The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-04-25
PRAISE FOR GOVERNOR ALLEN.
He Receives an Address Signed by
LOO Porto Ricans.

Charles H. Alien. Governor Of Porto
Rico, who is in Washington, today re-
ceived an address signed by 1900 citizens
Of the island The document is bound in
calf. with gold plates, ana is as follows
To the Hon. Charles II. Allen, Governor
Of Porto Rico.
Honorable Sir: One year ago you first
came to Porto Rico bearing commission
from the great American Republic TO in
augurate- civil government upon our isl
and home, the beautiful Pearl of the
Antilles
You came. sir. to a docile, hospitable,
and oppressed people, who were discouT-
aged by many years Of public misfortune
and misrule without faith or confidence
in their former governing power and over
whelmed by d terrible economical crisis.
Upon your arrival a new, hope Ieaped
in the hearts of the people Of Porto Rico.
The establishment of civil government in
Porto Rico had been for more than a
quarter Of century the fondest dream
and the most precious expectation Of our
people. 1t was the ideal which sustained
US in the long and painful struggle against
the oppressive rule of Spain That cher
ished dream. that sacred expectation, that
noble ideal, sir. became to US a reality
with your arrival upon our island home,
''Thc people Of Porto Rico-a reinvigOT-
ated people-coming now from the thraIl
OF oppressive measures, into touch with
modern life, law, and civilization neralded
your coming as the dawn of human lib
eTty and democracy. IN an Incredibly
brief time we saw the machinery Of re-
publican institutions moving in steady and
rhythmic measures for the betterment of
our people In all this we saw clearly,
the ability, insight, and prudence OF your
wise and exalted craftsmanship.
Under the election laws formulated by
the Executive Council, the House of Del
egates was duly elected and the Legisla-
ture began auspIciuosIy TO enact for the
first time in the history of the island a
system of laws for the guidance and grad
Ual uplifting of our people. Realizing that
the legislative duties imposed upon the
Delegates were to them new and without
precedent, you gave them freely the ad-
vice they needed, you guided their early
footsteps in the sure and safe way TO self
respect and freedom. Your administration
shows a conscientious study of the grslt
problems Of our people, and the guidance
you youchsafed has proven to be in har-
mony with our political and social needs
and with the progress of civil government
in our midst.
THE House of Delegates, legally a nd
freely chosen by more than 70,000 loyal
citizens, in its deliberations gladly &C
cepted your advice, and, aided by hon
est, capable, and conscientious men. crys-
taHized your counsels into the fundamen-
tai laws of the island. These laws met
with your official apprOvaE and are now
giving an immeasurable satisfaction to
the citizens Of Porto Rico.
efforts T,r7+irir1r- uusi T1aTTio1ip
Of course, met with the oposition Of men
who have always heretofore made a farce
of law, and who openly sought only their
own selfish interests. They naturally Op
posed a reform that brought equity and
equality and protection TO all; but their
opposition is fast disappearing. and in the
near future every Porto Rican viii bless
your administration and cherish your
patriotic services
we congratulate you upon your years
glorious achievements; We are proud of
your administration; we pledge you con
earnestly hope. sir. that you viii long re-
main with US. giving Us your advice and
assistance building here on this historic
and beautiful island the same democratic
Institutions that lave SC wondrousIy
blessed the great Republic that gave you
birth and training
God bless you, your family, and your
home, and God bless our grand nation
the land that knows no serfdom and the
land over which floats the nobIest en-
blem of human Hberty-the Stars and