The August Revolution 65others and profit by their ruin, but to help all friends to a common
prosperity and a common growth, that we may all become greater and
stronger together.^20Although Root's speeches quieted some anti-American
criticism, they did not signify any change in the United
States power relationship with the Caribbean republics. The
United States was intimately concerned with the affairs of
these countries, Theodore Roosevelt wrote Henry Cabot
Lodge, since their well-being affected the United States
security (i.e., the Panama Canal) and foreign trade. Despite
what Root said, the United States had not foresworn inter
vention itself, only awkward, antagonizing intervention. In
the future, Roosevelt confided, interference by the United
States would be "... to secure the well-being of the de
pendencies, or quasi-dependencies, themselves; that there
should be the minimum of such interference which will accom
plish the result; and that it should where possible be veiled
as to avoid hurting the feelings of those in whose behalf
we are interfering."^21
The revolt in Cuba was a week underway before Roosevelt
or Taft took interest in it, and their first concern was to assist
the Estrada Palma government and survey the military aspects
of possible intervention. Neither acted to change the United
States diplomatic attitude toward the revolt: that the Cuban
government must protect American lives and property and
pay for damages.^22 Roosevelt's first act in dealing with the
Cuban crisis was to clear the way for Estrada Palma to
purchase five million cartridges through the co-operation of
the War Department on August 25.^23 Taft on the same day
ordered General Bell to report the General Staff's estimate
on the troops available for Cuban service.
General Bell's views on the revolt, sent directly to the
President, were hardly encouraging.^24 Although the General
Staff had planned a force of fifteen thousand men in three
expeditions, which Bell believed adequate, the Chief of Staff
further outlined the probable character of operations against
the insurgents. If the Army were to campaign for the Cuban