Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 67, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 April 1904 — MOB HINDERS SOLONS. [ARTICLE]

MOB HINDERS SOLONS.

Convening of Cuban Honae Prevented by Slotoue Scene* in Chamber. The Cuban Congress was to have convened Monday, but only the Senate wae in aesslon. The Hons* was simply a riot, owing to the enormous number of disputes over election frauds and chargea of fraud made by the various contesting members. Ail the nationalist members refused to entey the chamber, the nationalists fearing that If the question of contested seats arose they would be outvoted by the coalition largely arranged between the republicans and moderate liberals. The nationalists, however, came into the building accompanied by several hundred local followers, who crowded into the audience part of the chamber and Into the halls and streets adjoining, shouting “vivas" for the nationalist party. Ths republicans and moderate liberals, for the most part, reginined in their seats. The Speaker of the House, a nationalist, not being present, the Vice-Speak-er called upon the sergeant-at-arms and ths employes of the House to preserve order, but the crowd was too great to handle. Lionaz Castillo, a nationalist, who was one of those elected, mounted the reporters’ table and, addressing the crowd, assured it that justice would be done and that the representatives who had been fraudulently declared elected would never be permitted to take their seats. As the disorder continued, Representative Boza, himself a nationalist, addressed the people to the effect that such a demonstration in the House was not only unlawful but outrageous, and he counseled them that no redress of grievances could be had by such means. The people thereupon began to withdraw quietly, Just as a squad of police entered ths building. President Palma’s message was read in the Senate. On the subject of contested elections and election frauds President Palma said he had abstained from Intervention in all questions arising out of the elections, leaving their settlement to other and proper authorities. The message also showed the prosperity of the Island. The sugar industry had enormously Increased the danger of overproduction. Cuba, he thought, should consider other forms of industry. Cattle have increased from 953,011 head in 1902 to 1,223,G13 and horses and mules from 187,728 to 230,473, The message says the public health is excellent. The number of deaths in Havana in 1903 is the lowest since 1820. The rate In the island is not over fifteen per 1,000. He also says not a single case of yellow fever nor smallpox has originated in Cuba during the year. Regarding the reciprocity treaty, President Palma says both countries have agreed that Cuban or American products exported to other countries and shipped to the United States or Cuba shall enjoy the benefits of the treaty. Cuba, hs said, had proposed this measure to prevent other nations from passing off their own products as Cuban or American.