Los Angeles herald., 1906-09-28
Cuban Officials Make One
Desperate Effort at
Compromise
Palma Refuses to Withdraw Resigna-
ton, Although Friends Have
Sought to Influence
Him
BY Associated Press.

HAVANA, Sept. 2L-The Moderate
party tonight decided to make a final
effort to perpetrate the authority Of
the Palma administration by determin-
ing to reject the resignation of the
president when presented to congress
tomorrow.
When this decision reached Secre-
tary of War Taft and Assistant Sec
retary of State Bacon, the American
commissioners, had already concluded
to intervene, but they agreed to wait
tomorrow's developments as they are
anxious to afford the CubanS every
opportunity to work out their own sal
walton.
President Palma steadfastly refuses
every solicitation of his friends to
withdraw his resignation. Typical Of
this determination was cablegram he
sent to President Roosevelt in re-
sponse to the final urgent message
from the American president that he
remain at his helm.
President Palma expressed his warm
est appreciation Of President Roose-
velt's efforts to secure peace for Cuba
and the friendship he has always
shown the Cuban people He referred
to his own previous sacrifices for Cuba,
which he said had not been made in
vain, but in the present situation and
in view of all that had transpired he
felt that further sacrifice on his part
would be useless and that it was not
consistent with his dignity and pres
tige to remain in office,
Were it possible to induce President
Palma to withdraw his resignation the
situation still would be most difficult
and intervention would continue to be
the most probable outcome. If Palma,s
resignation were accepted it would
then become necessary for congress to
elect a provisional president.
Such an election would cause new
sort of contention, not only between
the opposing political parties but
probably between the opposing factions
within these parties.
Cubans Seek to Gain Time
The American commissioners will
not brook the establishment of pro-
visional government by the Cubans
simply as a means of gaining time.
They hold that if provisional govern
ment it must be by the United States.
Secretaries Taft and Bacon would not
be properly discharging their full du-
ties If such a government were created
in any other manner.
The American commissioners have
little confidence in the politicians who
have been insincere throughout these
nine days of futile negotiations. This
being the situation, nobody is inclined
- foh hat Wi
four hours Secretary Taft, by author
ity of the president of the United
States. will himself proclaim pro
visional government of Cuba.
Such a government, however, would
be made Cuban as far as 1T was pos
sible so to do by continuing the various
departments under the immediate con-
troll of the present heads thereof.
Immediate developments in the situ-
alton depend on the action taken by
congress tomorrow. 1t is not likely
that the Liberals will attend the ses-
sion, but the Moderates and the Lib
eral Nationalist combined expect to
secure a quorum. The Moderates
leaders tonight expect nothing except
intervention tomorrow, it being COM
mon report among them that armed
American forces will flock ashore from
the warships assembled here, even be-
fore the meeting of congress, but this
will not occur unless some violent
change in the situation makes it neces-
sary. Even should congress carry out
its announced intention of not accept
ing President Palma's resignation,
Secretary Taft will hold that va
cancy exists unless Palma himself con-
cludes to remain In Office.
Prepare to Land Marines
In the meanwhile preparations for the
landing of marines and blue jackets
from the American warships have been
fully completed and within a short
time after Secretary Taft gives the
order all advantageous points which
already have been selected by naval
officers would be occupied by force
of at least $500 men.
Such an order would not be given un-
less Mr.. Taft regards IL as absolutely
necessary. but 1t Is apparent that the
present conditions will not be allowed
to continue for more than a day longer.
The non-acceptance OF President
Palma's resignation and it's Withdrawal
will be Cuba's last card.
General Funston arrived here today.
Among the places visited by him was
the rebel camp outside of Havana
Here the American general meets Gem
eraI Guerra and Del Castro and other