The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1906-09-21
/ NO PEACE PLAN YET
President RooseveIt's ENJOYS
Considering Method of Solv-
ing Cuban Problem.
RIVAL LEADERS GIVE VIEWS

RIVAL LEADERS GIVE VIEWS
Senator zayas and Vice President Ca
pote Hold Conferences With Amer
loan Commissioners - Islands Com
merciaI Affairs Suffering From Dis
turbed Political Conditions
Havana, Sept 21. = Numerous con-
ferences with the leaders Of the fac
tions In the Cuban conflict have not
enabled Secretary of War Taft and
Assistant Secretary of State Bacon to
announce any plan for compromising
the difficulty
SO strenuous are the appeals of both
the Liberal and Moderate party lead
ers that the situation becomes increas-
ingly complicated as the negotiations
proceed. However, Secretary Taft said
that he believed when they are brought
face to face with the danger of losing
independence forever all patriotic Gu
bans will be willing to make conces-
siOnS
Mr., Taft added that the United
States peace emissaries are occupying
most delicate position and have un-
dertaken to hear all complaints and
that until they have made themselves
thoroughly conversant with the politi-
cal turmoil of Cuba they cannot ex-
press themselves freely in the confer
ences. The only counsel to the political
leaders given by Mr.. Taft was on the
subject of not engaging In further agi-
tation that might make Intervention
by the United States necessary. This
advice he offers freely to all to whom
he giTes audience, regardless of party
Mr.. Taft has made it clear that the
United States is not seeking to exercise
control over the island.
May Not Satisfy Fighters.
Whether the men they have met in
Havana represent the sentiment of the
entire island is question that is trou-
bling the American mediators. There
is some fear that even if the entangle
ment is Strengthened out here the op-
posing forces in the provinces will not
be satisfied. On this point the media
tors are confronted with their chief
difficulty, for no way has been devised
to obtain the sentiments of those in the
field without treating with armed
forces, which might be regarded as
recognition of the insurgents. Senator
Alfredo Zayas, leader of the Liberals,
is generally regarded as the official
representative of the revolution, but he
cannot claim that distinction in nego-
tiating with Secretary Taft, as that
would make him an insurgent
1t is reported that the leaders of the
revolutionary movement have called all
ference in Havana They are safe from
molestation during the truce.
Senator Zayas has been received by
Messrs. Taft and Bacon at the home
of Minister Morgan in Marianao more
frequently than any other of the Gu
ban leaders. He is expected to file
brief setting forth the grievances OF
the Liberals. Vice President Mende2-
Capote, the spokesman for the Mod
eratesr or government party, fled
brief declaring the Moderate position
and advancing certain propositions fol-
settling the controversy.
cuba's Commerce Suffers.
The commercial affairs of Cuba have
suffered during the present brief con
I f1ict more severely, many people say
than throughout the Ten Years war.
Hardly shipment has left Havana
wholesale houses or manufactures il
the last ten days. Financial circles
fSare aghast, and business men are
awaiting with great anxiety an oppor-
| tunity to meet Messrs Taft and Ba.
con.
No reports of further disturbances
anywhere on the island have been re
| ceived. Cienfuegos is suffering frois
water famine on account of the de.
struction of the waterworks at Jicotea
| by the insurgents.
American Sailors Landed.
| The commander of the American gun.
| boat Marietta, lying at Cienfuegos,
has placed eighty men Of his crew on
the Constancia estate, short distance
up the Damaji river. and eighty ma
rines on the Soledad and 120 on the
| Hormiguero estates.
Pine Guerra's eastward march has
swelled his force until now he has
near the western boundary of Havana
/ province about 5000 men.
General Guerra is reported to have
said that he would not lay down his
arms unless Secretary Taft gives him
substantial guarantees that new cleo.
tions will be speedily ordered anG
held. He expresses profound distrust
| of the Palma administration.
TAFT nAIIc ron riIAcrnM