New-York tribune., 1900-05-12
GOV. ALIENS INAUGURATION.
SIMPLE BUT IMPRESSIVE CEREMONIES AT
THE CAPITAL OF PORTO RICO.

According to the reports that have come from
Porto Rico, May is the day that is likely to
occupy a chief place among the insular fest-
walls. OF course, now that they have been an
nexed to the United States, July will be
National holiday that will be celebrated there.
but the day that witnessed the greeting that
the Porto Ricans gave to their first Civil Gov
ernor is that will undoubtedly occupy
chief place in their annals. That the sec
ond anniversary Of Dewey's remarkable victory
at Manila, OF the ultimate results Of which
was the expulsion of the Spaniards from Porto
Rico.
With simple but impressive ceremonies,
Charles Herbert Allen. formerly Assistant Sec
retary of the Navy, was inaugurated the en-
thusiastic welcome he received from the multi
tudes assembled in San Juan can have no other
meaning than that the islanders are decidedly
favorable to American rule. To be sure the
Porto Ricans, who had all OF their lives been
accustomed to the arrogant demeanor and mag
nihcent uniforms and trappings of their Span
ish rulers were somewhat astonished. and in
their tropical love of display rather chagrned,
at the transformations advent of the new Gov
ernor who arrived four days before the date OF
the inauguration. They were likewise amazed
the modest and unassuming bearing OF MI
Allen when he came dressed as an Ordinary
American citizen without a thread of gold lace
on his coat But when they came TO under
stand that instead of fnery and display they
are to have quiet dignity, integrity ana pusl-
ness methods. they not only acquiesced, but
acclaimed the change with enthusiasm
one evidence Of the loyalty Of the Porto Ricans
to the sovereign power of the United States was
to be noted in the great number of American
flags to be seen everywhere In san Juan Ma
tives of the island as well as people from TINS
country wore miniature flags as badges. and
almost every business building and many dwell
ngs flew the Stars and Stripes. With the dawn
serenades were begun by the military bands or
the 11th Infantry, the 9TH Cavalry and the
Porto Rican regiment. The local bands also
played Porto Rican and American National airs
before the palace and on the principal squares
and while marching through the streets.
The troops assembled at = o'clock. and later
were reviewed by Governor Allen ard General
Davis. The sailors and marines, the police and
the civic societies. also marched through the
square in front of the City Hall. on a balcony
of which the two Governors stood. The square
and the adjoining housetops were crowded with
people The native troops were received with
most marked enthusiasm by the islanders, but
the Regulars and the sailors were also well re-
cetyed as they marched past the reviewing
stand presenting arms to the Governor ana
General Davis. 49,
Governor Allen took the oath of Office at 1890
a. m. under flag canopy at the palace. being
sworn in by Jose Severe Quinones, CHIEF Justice
of the Supreme Court of the island. Among
others who were present We're Rear Admiral
station; Chaplain Brown, Bishop Benk. Gen
eral Davis, Government appontees. foreign con-
suls, Army and Navy officers and about thirty
civilians, together with the families of Gov
ernor Allen and General Davis.
The ceremonies especially simple. Gen
eral Davis. in brief speech, transferred the
office from himself-the Military Governor-to
Mr. Allen. The Chief Justice administered the
oath and after seventeen guns had been fired
from Fort San Cristobal Ell MORO and the fleet.
Governor Allen delivered an impressive address
For the sake OF those who could not understand
English. all the speeches were translated into
Spanish.