The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-09-25
TAFT CoNFERS WITH REBELS.
SAYS RE HOPES TO ANNOUNCE
A FINAL SETTLEMENT TO-DAY.
scheme IL 90 Retain Palma, which Doesn't
Please the MOderates-Amertcams and
British CAN for Protection From IN
surKcnts-NaAny u Them Are Starving.
Special caOls Despatch to TEE SUN.


.spsctal Caols Despatch to TEE SUN.
HAVANA, Sept. 2l.-The American COM
missioners now see q glimmer OF hope. tol-
lowing their conference with the revolu-
tionary committee to-day. Seven members
OF the committee attended the conference.
The eighth member, Carlos Garcia, did not
attend, a. no would not leave the prison,
saying that the other prisoners under arrest
on the same charge ~ himself should Be
released also. President Palma refused 10
releass them absolutely. Tho reason OF
this, the Liberals say. is thai he wishes %
keep them a. hottAges In case his " lie
should be in danger.
At the conference the proposition for
new elections made by the Liberals was
considered. The American commissioner
will see President Palma and his advisers
tonight and discuss the proposal.
Secretary Taft hopes 70 . hnal
settlement tomorrow. Tonight be de-
scribed the situation a. one Of pulling and
hauling. He was not ready to make any
announcement, but 1t was clear from his
attitude that h was hopeful. although not
absolutely confident.
Il is believed that President Palma will
be retained In ONCE underA an arrangement
for new elections. Although tbs outlook
for settlement is hopsful, it is doubtful
whether tho arrangement will be very salts
factory or very permanent, az the passions
and hatreds Of the opposing forces arc
very keen.
Among the Moderates the plan for . gen-
eral retirement from ONCE, with the ex-
ceptions Of Palma and Capote, 10 not well
received. The Moderates say, In private
conversation: we will stand or fall to-
gether.'
A Moderate leader who is very Close
to President Palma expresses himself as
very much dissatisfied with the course
matters are taking. he considers that tho
American commissioners should not reoog-
nize the rebels. He adds that the Moderate
party will dissolve IL the result goes against
them, and that many Of them will leave the
island.
President Palma's view OF the situation Is
that he is not ono of the contendins parties,
the war being between the Liberals and
Moderates. He represents the consti-
tuted Government only. As such repre-
sentative he ID compelled to raise an army
to fight the rebels. But now that peace b
a matter between the political organiza-
lions and Congress he has nothing TO do,
nothing to grant, nothing to Negotiate.
The following document has been pro-
sented by Secretary Taft to both parties:
"A truce has been decreed by tho Presi-
dent Of Cuba and proclaimed to the forces
Of the Liberal party by their leaders. I,
as an intermediary for the purpose Of ar
ranging a permanent peace, have the honor
to request:
-First-That the opposing parties specin-
cally agree during the truce to refrain from
all acts OF hostility INC desist from all
military operations Of a hostile character
and manruvres which could not have
been performed during the continuance
Of hostIities, or which would have been
performed under the FIRE Of the opposing
party, no movements to take place on either
side without notification to tho opposing
authorities, namely, the Secretary Of the
| Government Of Cuba and Senator Zsyss.
representing the Liberal party and the
American peace commission.
-Seoond-This truce 10 to be effective
throughout Cuba.
"Third-K either party violates b ex-
press conditions the opposing party shall
not take hostile action until complaint and
notification to the peace commission.
-Fourth-Hostilitiee will not be Tesumod
for at least t~wenty-four hours after no
tihcation to the peace commission.
Acceptance Of these conditions In writing
to me is requested"
Secretary Montalvo refused to recognize
Zayas az a belligerent. but agreed to all
the rest Of the document. Secretary Taft
said the document had been approved by
senator Zsyas, Gen. Loynaz del Castillo
and Gen. Pine Guerra.
Stories have reached the American lega-
ton of pillaging of local stores by q band Of
500 insurgents belonging to Guzman's army
in Manicaragua Valley, whence an Ameri-
can sent word that protection was needed.
Requests for protection were also received
from other places where American prop
erty ia endangered. The British Minister
has asked that the machine shops Of the
United Railways at Cenaga and the Cuban
Central shops at Santa Clara be protected
by the Americans Protection was also
asked for two & estates near CenHuegos
belonging to British subjects.
II is expected that the signing Of the truce
will result in property not being molested,
but the following letter was sent to the rebel
Generals by direction Of the American Com
aUllSrbOIlcIb'
DEAR GENERAL: The accompanying let
ter will explain TO you tho situation Of q
number OF Americans within your lines.
The Secretary Of Wal OF the United States
requests hat American property interests
be fully respected and protected, II neoes-
ssry. by furnishing guards from your forces.
Very respectfully,
FRANK R. McCor, Aide
A rebel leader declares that in Santa Clara
province the rebels are protecting estates,
but it is learned that Americans are to DO
sent to protect the two British sugar estates
at Cienfuegoe.
An American woman, Mrs. Van Gorder,
called N Minister Morgan this afternoon
and complained that q number OF stragklers
consisting of half clad and hungry negroes.
had visited her small farm near Punta.
Bravo and demanded food. As there were
only three women at the place they became
terrified. Mr.. Morgan sent Mr.. Cairns to
accompany Mrs. Van 0order to her home,
but they had to return, owing TO the heavy
rain flooding the road. Their automobile
was surrounded by armed negroes, who
aaul1 e. q L. 49,