the United States, provisional governor of Cuba, hopes that I will not resign my position of minister of the Republic of Cuba in Washington; states that my services will be of value to Cuba in this great crisis, and feels sure that I will be willing to render assistance in the restoration of my country to her constitutional government; in which letter you add your own personal and eloquent request for me to contribute to the accomplishment of the preservation of Cuban independence.

Those kind and lofty words have the same inspiring ring of Americanism and fair play as the generous and historical message written to me by that true American-and Cuban by our love-President Roosevelt, on the 14th of last month, wherein he adjured the Cuban patriots to band together and sink their differences, thus assuring the permanent success of Cuba as a republic. Such declarations can not fail to sustain my hopeful courage and to confirm my belief in the future of my country, in her liberty, her independence, and her capacity for self-government, and in the right of her heroic sons to all those blessings, supported by such staunch and real friends and wellwishers as the American people, and the earnest efforts of men like the President and yourself, who helped Cuba when in need and created her a sovereign nation.

I never doubted for an instant, as you have so timely said, that under the Cuban constitution and under the treaty by virtue of which the United States is now acting, you intervene but for the "preservation of Cuban independence." I am convinced that the American people are not covetous of us; only feel sympathetic concern in our sufferings and are not anxious for our downfall. I, as well as my people, trust the American administration in this sad hour of Cuba's history. I am convinced that the United States will do what is right by Cuba.

Your American patriotism has appealed to my Cuban patriotism, and, confident as I am that Cuba will come out of this severe trial stronger and the United States with still greater glory by her just and unselfish guidance and aid, I shall remain in my post while I can serve Cuba and while I can assist in promoting her relations of confidence and mutual trust with her sponsor before the world—the United States of America.

For myself, Mr. Secretary, and for the people of Cuba, I thank you for your cordial letter; it is the honest voice, the noble pledge, of the great American nation.

Faithfully, yours,

GONZALO DE QUESADA.

The Secretary of State to the Provisional Governor of Cuba.

DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, October 6, 1906. SIR: I have the honor to inclose for your information copy of a note from Mr. Quesada, the Cuban minister at this capital, expressing his confidence in the right intentions of the American Government and people in the matter of their intervention in Cuba, and stating that he will remain at his post while he can serve Cuba and aid in promoting relations of confidence and trust between the two Govern

ments.

I have, etc.,

E. ROOT.

No. 217.]

Minister Morgan to the Secretary of State.

AMERICAN LEGATION,

Habana, October 13, 1906. SIR: I have the honor to transmit as a record for the department's archives, the inclosed epitome of the events which have occurred in the political history of Cuba since the arrival at Habana of the Hon. William H. Taft, Secretary of War, and the Hon. Robert Bacon, the Assistant Secretary of State, on September 19, with duplicate copies of the more important proclamations and orders which the Secretary of War has issued since he assumed the rôle of provisional governor.

Information relating to the general situation which the legation has obtained since his arrival on the island has been transmitted directly to the provisional governor for embodiment in his report to the President.

Unless otherwise instructed upon the assumption to-day of the duties of the provisional governor by the Hon. Charles E. Magoon, the legation will resume its political correspondence with the department and its reports upon Cuban affairs without reference to those which the provisional governor may furnish the insular bureau of the War Department. Governor Magoon advises this course, as he desires that the Washington Government shall have at its disposal a large variety of material coming from different sources bearing upon the condition which prevails here.

I have, etc.,

EDWIN V. MORGAN.

[Inclosure 1.]

EPITOME OF EVENTS ATTENDANT UPON ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT IN CUBA.

The commissioners appointed by President Roosevelt to investigate the conditions arising from the late revolution and the general situation in Cuba, Mr. Wm. H. Taft and Mr. Robert Bacon, respectively Secretary of War and First Assistant Secretary of State of the United States, arrived in Habana on the morning of September 19 last, aboard the U. S. S. Des Moines, during the cessation of hostilities brought about by Mr. Roosevelt's public letter to Mr. Quesada, the Cuban minister at Washington, in which he defined the attitude of the United States toward Cuba, and asked that warfare cease until the envoys appointed by him could arrive and look into the situation.

The commissioners began their work at once. At 9 o'clock on the morning of their arrival the secretary of state of Cuba, Dr. Juan F. O'Farrill, was received on board the Des Moines. At 10 o'clock the commissioners were received in audience by President Palma at the palace, at the conclusion of which they proceeded to Quinta Hidalgo, the residence of the American minister in Marianao, where they established their offices. The selection of Quinta Hidalgo as headquarters was particularly fortunate because it is situated about 10 miles out of Habana and was about midway between the seat of government and the insurgent camp. Both parties thus had free access to the commissioners, and all possibility of friction was avoided.

On the afternoon of the 19th Alfredo Zayas, the leader of the liberal party and self-styled representative of the rebel forces in the field, and Domingo Mendez Capote, the head of the moderate or government party, were called before the commission and each made a statement, the former concerning the aims of the liberals and rebels, the latter relative to the conduct of the Government.

After securing the statements of these men the commissioners went systematically to work to procure the views of social bodies, organizations, and various

classes of men on the island; officials, politicians, property owners, business men, planters, and many others were interrogated in an endeavor to find the radical cause for the present troubled conditions and a remedy for them. It was earnestly hoped that some agreement might be arrived at which would serve as a basis for a settlement of difficulties, the bringing together of the warring factions, and the establishment of a lasting peace, and this under the Cuban Government. General Menocal, who had made strenuous efforts to bring his countrymen together before the arrival of the commissioners, was frequently consulted by them.

After a week of interviewing the commissioners drew up a compromise which they hoped would be acceptable to both sides. Its central idea was the continuity of the existing government, and it provided for the continuance of Mr. Palma as president, a coalition cabinet, and new elections of members of Congress. To these provisions the liberals agreed. The moderates, however, indignantly refused to consider them and would have nothing whatever to do with them.

Mr. Palma reiterated his determination to resign from the presidency and called Congress to convene on September 28. In his message he recited briefly the existing conditions in the island and tendered his resignation as well as the resignations of the members of his cabinet to the Congress. His action left the Republic without an executive head, and a committee was accordingly appointed from among the Congressmen present to visit Mr. Palma and prevail upon him if possible to withdraw his resignation. It could not induce him to rescind his decision, which he declared irrevocable.

Under these circumstances the American commissioners felt obliged to assume control of the Cuban Republic until such time as it might be able to elect another executive and give adequate assurance of stable government. On Saturday, September 29, 1906, a provisional government exercising Cuban sovereignty under the authority of the President of the United States was established, and a proclamation was issued to the Cuban people setting forth the causes for this action and defining the position of the United States toward Cuba.

Since the American commissioners understand that the Republic of Cuba is continuous and that they are only the ad interim executives, the various departments continue to function as before with the assistant secretaries as acting heads, the only officials discharged being those taken on to meet the exigencies of the revolution.

At the time the commissioners assumed control there were many political prisoners in the jails throughout the island. These, of whom several were prominent liberals who had several times been consulted by the commissioners while on parole, were immediately set at liberty.

The disbanding and disarming of the rebel forces and, incidentally, the government militia, enlisted specially for the revolution, has been the chief concern of the provisional government from its establishment until now. It was carried out by a commission of American and Cuban military officers of which Gen. Frederick Funston was head, and has been practically completed. Many reports exist, however, that the insurgents are surrendering only old and useless guns which have seen service in former wars and which were secured by bribery from the old fortresses in the island where they have been stored, and that the newer guns are being kept and secreted.

According to agreement, the men under arms are to be transported to their homes at government expense; they must give up their guns, but are entitled to the horses in their possession until they are identified by the original owners. A court of claims is being established to provide for the settlement of all claims growing out of the war, and especially in the matter of horses.

On the 10th instant Provisional Governor Taft issued a general amnesty proclamation to the people of Cuba, thus indicating that quiet and peace have been restored. Save for sporadic local disturbances, the entire country is tranquil.

On Tuesday, the 9th instant, Governor Magoon, who has succeeded Mr. Taft as provisional governor, and General Bell, who is to take command of the military forces of the United States in the island, reached Habana, and on Saturday, the 13th, Governor Taft issued a proclamation transferring the provisional governorship to Governor Magoon.

Accompanying this epitome are copies of all the papers pertinent to the events set forth and of all the decrees issued by the provisional government to date.

[Inclosure 2.]

PROCLAMATION.

To the people of Cuba:

The failure of Congress to act on the irrevocable resignation of the President of the Republic of Cuba, or to elect a successor, leaves this country without a government at a time when great disorder prevails, and requires that pursuant to a request of President Palma, the necessary steps be taken in the name and by the authority of the President of the United States to restore order, protect life and property in the island of Cuba and islands and keys adjacent thereto, and for this purpose, to establish therein a provisional government.

The provisional government hereby established by direction and in the name of the President of the United States will be maintained only long enough to restore order and peace and public confidence, and then to hold such elections as may be necessary to determine those persons upon whom the permanent government of the Republic should be devolved.

In so far as is consistent with the nature of a provisional government established under authority of the United States, this will be a Cuban government conforming, as far as may be, to the constitution of Cuba. The Cuban flag will be hoisted as usual over the government buildings of the island. All the executive departments and the provincial and municipal governments, including that of the city of Habana, will continue to be administered as under the Cuban Republic. The courts will continue to administer justice, and all laws not in their nature inapplicable by reason of the temporary and emergent character of the Government will be in force.

President Roosevelt has been most anxious to bring about peace under the constitutional government of Cuba, and has made every endeavor to avoid the present step. Longer delay, however, would be dangerous.

In view of the resignation of the cabinet, until further notice the heads of all departments of the central government will report to me for instructions, including Maj. Gen. Alejandro Rodriguez, in command of the rural guard and other regular government forces, and Gen. Carlos Roloff, treasurer of Cuba. Until further notice, the civil governors and alcaldes will also report to me for instructions.

I ask all citizens and residents of Cuba to assist in the work of restoring order, tranquillity, and public confidence.

Habana, September 29, 1906.

WM. H. TAFT,

Secretary of War of the United States,
Provisional Governor of Cuba.

Official:

F. R. McCoy,

Captain Third Cavalry, Aide.

[Inclosure 3.]

Decree No. 5.

HABANA, October 3, 1906.

In compliance with instructions received from the President of the United States and in accordance with my proclamation of the 29th of September, I have resolved:

First. The diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Cuba in foreign countries are confirmed in their respective positions and they shall continue in the discharge of their duties in representation of the Republic of Cuba under the provisional administration of the United States.

Second. The provisional government recognizes the foreign diplomatic representatives accredited to the Government of the Republic of Cuba, without necessity of the formalities or any other steps for the change, and shall continue to maintain with the same, through the Department of State, the diplomatic relations.

Third. Cuban consuls in foreign countries shall continue in the performance of their duties, and foreign consuls residing in Cuba are also recognized by the provisional government.

PEDRO F. DIAGO,

Chief Clerk in charge of the Department.

WM. H. TAFT, Provisional Governor.

[Inclosure 4.]

AMNESTY PROCLAMATION.

By the provisional governor, a decree:

HABANA, October 10, 1906.

Whereas it appears that the organized forces which, until recently, have been engaged in armed insurrection against the Government of Cuba have disbanded as such, with the result that active organized hostilities have ceased throughout the island; and

Whereas it accords with the purpose of the provisional government established by the United States in Cuba to promote, by prudent measures within its authority, to an early reestablishment of Cuban self-government in accordance with the proclamation establishing this Government.

Now, therefore, be it known that I, William H. Taft, provisional governor of Cuba, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the President of the United States, do hereby proclaim and declare, without reservation or condition, except as hereinafter provided, a full and complete amnesty and pardon to all persons who have directly or indirectly participated in the recent insurrection in Cuba, or who have given aid and comfort to persons participating therein, for offenses political in their nature, committed in the course of said insurrection and prior to disbandment.

The amnesty and pardon here granted shall be considered and construed as covering the offenses of rebellion, sedition, or conspiracy to commit the same, and other related offenses, and as giving immunity from prosecution and punishment for seizures and appropriation of property for military use by the insurrectionary forces.

Judges of examination before whom prosecutions are pending for offenses covered by the amnesty and pardon here granted shall immediately discontinue such prosecutions and transmit the records of their proceedings to the fiscals of their respective audiencias, which audiencias shall have the duty of entering in these causes, and in all other causes of the same character already in their possession, orders in accordance with the terms of this proclamation. Fiscals of audiencias shall likewise take the necessary steps to have this proclamation applied to causes in which judgment has already been rendered by the audiencias and to those in which sentence is now being served.

The procedure last above outlined will likewise be followed in prosecutions pending in the courts of the Habana Province on account of the assault made on the rural guards at Guanabacoa, of that province, in February last, and in the proceedings known as "La Suiza," pending in the audiencia of the province of Santa Clara, all these proceedings having arisen out of the disturbances, political in their character, related in the causes which culminated in the recent insurrection; to all offenders in these two disturbances full and complete pardon is granted.

The action directed in the preceding paragraph is not to be construed as in the slighest degree justifying or palliating the guilt of persons engaged in the commission of the offenses at Guanabacoa or involved in the proceedings known as "La Suiza," for both were most deplorable, and under ordinary conditions the interest of the public would demand the strictest prosecution of such offenses, but the present high state of political excitement, the danger of public disturbance growing out of the emotions excited in the public trial of the offenses, and in either the conviction or acquittal of the accused, make it vitally important in the public interest, and to secure the greatest good to the greatest number, that the prosecutions should be quashed and oblivion follow. It is hoped that thus can the peace which is essential to this country be secured.

Ordinary crimes are not comprised within the terms of amnesty and pardon here granted, but those punishable under existing law by correctional or light penalties, committed prior to disarmament and disbandment by members of the insurrectionary forces who have complied in good faith with the agree ment of disarmament and disbandment, may be made the subject of special application for pardon to be forwarded to the department of state and justice for the consideration of the provisional governor. Where prosecutions have been instituted in the class of cases here referred to, all proceedings therein will be suspended upon receipt of notice, to be communicated by the department of state and justice to the proper court, that an application for pardon is pending before the provisional governor, and until the decision of the provisional governor thereon has been duly promulgated.