New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-05
THE FLAG DOWN IN CUBA.
President PaIma's Tribute to United
lStdtes'S Generosity.

Havana Feb. 4.-The last marked sign of the
American occupation OF Cuba disappeared this
afternoon when the American flag lowered
from the Cabana barracks and the last batta4cn
OF American soldiers marched to the Triscornia
pier and boarded the United States army trans
port Sumner.
Standing on the windswept plain near Cabana
Fortress between a line Of American and an
other line Of Cuban troops and surrounded by
a crowd OF Americans and Cubans. President
Palma expressed his appreciation OF all that the
Americans have done for Cuba The Sumner
had brought the 18th and 18th companies OF
artillery from Santiago. and these troops joined
the Dist and 22d companies which have been
stationed here in the evacuation Of the Cabana
barracks
President Palma and the members of his
Cabinet General Rodriguez. commander OF the
Rural Guards: United States Minister SQuiers
and the members OF the legation staff, took
their places facing the centre Of the parade
ground. The lines Of troops consisted OF the four
American artillery companies. a company or
Cuban artillery. a company of Rural Guards on
foot. and troop Of Rural Guards mounted
After the soldiers had presented arms. the
American flag was slowly lowered from the
stafr over the barracks. salute OF twenty-one
guns being meanwhile hred from the fortress.
The Cuban flag was then raised in fits place and
also saIuted with twenty-one guns. President
Palma addressed Mr.. Squiers and Major Brown.
commander of the American troops. in English.
as follows:
On this momentous occasion the sincerity and
depth of my feelings overcome me- and my heart
must supply my deficiency OF words. We are
In the presence of the most extraordinary fact
recorded in the annals Of universal history; to
see leave our shores the last troops the United
States left In Cuba after helping to
frIa
freedom. They could stay longer under any
pretext whatever, or they could impose on us
an unjust demand, but, on the contrary, the
government of the United States. identified
81 IS with the liberal spirit and noble character
Of the American people willingly proves its dis
interestedness and the sincerity Of the aid 1t
rendered us by taking these men away. and
showing US at the same time that we have.
an independent people, the confidence Of one Of
the most powerful nations on earth.
This act of the United States in withdrawing
its troops from Cuban territory reflects upon
them everlasting glory. and makes US proud Of
ourselves. for II means that nobody doubts our
competence to govern ourselves or our ability
to maintain peace and order and guarantee the
rights of all the Inhabitants OF this island This
new consideration shown us. together with the
services We have previously received at their
hands. will bind the Cuban people to the Amer
lean people forever I'm strong tie of sincere
gratitude.
1 beg you. Mr. squiers. to be the interpreter
of these feelings to the government and the
people Of the United Stats beg all present to
bid eodspeed 10 the departing officers and SOL
diers. and to express our wishes for the fncreas-
ing prosperity and welfare OF the American ma
ton
Major Brown replied to President Palma, and
thanked him for his kindness TO the American
officers and soldiers. He said he believed he
voiced the opinions of his comrades in saying
that there were no better people earth than
those Of Cuba. and expressed the hope that
sehor Palma would serve many years as Presi-
dent, adding that the success Of tia first part OF
his administration was a guarantee for success