Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1899-01-02
TRANSFERRED TO THE UNITED
STATES.


of an exchange of speeches in the
salon of the palace, the hauling down
of the Spanish flag and the raising in
its stead of the flag OF the United
States Oh the flagstaff on the palace
roof. Statutes were fired from the
heavy guns of the foris and the war
ships before and after tbs change Of
flags. The raising of the Stars and
Stripes was greeted with cheers by
the people, who covered the roofs OF
the buildings around the palace and
the plaza. No crowd was permitted TO
gather ia the streets in the vicinity Of
the palace to witness the epoch-mak-
ing function. Cuban generals ana 9TH
er prominent persons OF the island rode
in carriages with the Americans. The
weather was warm, the sun bursting ri
intervals through the light clouds, and
the soldiers in blue who were forced to
stand in the sun found the heat oppres-
sive.
Brig. Gen. Clous, master of cere-
monies Of the day, at 1890 o'clock Is
sued instructions to the officers VINO
were to take charge Of the various
departments of the government at y
o'clock.
Previously to the formal delivery Of
the island Capt. Gen. Castellanos en-
tered the salon Of tho palace where the
Spanish and American officials had
gathered, and without ceremony greet
ed General Brooke and others. After
shaking hands, Gen. Brooke sat upon
sofa, while Gen. Casteilanos moved to-
ward the group of Cuban generals
British Vice Consul Jerome introduced
him TO Gen. Mayia Rodriguez. Shak
ing both the hands OF the Cuban officers,
in the usual Spanish fashion, General
Castelanos said
"We nave been enemies, but respect
you for your correct attitude and opin
ions have pleasure in shaking your
hand"
Gen. Rodrsiguez replied:
thank you, General. l feel sorry
for the Spanish army, which has de
Tended the banner it was sworn to de-
fend. l, also, have pleasure in shaking
your hands"
General Castellanos in his speech de-
ljvering up the island said
Gentlemen: Ia compliance with the
treaty of Paris, the agreement of the
military commissioners Of the island
and the orders of my King, Al this nc
meut of noon, January /, 1892 there
ceases in Cuba Spanish sovereignty and
begins that of the United States. II
consequence, declare you in command
of the Island, with the object that
you may exercise it, declaring
TO you that I will be first ic
respecting it, Peace having been es
tabli5hed between our respective gov
ernments, promise you to give all due
respect to the United States govern
ment, and hope that the good rela-
lions already existing between ous
armies will contlnua Until tho termina
zion Of the evacuation of those under
my orders in this territory"
After the address had been trans
lated Gen. Wade said TO Gen. Brooke:
81 transfer this command to you"
Msj-Gen. Brooke said:
81 accept this great trust ip behalf Of
the government and President of the
United States and addressing Capt.
Gen. Castelanos) l wish you and the
gallant gentlemen with you pleasant
return to your native land. May pros
perity attend you and all who are with
you"
Mai Gen. Brooke later held recep-
ton in the palace salon, the various OF
ticials paying their respects and prom
sng allegiance to the United States.
Havana harbor presented q striking
appearance yesterday morning. The
Stars and Stripes were conspicuous on
the American men-oiwar aud mer
chentmen across the bay, while
launches were constantly plying be-
tween the shore and the ships. The
docks were crowded with sightseer7,
many of whom wished to enter Moro
Castle and Cabenas fortress, but they
were refused admission.
When Lieut.. Lee, son of Gen. Lee,
with Lieut.. Jones and Lieut.. Col. L:v-
ermore, of The army; Ensign Webster,
Boatswain Hill, and Gunner Apple
gate, of the cruiser Brooklyn, repre-
sentiDg the navy, entered CabaDas,
they found no Spanish flag flying from
the staff and the halyards were tangled.
Two sailors from the Brook Ign rove oil
new halyards, and Lieut.. Lee requested
the Spanish officer in charge, Lieut..
Cache, to hoist the Spanish flag, that
the Americans might salute it. Lieu..
Cache was about to do this when Lieut..
Col. Cavestany, governor ofthe fortress.
said it would De unnecessary, Thee,
on signal from the Brooklyn, the
sailors, under Gunner Apologize, fred
twenty-ore guns, at Cabanas, after
which Lieut.. Lee, who was in full
dress. hoisted the Stars and Stripes, the
Spsniard5 firing twenty one guns in
salute and Lieut.. Col. Cagsstany band
ing the keys of the fortress and al ID
ventory of its contents to the American
officer.
At Moro Castle Lieut.. Wade, son
of Gen. Wade, raised the Stars and
Stripes, and Q1artermaster Sergt. Mer
soig hauled down the Spanish flag amid
cheers. Lieut.. BRINE, OF the Ordnance
Department. VINO gave receipt, ua-
der the evacuation agreement, for
the contents of the fort, TO
Lieut.. Saucho, the Spanish governor,
then turned over the Notifications to
Msjor Russell Harrison, Of Gen. Lees
staff, who, 10 turn, made q formal de-
livery to Lieut.. Patterson, Fms North
Carolina Infantry, who has garrison
force of ten men. Then the Spaniards
were escorted out of the castle by
American troops under Major Harrisop,
and given a cordial farewell on leaving