The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-09-30
CUBA UNDER AMERICAN FLAG Taft Is Provisional
 Governor. HE ISSUES A PROCLAMATION Declares Republic Will Be Restored
 With Order. Releases All Political Prisoners and Appoints Commission 10 Com fer with Cubans--GeneraI
 Satisfaction Expressed
 ny All.

Havana. Sept. 29.--Clear. blue skies and a refreshing cool breeze, were the weather conditions. harmonious 10 the general aspect accompanying the turn ing over of the Government or Cupa. . The bright atmospheric conditions after a week of drenching rain were lin consonance with the relief every where manifest over what Is regarded as the end of the strife in Cuba. Cuban Government politicians are not much Tn evidence today, but even among them expfessions of satisfaction are not un- common over the fact that Govern msnt of reliability has taken control of affairs.
 All seem inclined to agree that dan ger is past and that the future Is much brighter. All express implicit conff- dence in the good faith of the United States and while none venture to pre- dict the length of time American oc- cupation will continue. this class has more or less hope that the full sov- ereignty of the republic eventually will be restored.
 It is different with the business eie- ments. Merchants, bankers and plant CTS of all nationalities are enthusiastic ally glad to welcome American gov ernmeIit; but all are asking the same question. namely, whether 1t will be permaftent,
 secretary IdIt went III AIi4 duIotiODitc to the palace at noon for the purpose of greeting and arranging to succeed Senor Palma His going was practic- ally unnoticed; no crowd gathered, and the incident passed quietly. On his ar rival Mir. Taft was greeted by Mfr. Belt, the Presidents secretary and was ushefed into the Presidents private cffice.
 Comp1imenfed President Palmn. n pN Mir. Taft highly complimented Senor Palma 3n the progress in Cuba's devel- opment under his administration and on the condition of her finances and re- sources. He said to Senor Palma that his course in resigning was in its way a species of heroism. Senor Palma re- piled simply that he was glad that the burden Of the Presidency had been lifted from his shoulders. He felt personally relieved and sat- isfied, he said.
 Secretary Taft had expected to go over the financial affairs of the Gov ernment with Senor Palma, especially regarding bonds and other indebtedness, etc, but Palma said Fonts Y. Sterling was much better able than he to ex- plain all such matters to the incom- ing Government. The interview termi- mated in friendly fashion, and Secre- tary Taft and party returned to the legation.
 MT. Taft probably win actually oc- cupy the palace Sunday, Senor Palma with his family going to Matanzas Mon- day.
 Secretary Taft received letter signed by Jose Miguel Gomez and other con- spiracy prisoners, as follows:
 We understand that the provisional government this day established in Cuba, intends to carry out as far as the same may be applicable to the changed condition, the basis of settlement which the Peace Commissioners recommended to both the moderate and the liberal parties, including general amnesty for all political offenders.
 '"The undersigned, representing the insurgent forces in the field, by proper declaration, hereby agree, on behalf of such insurgent forces, that they will at once lay down their arms. return to their homes and restore property taken by them for military purposes which now Is. in their possession. We request the appointment of a commission by provisional government to meet simi- lar commission appointed by us. to ar range the details of the surrender of arms and properties. after which we shall return to our homes"
 Conspiracy Prisoners Released.
 MT. Taft has ordered the release of ull conspiracy dPPOAhlVu 0 commission as requested in the fore going letter. The commission consists of General Funston, President; Gen. eral Menocal. General Agramonte and Colonel Carlos Fernandez, to represent the Cuban government, aided by Major Ladd, United States Army, and Lieu tenant Mitchell. Funston's aide, as re- corder. It is understood the insurgent commission will consist of the same men who served the liberals recently as Peace Commissioners.
 When the prisoners were released. they went direct from the Presidio to the American legation, where they ar rived at l:30 o'clock. They immediately began a conference with Mir. Taft re- gardifg the details of the laying down of arms and manner of conducting that proceeding.
 An American provisional government assumed possession of Cuba today when War Secretary Taft's proclamation, de- claring himself Provisional Governor