Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-24
CUBA IS RESTLESS
UNCERTAINTY OF CONTINUED
UNITED STATES PROTECTION.

HAVANA, November 24.-The well-known
shape of Cuba on the map bids fair to re-
solve itself into one great interrogation
point. What is the United States going to
do? That is the question on everybody g
lips from Guantanamo to Cape San An
tonic. Travelling men returning from the
interior report practical suspension of
business awaiting a hint from Washington
as to the date of the elections to be held
and If the United States is to keep its mill
tary forces on the island after the new re-
public has been established.
Many are praying for protectorate.
The general feeling seems to be that an
other revolution is certain If the country is
left to govern itself. Uncertainty as to the
outcome causes the country merchants to
keep low stocks of goods, and while BUSH
ness has picked up in the cities 1t is not
what it ought to be at this season of the
year.
The al: is full of all sorts of rumors Of
intended uprisings against the Americans
to drive them out and also for purposes
of making them stay. One story of con-
spiracy near Artenesa, caused by mid
night trips in automobiles from Havana.
proved to be a desire of some hunters to
get early shots at ducks.
Every one knows that there is no pos
sib!lity of serious trouble with the present
force of Americans at hand, but every one
feels the condition of unrest while wait
ing to see what Congress does as to Cuba
and many fear some disturbance early in
December influenced by that body.
Among American officials it Is unques-
tionably believed that all promises made
by President Roosevelt, Secretary Taft and
Assistant Secretary Bacon as to the cleo
tions in June will be carried out, but it is
also believed by them that American troops
will be kept on the island at least year
afterward.
This has not heretofore been stated as
plainly as today and should go far toward
restoring business confidence. The opinion
is no doubt based on reports made to
Washington that while the elections may
be held in June it would not be safe to
withdraw Uncle Sans soldiers Immediately.
OF course, no one can tell what effect the
recommendations of the American officials
in this respect will have, but l understand
it may be backed by friendly representa-
lions from England that 1t will be the bet
ter course to pursue.
The open threats of burning property
owned by Englishmen by those who wish
her to insist on an effective and continuous
American control in Cuba probably have
alarmed some of the large English interests
here, and it is said they have appealed to
the foreign office for some assurance Of
protection in case the United States carries
out it's accepted plan of SO soon abandoning
the island to the Cubans.
In the meantime Havana Is enjoying
Uncle Sans boys They were thickly
sprinkled in the large crowd last night at
the farQue central WneR the DdnQ prayed
the catchy song from 'Florodora," and a
sextet of Cubans suddenly appeared execut-
ing a dance and singing, Tell me. pretty
soldiers, are there many more at home like
your
The question put to them, the soldiers
answered, and this answer. Yes. kind sirs.
there are a few shook the windows of the
Engla terra.
Governor Magoon took pleasure m for
warding to the commander of the rural
guard the request of Gen. Pine Guerra of
the revolutionary forces for the advance
ment for bravery of three officers of the
guard who were wounded in a fight with his
command