The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-29
For a Second Time the Infant Republic Tries to Walk
 Without Aid
GOVERNOR MAGOON TAXES
 LEAVE OF TIE OFFICIALS
President Gomez and Governor Maeoon Make Addresses at the lnaugura-
 ton Which Embody the
 Policy Past and Future.

Havana, January 2s.-Maj. Gen. Jose Miguel Gomez was inaugurated presi- dent of the restored Cuban republic to- day at noon and within an hour after he had taken the solemn oath of office administered by the chief justice of the supreme court the American officials who had been in control of affairs since the autumn of 1908 had departed from the island on battleships and army transports.
 The American provisional governor, Charles E. Magoon, who escorted Gen eral Gomez to the palace and there turned over to him the reins of gov ernment sailed on the new Maine This feature of the programme was entirely impromptu as 1t had been expected up to the last minute that the scout cruiser Birmingham would call for the departing executive. The Maine was followed out of the harbor by the bat tleship Mississippi and the army trans port Mcclellan.
 An immense crowd gathered along the sea walls to witness the spectacle and perfect swarm of yachts, tugs and small boats accompanied the ships to the open sea where fall speed ahead was signaiIed, and the gray aghting vessels and white transport soon left the little fotilla behind, with cheers and whistles. Flags Ely on Ships.
 Large Cuban flags flew from the fore masts of the battleships and transport and as they passed the narrow channel entrance under the towering white walls of Morro, the white-clad sailors of the Maine and Mississippi manned the rails in unbroken ranks from stem to stern. The scene so filled with sig nifcance. was a most impressive one, but the crowds ashore looked on in characteristic silence.
 Earlier in the day when Governor Magoon and President Gomez were seated side by side in the carriage en route to the palace, in the wake of a galloping escort of rural guards, or na- tive cavalry, there was the same silence on the part of the holiday throngs who lined the sidewalks Hats were llfed as the carriage swept by and the salutes were returned in the same manner by the governor and Gen real Gomez.
 Tonight the city is again brilliantly illuminated and the streets, parks and water front congested with the out pouring of people Fire works are burning throughout the city in the same profusion that characterizes the Fourth of July in the United States, and the cafes are gay with music and singing.
 The decorations on the buildings
 
 composed chiefly of Cuban and Spanish flags.
 Troops SeiIl on Island.
 The departure of Governor Magoon and the military officers, who served as advisors to the native officials dur ing the period of intervention, leaves about 5000 troops still on the island, under command of Major General Thomas L. Barry. These will be re- turned to the United States as fast as the transport service will permit, the last of the troops leaving on April 1 The army has endeavored throughout to manifest itself as little as possible and 1t will be still less in evidence now that the island is once again in native hands
 Cuba begins her new period of inde- pendence under conditions which seem as proptious as could be evolved. Peace
 
 Pinar del Rio to the eastern promontories of Santiago province, and no disturbing element is anywhere In evidence. Presi- dent Gomez goes into power as the over whelming ice of the people and the liberal parts to which he belongs, will have full sway in the congress. No na- ton ever seemed more favorabiy started toward permanency of independence than the island surrendered today by the Amer ican pacificators It is believed that the people will realize their opportunity and endeavor to make tbeir second attempt at self-government a lasting success. Gen. eral Gomez was one of the leaders of the revolution against President Palma. but he now seems popular with all classes.
 Treasury Is Empty.
 American control of affairs has been sharply criticised from time to time and Governor Magoon has been widely car tooned, but the authorities sent by Wash ington have endeavored to build up the island and have spent money freely on good roads and public Improvements of various sorts As result of this, how ever, they have left comparatively. empty treasury. The island is prosperousS and the revenues are increasing steadily, which in a great measure is compeu- satory.
 Inauguration day was brilliant with sum shine and intensely warm. Crowds began gathering in front of the palace in the early forenoon. All the ships in the har- bor including the American battleships, put on gala attire of flags and pennants and bits of signal bunting. At Il o'clock Alfredo Zayas was nducted into office as vice president of the republic in the senate chamber, this ceremony being sim- pie and brief.
 The ceremony in connection with the in- auguration of the president at the palace was also exceedingly brief.
 It was just after the hour of noon when General Gomez stepped out on the