New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-05-21

President Palma advanced down the aisle,
Aanked on either side by members OF the diplo-
matte corps, judges Of the local courts. Con-
gressmen and guests. When he reached the
dais the Chief Justice spoke briefly OF the sig
Iihcance Of the occasion During the admin
istration Of the oath the voices Of the President
and the Chief Justice were barely audible above
the noise Of the celebration outside. Following
the administration OF the oath President Palma
spoke briefly, thanking those who took part in
the Inauguration.
Gaytan de Ayala, the Spanish Minister. who is
now dean of the diplomatic corps. then advanced
and read an address in behalf OF all the mem
bers Of the diplomatic corps, congratulating
President Palma on assuming an Office worthily
bestowed and thanking him especially for his
efforts to increase friendly relations between
Cuba and other countries. The address assured
The President OF the entire confidence OF all the
powers represented at Havana.
Inc President in reply said that he appreci-
ated deeply the honor rendered to him. adding:
mis- nation feels encouraged and strengthened
~ such manifestations, made in the name of
N representatives OF so many friendly nations.
CONSIDER your words happy augury for the
lev residential period begun to-day. The
6iduluQe 1 owe you will be seen to bear fruit
IN constant effort further to strengthen the
Ielauons, the cordial undertakings and the bonds
OF sincere friendship fortunately uniting Cuba
with the nations which you represent raise
my most fervent prayers to heaven for the hap
plhess Of all Of you. and especially. sir. for the
prosperity of Spain and the individual felicity
OF your august sovereign.
General congratulations followed, after which
President Palma went out on the balcony and
repeatedly saluted the crowd in the plaza and
watched the troops file past. Later he gave a
luncheon to the members of the Cabinet. and
through the afternoon held reception for the
people
ihusiastic. but heavy showers in the afternoon
marred the occasion.
When General Tomas Estrada Palma began his
first term President OF Cuba, May 20. 1902
there were many pessimists who predicted a brief
career for the new republic. but the success of the
Palma administration, the development Of cuba s
commerce and her political stability have gratined
her well wishers and surprised the cynics.
In the four years of President Pana's admins
1ration Cuba has grown and prospered TO an extent
that must surprise even the Cubans. The natural
condition OF affairs, such constantly increasing
sugar crop and good tobacco output. have con
friuuied greatly to this prosperity, political
stability Of the country has had also much TO do
with IT
General Palma living modestIy at Central
valley X Y. when he was elected for his first
term. This little Orange County village at the
foot II the Ramapo Mountains. where five Of his
six children born, had been his home for
more than twenty years. in that time he had
learned TO admire American political institutions
and ideals. and they have been his model
As delegate OF the junta in this city as the
head % that bureau known in the Cuban revO-
luton. General Palma, worked zealously and I'M
ceasngly for the cause Of liberty. His patriotism
here and IN Cuba in the ten years war, when he
Was made prisoner and exiied TO Spain. and his
executive ability him tie logical choice of his
people when they voted for their first President
on December y, 1901 His opponent was General
BartoloTae Masso. The Office unsouSht. and,
J was Il a d.
ness that Senior Palma left his old home in Cen
fral Valley 10 accept in his native country the
highest honor the people could bestow. He had
lot peen in Cuba for more than twenty-five years.
When President Palma took charge Of the affairs.
the treasury Of the island contained less than $780,
Vsl nut the safe and conservative government that
was assured for Cuba made IL possible TO negotiate
n9an with which 10 pay the veterans Of the rev.
SS55-1dllon. There paid to these men bout
sas9ygg.yo supplied by bankers in this city. Much
OF HHs money has been used in building up indus