Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-09-16
REPORTS ARE CONFLICTING.
Col Clews Declares Rebellion In Pinal
del Rio Crushed.

Special Cablezram to The Star. -
HAVANA, September 15.-Col. Clews, an
Englishman who fought in the revolution
of 1895 and Is now In command of some
government troops who have been operat-
ing in Pinar Del Rio. returned here with
$50 men tonight. They came In by train
which left Pinar Del Rio City last night.
Col. Clews is very optimistic over the situa-
ton. He describes the trouble In Pinar Del
Rio as a newspaper war. although he adj
mits that there has been considerable fight
ing and that over one hundred rebels have
been killed. %
Gen. Pine Guerra was at San Diego,
about seventy miles from Havana, last
night. and is supposed to be making his
way toward Rincon. He has perhaps 400
men left out Of force of 200.
The government machine guns, some of
which have been worked by Americans, ap-
pear to have demoralized the rebels, who
attacked the armored train and got ter
rifle reception.
Col CleWs says the rebellion In Pinar Del
Rio is over. He considers that there is no
danger to this province Mr.. Abbott, an
other foreigner. who was on the train with
Col. Clews, as 1t came up Pinar Del Rio.
says all the railroad bridges which had
been destroyed by the rebels had been re-
paired. No rebels were seen. The balance
of Pine Guerra's forces are supposed to
nave returned 10 their homes, DetnK AFRAID
to face the machine guns again. Col. Avalos
Is said to have left Pinar Del Rio to search
for Guerra.
Col C1ews claims that the American land
owners In Pinar Del Rio sympathize with
the revofutionists. and have magnif1ed the
seriousness of the situation in the hope that
annexation will increase the value Of their
lands.
Secretary of Finance Fonts is optimistic
in regard to Ptnar del Rio and the general
situation. He says he would like to see
the rebels attack Havana. but feels sure
they will not do so. He says the govern
ment win continue the war President
Palma remains firm in that determination.
The cruisers Des Moines and Dixie have
arrived here.
Rebel Sympathizers Pleased -
President Roosevelt's letter has pleased
many sympathizers with the revolution,
who see in 1t hope of an Investigation
which would result in a new election. It
Is claimed the government officials are dis
appointed with the letter. and some lib
erals see q direct reference to President
Palma in tho part where President Roose-
welt says that the individual who Is re-
spcns:5le for armed revolution Is an enemy
of Cuba.
The unpopularity Of the government Is
most manifest It seems almost to be In
the atmosphere. though there are conserva-
tive outsiders VINO trust and have always
trusted in the good intentions Of President
Palma. excusing his weakness by pointing
out that many unworthy persons have sur
rounded him on both sides VINO are row
accusing each other of beiag gangs of
grafters- Many property cwners dread tho
institution Of q new government and the
installation of men among the liberals who
have q most unsavory reputaeiJ7. Much of
the support Of the revolution IL due to the
hope Of permanent occupation as many bs.
lieve that the institution of o Hkeral gov
eminent would result in another row later
and that meanwhile tonfidcnse and credit
| in the republic would suffer.
The declaration by President Roosevelt
that the war must cease has cheered a large
| number of indirectly interested onlookers.
who, while they have no desire for po-
| Etical jobs. want peace.
Claims Of Liberals.
The liberal supporters deny the optimistic
reports from Pima Del Rio. They maintain
that the situation Is unchanged. They also
claim that Gen. Rodriguez was ignominous-
| ly routed In last nights fight near Wajay.
It Is impossible to sift the curious reports
and say which Is the correct story.
The cable to Cienfuegos has been re-
| paired.
La Lucha states that the family Of the
| administrators of the Hormiguero estate has
| arrived here having fed on account CT a
] notification from the rebels that they would