Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-01-29
Affairs of Island, Which Have
Been IN Hands of United
States Officials, Are Turned
Over TO Gomez.
CUBAN FLAG FLOATS
OVER PUBLIC BUILDINGS;
MACON QUITS ISLAND
President Gomez Rides In Same Car
rage With Governor Magoon and
Is Greeted by Great Crowds as He
Accepts Office.
Csy Associated Press.)

CBy Associated PTsss.)
HAVANA. Jan. z--Jose Miguel Gomez
was inaugurated first president OF the re-
established Cuban republic at a few min
utes after noon today. and the American
control OF insular affairs came TO an end
with the departure of former Governor
AfagOon and al the provisional officials
The Americans left the harbor on war
ships and transports Immediately after
the formal turning over OF the govern
ment 10 the native officials.
An immense crowd stood with barred
heads in the Plaza de Armas. facing the
palace. when President Gomez stepped
out on the palace balcony and took the
oath OF once from the chief justice OF
the supreme court The president was
surrounded by the dignitaries OF state
and the members OF the diplomatic corps
and the special ENJOYS in brilliant uni
forms. The day was intensely warm
Cubans Barred Their Heads
Mr.. Magoon called for President Gomez
at the latter's residence ar I:S0 O'Clock.
he was accompanied by two troops OF
the rural guard
There was q slight delay in beginning
the return TO the palace. and the last
Journey through the narrow streets was
made at . gallop.
There was little OF no cheering from
the holiday throngs lining the thorough
fares, the Cubans cOntenting themselves
with raising their hats as a joint salute
10 the new president and the departing
American governor. Mr.. MagOOn and
President Gomez acknowledged the salu-
tations by bowling TO the right and 10 the
left
Display of Fireworks
The coming OF this new day Of Cuban
liberty vas signalIed By a general display
OF fireworks, the velvet blackness OF the
tropical midnight being set aflame BY
screeching rockets and bombs, which sent
down showers OF golden rain and gleam-
ing, vari-colored lights.
The streets OF the city, which were
brilliantly illuminated and garlanded with
chains OF incaudescent bulbs. were throng-
ed until an early hour this morning. and
q carnival spirit everywhere prevailed
Thousands OF people gathered around
the Clerks club throughout the night
where inaugural as farewell balls were
held Jointly IN honor OF President Gomez
and Vice President Zayas and Governor
MaRoon. all three OF whom were quickly
recognized on entering the building and
leaving il, and loudly applsuded-
The balls constituted one Of the most
brilliant functions held here since the
days OF the Spanish occupation
Gala Day Starts Early
The ceremonies Of today began almost
with the dawn, and they will not end
until long after nightfan
The inaugural parade, In which only
native troops. civil organizations and the
rural guards VIII participate, passed
under the magnifcent trfumphal arcn
erected in Monserrate square facing Cen
trail park and II was reviewed by
President Gomez II did not start until
late this afternoon
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 flag
stan OF the palace. marking the end OF
the American intervention
Cuban Flag Raised
The Cuban flag has flown throughout
Ais period, the American civil governor
and the American army officers detailed
10 supervise the various governmental
departments having really served
throughout as Cuban officials. The old
flag viii be sent to Washington and plac-
ed IN the national museum
General Gomez. who plotted against
. former President Palma and who was
imprisoned By him for one month and
released only when William H Taft came
TO the island as the first official under
the American intervention, took the
oath OF ONCE as president OF the republic
At uooa and within one hour thereafter
Provisional Governor Magoon and all
re army officers who have served in an
executive capacity were bound out OF
the honor for chmr emf cmfwy cmfwyp
went on a warship conveyed by the bat
tleshfp Maine and Mississippi, while the
army officers Travelled on board the
transport Mcclellan
SIr. MagOon goes TO Knights Key, Fla,
whence he win take a train direct 70
washington He Is due I'm Washington
January % at noon The Mcclellan VIII
proceed 10 New York
Jose Miguel Gomez goes into power as
the harbor for home Mr.. Magoon
and as a result OF the overwhelming
choice OF the Cuban people In the cleo
lions OF last fall The Cubans always
held Il against former President Palma
that he was the choice OF the American
government. No such complaint car
be made in the case OF President Gomez
for the Americans studiousiy avoided
anything savoring OF advice or sugges-
ton as to the candidates or the platform
In the last campaign
Troops Escort Gomez
President Gomez was escorted this
morning from his home in the city tC
the palace by attachments OF troops and
the rural guard. He rode in the same
carriage with Governor MagOOn who call
ed for him with a native military guard
OF honor.
The ceremonies OF inauguration at the
palace were TO be very brief Precisely
at noon President Gomez stepped out up
on the balcony overlooking the plaza do
Armas to take the oath 10 faithfully
enforce the laws OF the republic and de
fend the constitution
The oath was to be administered by tht
chief Justice OF the supreme court. At
forwards President Gomez. who IS more
OF a soldier than a speaker, made q short