The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1906-09-14


vaded Cuban soil yesterday. One hundred
and twenty sailors from the United
States protected cruiser Denver were
camped for time last night In front Of
the old La Fuerza Castle. facing the Plaza
de Armas the little park In front OF the
Presidential palace which is the seat or
the Cuban government.
According TO unofficial advices IL Is re-
ported also that almost at the same time
marines from the United States gunboat
Marietta were landed at Cienfuegos for
the protection OF American interests there
In this city the American flag was
placed just inside the low stone coping
separating the castle grounds from O'Reil-
ly street. which thoroughfare passes be-
tween the camp and the Plaza de Armas
The American sailors were armed with
regulation rifles. with the exception OF
few who carried revolvers or carbines
Two field howitzers and two rapid-fire
guns were sent ashore
The Denver. which originally anchored
further up the bay. dropped down this
evening TO a position abreast OF the foot
of OReilly street, and In front of the
offices OF the captain OF the port. so as
20 be conveniently near the detachment
sent ashore and close at hand in case or
need
HAVANA SURPRISED.
The whole business was done SO quietly
surprise. The reason for the sudden land
ing OF the American sailors was con-
ference between President Palma. Charge
d'Afaires Sleeper and Commander Col
well yesterday afternoon.
On the occasion OF the latters formal
call upon President Palma. Mr.. Sleeper
asked the president the direct question
whether be considered that the govern
ment was able 20 protect all American
interests in Havana unaided The presi-
dent replied that he hoped the govern
ment would be able 20 do so. but sug-
gested that II might be advisable. as a
measure OF precaution in the interests
of Ameicans as well as for the main
tenane OF order in general, TO land ma
rlnes at some convenient point suggest
ing the Plaza de Armas as the place.
Mr. Sleeper and Commander Colwell af-
ter n brief conference decided that the
landing should be made last evening, and
at $50 the detachment, under command
OF Executive officer Miller, began coming
ashore. with arms ammunition and camp
paraphernelia taking up a position COM
manding the approaches to the palace.
Two hours later the commssary OUTFIT
followed, with supper for the officers and
men.
Just as the camp was settling down for
the night Commander Colwell received
orders from Washington TO with
draw his men to the ship. leaving only
promptly carried out. but the cruiser lies
close in and is in instant readiness TO lend
aid to the men ashore should II be found
necessary.
CoLwELL IN STATEMENT.
After reading a dispatch from Wash
ington, in which Secretary of the Navy
Bonaparte was quoted as saying that
there would be no landing of United
States forces In Cuba except in the event
of extren1e al nd nnrestrained riOting Conn
mander Colwell said:
II have landed a force after consulta-
ton with those best advised as to the sit
uation. and especially on the request of
President Palma himself. who informed
Mr.. Sleeper and myself that he gravely
doubted the ability OF the Cuban govern
ment to protect American property ano
persons.
president Palma did not suggest this
location OF our force. l selected IL be-
cause in my judgment IL Is the best stra
tegical point and commands the two prin-
cipal business streets OF Havana. I am
not considering Intervention or the pro-
lection OF the palace or the president 10y
simply being in readiness and in the best
position TO protect American business and
other interests.
II have telegraphed these facts to Sec
retary Bonaparte and also the fact that !
have offered asylum on board the Denver
for any Americans who may desire 10
seek such safety"
OFFER OF SURRENDER
An extraordinary incident in connection
with the presence of the American force
in Havana transpired late last evening
when Commander Colwell was approached
by an accredited emssary OF Alfredo
Zayas, president OF the Liberal party, and
Loynaz Del Castillo. comande Of the
the insurgent forces in Havana province.
with signed offer from each OF the men
named 10 surrender their commands and
hand over their arms TO Commander Col
we'll on the sole condition that the United
States give through him a guarantee OF
fair j1dicial trial.
Commander Colwell accompanied by
Charles Sleeper, Immediately carried the
proposition to President Palma The pres
idenl immensely pleased and asked
Commander Colwel IL he would accent the
surrender. Commander Colwell replied in
the negative. but advised the president TO
communicate with Washington. which
was done.
The general impression here seems to be
that II is the intention OF the United
ests but also the government OF Presi-
dent Palma. The presence in the city OF
American sailors has had the effect of
treating a feeling OF comparative security
against attack from without or of an In
ternal uprising.
All the main insurgent forces in Havana
province are reported to be concentrated
at Be1ucal. The town officials and police
SEIZE CITY HALL.
The insurgents have occupied Santiago
de Las Vegas and seized the city hall
and the government agricultural expert
ment station. The building and machinery
on Tie Hormiguero sugar estate near
Cienfiegos have been destroyed.
Reprts have been current today that
the worst clements OF the population were