Woodruff County news. [volume] (McCrory, Ark.) 1901-1910, 1906-10-04
TAFT TAKES CUBA!
AS PROVISIONAL GOVERNOR AND
PEACE NOW REIGNS.
His Proclamation in Official Gazette
Widely Distributed and Caused
General Satisfaction

Havana-An American provision
al government assumed possession of
Cuba when War Secretary Taft's proc
lamation declaring himself provision
al governor of the island was formally
issued The proclamation was pub
lished in the Official Gazette, and
thousands of the printed copies of the
document were distributed in Havana
and elsewhere.
The terms of the proclamation
caused general satisfaction.
Clear, blue skies and a fresh, cool
breeze were the weather conditions
harmonious to the general aspect &C
companying the turning over of the
government of Cuba The bright at
mospheric conditions after a week Of
drenching rain were in conSonance
with the relief everywhere manifest
over what is regarded as the end Of
strife in Cuba. Cuban government
politicians are not much in evidence
today, but even among them express
sions of satisfaction are not uncom-
mon over the fact that a government
of reliability has taken control of af-
fairs. All seem ncliReu- tpsagree that
danger is past, and that tffe=futtire is
much brighter. All express confidence
in the good faith of the United States
and while none venture to predict the
length of time American occupation
will continue, this class has more or
less hope that the full sovereignty of
the republic eventually will be re-
stored. 1t is different with the business
element. Merchants, bankers and
planters of all nationalities are en-
Enthusiastically glad to welcome Ameri-
can government.
Secretary Taft went in an automo-
bile to the palace for the purpose OF
greeting and arranging to succeed
Senior Palma. His going was practic-
ally unnoticed. No crowd gathered,
and the incident passed off quietly.
On his arrival, Taft was greeted by
Mr.. Belt, the presidents secretary,
and was ushered into the presidents
private office. Formal greetings were
exchanged. Mr.. Taft highly compli-
mented Senior Palma on the progress
in Cuba's development under his adj
ministration and on the condition of
her finances and resources. He said
to Senior Palma that his course in re-
signing was in its way a species OF
heroism Senior Palma replied simply
that he was glad that the burden OF
the presidency had been lifted from
his shoulders.
Secretary Taft had expected to go
over the financial affairs OF the govern
ment with Senior Palma, especially re-
garding bonds and other Indebtedness,
etc, but Senior Palma said Fonts
Sterling was much better able than
incoming government. The interview
he to explain all such matters to the
accordingly Terminated in friendly
fashion, and Secretary Taft and party
returned to the legation.
Secretary Taft has received a letter
signed by Jose Miguel Gomez and
other conspiracy prisoners, as follows;
I'VE understand that the provision
al government just established in Cuba
intends to carry out, so far as the
same may be applicable to the chang
ed conditions, the basis of settlement
which the peace commissioners recon-
mended to both the Moderate and the
Liberal parties, including general am
nesty for all political offenders. The
undersigned, representing the lnsur-
gent forces in the field, by proper
declaration hereby agree, on behalf
of such insurgent forces, that they
will at once lay down their arms, re-
turn to their homes and restore prop
erty taken by them for military pur-
poses. which is now in their posses
sion. We request the appointment OF
a commission by the provisional gov
eminent to meet similar commission
appointed by us, to arrange the details
of the surrender of arms and proper
ties. after which we sh@ll return to
our homes
Mr.. Taft has ordered the release OF
all conspiracy prisoners and appoint
ed a commission as requested in the
appointed, consists of Gen. Funston,
foregoing letter. The commission, a.
(president), Gen. Menocal, Gen. Ag-
ramonte and Col Carlos Fernandez,
co represent the Cuban government
aided by Maj Laid, U. s. A., ana
Lieut. Mitchell, Gen. Funston's aide,
as recorder. 1t is understood the IN
surgent commission will consist OF the
same men who served the Liberals re-
Gently as peace commissioners.
When the prisoners were released
thew went direct from the Preside to
the American legation. They immedi-
ately began conference with Mr.. Taft
regarding the details of laying down
of arms and the manner of conducting
that operation.