The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-05-02

and far-reaching as its effect may be upon
M suf,re of your beautiful island, IT Is
especially significant because 1t marks
Abe first step in the establishment mere
nf civil government under the nag ol the
United States Of America, and with me
blessings and opportunities that go with
it.
"a new page has been turned in the
volume Of your history, and new era in
augurated in the development OF your is
land
whether 1t shall turn out we'll or III now
depepds largely upon yourselves The
greatest constitution makers can only lay
the foundation The building of the SUI
perstructure-- whether or not 1t shall be
stately. beautiful aud enduring must rest
upon the industry and wisdom OF the peg
pic themselves.
The governmental plan presented in
net of congress Is ouly the foundation 10
vour care II is committed and you TO-DAY
assume great trust No greater WORK
ever confronted people than that OF build
ing their own fortunes. II viii stimulate
YOU also to bear in mind that a great
Nation Of 10000 Ooo 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 as
sist YOU to help yourselves
Fellow citizens OF Puerto Rico-for, as
have taken the oath of office here today,
so from this time become one or you
in my endeavor to work with YOU and Tor
you In all that tends to the true interests
Of the islandl bring this message from
the president and ! place myself In full
accord with It, that it Is his intention 10
give TO you, so far as all officers are con-
cerned whether selected from your own
numbers or from the United States, men
Of character and standing. who are en-
thusiastic and dlligcnt and industrious
men of high sense of honor, who VIII not
lseek 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 VIII
he meted out to all. and WHO will have
sole regard for the welfare OF Puerto
Rico and the honor Of the American gov
eminent In its relations TO it.
III in working out the provisions OF tbs
act OF congress which enables you to par
ticipate in the government and to pro-
vide your own legislative assembly you
are actuated by the same purpose to elect
men who are devoted to the general in
terests of the island and the people Of
Puerto 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
an example OF what an industrious and
| honest people may accomplish when prop
erly directed by wise policy of civil gov
eminent
, Il bring you also the assurance that
every man, be he high or 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 one flag. We
are under the same institutions of free.
DOM equality and education Together VIC
move on IN the great American current OF
/ advancing civilization. Loving our coun-
try animated by high sense OF honor,
devoted TO n common humanity, we take
our place before the world and invoke
on our progress the blessing of Almighty
I God"
Ihe troops began assembling at o'clock
Later Governor Allen and General Davi,
reviewed on the plaza the cavalry. artil-
iery, infantry the Puerto Ricans. the seil-
ors and marines from the feet anil the
police and civic societies. Each company
IN passing the governor presented arms or
otherwise salute d The plaza and adjoining
| housetops We're packed with people. Of
whom about 5000 were present. The
native troops received the most applause
rom the natives, the regulars and sailors
being accorded only nominal applause
The people were exceedingly quiet orderly
| and administrative, Thev expressed
their feeling of applause by handclapplng.
There were no loud shouts cat calls or
whistlng, etc, such as characterize
American crowds on such occasions.
Governor Allen took the oath OF office
at 1890 a. m, under flag canopy at the
executive mansion