The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-09-13
RAILWAY BRIDGES
 BEING DESTROYED Cuban Insurgents Begin Work
 of Destruction THE DENVER ARRIVES
The Presence of an American War Vessel In the Harbor of Havana Catfses Diversity of Com
 ment on the Island.

Havana, September 12.-The insurgents in Pinar del Rio and Santa Clara prov inces today signalized the resumption of war by blowing up railroad bridges and comimttng other acts of destruction. The provincial governor was powerless to pre- vent depredations. As the insurgents in Havana province have made similar threats there Is much apprehension here.
 The event of today in Havaan was the arrival of the United States protected cruiser Denver. When the flag on Morro Castle slgnalled the approach of the American warships crowds hastened to the wharves. As the cruiser moved up the harbor firing the usual salute of twenty-one guns. which was responded from the Cabanas fortress, the counten- ances of Americans showed pleasure, while those of the Cubans expressed wonder and perplexity.
 Cuban officials are unamious that the visit of the Denver has no special signi- ficance.
 Commander ColwelI said that his orders to come to Havana were received by wireless telegraph while the Denver was steaming in Long Island Sound. When off Cape Hatteras an order was received by wireless telegraph to proceed to Key West. but as the cruiser was approaching that port another message was received directing that the Denver continue to Havana.
 Immediately after the Denver anchored Ensign Blakely was sent ashore to the American legation to notify Charge DAf- faires Sleeper of her arrival. and that she was at the legation's service.
 Asked as to the Denver's available landing force in case of necessity. Com mander Colwell replied that while she carries no marines she had 150 sailors and several field guns which can be put ashore on fifteen minutes notice.
 Diversity of Comment.
 There is a wide diversity of comment with reference to the Denvers presence. Some who are especially anxious for American intervention consider that the presence of American warships. while tending perhaps to quiet revolutionary activity will lessen the probability of im- mediate intervention. Others believe that the insurgents are now so desperate that they will fight on, no matter what may be the outcome. All. however. agree that American warships are certain to remain in Cuban ports until peace is not only completely restored but definite under standings are reached concerning the fu- ture. It Is generally conceded that If the insurgents programme of pillage is fully carried out far more protection will be needed by Americans than can be afford ed by the warshfps.
 There is much speculation concerning the repeated visits of Charge D'Affaires Sleeper today to the state department. and President Palma. Cuban officials are non-committal on the subject.
 Mir Sleeper said no special communica- ton had passed between the American and Cuban governments. except inquiries relative to the present status and future prospects of the revolution.
 The resumption of activities in the field thus far have affected railroad property chiefly fin Pinar del Rio province. a west ern railway bridge at Tacotaco was partly destroyed The bridge over the Santa Clara river, which was recently dam aged by insurgents. Is being repaired. meanwhile being guarded by Major Clew's rapid fire guns.
 Railroad communication with western Pinar del Rio province is now wholly cut off.
 A railroad bridge on the line of the Cuban Central between Cruces and Las I,aias, near the Trinidad sugar estates. managed by o. B. Stiiiman of New York, has been blown up. The manager of this railroad reports that the insurgents are attacking stations also.
 If Is known that the government regards the situation in Santa Clara province as even more dangerous than In Pinar del Rio on account of the number of insur- rectionists in the former province, who