In August, 1906, President Palma was reelected for another term, but the Cubans had not learned the primary lesson of democracy, submission to the will of the majority, and his opponents at once began an insurrectionary movement which had for its object the overthrow of his government. About the middle of September President Roosevelt sent Secretary Taft to Havana for the purpose of reconciling the contending factions, but Mr. Taft's efforts proved unavailing and President Palma resigned. When the Cuban Congress assembled, it was found impossible to command a quorum. Under these circumstances Secretary Taft assumed control of affairs on September 29 and proclaimed a provisional government for the restoration of order and the protection of life and property. A body of United States troops under command of General Franklin Bell was sent to Cuba to preserve order and to uphold the provisional government. On October 3, 1906, Secretary Taft was relieved of the duties of provisional governor in order that he might resume his duties in Washington, and Charles E. Magoon was appointed to take his place at Havana.[139] In his message to Congress December 3, 1906, President Roosevelt declared that while the United States had no desire to annex Cuba, it was "absolutely out of the question that the island should continue independent" if the "insurrectionary habit" should become "confirmed." The second period of American occupation lasted a little over two years, when the control of the government was again restored to the people of the island and the American troops were withdrawn. FOOTNOTES: [77] H. A. Washington, "Writings of Thomas Jefferson," Vol. V, p. 443. [78] "Madison's Works," Vol. II, p. 488. [79] Niles's "Register," under date November 8, 1817. [80] For a full discussion of the question see the pamphlet by J. Freeman Rattenbury, entitled, "The Cession of the Floridas to the United States of America and the Necessity of Acquiring the Island of Cuba by Great Britain." London, 1819. [81] Niles's "Register," March and April, 1823. [82] H. Ex. Doc. No. 121, Thirty-second Cong., First Sess.; also Brit. and For. St. Pap., Vol. XLIV, pp. 114-236. [83] H. A. Washington, "Writings of Jefferson," Vol. VII, p. 288. [84] "Official Corresp. of Canning," Vol. I, p. 265. [85] _Ibid._, Vol. I, p. 275. [86] Am. St. Pap., For. Rel., Vol. V, p. 855. Also "Wharton's Digest," Sec. 60. [87] Stapleton, "Political Life of Canning," Vol. III, p. 154. [88] Mr. Clay to Mr. King, October 25, "Wharton's Digest," Sec. 60. [89] Canning to Earl of Liverpool, October 6, 1826. [90] Am. St. Pap., For. Rel., Vol. V, p. 863. [91] Benton's "Abridgment," Vol. VIII, pp. 427, 428, and Vol. IX, pp. 90, 218. [92] H. Ex. Doc. No. 121, Thirty-second Cong., First Sess.; also "Wharton's Digest," Sec. 60. [93] "Wharton's Digest," Sec. 60. [94] Mr. Upshur, who succeeded Mr. Webster as secretary of state, wrote to Mr. Irving to the same effect, October 10, 1843.