New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-10-26
CUBAN CRISIS GRAVE
ON EVE OF ELECTION
IN S. Government May Have to
Intervene to Secure Free
Choice for President.
SHOTS FIRED IN HAVANA
Wounded Numbered Forty At
ter Street Battle Between
Conservatives and Liberals
Women Among Injured.


Conservatives and Liberals
Women Among Injured.
Washington, oct. 25.-The serious
situation IN Cuba, as demonstrated by
last nights riot in Havana, is exciting
the grave solicitude of the United
states government. Reports indicate
that there are good grounds for the ap-
nrehension that has existed for soma
time among officials here that the ap-
preaching election period in Cuba
would he a critical test of the stability
Of the island republic.
Between now and next Friday-elec-
ton day-many political meetings are
10 be held throughout the island, with
every indication that there will be
stormy clashes between the two great
parties, like the one at Havana last
night. Even If the Gomez government
Is able TO handle these prediction
riots. officials fear that the defeated
party will not abide by the result, but
will break out in open revolution.
The conservative leaders, it IS re-
ported. have already given warning Of
such an intention. basing their threat
upon the allegation that President
Gomez has been favoring the Liberal
party. Of which he is a representative
although Zayas himself processes TO
d,strust President Gomez, with whom
he has had a bitter personal quarrel.
More or less disorder is likely to. occur
on election day. affording opportunity
for a declaration of fraud, and, on the
whole. all the elements seem to be
present that are required to start a
revolution.
Asserts Presidents lmpartiality.
In the opinion Of the Cuban Minister
Senior Rivero, there is no foundation
for the reports that President Gomez
is seeking TO resign his office at this
critical moment, and he is positive that
the President will maintain an attitude
OF strict impartiality. ! The minister
himself has been in conference with
the state Department officials here IN
regard TO the situation. which he con-
fdently believes is within the controi
Of President Gomezs government.
Meanwhile the General Staff OF the
army has available a workable project
for the dispatch to Cuba Of sufficient
about fifteen thousand
men-to take charge of the island II
conditions should arise corresponding
10 those prevailing when the Palma
collapsed, making 1t
necessary for the United States to
carry out it's treaty obligations.
As the regular army organizations
lack the mobility of the marines, 1t is
possible that these sea warriors would
he called upon to initiate Intervention
and hold possession Of Havana and
rerbaps one or two other OF the larger
ports until the regular army contingent
could be landed on the island.
It happens that the situation IN
Nicaragua has quieted down so that II
IS now possible to withdraw most OF
the large force OF marines and blue
Jackets under Rear Admiral Souther-
land and this force probably would be
replied upon for Cuban service In an
emergency. being only about three
DAYS distant from the island.
Havana, Oct. pa brisk battle between
Conservatives and Liberals, during Which
several hundred shots we're fired ana
number Of people killed and wounded
broke cut after midnight In Central PARK,
in the heart OF the city, at the close OF
an immense outdoor meeting of support
crs OF Vice President Alfredo Zayas' VINO
is 2 candidate for the Presidency
The meeting had proceeded peacefuiiy
until the last speaker assembled the plat
form. when a number Of shots were
fred, apparently by group OF ConserVa-
tives gathered in front OF a hotel
Instantly the crowd began 10 disperse'
and the fusillade became general, exteno~
ing across the park and down the Prado.
For ten minutes the firing was so brisk
as 10 resemble the rattle OF machine
guns. Strong forces of mounted police
and cavalry charged repeatedly with
drawn machetes and firing revolvers.
The mob returned the FIRE from the win
dows and pOrches Of the houses.
American Club Hit.
A crowd Of adherents of Zayas halted
in front OF the Asbert Club. firing vol
leys at the windows. which were returned
from the balconies Of the club by the
supporters OF General Asbert, the Con-
servati candidate for the governorship
Of Havana Here occurred the hottest
fighting Several policemen's horses were
shot under them. A number Of shots
struck the American Club, opposite the
Asbert' Club.
Reinforcements Of police, rural guards
and soldiers arrived and the mob, which
was then composed OF sdherents OF both
parties was driven from the park and
gradually dispersed. Afterward the park
was occupied by q strong force OF cav
airy for the remainder OF the night
The total OF the wounded, including
two women, was about forty. OF whom
several were fatally hurt The fronts Of
the hotels and cafes facing the park are
rddled with bullet holes. .
h. L.. a. 40 a