Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-09-21
CUBAN FACTIONS FAR APART
Secretary Taft Finds that he Has Gigantic
Task on Hand,
STRENUOUS APPEALS FROM BOTH SIDES
Moderstes Insist that United States
SHOULD support government
Americans Careful Not to
Commit themselves.


tlons in the Cuban conflict has not enabled
Secretary Taft and Assistant Secretary Of
State Bacon to announce any plan for corn-
promising the dificulty. So strenuous are
the appeals OF both the liberal and rnoder-
ate party leaders that the situation be-
comes increasingly complicated as the
negotiations proceed Secretary Taft said
tonight that he believed that when they
are brought face to face with the danger
of losing independence forever all patriotic
Cubans will be willing to make concessions
Mr.. Taft added that tho peace en1issaries
are occupying a most delicate position and
have undertaken to hear all complaints
and that until they have made themselves
thoroughly conversant with the political
turmoil OF Cuba they cannst express them
selves freely in the conferences. fearing
that possible misunderstandlngs may have
deterrent effect
All Advised 10 Keep quiet.
The only counsel to the political leaders
given by Mr., Taft was on the subject Of
not engaging in further agitation that
might make Intervention by the United
States necessary. This advice he offers
freely to all to whom he gives audience
regardless of party Mr., Taft has made II
clear that the United States is not seeking
to exercise control over the island or any
of its affairs. but he has quoted President
Roosevelt's letter to Minister ouesada to
the effect that the United States has a
duty which 1t cannot shirk. To those whom
he met in conference Mr. Taft said that
now Is the time to decide whether they
would have Cuba live as a nation. He has
weighed every word carefully and has
neither upheld nor criticised the principles
Of either faction.
Whether the men they have met in
Havana represent the sentiment OF the
entire island is a question that IL troubling
the American mediators. There is some
fear that even II the ENHANCEMENT Is
Strengthened out here the opposing forces
in Santa Clara and Pinsr del Rio provinces
and even in Santiago will not be satisfied.
Attempt to Arouse National Spirit.
Mr.. Taft realizes that unless the national
spirit is aroused, the commercial interests
will have no confidence In any settlement
that may. be reached. on this point the
mediators are confronted with their chief
difficulty, for no way has been devised to
obtain the sentiments of those In the field
without treating with armed forces, which
might BE regarded as a recognition of the
Insurgents Senator Alfredo Zayas Is gem
orally regarded as. the official representa-
tive OF the revolution. but he cannot claim
that distinction in negotiating with secre-
tary Taft, as that would make him a
revolutionist and terminate free intercourse
with President Roosevelt's representa- tives.
One sentence from Senator Zayas' ad-
dress as president Of, the liberal party is
attracting much attention, as showing the
relations between that party and the in
surrection. He said:
THE liberal party is not revolutionary.
but the program. rof revolution must be-
come the programmed the liberal party"
Senator zayas has been received by
Messrs. Taft and Bacon at the home OF
Minister Morgan In, Mariana more fire.
quently than any other OF the Cuban lead
ers. At today's visit he was expected to
file brief setting forth the grievances OF
the liberals. but he, pleaded for more time
and was granted until tomorrow.
Capote Files Statement.
Vice President Capote, the spokesman
for the moderates. or government party,
today filed a brief declaring the moderate
position and advancing certain propo-
sitions for settling the controversy BY
Mr.. Tafts order this brief was sealed
and will not be taken up for eonsidera ton
until 1t can be done in connection with the
argument OF the opposing side.
Mayor Cardenas and a number of the
principal oficials OF Havana paid a long
visit today TO Messrs. Taft and Bacon
and argued that 1t was the duty of the
United States to support the recognized
government. The mayor undertook to as
sist Secretary Taft. to get in touch with
the commercial interests, and under Mr.
Tafts Instructions will direct the several
business guilds to name representative
to talk with the mediators confidentially
llo frar lnl
fered during the present brief conflict more
severely, many people say. than through
out the ten years war
Business Is DemoraIized.
Hardly shipment has left Havana
wholesale houses of rmsnufactory In the
last ten days. Financial circles are aghast
and business men are awaiting with great
anxiety an opportunity TO meet Messrs
Taft and Bacon who are looked to TO save
Cubas credit Cuban. Spanish. American
and other business men are talking OF
uniting in petition TO Messrs Taft and
Bacon. urging some radical form of Inter
vention or annexation
Oficials of the government say their at
titude has not changed and deny that any
or them entertains an intention OF re-
signing.
The program OF the American peace
commissioners Tor tomorrow includes the
hearing of a limited number Of business
men, including Colonel 8. H. Harvey who
was the chairman OF the committee Of
American landholders who on September
Is agreed 10 aid Secretary Taft by sup
plying such information as he required.
General Freyre Andrade and Secretary
Aontalyo also will be received
No reports OF disturbances anywhere on
the island have been received today
Cienfuegos is suffering from water famine
ON account OF destruction Of the water
works at Jieotea by the insurgents.
The commander OF the American sunboat
Marietta has placed eighty men Of his
crew on the Constancia estate. a snort
distance up the Damsji river and eighty
marines on the soledad and 100 on the
Hormiguero- estates.
Pine Guerra's eastward march has swelled
his force until now he is near the western
boundary OF Havana province with about
5000 men.
Funston VIII Join Taft. II
WASHINGTON, Sept 2o.-General Fred
eriek Funston. In obedience TO orders from
Secretary Taft. arrived here today OF, his