The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-01-02
stafts, the Cuban generals and the ,or
respondents.
shock Hands With the Cubans.

suddenly Capt. Gen. CaStellanos enter
ed the salon without ceremony from the
left and greeted Gen. Brooke and others
After shaking hands, Gen Brooke sat
upon a sofa, while Gen Castellanos NOV
ed towards the group of Cuban generals.
British Vice Consul Jerome introduced
him to Gen. Maya Rodriguez. Shaking
both the hands Of the Cuban officer in
the usual Spanish fashion, Gen. Castella-
nos said:
we have been enemies but | respect
you for your correct attitudes and opin-
ions. 1 have pleasure in shaking your
hand
Gen. Rodriguez replied: 81 thank YOU
general. feel sorry for the Spanish
army, which has defended the banner it
was sworn 10 defend. l also have pleasure
in shaking your hands"
Capt. Gen. Castellanos then took his
position near Maj. Gen. Brooke. The buzz
of conversation on the. American side of
the chamber contrasted with the silence
on the Spanish side
There was marked difference, too, be
tween Americans and Spaniards-the
former tall, heavy and wearing much gold
cord; the latter small and slight in blue
striped cambria uniforms The Spaniards
were depressed, the Americans were CORE
spondingly buoyant.
Guns stop Conversation.
At the last stroke of 70 the boom of a
gun brought all eyes to the point in the
room where stood the captain general who
was talking with an American officer. I'm
mediately all was silence The captain gen.
eral stepped to the left taking his posi-
ton directly in front of his staff. On his
right stood Capt. J. S. Hart, interpreter
TO the United States military commission.
Next to Capt. Hart, in the order named,
were Gems. Chaffee, Brooke, Ludlow, Lee,
Wade Butler and Clous Immediately be
hind Gen. Chaffee was Senator John w
Daniel of Virginia.
At this moment the band on the plaza
was playing the Spanish national hymn
As the guns at Cabanas fortress ceased
firing there was a breathless pause in the
salon. Everybody knew that the American
flag was being raised on the staff on the
roof of the palace by Maj. Butler son of
Gen. Butler, and that the Stars and Stripes
were going up on all the other official
staffs in Havana. After this second of 81
lence the band on the plaza played THE
Star Spangied Banner" while the guns
of the fleet and fortress began to roar out
a national salute of p guns.
CasteIIanOs Turns 1t over.
Immediately Capt. Gen. Castellanos
handed the manuscript of his speech to
Capt. Hart and began to speak.
Addressing himself to Maj. Gen. Wade
president of the United States military
commission, Gen. Castelanos said:
"Gentlemen-In compliance with the
treaty of Paris, the agreement of the mil
itary commissioners of the island, and the
orders Of my King, at this moment of
noon, Jan. J. 1899, there ceases in Cuba
Spanish sovereignty and begins that of
the United States. In consequence / de-
clare you in command of the island with
the object that you may exercise it. de-
claring TO you that ! will be first in re-
specung it. Peace having been estab-
lished between our respective governments
l promise you to give all due respect to
the United States government, and / hope
that the good relations already existing
between our armies will continue until
the termination of the evacuation of those
under my orders in this territory"
Gen. Brooke Takes Charge.
After Capt. Hart had translated the ad-
dress, Gen. Wade said to Gen Brooke:
Il transfer this command to you"
Maj. Gen. Brooke said:
q accept this great trust in behalf of
the government and President of the
United States, and addressing Capt Gen.
Cas- tellanos) I wish you and the gallant
gentlemen with you a pleasant return to
your native land. May prosperity attend
you and all who are with you"
Gems. Brooke and Castelanos then
shook hands after which Gen. Castellanos
and staff retired from the throne room.
shaking hands with Mr.. Jerome, who
stood near the door of exit. As they re-
tired there was movement toward Gen
Brooke, Brig. Gen. Clous shaking him by
the hand and saying: Success to you"
Gems. Brooke and Chaffee with others,
then stepped upon the balcony and looked
down upon the plaza. a big American
flag flying over the arsenal was in full
view and farther away the Stars and
Stripes streamed over Cabanas Fortress.
Meanwhile the officials of Spain We're say
ing farewell 10 their nations seat of power
in the New World.
Captain General Moved to Tears.
Turning to his officers. Gen. Castellanos
said with tears in mis- eyes:
Gentlemen, 1 have been in more bat
ties than l have hairs on my head and
my self possession has never failed me I'M
til to-day Adieu. gentlemen, adieu"
Then with arm upraised, he moved
swiftly toward the stairway, escorted by
Gen. Chaffee, and followed by his staff.
As he crossed the plaza the American
ladies who were standing in the balcony
of the barracks waved handkerchiefs, and
Gen. Castelanos responded by bowiug
and kissing his hand toward them.
At the dock Gems. Clous and Chaffee
bade him farewell, and the retiring cap
tain general put Off for the Spanish trans
mort Rabat, on which he will proceed to
Matanzas. He VIII be accompanied by
battalion Of the Thirty-eighth Infantry.
Gen. BroOlNe's Reception.
Mai. Gen. Brooke held reception in the
palace salon, the various officials paying
their respects and promising allegiance TO
the United States.
First came the doctors OF the University
of Havana, President BARREL az their
head. All wore black silk and velvet
gowns and small, octagohal, black silk
caps, with yellow tassels All barred their
heads and bowed low.
Next came the municipal authorities.
headed by the Mayor, and after them the
Economical Society. formerly an advisory
hoard to the captain general, with Senor
Alfredo Zayas, its president, leading.
Then came the fremen. Numerous
epeeches were made, TO all Of which Gen
brooke replied briefly
AZ the close Of the reception the Cuban
generals were introduced. Gen. Brooke