The San Francisco call., 1906-09-16
CUBAN REBELS ARE
READY To MAKE
SURRENDER.
Present Offer to Commander
Colwell of the Denver
to Bring in Their Arms
BATTLE AT NIGHT
DELAYS PEACE PLAN
Three United States War
ships Now in Havana
Harbor Ready to Land Men

HAVANA, Cuba, Sept 15.-There are
now three United States warships in
Havana harbor, and in the event of dis
turbances a considerable force of ma
rines and jackies could be landed with
in few minutes. Although conditions
were never more precarious than at
present, there is no likelihood of any
necessity for a landing tonight
The cruiser Des Moines entered the
harbor at o'clock this morning, passed
her sister boat. the Denver. moved close
to the office of the captain of the port.
and took a position below the Dixie,
which brought marines from Guanta-
namo and arrived just before sunset.
The Dixie anchored near the wreck Of
the Maine
drew great part of the population of
Havana to the water front. Captain
Culver of the Des Moines. with the
United States charge d'affaires. Mr..
Sleeper, paid an official call on Presi-
dent Palma, who said he saw no reason
for immediate hostiIities in this city.
though he could not know positively.
REVOLUTION A SURPRISE.
President Palma declared the revolu
ton lad come as a great surprise, espe-
ciaIly as the country had enjoyed phe-
nomenal prosperity Large sums from
the national treasury had been devoted
to public works, but none to prepara-
r-1,o GA
dined tonight with the Secretary of the
Treasury, Senior Fonts y Sterling.
Plans for a peace conference are still
pending, but the prospect is less bright
than yesterday on account of last
nights fight between General Alejandre
Rodriguez. commander of the rural
guards, and rebels supposed to- be part
of the force of General Loynaz del
Castillo, who had sent emissaries to
see Captain Colwell of the Denver and
attempt to make a settlement.
COULD END INSURRECTIoN.
Commander Colwell this afternoon
cabIed the Navy Department that the
revolutionary leaders assured him that
they had ceased hostilities and again
offered to bring him their arms. ETC..
and disband their forces. Commander
Colwell stated that he believed he
could. If authorized. end the insurrec-
ton at once. Up to tonight, however
nc instructions in this connection had
been received by him. The commander
also reported to the department that
negotiations for peace mad been opened
with the Government and that he be-
suit. He was informed constantly as
to the attitude of the revolutionary
leaders.
The conflict occurred in a road be-
tween wajay and Marianao. Rodri-
guez was compelled to retire after one
of his men had been killed and thir-
teen wounded, according to the official
count Colonel Arrencibia of the rebel
force said today that the rural guards
left three dead on the field and six
were taken prisoners. A body of Gov
ernment troops passed through Ven
dado today. presumably going to re-
new the attack
NO REDRESS FROM CUBA.
Foreigners owning property in Cuba
have been advised by American law
yers here that they will have no re-.
dress and no claim against the Gov
ernment in the event of its destruc-
tion.
The Spanish Claims Commission has
ruled that no damages will be award
ed for losses in the long revolution
where the Government had lost con-
troll of territory where property was
destroyed. If the Government had con-
troll. as in the large towns. it must pay
Palma's statement to Captain Col
well that the Government could not
control the country and guarantee the
safety of the persons and property of
Americans is construed as an indica-
tion that Cuba cannot be held respon-
sible.