The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-05-25
Everything in Readiness for
Quick Forward Movement.
FIRST STEP IN CONGRESS
Resolution Passed to Provide
Warrant of Law.
As Provided for in the Platt
Amendment.

Washington, May Ex-senator Bacon
of Georgia, declaring in the senate TO-
day that the president would have nc
authority by law for sending an armed
force into Cuba, introduced resolu-
ton which passed, instructing the com
mittee on Cuban relations to suggest
legislation authorizing Intervention
there under the conditions provided IoI
in the so-called Platt amendment.
This amendment, which applied to an
old law, governs the government s
course toward Cuba.
Before the senate passed the resoiu-
ton, Senator Bacon pointed out ina
while the Platt amendment gave funod-
mental authority for interference, there
never had been any Speclnc enactHnen1
prescribing the conditions under "nlc4
action might be taken and naming tne
American authority which may decloe
this important point. Mr.. Bacon salt
the resolution had no application IS
present conditions in Cuba, put unueA
pressure of a question from senator
Rayner, expressed the opinion that con"
gress should be convened in extra ses-
sion if intervention in the present crisis
should appear necessary after ADJOURN
ment No intimation was given as 70
when the committee might take uF
the question.
Out of the mass of conflicting reports
that have come to the state ana Wal
department as to the actual situation
in Cuba the conclusion was drawn to-
day that a crisis impends in the is
land and that this is sufficient TO JUS
tify full preparations for the protec-
tion of American interests.
Therefore word was passed to the
navy itself subject for call and early
this afternoon two divisions of the
great Atlantic fleet were under orders
to redezvous at New York and Hamp-
ton Roads.
DEPARTMENTS Do Not Agree.
State department officials inclined to
the assembly of this force at Key West
While willing to adopt that suggestion
if reouested to do so, the naval Off
cials believe that until the ships are
actually needed in Cuban waters they
will occupy a better strategic situation
at these northern ports. 1t is pointed
out that contrary to the common he7
lief, even New York much less Hamp-
ton Roads, is not so very much further
away from the eastern end of Cuba
where the trouble exists, than is Key
West
Indications this afternoon pointed to
an immediate order for the concen-
tration OF an additional naval force in
the neigh hborhooG of Cuba, probably at
Key West, some OF the smaller vessels
to go directly to Havana and perhaps
70 Cienfuegos.
Grows Moe Serious.
Washington, May 20.-Private dis
patches to the state department agree
the negro revolutionary movement in
Cuba is hourly growing more serious.
The Washington government is pre-
pairing for eventualities, but will wait
another day or two before sending
any more marines or troops to the
island.
The Cuban government will be
- 10 doF71 n fTaf fa
its ability or inability to clear out at
least a part of the revolution before
the American forces now en- route to
Guantanamo are augmented.
The plans for increasing the armed
forces of the United States in Cuba,
it is carefully pointed out here, do
not contemplate Intervention. The
troops would be used merely as a
protective force.
Loot a Plantation.
Santiago, May Pa strong band of
armed and mounted negroes this MORN
ing attacked the plantation of FL Silo,
about Is miles from this city and car
ried off all the horses, provisions and
other plunder.
The government is dispatching troops
from here to Guantanamo. Steamers
have been chartered for the purpose, on
account Of the complete interruption
of the railroad.
Attack on Santa Lucia.
Santiago. May 25.-A strong force of
insurgents is attacking the Santa Lucia
sugar plantation, near Gibara, on the
north coast of the province of Oriente.
The plantation is American property.
No government forces are anywhere
in the vicinity, but the employees are
making a stout resistance.
Havana, May 25.-It was believed
here today that the Cuban government
is trying to open negotiations with the
negro rebels for the purpose of arrang-
ing terms of peace. The terms, is it
said, will be based on an amnesty
promise to the rebels.
Recruiting for the army continued
today with increased rapidity, how
ever. 1t was noticeable that very few
negroes are offering to enlist.
The report that a band of armed
blacks was operating at Marianao, in
the vicinity of Havana, was denied but
rumors are current that bands OF
rebels are appearing in other parts
of the province.
A column of volunteer veterans Is
about to depart for the province of
Oriente, under the command of General
Emilio Nunez. president of the Veter-
ans Association 1t probably will num-
ber 1000 men who, moreover, will be
strengthened by recruits on
til wav-
Secretary of the Interior Laredo Bru
said today that the government fully
expected to receive most favorable re-
ports from the front before night.
1t is rumored today that the strike |
of the longshoremen and lighterme7 |
which was suspended two weeks ago, |
pending negotiations for arbitration is
likely to be resumed. This would have
serious results as it would cripple the
military strength of the government By |