Daily Kennebec journal., 1906-09-21
Made Toward Settling
Cuba's Trouble.
Both Sides Are Being Heard
by American Emissaries.


Havana, Sept 2O.-A second day of
conferences with the leaders OF the fac
TORS in the Cuban conflict has not en-
abled Secretary of War Taft and AS
Sistant Secretary of State Bacon to an
nounce any plan of compromise. So
strenuous are the appeals OF both the
Liberal and Moderate party leaders
that the situation becomes increasing
" complicated as the negotiations pro-
ceed. However, Sec. Taft said tonight
that he believed when they are brought
fare TO face with the danger OF losing
independence forever. all patriotic Gu
hans will be willing to make conccs-
sions.
Mr. TAFT added that the United
States peace emissaries are occupying
q most delicate position and have un-
,lertaken to hear all complaints anu
that until they have made themselves
Thoroughly conversant with the ho'i'-
ical tormoil Of Cuba they cannot eN-
press themselves freely in the CONFER
ences. fearing that possible mlsuhder
standings may have deterrent effect
on the proceedings.
The only counsel to the pohtlcdh
leaders given by Mr.. Taft was on the
subject of not engaging i'll further asi-
tation that might make interVen'loli
by the United States necessary. rms
advice he offers to all, regardless 81
party. Mr. Taft has made 1t clear that
the United States is not seeking TO eH-
ercise control over the island or any
of it's affairs; but he has quoted Presl-
dent Roosevelts letter to Minister
Ouesada to the effect that the United
States has a duty which 1t cannot
shirk. To those whom he has met i'll
conference Mr.. Taft has said that now
is the time to decide whether they
would have Cuba live as nation. he
has watched every word carefully ana
neither held nor criticised the princl-
pies of either faction.
Whether the men they have met IN
Havana represent the sentiment of the
entire island is question that is
troubling the American mediators.
There is some fear that even if the en-
tanglement is Strengthened out here
the opposing forces in Santa Clara and
Pinar Del Rio provinces, and even in
Santiago, will not be satisfied. Mr.
Taft realizes that unless the national
spirit is aroused the commercial in
terests have no confidence in any set
tlcment that may be reached. On this
point the mediators are confronted with
their chief difficulty, for no way has
been devised to obtain the sentiment
OF those in the field without treating
with armed forces. which might be re-
garded as a recognition of the insur-
gents. Senator Alfredo ZayaS is gem
orally regarded as the official repre-
sentative of the revolutionistS. hut hc
cannot claim that distinction in ne
would make him a revOlutionist anC
terminate free intercourse with Presi
dent ROOsevelt's representatives.
One sentiment from Scnto ZaylS' ad-
dress as president of the Liberal party
is attracting much attention as show
ing the re lationS between that party
and the insurrection.
Senator Zayas said:
"The Liberal party is not revoution-
ary. but the program of revolution
must become the program of the Lib
eral party"
Senator Zayas has been seen 10y
Me SSrS. Taft and Bacon at the home oi
Minister Morgan in Maria mao more fire.
Quertly than any other of the Cuban
leaders. At today'S visit he was ex-
pected to file Il brief setting fourth th'
grievances of the Liberals, but Il,
pleaded for more time, and was givcr
until tomorrow.