The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-09-14

doAluSlon, september l2.-With Il
view 10 caring for American interests
IN any emergency that may arise in
connection with the Cuban revolution
the cruiser Denver several days ago
was ordered to proceed from New Lon
don, Conn, TO Havana She is due to-
night. The gunboat Marietta, which
has been doing patrol duty in Domin!-
can waters, was ordered from Monte
Christi to Cienfuegos on the south
coast Of Cuba, which port she should
reach tomorrow evening The cruiser
Des Moines which left Norfolk last Fri
day is 10 be detained at Key West until
further orders.
President Roosevelt is keenly alive
to the responsibility Of the United
States in case the conditions grow
worse and intervention becomes neces-
sary. It is known that the president
will not intervene unless IL appears
absolutely necessary, Yet steps have
been taken which would make such in
terventiOn effective. The N1ips that
have been sent 10 Cuba are there for
the purpose only OF protecting Amer
lean intrests and furnishing asylum fer
the warning factions
Actual intervention would be the use
Of the army and all the available forces
would no doubt be needed and VIII DE
ready if a serious situation develops.
Under present conditions the army has
been kept in a better state Of prepara-
ton than ever before, and will be
ready if called upon. Correspondence
between the president, the secretary Of
war, and General Bell. chief Of stan.
has provided for all contingencies. 1t is
recognized that intervention would De
no holiday" matter but that an army
would be necessary and in event of in
terventiOR every available man Of the
rgular army will be used and will BE-
sent 10 Cuba AS fast as possible. AL
though no regular transports are avail
able on the Atlantic coast, 1t is known
where transports can be obtained as
soon as needed. Secretary Taft has
also been interested in everything tnat
has ben going forward and 1t is beliey-
ed that the Cuban situation has been
the subject Of correspondence between
the president and the secretary.
Authority for the intervention N
Cuban affairs is contained in the third
article of the Platt Amendment adopt
ed by congress in the army apprOpr!a-
ton bill of 1902. which reads
THAT the government OF Cuba con-
sentS that the United States may cxer-
else the right to intervene for the pres
ervation Of Cuban independence. the
maintenance Of a government adequate
for the protection Of life. property. and
individual liberty. and for discharging
the obligations with respect 10 Cuba
imposed by the treaty OF Paris on he
United States, now 10 be assumed and
undertaken By the government Of
Cuba"
This with the other provisions Of The
Platt amendment were inoorprated IN
the constitution Of Cuba
Norfolk. Va. September 12.-Non-
day afternoon the cruiser Des Hoines
quietly pulled away from The dock al
this yard under sealed sailing orders.
yesterday. and headed southwark for
Key West. later TO be sent 20 Havana,
Cuba
The cruiser Tacoma. the last ot the
quartette Of cruisers 10 arrive a. this
Yard, wi!! probably get under way to-
morrow morning IN the same manner.
Rush orders were sent 10 the nava:
magazine az ST julien Creek Yesterday
afternoon for 5000 $50 calIbre shells
10 be fitted up for the Tacoma ready
for delivery 10 this vessel this after
noon. The ordnance tug Rocket will
be sent 10 the magazine this nOrning
10 begin leading these shells 10 b.
! brought TO the ward for the Tacoma
and will make frequent trips between
the two places until all o. The ammu-
milton has been placed On board the
cruiser.
Stores are being placed On board The
Tacoma and the Cleveland. both a.
this yard. IN large quantities The
will as soon as practicable get away.
following the same course as The Des
Mo.nes.
The Cleveland will. IL is said. sail
about Friday morning Her destina-
ton remains. as in the case Of the Des
Moines, : secret matter.