New-York tribune., 1906-09-28
CL[NGING TO PALMA.
TAFT MAY BE GOVERNOR.
Moderates Refuse to accept Cuban
Presidents Resignation.

Havana, Sept. 27-The Moderate party to-
night decided to make final effort to perpetuate
the authority of the Palma administration by
rejecting the resignation of the President when
presented to Congress tomorrow.
When this decision was reached Secretary Taft
and Assistant Secretary Bacon. the American
commissioners had already concluded to inter-
vene, but they agreed to await to-morrow's de-
velopments. as they anxious TO afford the
Cubans every opportunity to work out their own
salvation
President Palma steadfastly refuses TO with
draw his resignation. Typical of this was the
cable dispatch he sent to President Roosevelt IN
response to the final and urgent message from
the American President that he remain at the
helm in Cuba.
In this dispatch President Palma expressed his
warm appreciation of President Roosevelts ef-
forts to secure peace for Cuba and of the friend
ship he has always shown for the Cuban people
He referred to his own previous sacrifices for
Cuba, which he said had not been made in vain.
but in the present situation and in view of all
tha. had transpired, he felt that further sacri-
fee on his part would be useless and that 1t
not consistent with his dignity and prestige TO
remain in office.
Were 1t possible TO induce President Palma TO
withdraw his resignation the situation still
would be most difficult and intervention would
continue to be the most probable outcome. If
President Palmas resignation were accepted, it
70
elect a provisional President. Such election
would only be a source of contention. not
only between the opposing political parties. but
probably within the opposing factions within
these parties.
The American commissioners will not brook
the establishment OF a provisional government
by the Cubans simply as means of gaining
time. They feel that, If provisional govern
ment is created 1t must be by the United States.
Secretaries Taft and Bacon hold that they would
not be properly dischargins their full duties Il
such a government were created in any other
manner.
THINK TAFT WILL BE GOVERNOR
The American commissioners have little con-
the politicians, who have been vacillating and
insincere throughout these nine days Of futilo
negotiation. This being the situation nobody is
inclined to doubt tonight that within twenty
four hours Secretary Taft, by authority of the
President of the United States. will proclaim
himself provisional governor OF Cuba Such a
government however. would be made Cuban as
far as il was possible so to DO by continuing the
various departments under the immediate con-
troll of the present heads.
Immediate developments In the situation de-
pend on the action taken by Congress to-mor-
row. 1t is not likely that the Liberals will at
tend the session but the Moderates and the Lib
eral Notionalists combined expect to secure
quorum.
The Moderate leaders tonight expect nothing
but Intervention tomorrow. and IT is matter of
common report among them that armed Amer
lean forces will flock ashore from the warshps
assembled here even before the meeting of Con-
gress This however. will not occur unless some
violent change in the situation makes it neces-
sary
Even should Congress carry out its announced
intention of not accepting President Palmas
resignation, Secretary Taft will hold that
vacancy exists unless President Palma himself
concludes 10 remain in office.
In the mean while preparations for the landing
of marines and bluejackets from the American
warships have been fully completed. and within
a short time after Secretary Taft gives the order
all advantageous points which already have
been selected by naval officers. will be occupied
by force of at least $500 men.
Such an order would not be given until Sec
retary Taft regards II as absolutely necessary.
but 1t is certain that the present chaotic condi-
tions will not be allowed TO continue for more
Continued third psSsl