The Forrest City times., 1902-05-16
GALA TIMES IN HAVANA.
The Cuban Flag Hoisted Over Moro Csstis as Welcoming Signal to Presi-
 dent-Elect Palma.

minutes or elght yesterday morning a large Cuban flag was hoisted over Moro castle here.
 This was the signal that the steam CT Julia, with PreSident-elect Estrada Palma and his party on board. had been sighted, and cheers went up from thousands who, on the shore op- posite Moro castle, had patiently awaited the Julia's arrival since day break. The crowd cheered for the new president and for the flag. which was hoisted over the famous fortress for the first time. It was a moment of exultation for the Cubans, and the fact that the Stars and Stripes float ed from its customary flag staff be- side the Cuban flag over the castle did not lessen their enthusiasm.
 The Cuban flag flying over Moro was the same one which was first raised over the senate chamber. It was sent to the castle yesterday and fastened to the halyards of the flag staff used to signal the nationality of incoming vessels. When the smoke of the Julia was seen in the direction of Matanzas, the flag was hauled up. As it rose the bands stationed along the water front played the Cuban a. tional hymn, steamers salutcd and church bells were rung. Two hours later, after the last of the great fleet of vessels that had gone out to escort the Julia to the harbor had returned past Moro castle this flag vas low cred and raised over the senate cham Der.
 There was continuous .aluting as the Julia sailed between rows If dcc. orated tugs and barges, and there were cheers from the crowded wharyes. The several War ships in the harbor were also decorated. The Stars and Stripes foated over the wreck of the Maine, and under this flag the Cuban commission in charge of the festivities had caused black and white pennant to be placed
 The steam tug Dauntless, the old flibusterer, was given the right of the line in the marine procession.
 When he arrived at the wharf the president-e was welcomed by Vice Estove, in a brief speech.
 A pretty feature of the reception here was Senor Estrada Palma's wei come by 23 young Cuban women dressed in costumes representing the American republics. Sonora Durio, who represented Cuba, delivered an address and read a poem. From the wharf the president-elect was escort ed to the palace by members of the Rural guard. Gov.-Gen. Wood, his staff and the secretaries received Senor Palma at the palace. From here the president-elect proceeded to the municipal council building, where speeches were made by the mayor of Havana and Senor Zayas. The latter welcomed Senor Palma in behalf of the people of all classes and all po- litical beliefs.
 Replying, Senor Estrada Palma said that his reception was a gratif r. ing experience, and, judging from what he had seen since his arrival in Cuba, the people were unanimous in support of the incoming governme Ut. This, he said, boded we'll for he re- public. Gen. Wood accompanied Senor Estrada Palma to the residence of Gen. Maximo Gomez. where the prcsi- dent-elect will reside until his inau- guration, May 20
 The municipal council gave a break fast in honor of Senor Estrada Palma at one o'clock yesterday afternoon He was seated at the right of the mayor of the city, while Gen. Gomez was seated at the mayors left.
 At dinner given tonight Gen. Wood, Senor Palma, Gen. Gomez, the archbishop of Havana, the secretaries and number of prominent Cubans were present.
 At banquet given in honor f the president-elect at Matanzas last night the toast "The United States" WAS responded to by Gonzales de Quesada, formerly Cuban commissioner at Washington. The speaker referred to the gratefulness of the Cuban for the improvements made in the school sys- tenn, and in sanitation by the Amer jeans since their intervention. His re- marks were we'll received.
 The house has voted to accept the credentials of the representatives from Matanzas. It will meet today to effect the organization of n.u- nicipal council.
 Mrs. Etrada Palma, wife of the president-elect, will be welcomed of ficially when she arrives here to-day. She left May 8 for Havana on the Ward line steamer Havana.