Election of the First Cuban Government--Candidates for the Presidency--Tomas Estrada Palma Chosen by Common Consent--General Maso's Candidacy--The Election--Close of the American Occupation--A Festal Week in Havana--Transfer of Authority to the Cuban Government--The Cuban Flag at Last Raised in Sovereignty of the Island--President Roosevelt's Estimate of General Wood's Work in Cuba--President Palma's Cabinet--His First Message--The United States Naval Station--Reciprocity Secured after Discreditable Delay at Washington. CHAPTER XIV 259 Admirable Work of the Palma Administration--Rise of Sordid Factionalism--José Miguel Gomez, Alfredo Zayas and Orestes Ferrara--Character of the Liberal Party, and of the Conservative Party--Conspiracy to Discredit an Election--An Abortive Insurrection--Pino Guerra's Intrigues--The Rebellion of José Miguel Gomez--President Palma's Unpreparedness and Incredulity--His Faith in the People--The Crisis--Suggestions of the American Consul-General--American Intervention sought--Ships and Troops Sent--Arrival of Mr. Taft--His Negotiations with the Rebels--His Yielding to Their Threats--Resignation of Estrada Palma--Mr. Taft's Pardon to the Rebels--Charles E. Magoon Made Provisional Governor--Estimate of President Palma and His Administration. CHAPTER XV 283 Mr. Magoon's Administration--Recognition of the Liberals--The Offices Filled with Liberal Placeholders--Execution of Many Public Works--A New Census Taken--New Electoral Law--Proportional Representation--New Elections Held--Split in the Liberal Party--The Presidential Campaign--Bargain between José Miguel Gomez and Alfredo Zayas--General Menocal and Dr. Montoro--The Victory of the Liberals--Changes in Provincial and Municipal Administrations--Revision of Laws--Settling Church Claims--End of the Second Intervention. CHAPTER XVI 297 Administration of President José Miguel Gomez--His Cabinet Sketch of His Career--Sketch of Vice-President Zayas--Army Reorganization--New Laws--The President's Sensitiveness to Criticism--Officials in Politics--Charges of Profligacy and Corruption--Clash with the Veterans' Association--The United States Interested--Quarrels between Gomez and Zayas--Formidable Negro Revolt Suppressed--Reluctance to Settle Claims--Outrage Upon an American Diplomat--Amnesty Bill--The Lottery Established--The "Dragado" Scandal--The Railroad Terminal. CHAPTER XVII 312