The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-04-21
PALMRS RETURN.
Cuban Presidents Triumphal
Entry to the Island
After Having Been Sent Away
in Chains.
HE LANDS AT GIBARA.
Received With Great Evidence
of Love and Esteem.
Thousands of People Turn Out
to Welcome Him.

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New York. April 21-General Tomas
Estrada Palma. president-elect of the
Cuban republic, who arrived on the
steamer Admiral Farragut from Old
Point Comfort Va was greeted, says q
SSibara, Cuba, dispatch to the Tribune,
with great enthusiasm. Gibara's popu-
lation of six thousand was 1aug
mented by as many more who came
from all parts of the island, from Ha-
vana to Santiago, to pay homage to =
man they love. During the voyage the
weather was magnificent and General
Palna's forebodings of ofseasiekness were
not realized.
When the steamer anchored in cibara
hafbor salute of q guns greeted Gen.
Palma. His face frightened at the
scene before him. How different was
his return to Cubai He left in chains
and came back with his path literally
streWn with roses The harbor was a
kaleidoscope or color and animation.
From every craft flew the flag Of Cuba
nbre and the stars and stripes. Old
friends who had known Gen. Palma in
the ten years war and had shared with
him the hardships and sufferings Of
many campaigns came on board and
embraced him. Many We're in tears.
The vessel was soon crowded with
men bers of committees, representing
different cities. who came out in steam
ers and launches which were decorated
from stem to stern. from the mast to-
the water line. After quarter OF an
hour of informal talk Gen. Palma and
his party were taken ashore IN d launch.
It was when he put his foot on the pier
InaE the pent up enthusiasm OF his COM
patriots broke forth in earnest. There
were rounds Of cheers by the natives as
they crowded around their president
elect which could have been heard clear
across the bay. Mayor CeSpedeS spoke
q few words of welcome and then pro-
posed three cheers for the first presi-
dent of the Cuban republic They were
given with viii.
With the village band playing the Gu
ban hymn. a procession was formed TO
the principal street whence the presi-
dent-elect and members of the commit
tee were drawn in carriage by score
of StalWart CubanS to the city hall. E1V-
cry place of vantage along the route
was filled. Men. women and children
crowded and pushed to en- brace and
shake the hands of the veteran.
Arches had been built across every
street which led to the city hall. Not q
house IN all Gibara was without decera-
ton in some form. From every one few
the flag of Cuba, and from almost as
many were displayed the flag of the
United States, while the red and yellow
colors of Spain were conspicuous on the
Spanish houses. The Spaniards Joined
in the welcome. Garlands of roses and
palms figured prominently in the dec
orations. A procession, headed by a
detachment of the Tenth United States
cavalry, commanded byLleutenant Hart
school children and women proceeded
with the Palma party to the city nall
and then lined up on each side to allow
his carriage to pass. Every woman and
girl was armed with small bouquets
which they threw into the carriage
General Palma sat with barred head,
bowling in response to the cheers. He
was deeply affected by the demonstra-
ton. The ceremonies at the City haH
consisted of speech making by the
mayor, members of the council General
Palma and Gonzales de Quesada. Mayor
CespedeS spoke eloquentiy OF the graft
tude that the Cuban people owed to Gen.
Palma, and the honor of being the first
to receive the first executive Of Cuba
Iibre His countrymen, he said, trusted
General Palma implicitly and would AID
him in every way toward successful
administration of his Office.
General Palma, in responding, spoke
with some difficulty, as he was almost
overcome with the reception given him
He began by proposing cheers for Cuba
libre and for the United States. He said
the Cuban people should, with the in
auguration of their Independent govern
ment, abandon politics and give their
attention to the betterment and recon
struction of their country It was his
ambition to bring the various elements
together, so that they may all work to
one end. the building up of Cuba lie
promised to devote henceforth all his
time knowledge and energy to bringing
about this result. He frequently was in
viva Cuba libre.'
The mayor then granted him the
freedom of the city.
Senior de Quesada in his speech said
the happy union that now exists be-
tween the two people was an omen Of
/ future peace and prosperity; that their
| interests were SO closely allied that it
was to their mutual interest to con-
| tinue the good personal relations 80
apparent in the demonstration.
General Palma then held a public re-
I ception, and was overwhelmed with
! congratulations and good wishes. The
/ procession reformed, and the party
! was escorted TO q private house. where
| the people insisted on again hearing
from their president, who addressed
them from the balcony. It was with
reluctance that they dispersed when
| he withdrew for few hours rest and
| conference with his friends There was
little Of the former, however for all
] day there was q. constant flow of vis-
itors to pay their respects in person
( The exercises eliminated in the evening
with a banquet and ball at the Union
club.
General Palma Will resume his jour
ney this evening. Holguin viii be ths
next stopping place.