The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-21
CUBA A REPUBLIC.
CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PA,

CONCLUDED FROM FIRST PAGE)
Through the center of the building an arch
way leads, in all Spanish palaces TO the
patio. or court, where a statue OF Column
bus rises from mass of palms and floating
plants. On either side of the entrance mar
BILE stairways ascend to the audience room,
which opens through balconied windows
upon the plaza. In this chamber the actual
transfer occurred. 1t is imposing room,
oblong, with lofty ceiling and marble floor.
1t formed fine setting for the historic oc
casiOn. The chamber is to-day exactly
it was when the Spaniards departed, ex-
cept that the portraits of the captains-gen-
eral which hung upon its walls gone.
They were taken back to Spain, but coats
of arms of SPAIN with their royal quarter
lngs still hang above the windows, which
are screened by the same scarlet curtains
that were hanging during the Spanish
regime. The decorations, white and gold,
with the superb mirrors, have also been
preserved, just as they were left by the
Spaniards: The chair, with gold crown
above its back, which was reserved for the
Spanish monarch himself, was visible in an
adjoining apartment
Owing to the limited space the people
were to have no sight of the ceremony TO
be enacted here, which was to constitute
them a nation before the world, but out
side they were to witness a spectacle which
would stir their pulses. for they were to see
the beloved, five-barred and single-starred
flag which Cespedes first threw to the
breeze in 1868. at the opening of the ten
years war, raised by the act of the United
X,
was to happen, had been the dream Of their
lives, and of their ancestors for genera
tons Their parents, brothers and friends
had gone to their deaths to accomplish II.
No strange wonder then that hours before.
the time set they began focking here from
all quarters of the city. Many were already
before the palace with the rising sun, and
some even slept in the park, to be certain
not to miss this sight.
A portion of the plaza was kept clear by
the police very early. The remainder was
packed with people thick that the
ground seemed alive Soon all the side
streets running into the plaza were choked
into a solid mass of humanity and every
door and window fronting the square was
walled in with faces. white and black old
and young. male and female. Then crowds
sought the roofs, overlooking every build
ing that commanded view of the flagstaff
on the palace. As far the eye could see.
the roof lines were fringed with human
freight. 1t was sight TO live forever in
memory. Drawn up below. in the open
space Of the plaza, were eight dismounted
troops of the Seventh Cavalry, with sabres
at their heels Their horses were already
on board the steamer which was TO take
them back 10 the United States
Shortly before 1850 a. m. those who were
TO witness the ceremonies began 10 arrive.
in carriages. through a street kept clear
by the police All the naval officers were
arrayed in full uniform, respondent in gold
braid and plumes chapeauN. The Cubans.
generally, wore black frock suits, with
waist coats and silk hats They formed
distinguished looking assemblage they
gathered in the audience chamber.