New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-10-05
ANNEXATION TALK RIFE
Many in HaUana Want american
Control to Continue.

Havana, Oct 4.-Now that the disarmament
OF the revoutionists and the government volun-
teers is progressing steadily, all nationalities
are discussing Cuba's future form Of govern
ment. The desire for annexation, which has
been carefully concealed for the last four years,
IS now voiced openly, and the wish that the
United States retain measure of actual
control in Cuban affairs is heard more insistent-
ly than
Representatives OF leading clements both
Cuban and foreign, have been asked to attend
a meeting next Sunday to discuss the feast
bility OF holding sort of plebisctte by
which all classes Of the population would be
enabled to express their ideas what the
future form OF government should be- One plan
suggested is to form into groups the various
foreign elements, each TO formulate its own
project Of government
The idea Of holding the next election in
January has been entirely abandoned. the gen
eral preference among Cubans appearing to
favor the holding Of elections IN June The
question Of the status of Congress and whether
Senators and Representatives will continue TO
receive their salaries in view Of the establish"
ment Of the provisional government will be de-
cided IN Washington.
Reports of the disarmament operations show
considerable delay and confusion. but real
opposition. On the whole. the work Is proceed
"
countered met and disposed of to-day by
Brigadier General Funston. assisted by General
Asramoute, Of the disarmament commission.
1t appears that General Asbert's agreement to
disarm and disband was conditional on the sur
render and disarmament also of all the policemen
in the town Of Guines. Generals Funston and
Agramonte went In automobile to Guines to
straighten out the matter Upon their arrival
the Mayor OF Guines. sehor Ayale. absolutely
refused to discharge the police.
General Funston declared that, unless the
Mayor agreed to the conditions, an armed force
would be sent to disarm General Asbert's army,
which numbers LOO men, and that this would
possibly result IN bloodshed. Argument had
effect on the Mayor until he told that he
could retain the police payroll and reinstate his
after quiet had been restored. General Fun
ston further suggested the sending OF marines to
police the town temporarily. and this plan was
accepted
Generals Funston and Agramonte then visited
General Asbert at the village Of Cottero and
found him agreeable to this compromise. Ac-
cordingly twenty-five marines will be sent to
Guines tomorrow TO police the town and to re-
ceve, under the supervision Of General Agra
monte. the arms of General Asberts force.
General Asbert, like other rebel commanders
IS particularly anxious that every of his
command lay down his arms. The reason is that
these commanders expect to be prominent fac
tors in political control after the next election
and do not desire the presence of large bodies of
men who might rise against them should they BIO
permitted 10 retain their arms General Asbert's
men will begin TO move IN toward Cuines to-
morrow and the actual surrender OF arms will
probably take place on Saturday.
INSURGENTS HALT FUNSTON.
While on the way from Havana to Guines
Generals Funston and Agramonte were obliged
TO halt by insurgent sentinels who threatened
TO fire them. In the belief that they belonged
to the rural guards. The sentinels were profuse
IN their apologies when they learned who was
in the automobile The news that General Fun
ston passing through spread throughout the
section, and on the return trip to Havana women
along the route pelted the automobile with
flowers.
There Were some shots in the vicinity of Santa
Clara last night. fired by volunteers who had
not yet been disbanded, but Governor Aleman
telegraphed Governor Taft this afternoon that
disarmament in Santa Clara province was going
steadily and quietly. Sefor Aleman has con-
scented to remain Governor of the province.
The rebels Of Santiago province have Joined
the general disarming movement The latest
dispatch received by Governor Taft from San
tiago says that 100 rebels at Santiago, Guanta-
nano and Baracoa have laid down their arms.
Government volunteers mustered out this af-
ternoon 400 of Pine Guerras men, who had been
sent into Pinar del Rio from Santiago de las
Vegas This operation passed without incident.
A number OF young insurgents. IN a reckless
mood and dressed in picturesque costumes, gal
loped their horses about Havana all day to-day
and aroused much enthusiasm from boys and
other thoughtiess persons. who cheered them as
they passed.
FIRST DAMAGE CLAIMS PRESENTED.
Coincident with the occupation of the palace
by Governor Taft, the garrison of rural guards
men, which has been maintained there since the
beginning OF the trouble. sent elsewhere.
The palace is now guarded by onlv half dozen
policemen. The previous atmosphere Of for
nality at the palace disappeared with the de-
parture Of President Palma The American
authorities are quite accessible 10 visitors.
The nrat batch OF claims for damages. result |
ing from acts committed by the insurgents, was
presented TO the provisional government to-day |
by the French charge d'affaires. Governor Taft |
told the Charge TO file his claims. The Governor |
Is considering the appointment OF bureau TO !
adjust such matters.