The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1910-12-24
CRISIS IS near IN
GRAFT-RIDDEN CUBA

/
Chicago. Dec PA special to the
Record Herald from Washington says:
| Troops of the United States army are
in readiness to be rushed to Cuba to
maintain peace and protect American
and other foreign interests.
Officials of the war department look
| for crisis in the affairs Of the island
republic by February. In 1906. when
the United States interviewed in Cuba,
the then president of the United States,
Theodore Roosevelt, and the secretary
of war, William III. Taft, declared that
if this country was again called in to
settle disputes between factions of the
Cuban government and maintain peace
throughout the island the stars and
stripes would remain there.
Officials OF the state and war de-
partments have been kept in close
touch with affairs in Cuba ever since
the evacuation by American troops less
than three years ago.
Government Seems lettering,
Within the last six months reports
and information received from Ameri-
can representatives in the island have
indicated that the Cuban government
was not substantial and could exist but
few months longer. Within the last
three weeks the reports have been so
discouraging that the war department
has felt the necessity Of keeping 5000
troops within thirty-six hours en-
barkation point.
When Secretary of War Dickinson
and Brigadier General Clarence Ed
wards, chief of the bureau of insular
affairs of the war department, visited
Cuba in November this year. they were
startled and amazed by the disrupted
and corrupt conditions which they
found existing there.
According to reports In the war and
state departments. it has been the
practice" of the United States protege
president in Cuba, Jose Miguel Gomez,
that has led to the undoing of all that
General Leonard Wood, President Taft
and Governor Magoon did to put the
government on a substantial basis.
Shady Railroad Deal Alleged.
The sum of 100000 was received
from the United Railways for influence
to push measure through the house
OF representatives and senate in favor
of the trade of a valuable piece Of
property on the Havana water front
known as the arsenal property, for the
city terminal of the United Railways
of Havana, Canadian concern, ac-
cording to a report on file in the war
department.
The terminal property is worth from
s. zoo, 900 to $10,000,000 less than the
arsenal property. 1t, is the same deal
that Governor Magoon, when admins
tering the affairs of the island, refused
to allow to be presented to the Cuban
congress.
The efforts Of Gomez in pushing this
matter through the congress of Cuba
has led to one of the most remarkable
scenes of gun play known In any
civilized country.
Trade Cost Lives of Four Legislators.
1t has resulted in the discharging of
firearms in the Cuban capital, the ex-
changing of shots between members
of the house and senate, in the death
of four prominent legislators, two OF
which occurred in the capitol, and two
of which were the result of a duel on
the streets near the capitol.
His opposition to the trade has led
to the dismissal of Faustino Guerrero,
head of the standing army, and 1t is
expected that he will start revolu-
ton.
Faustino Elmo Guerrero at the time
Of the last intervention, was a power
full liberal leader in Cuba.
In return for services rendered by
Guerrero Gomez made him command
err chief Of the army of Cuba.
When the proposition came up to
crowd through congress a measure
the transfer of the arsenal
Guerrero lined up with the
saying it was breach OF
the Plat amendment and of faith with
the United States
Both Killed in Duel.
Later, after the bill had been passed
and was signed by President Gomez.
Moleon, who was In
favor of the bill, met on the street
ana shot each other to death.
A few weeks later. less than two
months ago. Guerrero was coming out
il the headquarters of the army when
member OF the rural guards at
empted to assassinate him The man
vas arrested and taken before Guer-
era, and the latter said 'sTake him
away. / do not want to prosecute
him. am going after the persons
Who conceived the plot, the power
behind the deed"
$350,0OO In Telephone Deal
After President Gomez got his real
state transfer measure through con-
sress he made a deal with q tele-
,hone company, procuring franchise
or them. Some one received $35O.OOO
rom the telephone company, accord
ng to statement made by 4 United
states army officer of high rank
Classic" A book when people
praise ana don't read.