The daily morning journal and courier., 1906-08-24
CUBAN ARTILLERY TO BE
 MANNED BY AMERICANS
GOVERNMENT ORDERS RAPID FIRE GUNS FROM '. s.
 COMPANY.

Misleading Statement First Made at the
 Palace in Havana That Washington
 Had Been Asked for Aid in Suppress-
 ing the Revolution by the Dispatch of
 Eight Field Pieces and ArtiIIerymen
 --InsurrectiOn Undoubtedly Assuming
 Grave rOportiOns--Eilling of Rebel
 Leader Bandera.
 Havana, Aug. 23,--Font Sterling, sec retary of the treasury, late tonight cleared up in a statement to the Asso- ciated Press, misleading anonunce- ment made at the palace tonight to the effect that the Cuban government had asked the United States for eight rapid fire guns, manned by American artillerymen, to be used in the suppress sion of the instruction. The facts are, according to the secretary, that the government has ordered from an American arms manufactEr'ng comp&- my four rapid fire guns, and that these pieces will be manned by forme" mem- bers of the artillery branch of the American army now here. If these guns prove to be effective four or incre additional guns will be ordered, and it is expected that experienced sunners can be procured in the United States to man them. The United States has not been asked to do anything iii the prem ises.
 The subject of American intervention is not much discussed here and is re- garded as a remote possibility, there being general confidence that the gov ernment will be able to restore order in 8 short time.
 The killing of the irsurrectionary leader, General Quentin Bandera, to- day in an engagement between rural guards and band of his followers, is regarded as dealing the instruction heavy blow. The government is acting with energy in sending rural guards and volunteers against the Santa Clara rebels and in dispatching 150 more mel to defend Pinar del Rio against Pino Guerra.
 The capture of San Juan de Martinez by Guerra's band was not a great sur prise though it was not expected So soon. The place was protected by very small detachment of rural guards, while Guerra's strength was much greater. The taking of Pinar del Rio will be quite another matter, since there are in that vicinity twice as many troops as the insurgent Pino Guerra, can muster. It Is regarded as more than probable that the troops will take the offensive, and if possible draw Guerra into an opera fight.
 While government endorsements are going forward Guerras following is not believed to have been greatly aug mented by his occupancy of the two Vuelta Tbajo towns.
 Public opinion appears to vary ac- cording to locality, from enthusiastic adherence to the government to open rebellion. Tn this city the general at titude is one of loyalty.
 The opposition and Independent newspapers discuss with analytical coldness the cry that if the government is not able to squelch the insurrection within two months other forceful means must be employed for the resto- , ration of peace. There are no ringing Ealls to arms. The moderate newspa- pers print with approval the resolu- tions declaring adhesion to the govern ment by their party organizations, but there has been nothing which could be fairly described as a general rising of the people in defense of the govern ment.