The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-01-04

aThe Star Spangled Banner" while the
guns Of the fleet zad fortresses began TO
roar out the national saluts Of 2i guns.
Immediately General Cs~tellanos handed
the ~ lnuscript Of his speech 10 Captain
Hart and beg 10 speak. Amid the
strains Of the band and the noise OF the
guns it was impossible TO hear him.
CLOSE The windows - said some one, and
the easements were closed, but the sound
OF the cheering still yisibly disturbed the
captain general. Addressing himself to
Major General Wade, president Of the
United States military commission,
though he seemed 70 look at the door,
Gen. Casiellanos said:
"Gentlemen-In compliance with the
treaty Of Paris. the sgre rnent of the mill
itary commissioners of the island and the
orders of my king. at this moment OF
noon, January l, 1890 there ceases IN
Cuba, Spanish sovereignty. and begins
that of the United States. In conse-
qaence declare you in command of the
island. with the object that you may ex-
ercise IT, declaring to you that will be
first in respecting it. Peace having been
established between our respective gov
ernmenis, promise you TO give all due
respect to the United States government
aud hope that the good relations al
ready existing between our armies viii
continue until the termination of the
evacuation of those under my orders IN
this territory"
After Captain Hart had translated the
address, General Wade said to General
Brooke: II transfer this command to
you"
Major General Brooke said:
II accept this great trust in behalf Of
the government and President of the
United States, and addressing General
Castellanos), wish you and the gallant
gentlemen with you pleasant return to
your native land. May prosperity attend
You and all who are with you."
Generals Brooke and Castellanos then
shook hands, after which General Castel-
lanos and staff retired from the throne
room, shaking hands with Mr. Jerome,
who stood near the door of exit. AS they
retired there was a movement toward
General Brooke, Brigadier General
Clous shaking him by the hand and say
ing, Success to you.'' Generals Brooke
and Chaffee, with others. then stepped
upon the balcony aud looked down upon
the plaza. A big American flag flying
over the arsenal was in full view, and
farther away the Stars and Stripes could
I 1.
while the officials of Spain were saying
farewell to their nations seat of power
in the new world. Turning TO his officers,
General Castellanos said, with tears in
his eyes:
Gentlemen, have been in more bat
ties than have hairs on my head, and
my self possession has never failed me
until to- day. Adieu, gentlemen, adieu."
Without . word he turned sharply in
the direction OF the wharf. History has
reversed ''.rhe last sign of the Moor"
At the dock Generals Clous and ChafIee
bade him farewell. and the retiring cap
tain general put off for the Spanish trans
port Rapat, on which he will proceed to
Matanzas.
The United States commissioners wired
President Mckinley at 1880 that the gov
ernor general OF Cuba had formally sur
rendered the government OF Cuba and
that ihe American flag had been hoisted.
Ia reply General Wade, president Of the
commission, received the following:
congratulate the commission upon
the successful termination of its mission
aud the peaceful occupation of Cuba by
the United States"