The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-09-25

Havana, September 2O.-A second
day Of conference with the leaders Of
the factions in the Cuban conflict las
nOt enabled Secretary of War Taft
10 any plan for compromis-
ing the difficulty. So strenuous are the
appeals Of both the liberal and moder-
ate party leaders that the situation be-
comes increasingly complicated as the
negotiations proceed. However, Sec
rotary Taft said tonight that he believ-
ed when they are brought face to face
with the danger of losing ~independ-
ence forever, all patriotic Cubans viii
be willing to make concessions.
Mr.. Taft added that the United
States cmissaries are occupying a most
delicate position, and have undertaken
to hear al complaints, and hat until
they have made themselves thoroughly
cOnVersant with the political turmoil
Of Cuba, they cannot express them
~ IINSAS III Tx NOIlICIC- tCS, lCdI-
ing hat possible misunderstanding
may have a deterrent effect on the
proceedings.
The only counsel to the political
leaders given by MI. Taft was on The
subject Of not engaging in further
agitation that might make interven-
ton by the United States necessary.
This advice he offers freely to all to
whom he gives audience, regardless Of
party.
Mr.. Taft has made it clear that the
United States is not seeking to exercise
control over the island or any of its
affairs; but he has quoted President
ROoSevelts letter to Minister Quesada
to the effect hat the United Staes mas
a duty which it cannot shirk. To those
whom he has met in conference, Mr..
Taft has said that now is the time to
decide whether they would have Cuba
live us a nation. He has weighed every
word carefully and has neither up
held nor criticised the principles Of
either faction.
Mr.. Taft realizes that unless the
national spirit is aroused the CONNER
Cial interests will have no confidence
II any SttLItllCuI lLdI IIdN Ne I0dCItIu.
On this point the mediatOrS are con-
frOnted with their chief difficulty AfOr
no way has been devised to obtain
the sentiments of those in the field
without treating with armed force
which might lie regarded as a recOg-
milton of the insurgents. Senator
Alfredo Zayas is generally regarded
as the official representative of the rev
OlutiOn, but he cannOt claim hat lis
tinctiOn in negotiating with Secretary
Taft as that would make him Il IevC-
lutioniSt and terminate free intercourse
with President ROoSevelt's representa-
tiyes.
Senator Zayas has Eeen received by
MeSSrS. Taft and Bacon at the home OF
Minister Morgan in Marianao more
frequently than any other Cf the Cuban
leaders. At today'S visit he was eX-
pected 10 file a brief setting forth the
grievances of the liberals. but he
pleaded for more tine and was granted
until tomorrow.
Vice President Mendez Capote, the
spokesman for the mOderates Or gov
eminent party, today filed a brief ,1e-
Claring the moderate position and ad-
vancing certain propositions for Sc
Ting the controversy. By Mr. Tafts
order this brief was sealed and will
not be taken up for consideration until
it a lie done in connection With the
argument # the opposing side.
Mayor CarGenas and q number Of
the principal officials of Havana, paid
4 long visit today TO Messrs. Taft and
Bacon and argued that it was the duty
of the United States to support the
recognized government.
No reports of disturbances anywhere
on the island have been received today.
Cienfuegos IS suffering from a water
famine on account Of the water works
at JicOtea hy the inSlrpentS