Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-29
MORUALAW BLAMED
Is Cause of Cuban Rebellion
Says Gen. Estenoz.
NOT A RACIAL MOVEMENT
Declares if u. S. Intervenes His
Party Will Be Recognized.
MARINES FROM PRAIRIE LAND
This Government Hopeful Gomez
Will Quell Revolt-Nashville
at Nipe Bay.

HAVANA, May 29.-Gen. Evaristo Es-
tenoz. one of the leaders of the rebels
in the province of Oriente, in the course
of an interview with a special correspond
ent of Ell Dia, on the subject of the
causes and progress of the negro rebel
lion In Cuba, says:
''The primary cause of the uprising is
the failure of the government to repeal
the Morua law, which provides that there
shall be no recognition of political parties
on racial lines and is offensive to the
negroes. Another cause is the action Of
the government and the law courts in
denying negroes their civil and political
rights. The movement is not a racial
one, but simply the action of certain
Cuban citizens to assert their rights at
all hazards. We have no hostility to the
white people and / have given strict
orders that no violence shall be COM
mitted on the persons of whites under
pain of death. One of our soldiers has
been hanged for violating this order
Gen. Estenoz continued: IF the Ameri-
cans intervene they will recognize me and
my followers as a political party. We
are prepared to continue fighting what
ever happens.
Puts It Up to Gomez.
"All the responsibilities for interven-
tion must rest on the shoulders of Presi-
dent Gomez and the government"
The rebel forces are reported to have
organized a regiment in Havana and the
standard they are using is that which
was displayed by Carlos Manuel de Ces-
pedes. who, in 1868. headed an American
revolution against the Spaniards
At the government Offices 1t is still de-
clared that no news has been received
from the front. No important military
movements are expected to occur before
the arrival of Cen Jose j. Monteagudo
tomorrow, when he will take chief COM
mand.
Marines From Prairie Land.
CAIMANERA. Cuba. May 29.-The
United States marines who arrived here
yesterday on board the Prairie landed to-
day at Deer Point. the regular marine
camp site.
A few skirmishes between Cuban regu-
lar troops and the insurgents are report
ed to have, occurred IN this vicinity. The
losses have been Insignificant.
The trains between Guantanamo and
Santiago are running. but the telegraph
wires are still interrupted.
HAVANA. May 29.-Twelve negro in
surgents were captured today at Saesta.
q small fruit. port at the entrance to
Nipe bay, according to reports received
by the government. Traffic on the Guam
tanamo and Western railroad Is still in
terrupted. No further news has been re-
ceived from the province of Oriente.
Difficult for Troops.
The State Department hopes that i'm.
mediate and energetic measures on the
part of the Cuban government will suffice
to quell the revolt and prevent further
depredations. 1t is realized that it is not
easy for regular troops to run down and
capture these rebels. who are familiar
with every trail In the jungle; who in
variably scatter before superior force
only to assemble at another point, and
who can easily Aive on the country with
the aid of a little sugar cane and wild
fruit.
The Spaniards spent ten years in the
pursuit of these bush rangers without
much success. but 1t is believed that the
veterans in the employ of the Cuban gov
ernment, with their own knowledge of
tropical jungle fighting. will be able to
deal more successfully with that element.
The gunbOat Nashville. in command of
Commander Casey B. Morgan. arrived at
Nipe bay from Guantanamo late yester-
day. The vessel was dispatched there
for the purpose Of making an investlga-
ton OF the cOnQ1tlOnS IneTc, WHICH were
reported to be serious. Many large Amer
lean interests are located in the vicinity.
Doubt 5000 Available.
Doubt is expressed here that the Cuban
government will have 5000 troops and
volunteers in Oriente province within the
next few days The report that the gov
ernment would muster that number is
believed to have been confused with the
fact that President Gomez has issued a
large number of rifles to law-abiding cit
izens to protect their property against at
tacks from rebel bands.
1t is admitted here that the movement
is becoming worse in Oriente, with the
proba bility that the fame of insurrection
may burst out again in other provinces
where the disturbances are believed to
have been quelled. 1t is declared at the
State Department that there is now no
intention of increasing the American
naval force in Cuban waters.
If it becomes necessary to send some Of
parts such an intention Of this govern
ment will not be communicated to Presi-
dent Gomez. The notification that the
United States intended to rendezvous the
second squadron at Key West as a pre-
cauti0nary .easure for the protection of
American and foreign lives in Cuba
should that government be unable to do
SO is deemed sufficient
NJ. nncI - C,,h~ryo~, 49,