Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-06-01
Negro Bands Are MaTaud-
ing at Eastern End,
But Anything Like a Decisive
Engagement Is Lacking,
Gunboat Paducha Is at Daiquiri,
Nashville In hipe Bay.

Washington, May 3f,-The continued
marauding ~ small bands of Negroes
in the eastern end OF Cuba and the alb
eenee of anything like a decisive en-
gagenient between the rebel forces and
the government is the substance of all
Of the reports that have come to the
state department, today, from the
American eonsuls in the troubled dis
tricts. The arrival of the gunboat
Paducah at Daiquiri. about II miles
from Santiago, today. it is believed,
wlll insure the American properties in
that neighporhood against further mo-
lestation. The gunboat Nashville is
now in Nipe bay, on the north coast,
where there are also large American
interests.
Some of the property of the Spanish
American Iron Co. at Barraca has al
ready been destroyed but the buildings
were of a character easily duplicated
and the rebels have failed to inflict any
damage upon the great ore handling
plants and dock at Daiquiri, the loss
of which might cripple the company
for many months and perhaps years.
State department officials believe
that the general situation in Cuba
has improved So that the battleships
of the second squadron are likely to
continue TO swing idly at anchor at
Key West for a good while.
The arrival of Gen. Monteaeadn at
the front as the communicative chief
of the Cuban forces, is being closely
watched here. His success er failure
is expected to forecast the ability of
the Federal government to cope with
the situation. Should the rebel bands
continue 10 attack foreign property
it is possible the United States will
send fleet of small vessels to va
rieus ports bordering on the rebel
zones, to have marines on hand for
Immediate action.
The fact that the rebel leaders are
giving receipts for property taken in
the name of Estenoz is believed here
10 indicate that the movement is an
organized and an earnest one. IN
army circles here the failure of the
Cuban federal force to make any head
way against the rebels is believed To
be due to the fact that the govern
nent forces have been compelled to
place themselves on the defensive by
dividing up and attempting 10 furnish
small detachmehts to many foreign
properties which are demanding pro-
lection.
Positive assurances have been re-
eeyed from the Cuban government
that a force of Cuban troops has been
sent to guard the property of the
Spanish American Mining co. at Dali
qniri on the south coast of Oriente,
near Guantanamo.
President Taft holds the view that
the Executive. without further leg
isiation by Congress has ample au-
thorify for Intervention when neces-
sary. He so advised the Cuban rela-
lions committee of the Senate. today.
in connection with the Bacon resolu-
ton designed to supplement- the Platt
amendment by enacting specific "au-
thority of law for what now would
be an assumed authority" to inter-
Nvene. 1t was reported, today, the
committee might recommend that dur
ing a session of Congress responsible
ity should rest upon that body, by
reference of the matter to it by the
President, but when Congress was not
in session. the President should have
a free hand to act.