Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-06-11
READY TO LAND
MARINES IN THE
CUBAN CAPITAL
First Section Of Atlantic
Fleet at Havana This
Noon and Other Boats
are Steamnig South.

Washington, D. c., June 10.--Ameri-
can marines will be available for serv.
ice in Havana before noon today.
The cruiser Washington and the
battleship Rhode Island which steam
ed out from Key West early this morn
ing under orders sent from Washing
ton late last night, are expected to
make the run across the straits OF
Florida to the Cuban capital in about
six hours.
Each of these ships in addition to
her regular complement of sixty-five
marines carried an extra complement
of 12o, including officers. They will
be landed in the Cuban capital, OF
course, in case OF dire emergency,
in which event the blue jackets OF
both ships also will be available.
The gravity with which this govern
ment regards the situation Is indicat-
ed by the fact that Rear Admiral Os-
terhaus, commander Of the Atlantic
fleet, is aboard his flagship, the Wash.
ington. The remainder of the third
division of the fleet remains at Key
West and can join the flagship In q
few hours.
The mine planter San Francisco
leaves Annapolis today with com.
plement of midshipmen aboard and
will join the ships at Key West. The
first division of the Atlantic fleet the
Massachusetts, Utah, North Dakota,
Florida and Delaware, also leave
Annapolis today with midshipmen
aboard. While their destination Is
now Cape Cod, there is no assurance
that the navy department may not or
der these ships to Join those near
Cuba at any moment.
Speaker Farrerra of, the Cuban
house OF representatives, and one Of
the first lieutenants Of President
Gomez will have a conference today
uation will be thoroughly canvassed.
about his mission. 1t has been re-
ported that his visit is in connection
with loan for the Cuban govern
ment's use in putting down the insur-
rection.
In government circles here the de-
velopments on the island and the
Cuban spectators conferences with
Secretary Knox and perhaps with
President Taft are being watched with
greatest interest. 1t seems that the
events of this week probably will de-
eide if the military force of 5000 men
now waiting to move to Cuba shall
be ordered on.
Havana Comments on Situation.
Havana, June 1O.-The publication
in today's papers here of the news Of
the dispatch of United States war
ships from Key West to Havana un-
der the command Of Admiral Hugo
Osterhaus, created a profound i'm
preston.
The popular impression is that the
coming of the American ships means
speedy Intervention by the United
States. Officials, however, unanimous
ly scout the idea of Intervention, re-
garding the sending of the warships
as a friendly act on the part of the
United States. They declare they de-
plore that Washington has been mis-
led by exaggerated reports into the
belief that racial war Is about to
break out.
The officials assert that the riot
ing in the streets of Havana on Sat
urday night was not significant of
race hatred, but they do not explain
the reason for the extensive military
preparations which were taken to pre-
vent a breach Of the peace in the
capital last night. All parts off, the
city were patrolled until daylight by
detachments of regular troops and
home guards. Today the aspect of the
city is normal.
There is little popular disposition to
discuss the coming Of the United
States warships, but many express
sions of relief are heard on account
of the assurance of security the pres
ence of the war vessels will give. The
warships are expected to arrive short
ly before noon.
Reports from the carious provinces
show that considerable damage has
been done to the crops, especially in
Pinar del Rio.
Fleet Leaves Key West.
Key West, Fla, June 10-The battle
ship Rhode Island and the cruiser
Washington left the harbor at S
o'clock this morning, presumably for
Havana. They were under sealed Or
ders. Real Admiral Hugo Osterhaus.
commander of the third division Of the
Atlantic fleet, was on board the
Washington, his flagship.
United States Marines Attacked.
Santiago, Cuba, June 10-A COM
pany of United States marine. COM
manded by Edward B. Manwaring, en-
gagged in guarding FL euro mines was
attacked early today by force of In
surgents, who were repulsed after
considerable firing There were no
casualties amcns the marines and the
loss of the insurgents is unknown.