The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-09-19
UNCLE SAM STEPS IN.
TINTED STATES MARINES Ian
DED IN THE CAPITAL OF CUBA
An Attack Is Feared Upon President
Palnaa-Washington Is Without
Official Information as to Com
nnander CoIweIPs Action.

Official Information as to Com
n1ander CoIwelPs Action.
Eabana, Sept. 14,-There are 100
sailors from the United States pro-
tecSed cruiser Denver camped tonight
in front of old La Fuerza castle fac
jag the Plaza de Armas. the little
park in front of the presidential
Dalace, which is the seat Of the Gu
ban government The American flag
is planted just inside OF the low stone
coping separating the castle grounds
from O'Reilly street, which thorough
fare passes between the camp and
the Plaza de Armas. The American
sailors are armed with regulation
rifles with abe exception Of a few who
carry revclvers or carbines. Two field
howitzers and two rapid-fire guns
were sent ashore with the sailors and
now point across the pretty little
park, a significant warning to any
one approaching the executive head
quarters of the Cuban government
with hostile intent.
The whole business was done so
quietly and quickly that it caused the
greatest surprise, The reason fer the
sudden landing Of the American sail
ors was a conference between Presl-
dent Palma Charge a Affaires Sleep
er and Commander Colwell this after
noon. On the occasion of the latter's
formal call upon President Palma,
Mr. Sleeper asked the president the
direct question whether he considered
that the government was able to
protect all American interests in Ha-
bana unaided. The president replied
that he hoped the government would
be able to do sos but himself sug-
gested tina. Ia might be advisable as
measure of precaution IN the inter-
ests of Americans as well as for the
maintenance Of order il general to
land marines at some convenient
point, suggesting the Plaza de Armas
as the place
Mr.. Sleeper and Commander Col
we'll after a brief conference decided
that the landing should be made this
evening, and at $50 o'clock the de-
tachment under command Of Execu-
tive officer Miller began coming
ashore. with arms, ammunition and
camp paraphernalia and took up
position commanding the approaches
to the palace. Two hours later the
conamissary oztfit followed with sup
per for the officers and men. Ques-
toned whether their duties on shore
would simply be protection of Amer
lean interests or defense of the palace
and President Palma, Executive OF
fcer Miller and the other officers OF
the detachment unanimously replied
that if the town should be attacked
or if an uprising eccurnsd in the
CITY they undenktedly would have
something to do regardless of hne
questions as to VINO is attacked.
That Commander Celwen had Ian
ded a. force of 15S men and stationed
fhem in the Vicinity of President
Palma's palace was shock 10 the
administration and alnrL a full re-
port shall have been received from
him judgment will be suspended as
to whether he exceeded his Instruct-
ions. He was told to avoid any pos
sfble action which could be construed
into interevntion. Apparently Com
mander Colwell thought he was tastl-
fed in landing large force. Ihe
ce,erity with which the President
countermanded Colwell's action is in
line with his announced policy to re-
s-ain as long as possible from arg
thing that would be construed as a
desire on the part Of the United STATES
to interfere. The whole situation Will
be thoroughly canvassed today by the
President, Secretary Bonaparte ana
Acting Secretary of State Bacon. at
Oyster Bay.
D.rar Dr rEacr7DC TRIP