The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-09-27
READY TO Land.
United States Forces Prepared
to Occupy Cuba Instantly.
Government Officials Not Deal
ing on the Square.
TAFT TO BE GOVERNOR
Secretary Of War Will Admins
ter Cuban Affairs
In Case an Occupation Of the
Island Becomes Necessary.
TAFT TO BE GOVERNOR

Havana, Sept. 27.-In spite of the
spirit of conciliation in which both the
moderate and the liberal leadeTN ap
preached the American commissioners 4
last night, War Secretary Taft and As
sistant Secretary of State Bacon early
today received confidential reports that
the government officials were acting un-
fairly and that they have no intention
to permit a settlement of the contro-
versy along the lines suggested in Sec
retary Tafts proposals to President
Palma. The commissioners feel that a
crisis will be preeipitated on the con-
vening Of the Cuban congress tomorrow
and they are preparing to take hold of
the reins then if necessary. Captain Al
bert r. Couden of the United States
battleship louisiana, in command Of the
American squadron in these waters, is
ready to land force at moments no
tice.
Messrs. Taft and Bacon arrived early
at the American legation prepared to
receive the delegations charged with the
arrangement of the arbitration confer
ence but it was late before any of the
Cubans presented themselves. The COM
missioners are determined TO give the
opposing factions here a choice to get
together but their feeling that the gov
eminent officials are not sincere has
been strengthened by an unsat atisfactory
interview with the commander of the
rural guards with the object of learning
If this force could be depended upon to
maintain order if arbitration failed. His
promise to do so was not obtained.
If landing Of American forces is
..equired Secretary Taft has decided to
take over the government instantly. He
mas received authority from President
Roosevelt to take this extreme step in
which event he will proclaim himself
governor. The secretary believes that
complications would arise If he assum-
ed the g0vernorship Jointly with Mr..
Bacon Mr.. Tafts assumption of the
FOvernOrship viii be in his capacity of
war secretary and not as peace COM
missioner. His program would be con
sistent with that announced last night
in that she occupation Of Cuba would
only be for the period covering the hold
ing Of new general elections and the
establishing OF new government on
a firm basis.
The attitude of Senator Zayas, presi-
dent of the Liberal party. towards the
negotiations and his efforts to maintain
order in the rebel camps are praised by
1fessrs. Taft and Bacon. He Vas told
last night that If arbitration is beAun
under the new conditions proposed by
the Liberals the latter must not count
on obtaining all the terms suggested In
AR. Taft's note to President Palma. The
senator answered that he realized this
fact. but he was willing to take the
chance.
The radical mOderates are still in
duging in warlike talk. though the con-
servative minority Of the moderates are
disposed towards Cancellation in order
to prevent Intervention. 1t is believed
that the result Of the arbitration con-
ference will not be known until tomor-
row.
After comforting with Messrs. Taft
and Bacon for an hour today Senator
Zayas said that Mr. Taft had received
a letter from Senator Dolz, president
of the senate, proposing thai the Lib
erals and Moderates negotiate togeth-
er as proposed yesterday through
committees of six. representing each
party. but suggesting that If differ
ences arise the negotiations cease en-
Commenting on this. senor .zayas
said that inasmuch a S differences must
arise he sees no use Of even begin
ming the negotiations.
Funston Arrives.
Havana, Sept. 27.-Brigadier General
Funston arrived here today on the
steamer Olivette. He refused to discuss
his mission to Cuba or the prospects OF
American Intervention The general VINO
was greeted by the secretary OF tns
American legation viii remain on board
the steamer until later in the day @
Cubans Have Little Faith.
Havana, Sept. IA protFacted meet
ing Of the National Liberal party, Of
iourned at an early hour this morning.
after deciding to take part in the meet
ing Of moderates called for this after
noon. The National Liberal represents
tives probably viii attend the session OF
congress tomorrow.
Governor Nunez said today that he
did not believe that any settlement
would be reached by the American COM
rnissioners who, he added. were mere
~ cajoling the Cubans. The shipping
no 4r47s5
TO the governor, could only mean inter
venti0n.
Palma yVithdraws Resignation.
Havana. Sept. 27=Tomas Estrada
Palma will not permit the Cuban con-
Eress to pass on his resignation. He
withdrew it last night after long
conference with Secretary Taft The
American secretary is again hopeful
OF settling the trouble without armed
Intervention.
AS soon as the resignation was with
drawn. the Moderates agreed to ap-
point a committee to negotiate terms
of peace with a committee of rebels
and Liberals, leaving all points upon
which no agreement is reached to the
arbitration of the American commits
siouers. The Moderates have aban-
doned the condition that the rebels
must first lay down their arms before
negotiations can commence.
It is understood that the withdraw
Al of the resignation was at the sug-
gestion Of Mr. Taft
The Cuban congress which was call
ed to meet for the purpose of accept
ing Palma s resignation, will not con
vene until Friday. and hence has not
had an opportunity Of accepting the
resignation. Taft believed the weak
ening of the Liberal and fnsurgent
leaders was sufficient to warrant the
hope that their demands would be less
lmportunate and more possible of
Eranting iE they had a bona fde Cuban