Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-05-01
CIVIL GOVERN M ENT
Porto Rico Enters Upon a New Epoch
In Its History.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF GOV. ALLEN
He Impresses Upon the People
Their Grave Responsibilities.
NEW OFFICIALS SELECTED

SAN JUAN DE PORTO RICO. May L.
The Inauguration of Chas. Herbert Allen.
formerly assistant secretary of the United
States navy. first American civil COVER
nor of the island of Porto Rico took place
today. The ceremony was most impressive
Gov. Allen made the following inaugural
address:
AT this impressive ceremony bring to
you-the inhabitants of the ever fafthfur
Island of Porto Rico-the congratulations
and good wishes of the people of the United
States
imposing as the occasion is in Itself, and
far-reaching its effect may be upon the
future of your beautiful island, il is espe-
clally significant because it marks the first
step in the establishment here of civil gov
ernment under the flag of the United States
Of America, and with the blessings and op-
portunities that go with it.
"A new page has been turned in the VOL
ume of your history. and new era inaugll-
rated in the development of your island.
Whether 1t shall turn out well or i'll now de-
pends largely upon yourselves. The great
est constitution makers can only Law the
foundation. The building Of the superstruc-
ture-whether or not ii shall be stately
beautiful and enduring-must rest upon the
industry and wisdom Of the people them
selves.
The Protection of the Union.
THE governmental plan presented in act
of Congress is only the foundation To
your care it is committed, and you today
assume a great trust. No greater work
ever confronted people than that of build
ing their own fortunes. 1t will stimulate
you also to bear in mind that a great ma
ton of seventy millions of people across the
water. yet close at hand in community OF
thought and interest, is watching your
every effort ready to help you and TO assist
you to help yourselves.
Fellow citizens of Porto Rico-for. as
have taken the oath of office here today, so
from this time become one of you in my
endeavor to work with you and for you In
all that tends to the true interests of tho
island-l bring this message from the Presi-
dent, and place myself in full accord with
1t, that it is his intention to give to you. so
far as all officers are concerned. whether
selected from your own numbers from
the United States, men OF character and
standing, who are enthusiastic and diligent
and industrious-men of high sense OF
honor who will not seek to advance their
own fortunes at your expense and who
will not allow others to do so: men who
will see that justice and straightforward
honesty Will be meted out to all. and who
will have a sole regard for the welfare Of
Porto Rico and the honor of the American
government in its relations to ii.
Equal Rights for ALL
IF in working out the provisions Of the
act of Congress which enables you to par
ticipate in the government and to provide
your own Legislative assembly you are ac-
tuated by the same purpose to elect men
who are devoted to the general interests Of
the island and the people of Porto Rico, we
may confidently expect that, thus working
all together. We shall make this island, so
richly blessed by a Divine Providence in
its wonderful natural resources. not only
another gem of the Antilles in respect to
natural beauty. but example of what an
industrious and honest people may accom-
plish when properly directed by a wise
policy of civil government.
Il bring you also the assurance that
every man, be he high low, rich or poor
under the administration of this form Of
government and under the sovereignty of
the United States, shall be justly treated,
and that his rights shall be respected.
"Henceforth We are under flag. We
are under the same institutions of freedom,
equality and education. Together move
on in the great American current of ad-
vancing civilization. Loving our country,
animated by high sense of honor. devot-
ed to a common humanity, we take
place before the world and invoke on our
progress the blessing of Almighty God"
Civil Appointees Selected.
Governor General Davis and Civil Cow
ernor Allen yesterday apparently expected
a message from Washington advising them
of the passage by Congress of the resolu-
ton providing for holding over the army
afternoon appointments were made by an
executive council by Gov. Gen. Davis before
retiring from his office at midnight. Mr..
Allen was thus enabled to continue the
conduct of affairs uninterruptedly He did
not make public the names of the council
but it is understood that Judge Pettingin
will be secretary of state, Mr.. Odlin at
torney general, DIR. Colley Toste secretary
of the interior and G. G. Croft secretary OF
education. The latter, who is acting
surgeon with the rank of lieutenant, will
resign his commission.
Gen Davis, presumably on orders from
yesterday pardoned all those
who were concerned in the Guayama cleo
tion frauds, lifting the cases from the su-
preme court.
Gen. Davis gave a reception at the ex-
ecutive mansion last evening, introducing
a hundred persons to Gov. Allen and Miss
Bertha. The entrance was hung with flags,
an infantry band was in attendance and
there were dancing and refreshments
The 100000 of United States currency
sent here to be exchanged for Porto Rican
currency will be disbursed through the De
Ford Company. 1t is expected the trans
action will be completed by May g.
Precautions of War Department.
The War Department has taken every
to guard against any serious
hiatus in the administration OF affairs in
Porto Rico in consequence of the change
from military to civil government, which
went into effect today. Assistant Secretary
last night telegraphed Gen.
Davis, the military governor, that the Joint
resolution providing for the continuance I'm
civil offices of the military incumbents had
passed both houses of Congress and yould
be made law by the Presidents signature
this afternoon. In order to avoid the pos
sibility Of legal complications, the army
officers will refrain from any important
official civic action until after the Presi-