The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-05-20


of Plazas by political societies, frater-
nal clubs, residents of various civil di-
visions of the city and business organi-
cations, had an air of real grandeur.
The scaffolding was covered with can
vas painted in imitation of marble and
from a distance the illusion was COM
plete. Bunting spread on venetian
masts canopied the deep, narrow streets
from the rays of the sun. Beneath these
canopies the Cuban colors and palms
graced the open doorways, through
which glimpses could be caught of lux
uriant gardens. in cool, inner courts.
Many of the balconies jutting from the
white walled buildings were adorned
with roses. Nature seemed in harmony
with the spirit Of the festivities The
parks were literally afame with trOpi-
cal flowers, and the vaulted sky above
might have been chiselled out of tur-
quolse. Above every red. tiled roof rose
Cuban flag. The whole city seemed
suddenly buried beneath a forest OF
waving banners.
The decorations along the water front
We're exceedingly lavish and all the
shipping in the harbor was dressed in
gaia attire. The majority of the ships
few the American ensign at the main
and the Cuban colors at the fore o.
Tnizzen. The United States arm ored
cruiser Brooklyn which was to take
Cen Wood away and the steamer Nor
TO Castle, of the Ward line. on which
the troops were to embark, as we'll as
the foreign warships which had been
sent by their governments to be present
at the birth of the new republic were
gaily decorated.
The American colors which were to be
uauled down in a few hours still fiOated
above the grim walls of the fortress
Which guard the entrance of the harboi
Not another bit Of color showed upon
them.
ALL ANIMATION.
The early morning was cool and de-
hghtful and the entire population rein
forced by thousands of visitors was
abroad soon after daylight All was
animation and expectancy. The streets
We're swarming with people and were
nlled with ceaseless din.
The babble Of voices was drowned by
the sharp cries Of drivers and the
ciamor OF warning bells. AS the coach
men drove their carriages madlv over
tne stony pavements pedestrians had
q busy time keeping out of the way OF
wheels There are four thousand public
carriages ia Havana and this morning
eaen one Of them seemed racing some
where on a life or death mission
Much curiosity was aroused by q. sta
tue OF freedom which had been raised
curing the night in Central park. upon
the pedestal where. for centuries. a
statue Of Queen Isabella had stood Di1r-
ing the morning a bountifuI breakfast
was given to several thousand poor chill
dren by Mr.. Payne of Boston. who has
passed the winter in Havana for many
years.
As the day advanced the heat of the
sun became intense and the weather
grew hotter every minute
The actual transfer of the control of
the island was scheduled to occur ex-
actly at noon CHavana time) which is
1880 p. m Washington tine put those
invited to witness the ceremony were
required to be at the palace at 11.8o n
q. They included, besides the American
ofncers and the members of President
elect Palma's cabinet. the members of
congress, the supreme court judges. the
governors of the provinces, the officers
Of the visiting Warships. the foreign con-
suls, william Jennings Bryan, the other
visiting American statesmen, several of