The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1900-05-02
THE INAUGURATION OF ALLEN.
First American Civil Governor of the Island of
Ass Porto Pico.
(By the Associated Press.)

San Juan. Porto Rico, May 1.-The in
auguration of Charles Herbert hilen.
former Assistant Secretary of the United
States Navy, as the first American Civil
Governor of the Island of Porto Rico,
took place today The ceremony was
most impressive.
The days exercises opened at sunrise
with serenades by the bands of the Elev-
enth infantry the Fifth cavalry and the
Porto Rican regiment. The city bands
also played the island and United States
national airs before the executive man
SIGN and on the principal plazas as well as
while marching through the streets. The
enthusiasm of the people was greater
than expected, in spite of the publication
in the Diario, the organ of the Federal
party of a letter from Julio Henna, of
New York, suggesting that the people re-
main in doors and refrain from taking
part in the inauguration, thereby silently
protesting and showing the American
Government that Porto is a dissatise-
fed
Thte speech of General Davis. the re-
firing Governor General in part
follows: NJ
THE transfer of the sovereignty of
Porto Rico was ratified in April, 1899 and
it is proper to note as a coincidence that
a year later exactly the final step was
taken in the organization of a civil gov
eminent. The principal executive and
legislative officers will be the AZ provided
by Congress. At least forty of these will
be citizens of Porto Rico. The appoint
ment of the other seven rests with the
President. The whole of the judiciary
may also in the discretion of the Presi-
dent and Governor be Porto Rican.
1.-The laws familiar to you will con-
tinue in force, except as they may be
modified by military. orders Such
notifications from my orders will never
be promulgated until they have received
careful consideration and have been en-
dorsed by distinguished natives learned in
the laws and institutions of the country
and familiar with the social and industrial
conditions.
1.-The laws provide a basis for industry,
trade and commerce which warrants the
belief that the dark clouds of misery and
want which have Swallowed the past
and present will soon roll away. BY these
laws every pound of sugar will find a
purchaser at fifty per cent greater price.
tobacco will be doubled in value and coffee
will be protected. You are offered absolute
free trade from the moment your ability
is shown to support the government Your
laws, religion and private rights are all
preserved and the laws can only change
by the will of the local legislature. NO
island in any sea has a fairer future OF
peace, happiness and prosperity The
privations and misery of the past and
present will soon be replaced by happi-
ness and plenty"
Then followed an invocation by Bishop
Blenk. dwelling upon the solemn and men,
orable occasion in the history of the IS
land the United States, invoking the Al
mightys guidance and constant protec-
ton, praying that the event would usher
in the dawn of a brighter future.
The troops began assembling at eight
o'clock and, later, Governor Allen and
General Davis reviewed on the plaza the
cavalry, artillery, infantry, the Porto
leo regiment the sailors and marines
from the fleet and the police and civic
societies.
The people were undemonstrative
Governor Allen took the oath of office
at 1880 under flag canopy at the exc
cltive mansion.