The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-09-26
The CUBAN CRISIS.
NO SIGN OF SETTLEMENT IN Gu.
BAN DISPUTE.
Many Conferences Held and Govern
ment Submits Plans For Peace,
But the Rebels Ask For More Time

ment Submits Plans For Peace,
But the Rebels Ask For More Time
Habana, Sept 20.-A second day Of
conferences with the leaders of the
factions in the Cuban conflict has not
enabled Secretary Of War Taft and
Assistant Secretary Of State Bacon to
announce any plan for compromising
the difficulty. So strenuous are the
appeals of both the liberal and Mod
crate party leaders that the situation
becomes increasingly complicated as
the negotiations proceed. However,
Secretary Taft said tonight that he
believed when they are brought face
to face with the danger Of losing in
dependence forever, all patriotic Gu
bans will be willing to make conces-
sions.
Mr.. Taft added that the United
States peace en1issaries are occupying
most delicate position and have un-
dertaken to hear all complaints and
that until they have made themselves
thoroughly conversant with the po-
litieal turmoil Of Cuba, they cannot
express themselves freely in the con-
feEences, fearing that possible mis-
understandings may have deterrent
effect on the proceedings.
ghe only counsel to the political
leaders given by Mr.. Taft was on the
subject Of not engaging in further
agitation that might make interven-
ton by the United States necessary.
This advice he offers freely to all to
whom he gives audience, regardless
Of party.
sMr. Taft has made it clear that the
United States is not seeking to exer-
else control over the island or any Of
it's affairs; but he has quoted Presi
dent Roosevelt's letter to Minister
Quesada to the effect that the United
States has a duty which it cannot
shirk. To those whom he has met in
conference, Mr.. Taft has said that
now is the time to decide whether
they would have Cuba live as ma
lt;ecaf ti;ecf.. He has weighed every word
carefully and has neither upheld nor
criticised the principles of either
faction.
Mr.. Taft realizes that unless the
national spirit is aroused the COM
mercial interests Will have no conf
dence in any settlement that may be
reached. On this point the medtators
are confronted with their chief diff
fculty, for no way has been devised
to obtain the sentiments of those in
the field without treating with armed
forces, which might be regarded as
recognition of the insurgents. Sen
ator Alfredo Zayas is generally re-
garded as the official representative
of the revolution, but he cannot claim
that distinction in negotiating with
Secretary Taft, as that would make
him revolutionists and terminate
free intercourse with President
Roosevelt's representatives.
Senator Zayas has been received 5y
Messrs. Taft and Bacon at the home
of Minister Morgan in Maranao moro
frequently than any other Of the Gu
ban leaders. AT today's visit he was
expected to file a brief sett'rg forth
the grievances of the Liberals but ne
p,.aded for more TIM and was grant
ed until tomorrow.
Vice President Mendez Capoet the
spokesman for the Moderates, or
government party, today fled a
brief declaring the Moderate position
and advancing certain propositions
for settling the controversy. By Mr..
Ia1tS OrQ6r lQ1S DIlGl was SCdlCo, oiA0
will not be taken up for consideration
until it can be done in connection
with the argument ofsthe opposing
side.
Mayor Cardenas and a number of
the principal officials of Habana paid
long visit today to 5Messrs. Taft
and Bacon ard argued that it was the
duties of the United States to support
the recognized government.
No reports Of disturbances any
where on the island have been re-
ceived today. Cienfuegos is suffering
from a water famine on account of
the destruction of the waterworks at
Jicotea by The insurgents.
TROUBLE IN CUBA.
Havana, Sept. Ella Discussion
publishes a dispatch from Cienfuegos