The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1900-05-02
ALLEN Is lNAUGURATED.
Puerto Rico Is Now Under Colonial Gov
eminent.
GReAI THINGS PROMISED THE PEOPLE
Told that " They Are Good and
Prosperous They VIII BE Happy
Hcpna's Sensational Letter.

|
navy 40 the FIRST civil governor OF the Is
land Of Puerto Rico, took place today.
The ceremony was most impressive
more beautiful day could not have dawned
in which to usher in Pusrto Rico's new
governor. Before the penetrating warmth
Of the suns rays could be felt the streets
of the city we're thronged with psople
| The eky was cloudless and the populace
took this as a happy augury of the occa-
sion
with sersnades by the bands OF the
Eleventh Infantry, the Fifth cavalry ard
Puerto Rican regiments. The city bands
also played the island aud United states
National airs before The executive mansion
and on the principal plazas. as well a.
while marching through the streets. The
enthusiasm Of the people was greater
| than expected in spite of the publication
| in the Dairlo OF letter from julio Henna
Of New York suggesting that the people
remain indoors and refrain from taking
| part in the Inauguration, thereby silently
protesting and showing the American gov
erument that Puerto Rico is dissatisfied
The Dairio Is the organ OF the federal
| party and has quite large circulation.
The letter created sensation. After
! dwelling on the aubjcct OF free treatment
Of Hawaii, he points out the Puerto Ricans
have not been treated on the same basS
as Hawaii and brings up the so-called I'M
fulfilled promises Of General Miles. etc.
He says The island docs not got what
she deserves"
The speech OF General Davis, the retlr-
ing governor general, was substantially as
| follows:
THE duty has been devoved upon me
| by the order Of the president to this day
transfer to the governor Of Puerto Rico
the charge assigned to rue by orders of
the president This charge involved the
grave responsibilities of administering the
government Of million beings, which has
been in my keeping for nearly year.
Without the cordial support of the in
habitants it would have been impossible
for me o. others to perform this task
without constituting and maintaining the
rule of a despot, the very thought of
which is abhorrent to every American. The
military control of civil affairs began with
the landing of the army in July 1898, and
which, including the whole island in Octo-
Der is today brought to conclusion. The
Puerto Ricans have eagerly longed for this
day, the dawn of a new political and u-
dustrial life which the military governor
has anXiously awaited the moment when
he could place in the hands of the duly
constituted civil authorities these duties
and responsibilities which have been de-
volved upon him.
THE transfer OF the sovereignty OF
Puerto Rico was ratified in April 1899, an
! 1t Is proper to note as 8 coincidence that
a year later, exactly, the fnal step was
taken in the organization of civil gov
eminent The principal executive and
legislative officers will be the forty Ave
provided by congress, AT least forty Of
these will be citizens of Puerto Rico The
appointment OF the other seven rests with
the president. The whole Of the judiciary
may also, in the discretion Of the presi-
Gent and governor, be Puerto Ricans
The laws familiar to you viii continue
IN force, eXcpet as they may be molide
nv military oiders Such mOdinca ions
from my orders will never he promulgated
untll 'hey have received careful C7nsidera-
ton aud have been inG0rsed by distn-
guishod natives, learned in the laws ana
Institutions OF the country and familiar
with its social and industrial conditions
/ The laws provide basis for industry
trade and commerce, which warrants tie
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 fnt puT-
chaser at 80 per cent greater price, trade
will be doubled in value and coffee VIII
be protected. You are offered absolute
free trade 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 M
leland in any sea has fairer future Of
peace bapplsess and prosperity. The
privations and misery of the past and
present will soon be replaced by happl-
ness and plenty.
Military rule over civilized people
actuated by democratic conviction Ia al
ways Objectionable and the opposition 20
such government was intensified ny
knowing that in the United States the
military is subordinate 10 the civil pcHtr
My constant effort has been TO yosern
through civil fundamentally Whenever
possible without manifesting the slightest
degree the presence and influence OF the
troops, They have never been used TO
maintain the law and preserve peace. An
occasion has not existed for their forcihlc
intervention. showing that the people haze
borne themselves as loyal citizens. &C
ceptng their lot and looking forward with
hope and confidence to the time when they
would enjoy the proud privilege OF saying
4 am an American citizen,
"on this memorable occasion | make
acknowledgment of feelings OF the deep
est gratitude to tho people for the hospi.a-
bic reception and nnumerablo manifcsta-
tions OF cordial cooperation in executing
the difficult trust assigned to me aud my
military assistants Associated with nue.
we're able and enlightened citizens and I
thank them all for their cordial co-opera-
ton, deem it fortunate TO leave the c.yil
admin stration to so many competent a.d
efficient servants
Now sir to YOU. the FIRST governor
named for the posi- by the president. IN
pursuance 70 the act of congress. have
the high honor and proud satisfaction n
deliver TO your keeping the government o.
Puerto Rico"
Then followed an Invocation by Bishop
Bleenk dwelling upon the solemn and
memorable occasion N the history Of the
island and the United States. the Almighty
guidance and constant protection, praying
that the event would usher in The dawn
Of a brighter future aud the beginning Of
the iruition Of the cherished hopes and
aspirations and imploring manifold gifts
and blessings upon Governor Allen and
lpraying the Almighty would b. his sun
mort and light and that the island would
he the happy home OF a cGntented and
prosperous people, the pride OF Americans
land an example Tor many lands to follow.