The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1906-12-29
CUBA is NEAR CRISIS.
CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE.

merely go on a practice march, but II Is
admitted that they were really sent out
TO make such a demonstration as would
tend 10 support the advocates Of law and
order.
Neither Secretary Taft nor the Bureau
Of Insular Affairs have had any cable
adyices from Cuba since December "a.
and news Is anxiously awaited at the War
Department. The latest reports from Gov.
Magoon were that the election law com
mission was at work, and that as soon as
il submits a report the law Will be put
into effect through proclamation issued
by the governor.
i is felt IN administration circles that
the firing OF a single shot might result
in such disorder throughout the island
rs would neCe sSitate the sending OF large
re-euf0Tcements TO Gen. Bell The Gen.
eral STAFF. in anticipation Of possible
trouble, has elaborate plans for rushing
troops to the island without delay If
such action is found to be necessary
About 5000 men could be sent into the
island on short notice. II more were
needed, * might be necessary to enlist
"a sufficient number Of recruits TO bring
all regiments up 10 their fun quota. or
else 20 transport some troops home from
the Philippines. which. OF course. would
command Of Rear Admiral Evans, Will
be assembled in Cuban waters within q
few weeks, arrangements having been
completed for its winter practice cruise
and for its reorganization into four di-
visions.
Presidents Course Defended.
1t is asserted on behalf of the admin
istration that the course adopted in the
Cuban matter during the present year
was the only one that could possibly
have been followed under the existing
circumstances. The official correspond
enCe which has already been sent to
Congress is said to demonstrate this be
yond question. Neither the President
nor Secretary Taft had any idea of the
incompaibIIity of the politicians who
control the two parties in the island, and
the administration is now convinced that
these politicians do not desire peaceful
settlement Of the problem which is caus-
ing so much trouble. This phase Of the
matter, naturally, makes the work of the
American authorities ali the more deli
cate and difficult At the present time
there is not the slightest assurance that
the party which is defeated at the forth
coming tieCNtllS VIII not leLAG ~ ttAe buSll
and start a revolution,
Cubaus are indulging in considerable
criticism of Frank Steinhart, the Ameri-
can consul general to Cuba. II does not
appear that any formal charges have
been filed against him, but he is very
popular with certain interests in Cuba,
and very unpopular with others. He has
large financial holdings in the island. and
while this is not forbidden by the Tegula-
tons, cubans express the opinion that
mis- enterprises naturally bias him, and
that he should be disassociated from
them. 1t is limited that a change in the
office is quite within the range Of the
possible Indeed, Mr.. Steinhart has re-
ceived a fattering business offer from
Ar James Speyer, and may retire of his
own accord. Mr.. Speyer talked with Sec
rotary Taft yesterday, but 1t is not
known that he discussed the Cuban sit
ua ton.