The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-25

Havana. Sept. 25-Victory for the LIB
erals or revolutionary party, seemed GER
tain yesterday at the conclusion OF a long
conference between a committee OF the
insurgents OF eight members and the
American peace commissioners. The In
surgent committee announced that there
was practically no difference remaining
between them and Secretaries Taft and
Bacon and that they would receive
draft OF the peace plans today.
These probably would be agreed TO at
a meeting TO be held in the Preside,
where the prisoner members of the, com
mittee are confined.
Secretary Taft said he could give no
details OF what transpired at the confer
ence. for the reason that IL was now
necessary to treat with the government
leaders, and that the publication Of the
peace proposals might interfere with their
prompt acceptance.
NEWS REACHES PALACE.
An unsatisfactory conference was held
at the palace last night between Presi-
dent Palma, Secretary OF the Treasury
Fonts Sterling, Secretary OF state
OFarril, Freyre Andrate. speaker OF
the lower house; Secretary Taft and AS
sistant Secretary of State Bacon, Consul
General Steinhardt and Capt. Mccoy
when the mediators called TO the atten-
tion OF the Cuban administration the
status OF the peace negotiations with
the Liberals and insurgents The con-
ference adjourned at IL o'clock last night
TO be resumed today.
The peace terms proposed are known
to be against the government, and Inc
visit to the palace by the American COM
missioners was, therefore, not particu-
larly pleasant. Upon departing. Secre-
tary Taft announced that the confer
} ence had resulted only In an exchange
. OF opinions, and that another meeting was
necessary.
There is a strong impression that Presi-
dent Palma will remain and reorganize
G the cabinet, but that new elections would
be held for half the senator's and rep
p Rresentatives; in other words, those who
were elected last year and possibly also
for provincial officers
In discussing the situation, Secretary
Taft said that today he would go over,
with Alfredo Zayas. the leader ofsthe LIB
erals, the variations that the Liberal
leaders desire in the memorandum of the
peace programme.
> "If we reach conclusion Secretary
Taft said, I'VE hope to announce II to-
morrow night"
WARNS INSURGENTS.
Practically all the time of the confer
cnce was occupied by Secretary Tafts
review OF the situation. He warned the
insurgent committee that the continued
independence Of Cuba depended upon their
calmness, wisdom and discretion during
the process OF settlement.
Last night senor Zayas telegraphed to
8 all the important commanders i'm the field
that there were prospects that peace
terms would be signed and that the terms
o would be satisfactory to them.
The immediate cessation OF hostilites
means everything This winters tobacco
crop and the seed beds must be planted
within a fortnight in order to insure a
crop.
Heavy rains are prevailing and the in
surgents are inclined to seek the shelter
Of the armistice during the continuance
Of the peace negotiations.
ARMISTICE Is SIGNED.
Alarming reports OF the lack OF disc-
pline In the insurgent camps were brought
to Secretary of War Taft and Assistant
Secretary OF State Bacon yesterday at a
time when the prospects OF peace looked
the brightest. These reports come from
the most confidential sources and whether
full credence is placed in them or not the
confidence OF the American commissioners
In the leaders OF the insurgents and their
ability TO guarantee the conduct of their
forces has been shaken. Despite the truce
the insurgents unquestionably are prepar-
Ing for continued warfare.
Heretofore there was merely verbal
agreement without any definite terms.
but a document was prepared and taken
yesterday TO the camps of Generals Guerra
and Castillo and these chiefs attached
their signatures TO 1t. The document was
signed yesterday by Acting Secretary OF
the Interior Montalvo in behalf OF the
government.
Following is the text OF Secretary Taft's
armlstice as agreed upon absolutely by
the insurgents and on one condition by
the government officials.
"A truce OF suspension Of arms hav-
Ing been decreed by the president OF
Cuba and proclaimed TO the forces OF the
Liberal party by their leaders /, as