The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-08-30

SENTIMENT IN
CUBA INCREASING

Havana, Aug. SO.--The surrender yester-
day OF some OF the more vigorous insur-
gent leaders in the provinces OF Matan-
zas and Santa Clara, and the coming IN
OF scattering few insurgents In response
to the governments proffer OF amnesty,
is vastly more than offset by the insur-
gent sentiment looming stronger daily in
the country districts OF the provinces Of
Havana, Pinar wei Rio and Santa Clara
and now is reported to be gaining head
way In Santiago. from which province.
however. there are as yet no reports of
the existence OF organized sands
The testimony of persons arriving here
from the country is unanimous TO the
effect that the people are restless and
becoming more and more excited There
are grave doubts OF the loyalty OF re-
crults, and especially OF negro recruits
who are suspected In many quarters OF a
Willingness 10 join the other side, with
which many OF their people are identified
The undeniable evidence OF the growth
OF insurrectionist sentiment is causing in
creaslng doubt as TO whether the gov
ernment, after all, will be able TO cope
promptly and successfully with the move
ment. and there is much discussion OF the
possibilities Of a peaceful settlement. This
centres around a projected meeting OF
Cuban veterans and other prominent men
to consider the question OF approaching
Pine Guerra and other insurgent COM
manders. as well as leaders OF the Liberal
party and members am the government
with a view TO ascertaining whether the
difficulty cannot be settled through some
compromise.
At the present stage OF affairs, how
ever. any compromise would appear 10 be
out OF the question, as the government
continues confident that 1t will soon be
able 10 suppress the movement.
Many Cubans feel that patriotism de-
mands some effort be made 10 end the war
and avoid the possibility Of Intervention
by the United States. There is no question
that foreigners would welcome interven-
tion TO restore peace, and many Cubans
would do likewise were IL not for the SEN
timent OF pride in making II appear that
Cuba is able to maintain order within her
boundaries and unwillingness 10 have the
world regard her as the ward OF the
United States.
Government officials, while not denying
that many people, and especially the more
ignorant classes, are uneasy predict that
matters will become quiet after a few
heavy blows have been dealt the rebels.
They characterize the stories OF disaffec-
llon dlltls the lbAtts dS III
ventions Of the opposition newspapers
and not worthy OF denial
Meanwhile a rapid-1re artillery corps is
being organized under American officers,
ammunition and guns are being unpacked
and the historic Castillo de la Punta,
fronting the harbo entrances, is the
scene OF the greatest activity.
The insurrection in the province OF
Pinar del Rio has spread across the noun
tains TO the north coast, and the town Of
Cabanas is now IN the hands OF the in
surgents, who are reported also TO have
gone in the direction OF Bahia Honda.
Col. Avalos' command left the city OF
Pinar del Rio for Gunas, but no news has
been received from him. The government
telegraph lines are interrupted
Pine Guerra again Is threatening the
railroad officials. The latter have begun
the construction OF an armored train to
precede the troops and other trains in
the threatened region
No conflicts were reported yesterday In
Havana province, though small bands are
numerous. In Matanzas province there
been no fighting and in Santa Clara the
insurgents evidently are avoiding an en-
since their recent defelts.