The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-22
Foundation stone of TriumphaI
ances and a Great Public Feast.
FINANCES OF THE REPUBLIC
ECONOMY NECESSARY IN VIEW OF
WANING CUSTOMS RECEIPTS.
President Palma In Favor of Pruning
Expenditures-TheE Evacuation of
Santiago De Cuba.

HAVANA. May 2-The illumination of
this city last night was probably never
surpassed in an American city. The ia
cades of the hotels and lines of the arches
were picked out in electric lights, japanese
lanterns swung from living trees in the
parks; colored lanterns of some ancient
designs glowed above the door Of nearly
every residence and the driveway leading
to the ocean front was rooted with a
myriad of multi-colored globes. The fea-
ture of the fireworks display from the forts
across the bay were an immense Cuban
flag, which rose in the heavens and floated
over the city, and portraits of President
Palma. General Gomez, General Marti and
other Cuban heroes Significance of the
acquiescence of the wealthy Spaniards in
the new government, was the fact that
a Cuban flag was hoisted over the Casino
by the side of the banner of Spain.
Under the charm of soft night and the
beauties of the illumination, much of the
boisterousness of the afternoon disappeared
and the crowds became quiet and orderly
Only a few accidents were reported, and
these were principally due to the explosion
of giant frecrackers.
The general festivities were resumed at
dawn to-day when the buglers sounded the
reveille in all parts OF the city, and the
bands gave their morning concerts. At s
O'Clock the foundation stone of the tri-
umphal arch commemorating the inaugu-
ration of the Cuban republic was laid, with
appropriate exercises on Independence
avenue by the Circulo Nacional. This aft
crnoon the theaters were thrown open and
free performances were given. Tonight a
great public feast was held.
w J. Bryan and the United States sem
atorial contingent sailed for Key West
this morning. They were all more i'm
pressed with the chances of the endurance
of the republic than when they came here
Mr.. Bryan said there was no reason why
the republic should not be a success and
Senator Jones expressed the opinion that
If it could weather two years ii might be
permanent.
1t is universally recognized here that the
attitude of the Spaniards who have here
tofore been annexationists. because of their
fear of the Cubans. may be the ,.etermin-
ing factor at no distant day. They pos
sess 20 per cent. of the wealth Of the island
and If treated fairly and given a proper
share in the government as President Pal
ma seems disposed TO do, IL is believed
they may prove a strong bulwark of the
republic.
is a matter of concern. as the customs
receipts have fallen off appreciably during
the last few weeks and the aid OF the
wealthy classes may De essential 10 tide
Cuba over the crisis. Should one come
with the small surplus turned over TO the
republic and the present rate OF receipts
against the increase in expenditures on ac-
count of Congress and the new salaries
the treasury might be in difficulty before
next fall For. this reason Senor Palma
insists upon the lowest possible salaries
and the most rigid economies He Is de-
termined that the island shall live within
it's income. The new government will give
this matter immediate attention and III In
-. ha hCr
penses will be curtaied. or some changes
may be made In the internal revenue taxes
10 increase the revenues. The latter step
however, the new government will be ioath
10 take, because OF its bad moral effect
The chief hope lies in the immediate ne
gotiation Of q reciprocity treaty with the