New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-04-13
PRICE THREE CENTS.
PORTO RICAN BILL A LAW.
THE PRESIDENT SIGNS 1T AND AP-
POINTS a GOVERNOR.
CHARLES H. ALLEN. ASSISTANT SECRETARY
OF THE NAVY. SELECTED FOR THAT
IMPORTANT POST
IBT T-EGRAPH TO THE TaIBUyE-I


Root and Mr.. Cortelyou. the assistant secretary
to the President. present when the bill
became a law
Charles Herbert Allen. the first United States
Governor OF Porto Rico. this afternoon gave the
President his promise 70 go San Juan and
assume the functions created by Congress for
the establishment Of civil government in the
island Mr.. Allen. his nomination and con-
frmation by the Senate viii have the distinc-
ton of being the first Governor Of any OF the
newly acquired territories The place Of
fered to him by the President several months
ago. but the personal sacrifices already made BY
Nr. Allen in serving as Assistant Secretary OF
the Navy were as great as he could afford to
make, and it is well understood that in accept
ing the Office now he is required merely TO spend
sufficient time in the island thoroughly 10 es-
tabIish the regime. with the practical GER
tainty OF substantial promotion about a year
hence
In the selection of Mr. Allen the President
has had in mind the appointment Of man OF
affairs and sound business experience. qualities
which are deemed essential in the adrninistra-
ttOn Of the affairs Of entirely govern
ment such is 10 be erected IN Porto Rico.
Mr.. Allen is not a lawyer. but legal advice
always be had. even in Porto Rico. when the
occasion arises. and in fact the organic act pro-
vides for a well paid Attorney-GeneraI as
member OF the Governors Cabinet.
POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR
Under the fifteenth section Of the law II In
provided follows:
That the official title Of the chief executive officer
be appointed by the President. by and with the
advice and consent OF the Senate he shall hold
successor is chosen and qualified unless sooner
moved by the President he shall reside in Porto
Rico during his official incumbency. and shall main
tain his oice al the seat OF government; ne may
grant pardOns and reprieves. and remit fines and
Rico ana resntes Tor ofences AGAINST the laws OF
the United States until the decision OF the Presi-
dent be ascertained; he shall commission all
officers that ne may be authorized TO appoint, ana
shall participate in and may veto any legislation
SSi!l~lcL-tI a. !l 80 -
all times faithfully execute the laws, and he shall
of the Territories of the United States that are not
locally inapplicaole, and ne snail annlalIy ana az
official report of the transactions OF the governmenr
in Porto Rico through the Secretary OF state 10
the President Of the United states = - H..
ton. delegate and assign 70 him such executive
duties and functions may, in pursuance with
law, be so delegated and assigned
The salary Of the Governor is 10 be sS0oe q
year
SOON TO START FOR SAN JUAN
Mr. Allen was summoned 10 the White House
by the President this afternoon. and the formal
tender OF the Office was made and accepted
Then the President and the next Governor OF
Porto Rico spent an hour in conference respect
ing the matters 70 be arranged in the immediate
future Owing 10 the fact that little more than
TWO weeks intervene before the civil govern
ment must go into operation. according TO the
terms Of the act of Congress. ii was decided that
it would not be practicable 20 complete the
Cabinet of the Governor in that time. Therefore
Mr. Allen Will go alone to San Juan AT the
earliest possible moment after Secretary Longs
return 10 Washington, which should be on Sat-
ba rfa1 hv NrS
Allen on his first trip 10 his post
Arriving in Porto Rico, Mr.. Allen. who VIII
carry his commission Governor with him. will
put himself in touch with General Davis. now
Military Governor OF the island. and spend
short time IN acquainting himself with the af-
fairs OF the island and in studying the character
Of the men who present themselves 10 his notice
as proper material for members OF the new
Cabinet While the actual appointment OF these
officials will devoIve on the President. Mr. Al
lens observations while in Porto Rico are ex-
pected 10 assist materially in the selections
As soon as he has established himself and
gained the knowledge he seeks. Governor Allen
will return 70 the United States. He may leave
General Davis in charge in his absence but IN
IL is found possible complete the fOrna-
tion OF the Cabinet, or even II any one member
has been appointed. then that person Will act as
temporary Governor.
MR. ALLEN TALKS OF HIS PLANS
AS to his intentions respecting the adrninis-
tratiOu OF the islands affairs Mr.. Allen said:
II is true the President has asked me 10 go 70
Porto Rico as the Civil Governor. I regard this
tender in the spirit in which il Is made as a
great compliment. although its acceptance
means undertaking grave responsibilities. NV
own inclination and my personal interests urge
decline but one should not always choose
the easy way; there is patriotic duty some
times 10 be performed II can arrange my af-
fairs in such a way 20 enable me TO do so 7
shall accept the position. and I shall then be
ready once for this post OF duty
My effort viii be 70 administer the govern
to command and hold the confidence of the
people. help them. far as I may 10 realize
the best there is in them. 70 assist them in the
development OF the island along the lines which
have made such prosperous name. My
deep regret is leaving the Navy Department.
my service there has been OF the happiest sort
and the attachments there formed viii always
remain pleasant memory.
Great interest is felt in naval circles in the
personality Of Mr.. Aliens successor as Assist
ant Secretary OF the Navy. His administration
of the details OF the Navy Department has
been extremely popular. and it was fully ex-
pected that should Secretary Long decline 20
continue through another Administration IN the
office OF Secretary OF the Navy. in the event OF
Mr.. McKinley's reelection. Mr.. Allen would
succeed 20 that important post II Is said how
ever. that his assignment 20 the GOvernOrship
OF Porto Rico does not completely remove him
from the field a Secretary or the Navy IN
the future, for the most that is expected OF him
sound business basis the new government IN
Porto Rico.
Charles Herbert Allen was born in Lowell. Mass.
.1rvura a AZ AulNa -se