The herald., 1898-10-19
The American Flag Is Raised
Over San Juan
A MILLION PEOPLE IN PORTO RICO
Lose Their Spanish Citizenship Without Gaining Political
Standing as Citizens Of the United States-Diplomas
Are Busiy Discussing the Dilemma
Associated Press Special Wire.

Associated Press Special Wire.
SAN JUAN DE PORTO RICO, Oct. Is
Promptly at noon today the american
flag was raised over San Juan. The cere
mony was quiet and dignifed, unmarried by
disorder OF any kind
The Eleventh infantry regiment, with
two batteries of the Fifth artillery, landed
this morning. The latter proceeded to the
forts, while the infantry lined up on the
docks. 1t was a hot day for San Juan, and
there were many people in the streets. Rear
Admiral Schley and General Gordon, accom-
palace in carriages The Eleventh infantry
and band, with Troop II Of the Sixth
United States cavalry, then marched
through the streets and formed in the
square opposite the palace. At ll:40 a. m.
General Brooke, Admiral Schley and Gen
eral Gordon, the United States evacuation
commissioners, came out of the palace with
many naval officers and formed on the right
side OF the square.
The streets behind the soldiers were
thronged with townspeople, who stood
waiting in dead silence. At last the city
clock struck the hour of 12, and the crowds,
almost breathess, and with eyes fixed upon
the flag pole, watched for developments. At
the sound of the first gun, from Fort Moro,
Major Dean and Lieutenant Castle of Gen;
eral Brooke's staff, hoisted the Stars and
Stripes, while the. band played the "Star
Spangled Banner"
Cheers for the Flag
All heads were barred, and the crowds
cheered. Fort Moro, Fort San Cristobal
and the United States revenue cutter Man
ming, lying in the harbor, fred 81 guns each
Senior Munoz Rivera, who was president of
the recent autonomist council of secretaries,
and other officials of the late insular gov
eminent, were present at the proceedings.
Congratulations and handshaking among
the American officers followed. Ensign
King hoisted the Stars and Stripes on the
1ntendencia, but all other flags on the va
tary officers. simultaneously with the
raising of the flag over the captain generals
palace many others were hoisted in different
parts of the city.
The work of the United States evacuation
commissioners is now over, and their re-
ports will be forwarded to Washington on
Thursday next The laborers of both par
ties have. terminated with honors. for all
concerned. The American commissioners
worked without the least delay and in the
most thorough and effective manner.
Brooke's Brief Message
SAN JUAN, Porto Rico, Oct. ls.-Secre-
tary of War; Washington: Flags have
been raised on public buildings and forts
in this city and saluted with national sa-
lutes.. The occupation of the island is now
complete. BROOKE.
The Citizens Celebrate
PONCE, Oct; ls.-!Today's celebrations in
connection with the formal surrender of the
island of Porto Rico were, as had been ex-
pected, most enthusiastic. After the parade
the bands and various trade organizations
went to General Henry's headquarters to
be introduced to him. General Henry in
the course of brief speech, said:
"Alcalde and Citizens: Today the flag of
the United States floats as an emblem of un-
disputed authority over the island of Porto
liberty, prosperity and the right to worship
God in accordance with the dictates of CON
science.
"Your future destiny largely rests with
yourselves. Respect the rights of each
other, do not abuse the government which
accords opportunities to the individual for
advancement. Present animosities must be
forgotten in unity and in the recognition of
common interests.
To-day. destiny has written the last page
of Spanish dominion in Porto Rico and the
prologue by the entrance of the noble
American republic of states. Porto Rico
has not accepted American dominion on ac-
count of force. Therefore she came willing
ly and freely, hoping, hand in hand, with
the greatest Of all republics to advance in
civilization and progress and to become part
of the republic to which We pledge our faith
forever"
The town was profusely decorated with
American flags.
A Timely Prayer
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1S.-This govern
mpnt q 1SSIImDfinD nj pt,,1 Do
Rico at noon today was the subject Of an
eloquent prayer at the religious services of
the Episcopal convention, the Bishops and
deputies having decided that suitable refer
ence be made to this national event The
prayer was prepared by Bishop Satterlee of
Washington and was as follows:
so, God, whose providence orders all
things in heaven and earth, and whose will
.ccontroleth the issues and events of the
life of nations, we acknowledge Thy good
ness, which has guided and blessed the
counsels and arms OF our nation to the re.
lief OF an oppressed people and to the victor
les of peace. Guard us from all sins of self
spirit of wisdom and of Thy holy fear
Humble us under the burden of the new
duties with which every move is charged
Strengthen the hand and sanctify the hearts
of those upon whom must come the solemn
decisions of this hour and in the new coun-
trleS and among the nations to which on
this day and from this day our rule is to
extend. Grant us grace to establish upon
the best and surest foundation the sover-
eighty of good government, true liberty,
justice and love that seeking in all things
to do Thy will we may be the instruments of
Thy glory through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen"
Bishop Deane, presiding officer of the
House Of Bishops, and Rev Morgan Dix,
presiding officer of the House of Deputies,
Joined in directing the services and all the
Bishops and deputies united in the ma
tional prayer.
Some Knotty Questions
WASHINGTON, Oct 1S.-In view OF the
fact that at noon today, with the acquisi-
ton of the island of Porto Rico by the
United States, about 100000 inhabitants of
that island lost their Spanish citizenship,
the question as to what shall become of these
people politically becomes of Importance.
Madrid advices report that leading citi-
zens of Porto Rico have already taken steps
to become naturalized as United States citi-
zens. This is an error, for existing laws
provide no way in which the change of citi-
zenship can be effected by the residents of
the island. There is no United States
court there before which declaration of
intentiop can be filed, and in fact, ncjma-
chinery at all which can be put in motion
to change citizenship.
Inquiry into this subject at the state de-