The Daily Missoulian. [volume] (Missoula, Mont.) 1904-1961, 1909-01-29
AMID SCENES OF REJOICING
CUBA MAKES FORMAL DEBUT
AS AN INFANT REPUBLIC.
GOMEZ ASSUMES OFFICE
Oath Of Office as First President Of
RECONSTRUCTED Republic Is Adr,inis-
tered to Famous General Whils
Thropss Stand With Barred Hsads-
American Officials Depart.

Havana. Jan, 2S.-Jose Miguel Co.
mez was inaugurated first president
of the re-esta5lished Cuban republic
at a few minutes after noon today,
and the American control OF insuiar
affairs came to an end with the de-
parture OF former Governor Magoon
and all the provincial officials. The
Americans left the aarbor on warships
and transports Immediately after the
formal turning over OF the government
to the native officials.
An immense crowd stood with barred
heads in the Plaza de Arnias. facing
the palace, when President Gomez
stepped out on the balcony and took
the oath of office from the chief jus-
tice of the supreme court
Carnival Spirit.
The coming of this new day of Cuban
liberty was signalized by a general dis
play Of fireworks, the screeching of
rockets and bombs sending down show
ers of golden rain and vari-colored
lights. The streets of the city which
were brilliantly illuminated and gar
landed with chains Of incandescent
bulbs were thronged until an early
hour this morning. and a carnival
spirit everywhere prevailed. Thou
sands of people gathered around the
chief clerks club throughout the night.
where inaugural and farewell balls
were held Jointly in honor of Presi-
dent Gomez and Vice President Zayes
and Governor General Magoon, an
three OF whom were quickly recog-
nized on entering the building and
leaving 1t and loudly applauded. The
balls constituted one of the most bril-
liant functions held here since the days
of the Spanish occupation.
The ceremonies of the day began al
most with the dawn, and they win
not end until long after nightfal.
The inaugural parade in which only
native troops, civil organizations and
the rural guards participated, passed
under the magnificent triumphal arch
erected In Gonzerrate square, facing
Central park, and II was reviewed by
President Gomez.
In Menoriun.
One of the first ceremonies of this
morning was the placing of a wreath
on the tablet marking the house in
which Jose Marti. the Cuban patriot,
was born.
Next came the presentation of the
new Cuban flag. which was raised on
the Flagstaff of the palace, marking
the end of the American intervention.
The Cuban flag has flown throughout
this period. the American civil COVER
nor and the American army officers
detailed to supervise the various gov
erhmental departments having really
served throughout as Cuban officials
The old flag will be sent to Washing
ton and placed in the national mu-
scum.
General Gomez, who plotted against
former President Palma, and who was
imprisoned by him, and released only
when Secretary of War Taft came to
the island to settle the revolution of
1906. took the oath of office as presi-
dent of the republic at noon, and
within the hour thereafter Provisional
Governor Magoon and all army officers
who have served In executive capacity.
were bound out of the harbor for
home. Mr.. Magoon goes on a warship
conveyed by the battleships Maine and
Mississippi, while the army officers
travel on board the transport McClel-
ian. Mr.. Magoon goes to knights
Key, Fla, whence he will take a train
directly to Washington. The McClel-
Ian will proceed to New York.
Liberal Leader.
Jose Miguel Gomez goes into power
as leader Of the liberal coalition party
as result of the overwhelming
choice of the Cuban people last fan.
The Cubans always held it against
former President Palma that he was
the choice of the American govern
ment. No such complaints can be
made in the case of President Gomez.
for the Americans studiously avoided
savoring of advice or sug-
gestion as to the candidates or the
platform in the call for the last cam
paign.
President Gomez was escorted this
morning from his home directly to the
palace by detachments of troops and
the rural guards. He rode in the same
carriage with Governor Magoon, who
called for him with a native military
guard of honor
The ceremonies of Inauguration at
the palace were very brief. Precisely
at noon President Gomez stepped out
upon the balcony overlooking the
Plaza de Armas and TOOK the oath
faithfully to enforce the laws of the
republic and defend the constitution.
The oath was administered by the
chief justice of the supreme court
Afterwards President Gomez, who Is
more of soldier than a speaker,
made a short address from the bal
cOny