New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-29
PORTO RICO's COUNCIL MEETS.
PATRIOTIC SPEECH OF WILLIAM H. HUNT.
SECRETARY OF STATE.

PATRIOTIC SPEECH OF WILLIAM H HUNT.
SECRETARY OF STATE
San Juan, Porto Rico. June 2S.-The first ses-
sion OF the Executive Council OF Porto Rico con-
vened this morning at 1910 O'Clock Nine mem
bers were present. After the usual preIiminaries
a permanent organization was effected. William
H. Hunt, Secretary Of State. presided. and the
meeting was marked throughout by dignity and
businessIike methods. All the motions were car
ried unanimously, and perfect harmony pre-
vailed. The only regrettable feature was that
not all the members could speak or understand
English, the result being that every resolution
had TO be Interpreted. sentence for sentence thus
necessarily delaying the proceedings. Mr. Hunt
spoke in part as follows:
To-day we take an important forward step in
crystaIlIzing the civil government Of Porto Rico.
This assemblage marks the inauguration OF an
other opportunity for the betterment OF the
island 1t is proper for me TO say that those of
US who have come TO Porto Rico 10 assume the
responsibilities OF administration extend our cor
dial fluctuations to our fellow Councillors who
are island born. Their familiarity with the
people and with the wants. customs and ambi-
tions of the island is all important The funda
mental principle upon which the best govern
ments are founded underlies the plan OF govern
ment which awards to the people OF Porto Rico
a powerful representation in the Executive
Council, with exclusive power TO choose the
House OF Delegates.
The policy 10 be pursued must be liberal, like
the conception OF the people Of the United
States, securing universal content and pros
periCy under the flag. The execution Of such
work means much TO the United States. as we'll
as to Porto Rico, and the welfare Of the Nation
includes that Of Porto Rico. When the United
States prosper Porto Rico should prosper, and
neither the Government nor the Executive Coun-
Gil should drift from the people.
Mr.. Hunt after dwelling upon the moral duty
OF the citizens 10 support the Government and
emphasizing the fact that the Government
would be unsuccessful without the support and
encouragement Of the people. concluded as fol-
lows:
Let US move forward with a resolution that
there shall be no more impediments than such
as may come from sources other than those
among ourselves. Let US begin our work with
this expectation, reiterating our loyalty TO
American citizens designed to be so implanted
in Porto Rico as 10 promote the happiness and
prosperity OF its people
The message from Governor Allen was in
formal. simply inpressing upon the members Of
the Council their grave responsibility n conuec-
ton with the problems before them. Tt recon-
rneuded action on the budget for the ensuing
fiscal year. The Governors formal message will
be sent in when the Legislature convenes
Senior Diezo and Sshor Matienzo Porto Rican
members OF the Council. who spoke briefly con-
graduated Porto RicaEs on this important step
and expressed the hope that they would realize
the RESPONSIBILITIES imposed upon them
The only official acts at tO-day's meeting We're
the passing Of the budget subject 10 the Sp-
provaI OF the Legislature. and the ratifyinE OF
the act OF the Acting Council OF May . liking
meeting was semi-private. the public not being
admitted.