The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-10-02

Havana, Cuba, September 27.-Pres-
dent Palma steadfastly refuses every
solicitation of his friends to withdraw
his resignation. Typical of this was the
cablegram he sent to President RoOse-
welt in response to the final urgent
message from the American president
that he remain at his helm.
In this President Palma expressed
his Warmest appreciation of President
ROOsevelt's efforts to secure peace for
Cuba, and the friendship he has al
way shown the Cuban people. He re-
ferred to his own previous sacrifices
for Cuba, which he said had not made
in vain, but in the present situation,
and in view of all that had t~ranspired,
he felt that further sacrifice on his
part would be useless and that it was
not consistent with his dignity and
prestige to remain in office.
If Palma's resignation were accepted
it would then become necessary for
congress to elect a provisional presi-
dent. Such an election would only be
a new service of contention.
The American commissioners will
not brOokt the establishment of a pro-
visiOnal government by the Cubans,
simply as q means of gaining time.
They hold that If a provisional govern
ment is created it must be by the
United States. Secretaries Taft and
Bacon, would be improperly discharg-
ing their full duties if such a govern
ment were created in any other man
ner.
Tho Aroericoo commissioners bo1,o
little confidence in the seriousness of
the intentions of the politicians. No
BODY is incIned to doubt tonight that
within t~Wenty-fOur hours Seer etary
Taft by authority of the president of
the United States will proclaim him.
self provisional governor of Cuba.
Such a government, however, would be
made Cuban as far as it was possi-
bic So to do by continuing the various
departments under the immediate con-
troll of the present heads thereof.
Immediate developments depend
upon the action taken by congress to-
morrow. 1t is not likely that the lib
erals will attend the session, but the
modarates and the liberal n~ationalists
corr ined expect to secure a quorum.
The moderate leaders tonight xpect
nothing bU, intervention tomorrow.
Even should congress carry out it's
announced intention of not accepting
President Palma's resignation, Secre-
tary Taft will hold hat a vacancy ex-
lists unless Palma himself concludes
to remain in office.
Meanwhile preparations for the
landing of marines and blue jackets
from American w~arships have been
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 a force of at
least $500 men. Such an order would
not be given until Secretary Taft re-
CARDS it as absolutely necessary, but
it is certain that the present conditions
will not be allowed to continue for
more than one day longer. The nom
acceptance of President Palma's res
ignatiOn and its withdrawal will be
Cuba's last card.
General Frederick Funston arrived
here today. He has gone over all the
military plans, approved then, and
familiarized himself with the military
situation as presented by Major Ladd,
who has been here for a fortnight.
Among the places visited today by
General Funston was the rebel camp
outside of Havana. Here the Ameri-
can general met Generals Guerra and
Del Castillo and other commanders of
the insurgents, some of whom he knew
during the last revolution.
The atmosphere at the palace to-
night is decidedly gloomy. The presi-
dent has Succumbed somewhat to nerv-
Gus fatigue. President Palma will re-
tire as poor as When he assumed the
office.