The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-09-12
PUBLIC INTEREST
 GROWING DEEPER
An Air of Dread Uncertainty
 .PervadeS Cuba
MAY ATTACK HAVANA
It Is Expected That Fierce Fighting Will Begin In Many Quarters as Soon as Governments
 Position Is Known.

Havana, September 11.-so far as war developments went today was one of the quietest since the outbreak of the insur- rection, but the public interest was deep CT and discussion more animated and earnest than on any preceding day. The governments outright declaration that the war will be prosecuted to a finish was everywhere the sole topic of conyer- sation. That fighting of far more des- perate character will result as soon as the news shall have spread throughout the provinces is not doubted in any quar- ter. The fear of an attack by the insur- gents on Havana is spreading. and there are rumors more or less authentic from all directions of new uprisngs in various quarters.
 This afternoon the government forces in Havana paraded through the principal streets and were greeted with some en- thusiasm. The parade, which was headed by the fine artillery band consisted of 400 mounted rural guards clad in the regula- tion khaki uniform of that organization, 200 mounted city militia, 600 infantry, rural guards and volunteers and a city militia company of artillery with two machine gun batteries.
 Particular plans have been prepared for the defense of the outskirts of the city. The American Captain Renos rapid fire battery keeps nightly vigil at Fueresa castle in front of the palace, prepared to sweep the Place de Arms fronting on the palace, In the event of any surprise in that quarter.
 The water words at Vento Springs and other outlying exposed points are being guarded with increasing vigilence. It 's not generally believed that there is a stf- flcient insurgent force near Havana at present to attempt to enter the city, and many doubt whether the insurgents will have sufficient nerve in any event to att | tempt to traverse the long distance from the suburbs to the palace with the cer- | tainty of death to many of the attack ing force on the way
 Publishers Warned.
 All the publishers and editors of news papers were summoned this afternoon to the office of the Secretary of the In- terior and informed while the suspension of constitutional rights had not affected l the customary liberty of the press, the publication of anything that might be construed as lncendiary or in any way l melting to revolution would not be tol- erated, and that the government dur l ing the existence of the courtnartial law had assumed the right to suppress any newspaper which. offended in this respect | and if deemed advisable, to arrest those who are responsible -tf
 The news that the United States is sending one more warships to Cuba Is exciting great interest here Some at first were inclined to jump at the conclusion that the United States was about to take d hand at enforcing peace, but later the | opinion became general that the act had not necessarily a larger significance than would attach to the sending of ships to South American republics under similar conditions. There is general belief how ever, that if marines are landed to pro- teet American property and persons, they will not be likely to be withdrawn until peace is thoroughly established with A guarantee of it's continuance. 1 Government officials who were shown the Associated Press dispatch declared l that they were not especially concerned as the administration had nothing to fear from the United States, which had always shown Cuba every friendship. All seemed to regard the sending of a warship as only the usual precautionary measures where ever special disorders exist Members of the cabinet were of the opinion that the United States did not feel justified to do anything in Cuba more than it would do under similar circumstances l elsewhere
 For War Expenses.
 Vice President Mendez Capote said to- I night that he feared there would be some | difficulty In securing a quorum of the sem ate, but that with a moderate majority | in both houses to back President Palma. the annual and other appropriation bills would be voted for, and the President given unlimited credit for war expenses. l The veterans peace commission this evening submitted the following basis for peace propositions and the executive com mittee of the moderate party unanimously accepted them, and promised to lend their | services heartily toward pacification through this means. Whether the insur rectionists will accept them Is consd- cred questionable. as they do not provide for the annullment. of any of the last elections. The election reforms follow: 1 Repeal of the general electoral law and l the new judicial law, permitting the per l nnanent tenure of offices by judges; pro- hlbiting the discharge of public employees without full hearing and investigation; not 1 permitting the suspension of mayors or I aldermen without court trials; declaring | for the complete autonomy of municipali- ties in accordance with the constitution providing for the formation of the munis cpality of Havana into a federal district, | the officials of which shall be named by commission appointed by Congress, en- acting a new election law which shall provide that registrations be supervised l by judicial authorities. election boards to consist of judicial authorities and. dele gates from each party, and declaring that each party shall have absolute respect l for the rights of mihorities in all elec- I tions.
 1 If the revolutionists and liberals accept the propositions. the war will be declared ended by the moderates.
 The nationalists resolutely stand by the government. because 1t represents and symbolzes the republic. The nationalists. while disposed to make concessions, will not agree to abdication from office, which would only disgrace the cause of public authority The nationalists the statement | continues. are faithful to guaranteeing liberty to the voters and to the munich palities, the widest range of authority while prohibiting removals for partisan | reasons.
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 Editor Is Arrested.