New-York tribune., 1902-05-28
MR.. SQUIERS IN OFFICE.
NEW MINISTER TO BE DEAN OF DIPLO-
MATIC CORPS AT HAVANA.
Copyright: 1902: BY The Tribune Association.)
(BY CABLE TO THE TRtBUNE.l

lBY CABLE TO THE TRIBUNE.l
Havana May 21-Herbert G. Squiers present
ed TO President Palma this afternoon his Gre
dentials as minister of the United States to
Cuba. Mr.. Squiers had not been here more than
twentyfour hours when he was accepted as the
accredited representative of his government.
BY presenting his credentials before the minister
from England, who was appointed before him,
Mr. Squiers becomes dean of the diplomatic
corps
The reception of the first foreign minister to
Cuba Libre attracted a large crowd to the
palace. and marked with impressive cere-
monies. Mr.. Squers escorted from his hotel
by the Assistant Secretary of State and fifty
mounted rural guards. At the palace stood a
detachment of Cuban artillery and the mu-
nicipal band. which played the Cuban hymn as
the party entered. Two huge American flags
fiOated over the building.
The reception took place in the Red Parlor.
President Palma in the centre of a semi
circle. with Vice-Presdent Romero on his right
and the Secretary OF State. Senior Zaldo. on his
left. Then in order of rank stood the members
of the Cabinet, the Governor of the province.
tine Mayor OF the city and other officials. who
all in full dress
The minister was cordially received by the
President Mr.. Squiers spoke in English fol-
lows:
The President of the United States sends you
his most cordial greetings and desires to
assure your eXcellency of his personal interest
ana sympathy In the welfare and prosperity OF
your people. In these sentiments l beg to join
as the diplomatic representative of the United
States. To be near your eXcellency is TO me the
greatest possible compliment, and IL will be my
task 10 draw still closer the ties OF friendship
which now unite our people
President Palma. replying In Spanish said
that he hoped that Cuba and the United States
would always be close friends. and paid tribute
to President Roosevelt. 10 whom he also sent his
greetings. Then Mr.. Squers was introduced to
the officials. after which he and the President
withdrew for few minutes talk
As the minister left the palace the soldiers
presented arms. and the band played THE Star
Spangled Banner" Mr.. Squiers has already Gre
ated a very favorable impression here among
both Americans and Cubans. The minister ex-
poets to open the legation in a few days
While hunting for his house last night at
Nedado. the private secretary. Mr. Thorne had
ar interesting experience with policeman. Mr.
Thorne. accompanied by a correspondent had
been looking at a house and grounds where
there had recently been a burglary. On leav-
ing the spot excited voice was heard from
behind. and turning Mr.. Thorne was CON
fronted by a policeman carrying a long machete.
who demanded to know why Mr. Thorne had so
closely scrutinized the house 1t being ex-
planned the policeman became satisfied that no
further robbery was contemplated and he apollo
gized.
The President will draw up n special message
tonight asking tho Senate to pass the bill estab-
fishing Cuban legation at Washington.