The Iola register., 1902-05-23
CUBA is NOW FREE
Governor Wood Turns over the GOV
ernment
BY scripps-McRae Press Assn.

By scripps- McRae Press Assn.
Havana, May 19.-'Cuba Libre to-
day became reality with the hand
ing of the reins of government of the
island by Governor Wood, on be-
half of the United States to President
Palma. The ceremonies began at
eleven o'clock when Palma began
driving through the streets to the
Palace. Great crowds throng the city.
The decorations are most beautiful.
The entrance to every house is draped
with Cuban and American flags inter-
twined, while the larger buildings are
almost hidden with bunting and palms.
Every twenty feet along the route
arches bearing the colors of the new
republic have been erected, so Palma
passed under an almost unbroken
triumphallcanopy from the hotel to
the palace.
Crowds frequently stopped the pro-
cession which Palma and Gomez
headed. In front of the palace the
people became frantic, tossed their
hats in the air, danced, cheered ard
waved flags. Palma reached the main
hall with difficulty. In the presence of
the distinguished assembly Governor
Wood made speech relinquishing
the government and saying the future
of the new republic would be watched
with loving interest by Washington.
He then formally declared the military
government at an end. Palma made
a reply, thanking the United States.
Exactly at noon every American flag
on the island was lowered and the
Cuban emblem raised. The warship
fired salute Of fortyfve guns, one
for each state and twenty-one guns
for Cuba. The crowd broke into cheers
which could be heard for miles away
General Wood and the other Ameri-
cans embarked this afternoon.
AMBASSADORS INFORMED
BY scripps- -McRas Press Association
Washington, May 90 Secretary of
State Hay today officially notified the
ambassadors and Minister of the
United States all over the world Of
the independence of the republic of
Cuba and that direct information be
conveyed to the various governments
Havana, May 10. Havana was
awakened this morning by the ringing
OF innumerable bells, tolling a
requiem for the patriot dead. Today
was also the anniversary OF the death
OF JOSH Harti, the hero OF Dos Rios
and the father of the last revolution,
who fell at the beginning OF his peo-
pies war for independence. Marti s
death was commemorated today by
masses celebrated in all the churches,
and General Maxine Gomez paio a
touching tribute to his memory in FL
Mundo, expressing regret that he
could not have lived until tomor-
row.
Last night festivities were conclud-
ed with a great torchlight parade
Half dozen Cuban bands were in
the procession, which was two miles
long. There were many women in the
ranks. The colored women almost
without exception, were smoking
cigarettes or cigars. There was a
great deal of noisy jubilation, bu: no
disorder and not a single case of in
toNication. the demonstration was
continued far into the night.
Special trains began arriving today
from different parts. The provincial
governors, alcades and the private
officers who could get away from their
posts are already here. The attendance
OF the people is somewhat restricted,
owing to high railroad fares, but it is
believed that at least 10000 people
from the provinces will be here to-
morrow. The New York and Florida
steamers arriving today had big pas.
senger lists. A delegation OF Senator
Palma's neighbors, of Central Valley
New York, has arrived hereto witness
his Inauguration.
Resolutions adopted by many mu-
inequalities of the island, expressing
gratitude at the American adninistra
tion OF Cuba, reached General Wood
today, and Jose Gomez, the governor
of Santa Clara, came personally to
present memorial from the inhabit-
ants OF his province, filled with ex-
pressions of gratitude.
Final reports show that General
Wood will turn over to the public to-
morrow 1867. 100 in cash and also
81, 30S, 607 in bonds, against which the
current liabilities are charged.
The final figures of the expenditures
OF insular funds during General
Woods administration are $36, 1885,
056. During the whole period OF the