New-York tribune., 1902-01-21
WILD OVER GENERAL PALMA.
PRFsIDENTELECT OF CUBA SPEAKS IN
NEW-PALTZ OF FRIENDSHIP
FOR AMERICANS.

New-PaItz y Y. Jan. 20 (SpeciaD.-To-cay mas
been practically a holiday here. The whole VlIIase
is in gala attire. The occasion for this celebration
bv the residents OF New-Paltz and surrounding
TOWNS was the visit of General T. Estrada Palma,
President-elect OF the new Cuban Republic Cen
eral Palma Is extremely popular in this part OF the
State. He has been invited by many villages 10
make an address but IT fell TO New-Paltz TO hear
his first public utterances since his election Be
hind this acceptance, however. was desire on the
part OF the President-elect TO speak to the hlty
Cuban senoritas who attend the State Normal
School here.
The entire population. II seemed. was out TO re-
ceive General Palma when he arrived from MS
home at Central Valley. accompanied by his son.
Tomas, 1r., and daughter. Candelaria- From nearly
every house and across every street large CUBAN
and American flags hung. About fifty Cuban boys
from business college In Poughkeepsie added 10
the outpourng Of the people and the noise. They
greeted their future Chief Executive in way that
left no doubt Of their love for General Palma and
their country 1t was novelty to hear the college
cries in Spanish. which they gave with vim
After an informal luncheon. General Palma and
the reception committee. headed by ex-Congress-
man Jacob La Fevre and Mr. Scudder. principal OF
the Normal School, entered the chapel, where fully
five hundred people had gathered. The scene on
their entrance enthusiastic one Each per-
son seemed desirous Of outdons the other in greet
ing General Palma. One great cheer went up, ac-
companied by handclappng. that caused the vet
eran OF many battles blush Ike the girls before
hlm He smilngly acknowledged the salute of the
Cuban flags that were waved by the senoritas and
which bore the words viva Cuba Libre!" on the
wall back OF the platform were draped the coIors
of the United States and Cuba Some or those on
the platform Dr. Isaac E. Stout, supervisor OF
the Teachers Institute; DR.. William j. Mine Prln-
cipal of the Albany Normal School, and MIS-
Lillian w. Belts.
Cuban national hymn by the Cuban students
while the audience remained standing. AFTER tnls
followed the presentation TO the school OF g. por-
trait OF General Palma. DR.. Stout spoke od the
ambition OF the Cubans for learning, He predicted
bright future for the island because or the I'D
eral education of the natives. he also PAID hlSn
tribute 10 General Palma. When the latter arose
10 speak there was another great outourSt OF ap-
plauSe that lasted full five minutes.
General Palma began his speech in Spanish,
which was a disappointment to the Americans
present He said that he advocated public instl-
tntlons or learning all over Cupa, ann tnat re
would give his personal attention 70 them, Whlcn,
he said, will prove the salvation OF Cuba" ana,
he added, you yong women must assist me In the
great task" Then in excellent English he SAID
The presence here OF these pretty Cuban girls
In your school proves that there exists a perfect
union between American and Cuban people.
And IL VIII always be my aim to act as a INK IN
TINS cnain or friendship want to thank the
of cur Independence. Without them would never
have been able TO accomplish aim, for which
We fought so long. The Cubans sincerely
grateful 20 you, and that my country
men viii soon prove that deserve 10 be a free
nation"
After the exercises General Palma held a recep-
tion and shook hands with nearly pres
ent He was almost compelled to fight his way
The Cuban girls with their flags waving pre-
. ceoed him TO the trolley and gave him q last
= Viva. One little black eyed creature rushed up
to him mpulsively and pressed flag and pencil
sign his name which he wrote against the side