp to the United States and had
rofused. The news that Cuban sol
diprs had refused to take the oaths Of
allegiance was cheered by the crowds
and mounted insurgents clattered
through the town, telling the people in
the street that Gen. Menocal had with
drawn his troops from La Paya and
taken to the field. This story, regard
)aSs of it's truth or falsity, is chiefly
worthy Of serious attention because of
fha eagerness with which it was re-
rpived by the crowds who insisted
mon its truth. They justified Gen.
Menocars reported sensational action.
This situation grows out of the refusal
Of Gen. Brooke to permit of the par
ticipation Of Cuban troops in the eX-
cruises on evacuation day. The feeling
in Havana is intense. The United
States flag was torn down from many
houses in the lower districts of the
city last night.
Appeal to Mckinley.
Upper-class Cubans sent cablegrams
without number to President McKln-
ley begging him to interfere. Cable
grams have been sent broadcast over
the United States asking for public
meetings and appealing to the common
sense and justice of the American peo-
pIe The Cuban leaders here are do
ing everything possible to prevent an
outburst, but say that if Gen. Brooke's
command is carried out, not only will
they be helpless, but they will think
that whatever happens will have been
caused by what they consider the ar
bitrary and unjust action Of the Unit
ed States. Judge Advocate Charles
Gould, Of the American commission,
cabled to President Mckinley that
there is intense uneaSinesS in the STU
alton here and advising that the Gu
bans be permitted to participate in the
evacuation ceremonies. No word has
been received from the president re-
garding this matter. The more excita-
Bile of the population of Havana's low
er districts are beginning to boot the
American soldiers. The higher-class
Cuhans are bitterly chagrined and dis
appointed at the turn affairs have
taken. They hardly know what to
say or do. The plans were to have
1000 picked men, the flower of the in
surgent army, march into Havana or
Jan. 1.
Has Been Their Dream.
The Cuban soldiers came into camp
at La Paya and Marianne with the I'M
Outstanding that they were marching
to Havana for evacuation day. They
bought new uniforms in honor of the
occasion. The streets of Havana have
been most lavishly decorated. The
people intended to meet the insurgent
soldiers at the outskirts and escort
them with music and cheering to the
Prad0. The soldiers are the popular
Ideal of the people Of Havana. The
entrance of the Cuban soldiers into
Havana had been the dream of the
people of the unhappy island for fifty
years. During the late war Havana
mad ever been the objective point. Now
spain has been driven out. but the
cuban soldier must not enter The
Cubans compromised on the original
plan two days ago. 1t was said the
soldiers might enter on the I'd proXimo.
Ti days rejoicing were planned
Inc people of Havana planned great
leaSt for the soldiers. Gen. Brooke,
VINO is supposed to act under instruc-
IONS from Washington, said this ar
,rGathSement could not be carried out.
Inc developments of the next few days
may mean peace or war between the
united States and Cuba. Havana cit
lzenS say they beg not to be driven
away from the United States.