Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-01-05

gram to the Tribune from Havana
says: Startling rumors are flying
about and are given credence by eX-
cited crowds thronging the streets. 1t
was reported that Gen. Mariana Memo
cal and his Cuban forces at La Paya
had been asked to take the oath of al
legiance to the United States and had
refused. The news that Cuban SOL
diers had refused to take the oaths Of
allegiance was cheered by the crowds
and mounted insurgents clattered
through the town, tei;lns the people in
the street that Gen. Me1,acal had with
drawn his troops from La Paya and
less of it's truth Or falsity, is chiefly
worthy Of serious attention because OF
the eagerness with which it was re-
ceived by the crowds who insisted
upon it's truth. They justified Gen.
Menocals reported sensational action.
This situation grows out OF the refusal
Of Gen. Brooke to perhiit Of the par
ticipation Of Cuban trccps in the ex-
ercises 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 seut cablegrams
without number to President McKin-
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 lee lers here are do
ing everything possible 10 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
bitracy and unjust action of the Unit
Gould, Of the American commission,
cabled to President Mckinley that
there is intense 1Ineasiness 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
err districts are beginning to boot the
American soldiers. The higher-class
Cubans 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 Oh
Jan. 1.
Has Been Their Dream.
The Cuban soldiers came into camp
at La Paya AMI Msrianao with the un-
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
Prado. 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
had 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.
Five days rejoicing were planned
The people Of Havana planned a great
feast for the soldiers. Gen. Brooke,
who is supposed to act under instruc-
tons from Washington, said this ar
rangement could not be carried out.
The developments Of the next few days
may mean peace OF war between the
United States and Cuba. Havana cit
liens say they beg not to be driven
away from the United States.