The Mena weekly star., 1909-02-04
CUBAN FESTIVITIES
GREAT REJOICING IN CUBA AT TENDING INAUGURATION or
 THE NEW GOVERNOR.
HAVANA IS BRILLIANTLY ILLUMINATED
Parks and Principal Thoroushfares Transformed Into Fairyland by Flee trIc Llghts-Fareweii Ball Rendered Americans Who Have Served ss Provincial Authorities.

Havana, Jan. z9.--A new era of Gu
 ban independence dawned Thursday
 when the affairs of the island. which
 have been administered by American
 officials for more than two years as a
 result of the revolution against Presi- dent Palma in 1906. were formally
 transferred to the new elected island
 executives
 January 2s will hereafter take rank
 with May 90 as a natal holiday in
 Cuba. for 1t was on the latter date in
 1902 that the island was first trans
 ferred to the Cuban people by the
 United States after q period of reha.
 Utilization following the Spanish war.
 The coming of this new day of Gu ban liberty was signaled by general display of fireworks, the screeching rockets and bombs sending down showers of golden rain and yari-col- ored lights The streets of the city. which were brilliantly Illuminated and
 sarlanded with chains of fncandescent bulbs were thronged until an early hours Thursday morning. and car niysl spirit everywhere prevailed, Thousands of persons gathered around the Clerks club throughout teh night, where inaugural and farewell balls were held jointly in honor of Presi- dent Conner and Vice President Zayas and Governor General Magoon. all three of whom were recognized on en- tering the building and leaving 1t and loudly applauded. The balls consti- tuted one of the most brilliant func- tons held here since the days of the Spanish occupation.
 The ceremonies of the day began al most with the dawn. and they will not end until long after nightfall.
 The inaugural parade, in which only native troops, civil organizations and the rural guards will participate. passed through El Prado. the main street of Havana. and under the mag nificent triumphal arch erected in Monserrate square, facing Central park, and was reviewed by President tiomex.
 The Cuban flag has flown through out this period. the American civil governor and the American army of. ficers detailed to supervise the various governmental departments having really served throughout as Cuban of acisls, The old flag will be sent to and placed in the Nation al museum.
 The battleships Maine and Missis- sippi were open to visitors and hun. ireds Of persons from the shore, most of whom. however. were American tourists or residents went aboard. The Maine, because of it's association with the wreck lying in the harbor, was the more popular among the visitors although the Mississippi caused much Interest.
 A notable ceremony of Wednesday was the decorating Of the old battle ship Maine with elaborate wreaths Of garlands and hoisting at half mast on he protudlng military top new American flag This idea originated among the crew Of the new battleship Maine. which now Is in the harbor. who subscribed si5o for flowers and greens Capt. William R. Caperton. commanding the new Maine. went per sonally with the sailors and three oth- er officers to help place the wreaths and stretch the green garlands from the tangled mass of iron which was once the superstrueture of the battle ship 10 the top of the military mast.
 Rear Admiral Arnold, in command of the American squadron here, Wednesday called on President-elect Gomez and was cordially received.