The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-13
HISTORIC SCENE AS NEW PRESIDENT OF
 MEXICO TAXES OATH
American Visitors Are Given Continual Round of Enter tainments During Their
 Stay In the City
By FRED H. GoRMLEY

Mexico City, December S.-(Special By Mail)-American excursionists to the capital of Mexico for the inaugu- ration of Gen. Alvaro Obregon as the first constitutionally elected President of the republic since the revolutions began with the overthrow of Porfirio Diaz more than 10 years ago have just completed their part in one of the greatest celebrations ever held in the western hemisphere. Although representatives of practically all na- tions in the west were present the Americans were guests ofs honor and too much could not be done for them by the Mexican government and the people as individuals.
 From the time the special train bearing Gov. Thomas E. Kilby of Ala bama, Gov. w. P Hobby of Texas and representatives of many states of the American union crossed the interna- tional boundry line a week ago until now there has been one great round Of receptions, celebrations, fiestas and entertainments.
 The special train made so many stops at the request of Mexican citi- zens it did not reach Mexico City un- til a few hours before the time for the inauguration of the new President. General Obregon met the excursionists at the station and welcomed them to the republic. Following the assign ment of rooms, each delegation was furnished a large automobile with a military aide who was subject to call at any time.
 Alabama's delegation were guests of the city government of Mexico City at banquet on the evening of their ar rival Tuesday. At this banquet ad- dresses of welcome were made in Spanish and translated into English for the Americans. Governor Lar razailo of New Mexico, who was born in Mexico, delivered the response in spanish, speaking for all Americans who had come to the inauguration.
 Following this banquet the Ameri- cans were placel in automobiles and carried to the Chamber of Deputies for the inauguration of thenew President. strange as it may seem to Americans presidents of Mexico take their oaths or office before the senators and rep fesentatives a midnight. The term of cHlce begins December 1 at midnight ana at that very minute the oath is taken by the new President. The Americans arrived at the Chamber of Deputies few minutes before mid hight and saw the organization of the new Congress of Mexico At five minutes to 12 the clerk announced tHdt quorum was present.
 NEW PRESIDENT APPEARS
 squad of soldiers appeared in the main doorway and proceeded down the aisle and took positions near the sneak CTS chair. They were followed by the committee named to escort General Ooregon to the chair and then came the new President. It was pictur esque scene. Here was Mexico's idol. wno gave his right hand in the revo- iu'ioh iouf years ago, raising his left hand before the people as the solemn promise that after 12 years of gov cfnment without a constitution. he would see that all provisions of the constitution were complied with in the future. No person administered the oath as Is the custom in America Gen. eral opregon arose. held his arm to- Waru the audience and repeated the oath At five minutes past midnight lne new President marched out of the chamber of Deputies to his office. where he announced the appointment of the new cabinet
 The remainder of the week was de- voted to celebrations. President and Mrs. Obregon were hosts at a luncbaon party composed of Americans on the lawn of the palace of Chepultepec Fri day. after which reception was held at the palace. The new President has democratic ideas and has announced mat he will be the servant of the MeXlcan people during his four years .n oHice and afterward intends to re- tire to his business in the state of sonora and devote the remainder of Ills life to the development of that section of Mexico. Throughout the re- ception at Chepultepec President and Mrs. obregon passed through the crowds, showing points of interest anout the castle and grounds The two n hn
 Tn sailor suits. ran wild among the guests, taking an interest in every thing which appeared before their eyes.
 Chepultepec castle is a historic spot Tor Mexico. In the past the presidents or Mexlco, who believed in seclusive- ness. have lived greater mart of the time in this palace instead of inc national palace, which is in the center ol the city. There are reports now mat President Obregon will return to the national palace, spending only a iew months of the summer at Chepul- tepec.
 HEROIC INCIDENT
 Mexlcans always touch the highest point or patriotism when mention is made of the famous battle at Chepul tepec castle which was fought between the Americans and the Mexicans The story Is that the Americans reached Shepuitepec while all soldiers of the regular army of Mexico were defend- ing other points and that only cadets or the Colegio Militar de Mexico were there to contest with the foreirr army As the Americans attacked the Mexican boys replied, but being ont numbered and unskilled they fell one oy one until only one cadet remained Tn the castle. He wrapped the Mexican Tag about his body and jumped to the ground more than 50 feet below. on the spot where the boy met his death rather than be killed or captured ey invaders the Mexican people have erected a monument
 As an expression of the friendship or America at this time and as declaration that past enmities are gone Governor Hobby of Texas placed wreath of flowers on the spot where Mexico. Aor
 ENTERTAINED AT LUNCH
 The Alabama delegation and other Americans were entertained at luncheon by Senor Elias Torres. who has been the special representative G