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Juan M. Ceballos discusses the American intervention in Cuba. He believes forming a provisional government in Cuba with General Wood in charge would benefit everyone. Although the Cuban people generally do not like Americans, Ceballos believes propaganda and education could be used to change their minds.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-19
After speaking with Frank S. Cairns and Eugene Frederick Ladd, Secretary of War Taft believes the Cuban government under President Tomás Estrada Palma cannot continue. A small number of rurales and militia are spread around the island, with artillerymen and a few thousand municipal police concentrated in Havana. Insurgents are surrounding the city and also areas of Santa Clara, slowed by the arrival of United States troops on the Denver. Estrada Palma lacks support and is unprepared, and his office under Fernando Andrade is linked to abuses of power and election fraud. Without public support, Assistant Secretary of State Robert Bacon and Taft cannot recommend supporting Estrada Palma, yet insurgents still need to be driven out to protect the Cuban government and its people. A meeting will be held today with liberal leader Alfredo Zayas y Alfonso as well as insurgent leaders. Forcible intervention on the part of the United States cannot be avoided and Roosevelt’s approval is sought to move forward.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-21
Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte informs Theodore Roosevelt that peace negotiations are progressing between the Cuban government and the revolutionary leaders.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-18
Bonaparte, Charles J. (Charles Joseph), 1851-1921; Colwell, John C. (John Charles), 1856-1936
Acting Secretary of State Adee informs President Roosevelt that chargé d’affaires Jacob Sleeper received a letter from General Enrique Loynaz del Castillo that states he is willing to suspend hostilities provided that the United States does the same. Castillo asks for new elections as a basis for settling the conflict. Adee replied to Sleeper, telling him to let Castillo know that Sleeper has no authority to negotiate with anyone other than the government that is in power.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-18
Captain Beehler sends a telegram to Theodore Roosevelt confirming the receipt of a longer telegram wired on September 18, 1906, concerning the destruction of American property near Cienfuegos.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-18
Commander John C. Colwell of the USS Denver confirms by telegram that hostilities have ceased and peace negotiations are progressing between the Cuban government and the revolutionaries.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-18
Acting Secretary of State Bacon directs Assistant Secretary of State Adee to send a telegram to chargé d’affaires Jacob Sleeper at Havana, authorizing Sleeper to request a guard from the Denver if there is not one at the Legation.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-14
Rear Admiral Converse transmits a message from the commanding officer of the Denver. The message states that a battalion landed in Havana with three rapid fire guns. Denver is moored in the central position, and asylum will be ready for those who request it.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-14
Acting Secretary of the Navy Converse sends President Roosevelt a translated copy of a telegram from Commanding Officer John C. Colwell of the USS Denver at Havana, Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-14
Secretary of the Navy Bonaparte directs Acting Secretary of State Bacon to issue orders sending battleships to Havana, Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-14
Consul Holaday sends a telegram to Secretary of State Root through William Loeb about the situation in Cuba. Holaday has received reliable information that “at least 500 well-armed men” are in revolt. Provisional Governor Taft denies this information, though he reports smaller groups in certain districts. The marines landing has produced good effect. Holaday asks if he should continue to send reports to the State Department.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-14
Acting Secretary of the Navy Converse sends President Roosevelt two translated telegrams that arrived on September 14, 1906. Commander John C. Colwell of the USS Denver received a guarantee from revolutionary forces to cease fighting for three days. Negotiations for peace have begun. Commander William F. Fullam of the USS Marietta reports that revolutionary forces are raiding sugar estates and stealing property from American citizens. He will land tomorrow in Constancia.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-15
President Roosevelt is informed by telegram that the USS Marietta had landed at Constancia. Acting Secretary George Albert Converse advises Roosevelt that the authorities admit that they cannot restore order and the situation is growing worse. Meanwhile, the revolutionaries are demanding ammunition from the company. The USS Dixie has landed in Havana as well.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-16
Secretary of War Taft is preparing to board a train to travel to Havana and he is sending President Roosevelt several legal opinions regarding his options in issuing an executive order to establish a military government in Cuba. Taft reports that Roosevelt’s letter to Cuban Representative Carlos Manuel de Cespedes y Quesada polled strongly with the Cubans and Robert Bacon is carrying a copy of the president’s proclamation to arm the Cuban insurgents, though Taft thinks they should hold off in announcing it. Meanwhile, Joseph Bucklin Bishop is taking charge at the Isthmus and working on the president’s visit to the canal site. Taft admits he is not completely clear on the situation in Cuba but he knows who he is dealing with and every event will be met promptly. If they have to send in the army, he suggests putting Douglas MacArthur in charge and that he start recalling other staff officers. He knows this goes against the conventional thinking that MacArthur should serve as Chief of Staff to General James Franklin Bell, but this suggestion is only made against a remote possibility.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-16
In order to reestablish normal conditions, President Estrada Palma decrees that in the Provinces of Pinar del Rio, Havana, and Santa Clara the guarantees specified by the Constitution of the Republic in Articles 15, 16, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, and 27 are suspended.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-10
Jacob Sleeper, chargé d’affaires in Cuba, informs Secretary of State Elihu Root that the peace efforts of the Cuban veterans led by General Mario García Menocal have failed and that President Tomás Estrada Palma declared martial law and has begun arresting suspected members of the Revolutionary Committee. He also describes the effect of martial law on the city of Havana.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-11
Consul General Steinhart updates Assistant Secretary of State Bacon on the status of the Cuban government’s response to the outbreak of rebellion. The government has been purchasing arms and ammunition from the United States and Europe and has stationed naval ships in Havana and Cienfuegos. Steinhart hopes these steps will help protect the foreign investors in Cuba.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-11
Consul General Steinhart sends Secretary of State Root a draft of a cable to send to chargé d’affaires Jacob Sleeper in Cuba so that he can send it to Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma and release it to the press. The cable threatens United States intervention if the Cuban government cannot quell the revolt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-12
Chargé d’affaires Sleeper gives an update on the situation in Cuba. If Havana is attacked, Cuban President Tomás Estrada Palma cannot guarantee the protection of American lives and property. Following Palma’s advise, Sleeper and Captain John C. Colwell, commander of the USS Denver, landed an armed battalion near the city. The British now consider their interests in Cuba as under threat.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-13
Robert Bacon advises Theodore Roosevelt that using “bluejackets,” the U.S. Navy, instead of Marines in Havana might lead to faster and more covert action in Havana. Three ships with 2,000 sailors can arrive within five days, but it will take longer to assemble that many Marines.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-09-13