The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1900-05-10
The New Governor of San Juan Takes
the OATH.
The PEOPLE WERE ENTHUSIASTIC,
The Infantry and Naval Bands Parad-
ed the Streets Playing National
Airs.

sistant secreary of ne United States
navy, as the first civil governor of the
Island Of Porto Rico took place Tues.
day. The ceremony was most impres.
sive. Governor Allen made the inau-
gural address.
There could have been no more beau
tiful day to usher in Porto Rico's new
governor. The streets were thronged
with people. The days exercises open
ed sunrise with serenades by the bands
Of the Eleventh Infantry, the Fifth
Cavalry and the Porto Rican Regiment
The city bands also played the island
and United States national airs before
the executive mansion and on the prin-
cipal plazas as we'll as while marching
through the streets. The enthusiasm
Of the people was greater than expect
ed, in spite of the publication in The
Diario, the organ of the Federal party,
a letter from Julio Henna, of New
York, suggesting that the people re-
main indoors and refrain from taking
part in the auguration, thereby ST.
lently protesting and showing the Am
erican government that Porto Rico Is
dissatisfied" The speech of General
Davis, the retiring Governor General,
in part, is as follows:
"The duty has been involved upon
me by order of the President, to this
day transfer to the Governor Of Porto
Rico the charge assigned to me. This
charge involved the grave responsible
ity Of administering the government OF
a million beings, which has been in my
keeping for nearly a year. Without
the cordial support Of the inhabitants,
it would have been impossible for me
or others to perform this task without
constituting and maintaining the rule
of a despot, the very thought Of which
is abhortent to every American. Mil
itary control of the civil affairs was
began with the landing Of the army in
July, 1898, and which included the
whole island in October, Is today
brought to conclusion. The Porto
Ricans have eagerly longed for this
day, the dawn Of new political and
industrial life, while the military gov
ernor has anxiously awaited the mo-,
ment when he could place in the hands
of the duty-constituted civil authoriti&S
these responsibilities which have beeN
devolved upon him.
The transfer Of the sovereignty Of
Porto Rico was ratified in April 1899,
and it Is proper to tote as d coinci-
dence that a year later exactly, the
final step was taken in the organiza-
ton Of a civil government. The prln-
cipal executive officers will be the AZ
provided by Congress. At least 40 OF
these will be citizens Of Porto Rico.
The appointment Of the other seven
rests with the President. The whole
of the judiciary may also, in the dis
cretion of the President and Governor.
be Porto Ricans. The laws familiar
to you will continue in force except as
they may be modified by military ON
ders. Such notifications from my or
ders will never be promulgated until
they have received careful considera-
tion and have been endorsed by dis
tinguished natives learned in the laws
and institutions of the country and
familiar with its social and Industrial
conditions.
The laws provide basis for indus
try, trade and commerce, which war
rants the belief that the dark clouds
of misery and want which have shad-
owed the past and present will soon
roll away. BY these laws every pound
of sugar will find a purchaser at 80
per cent. greater price, tobacco will be
doubled in value and coffee will be
protected. You are offered absolutely
free trade the moment your ability Is
shown to support the government.
Your laws, religious and private
rights are all preserved and laws can
only change by the W 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 will soon be replaced by
happiness and plenty"
Then followed prayer by the priest
invoking the Almighty's guidance and
protection, and praying that the
event would usher in the dawn OF
brighter future:
Governor Allen took the oath of Of
flee at 10:3e a. m, under flag can.
opy at the executive mansion. Among
those present were Rear Admiral Far
uuhar, commander-in-chief of the
North Atlantic station: Capt. Brown,
Pishop Blank. Judge Chuicos. Of the
Supreme Court. and the members OF
that court Governor General Davis.
the anpnirtees Of yestnrdavo the fcA
fn OF Hln..o-nnra