Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-11
WAR NOW CRASPS
CUBA TIGHT, WITH
SMALL HOPE AHEAD
Martial Law Declared and Ha-
vana is in Panic.
PALMA CONVENED CABINET
General Montalvo Proposed the Sus-
pension of the Constitution.
LIBERALS ARE ALL IN HIDING
Veterans Are Drafting Manifesto to
the Country, but They Are Divided
and May Accomplish Little.
General Montalvo Proposed the Sus-
pension of the Constitution.
LIBERALS ARE ALL IN HIDING

The conditions in Cuba grow
hourly more serious and chaos
reigns. There is no confidence in
Palma. Montalvo says che wants
his own way and that he is re-
sponsible for his situation. Martial
law rules; Havana is in state of
panic, and the next move on the
chess board is one of pure specula-
ton. The liberals are in hiding,
and secret orders have been ic-ued
for their arrests. The manifesto
being drafted to the country can
hardly amount to much because
the veterans are divided.
Special Cablegram to The Star.
HAVANA, September 1.-THE news of
the declaration of martial law and the
suspension of constitutional rights fell like
a bomb. Never was Havana SO much ex-
cited, even at the worst stage Of the Span
ish war. President Palma summoned his
slider the situate after the veterans had
been notified by Secretary Montalve that
the government would not accept their
terms Of peace. At the meeting of the
cabinet Montalvo suddenly proposed sus-
pension Of the constitution and the declara-
tion of martial law. This has been his
plan since the war began, but It was al
ways opposed by Secretary of Senate and
Justice O'Farrill. O'Farrill still opposed
1t, saying that the measure would not re-
suit in the governments favor. A hot
debate ensued.
OFarril Is considered in the cabinet less
friendly TO President Palma than DR..
O'Farrill, the noted liberal, who was ar
rested yesterday member of the Ha-
vana junta, and who is a relative of Sec
retary O'Farrill. In the debate Montalvo
said that the tolerance Of the government,
in allowing conspirators to remain in Ha-,
vana. protected by their immunity as sena-
tors and representatives, promoted the
revolution. He said:
II am responsible for the situation, being
in charge of the war Tomorrow, II we
fail, the secretary of state will be the
first to make charges against me- 1 want
my own way"
Favored Montalvo.
Gabriel Casuso, secretary CT agricui-
ture, and Lamar, secretary of education.
backed MonIalvo. and O'Farrin was left
alone. Fonts, secretary of finance. was
not present at the meeting, but it was
known that he favored Montalvo.
Immediately orders were issued to the
police to arrest the conspirators, and the
decree, announcing the declaration of
martial law, etc, was sent to the print
ing office.
Senator Zayas the president of the
liberal party, has not been captured vet
FL Mundo says he has joined the rebels
Serrain has not been found yet either
Last night the Liberal Club was deserted
Only two walters remained and they
were frightened and closed the doors
early.
A Manifesto Drafted.
Alfonzo Lopez Senator Zayas' clerk.
was arrested, but said he did not know
where Zayas was. All the prominent
liberals in hiding. Secret orders have
been issued for the arrest of twenty-five
OF the leaders, but only eight have been
arrested.
The veterans are drafting a manifesto
TO the country. They are divided, few
now remaining with Gen. Menocal. The
majority side with the government
Late last night 1t was said at the palace
that the government had several reasons
for the measure 1t had taken, namely:
First: The publication of basis Of
peace. agreed upon by the veterans and
the revolutionary junta.
Second: The large number of people
Joining the revolution, believing that
peace was near, that the government was
defeated and that they were going as If
to picnic.
Third The discovery Of a conspiracy
TO throw Havana into a state OF anarchy,
the conspiratOrs having planned to kill
the horses OF all the fire engines and
then to set fire to several places in the
city. and at the same time to attack the
palace and loot the city.
outrages on Women.
1t is said also that colored soldiers among
the rebels outraging women in the
country.
The story of the fire-plot is confirmed by
Jerez Varona, chief of the secret police.
Shortly after last nights decree was is
sued orders were given that all the govern
ment forces in the province of Havana
should attack the rebels and clear them
from the outskirts OF the city. Consequence
was that lively skirmlshes were going on
all night. and volley firing could be heard
I'm the suburbs.
Tomorrow a censorship will be estab-
lished. which pcrobably will include super
vision OF cable dispatches.
Fighting at Cienfuegos.
Fighting is In progress around Cienfue-
gos The city is well prepared for de-
Tense, and 1t Is unlikely that the rebels