File No. 837.00/1230
[Untitled]
Habana, March 16, 1917—5 p.m.
Colonel Sanguily cables the President from Santiago that the complete regimental band with lieutenant, sergeant major, paymaster sergeant, and 40 other soldiers who were with rebels surrendered to him to-day. Other surrenders expected.
Reports having sent cavalry force reconnoiter four miles from city where governor and American Consul reported rebel force ready to attack city but found none. His patrol guarding one of the aqueducts supplying city had skirmish last [night]. Suffered two wounded.
President Menocal’s explanation of the agitation in Santiago against occupation of city by Cuban forces is that such activity is influenced by numbers of prominent business men affiliated with rebels whose names were recently published in Santiago liberal paper as roll of honor. These men fear they will be thrown in jail. Said he had no intention of troubling liberals who were not criminals.
Five hundred federal infantry are moving to-day from Bayamo to San Luis. This gives additional security to Santiago from attack of rebels.
Mayor of Bayamo reports mills grinding at Manzanillo. Road to Bayamo open and numerous rebels presenting themselves. Railroad conditions in Camaguey improving but still bad. No complaint of cane fires for several days.