The Washington times., 1906-09-20
Task Viii Take More
Time Than Was At
First Supposed.

HAVANA. Sept 20.-That me settle
ment OF the Cuban trouble will be a
more serious matter than was az first
anticipated by Secretaries Taft and
Bacon, is now acknowledged by the
American Commissioners. as well as by
all persons in a pos'tlon 70 know in
side conditions.
Secretary Taft. after his first day or
conferences with Representatives OF Op-
posing factions. admitted that the ten
DAYS he first thought would be neces-
sary 70 effect an adjustment would prob
ably not suffice for the purpose His
hope OF eventually finding q way out
Of the difficulties presented 10 him IS
found IN the spirit manifested by both
sides. which he said today is satisfac-
tory.
Many Interests to Be COnciliated.
The real difficulty IN reaching an
agreement will develop because Of the
rnultitudlnous interests 10 be concili-
ated. Every man in Cuba practically
IS a politician and al think they have
interests, some patriotic, but mostly per
sonal and selfish. 10 be served. To
reach an agreement which viii satisfy
the cravings OF all the politicians for
advancement, position or something
even more tangible. IS going 10 be "a
task which viii probably require more
than diplomacy on the part OF the Amer
lean mission 10 accomplish.
There are many persons today who
openly say Il VIII probably require a
flourish or two OF the big stick be-
fore all the politicians viii be ready 20
see that they have no alternative but to
be satisfied.
All Have Axes to Grind.
No matter what the peace terms sug-
gested there has always been some one
in a position 20 make trouble unless ne
is considered, and TO ask what is there
In II for me?" While this feeling pre-
walls among the Cuban patriots It IS not
likely that much headway viii be made.
There are, OF course, many real pa
triots who joined the insurgent cause
because they could not cOnsCieltOusly
subscribe 20 the government regime.
These viii prove unpleasant men 20 deal
with IN the peace negotiations. and win
probably be the hardest faction 20 con-
ciliate For the most part they are
men who are willing 10 again take 20
the field and wage a guerilla warfare IN
the hills II they can do nothing better.
Worse Than Taft Expected.
While Secretary Taft has said the
spirit manifested by both sides is sat
isfactory. Il is pointed out 70 him that
he can tell little by what the faction
lists have said to him as yet.
It is not a Cuban trait to openly op-
rose any statement that may be made.
If Tafts proposals at the outset 10
the factionists were not pleasing, there
is little likelihood that he would have
I been told so. The CuOaGs would APP
! pear 10 acQuiesce- But l1ter on some
/ new objection would be raised.
All that Mr. Taft would say today
I was that the situation was more com
plicated than he had thought, and Il
/ would take a longer time TO straighten
1 things out than had been anticipated.
4 The news OF the active military and
naval preparations IN the United States
and the statements which have been
made that unless peace is restored By
/ October I American soldiers and ma
/ rlnes will be landed and peace com
/ ueiled las caused almost as much talA
cs the advent Of Secretaries Taft anC
| bacon The best belief among thOse
rot acting on either sioe is that II viii
I be necessary TO execute ty force what
/ ever conclusion is reached by the Amer
! lcan commissioners. the feeling having
/ grown so bitter that either side had
! rather see the American rule than agree
/ TO rule by their enemies, while tbs
! chances for either side agreeing 70 &
compromise grows more remote daily.