Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-04-25
A PORTO RICAN ADDRESS
Gov. ALLEN COMMENDED FOR HIS
ADMINISTRATION.
Signed by Nearly All the Political
Clubs on the IsIand-Text of
the Document.

Governor Allen of Porto Rico has been
made the recipient of an address by the
representative people of the island, which
has taken the form Of a handsomely en-
crossed volume Morocco bound and orna-
merted with heavy gold clasps and iuscrip-
ton plate This address is signed by near
ly all the political clubs on the island. and
contains the autographs of large number
Of the leading citizens of Porto Rico, who
have thus testified to their appreciation OF
the governors services. The text of the
address is as follows:
Text of the Address,.
"One year ago you first came to Porto
Rico. bearing commission from the great
American republic to inaugurate civil gov
eminent upon our island home, the beauti-
full Pearl Of the Antilles
You came. sir, to a docile hospitable and
oppressed people. who were discouraged by
many years of public misfortune anu mis-
rule, without faith or confidence in their
former governing power and overwhelmed
by terrible economical crisis.
Upon your arrival new hope leaped in
the hearts of the people of Porto Rico. The
establishment of civil government III Porto
Rico had been for more than L quarter of a
century the fondest dream aud the most
precious expectation of our people. 1t was
the ideal which sustained us N the long
and painful struggle against the oppressive
rule of Spain. That cherished dream, that
sacred expectation. that noble ideal, sir,
became to us a reality with your arrival
upon our island home.
THE people OF Porto Rico-:t reinvigo-
rated peopie-coming now fr pm the JhraH
OF oppressive measures into touch with
modern life, law and civilization. heralded
your coming the dawn of human liberty
and democracy. In an incredibly brief time
We the machinery of republican insti-
tuition moving in steady and rhythmic
N q rpS fnr no hot Of
In all this We clearly the ability IN
sight and prudence of your wise and cX-
allied craftsmanship.
Work of the Legislature.
Under the election laws formulated by
the executive council the house Of dele
gates was duly elected and the legislature
began auspiciously to enact for the first
time IN the history Of the island system
of laws for the guidance and gradual up
lifting of our people. Realizing that the
legislative duties imposed upon the dele
gates were to them new and without prece-
dent. you gave them freely the advice they
needed, you guided their early footsteps
in the sure and safe way to self-respect
and freedom. Your administration shows
conscientious study of the great prob
lens Of our people, and the guidance you
vouchsafed has proven to be In harmony
with our political and social needs and
with the progress OF civil government in
our midst
The house of delegates. legally and freely
chosen by more than 10000 loyal citizens,
In its deliberations gladly accepted your
advice. and. aided by honest, capable and
conscientious man, crystaIized your coun-
sells into the fundamental laws of the is
land. These laws met with your official
approval and are now giving an immeasur
able satisfaction to the citizens Of Porto
Rico
Your efforts. utiring and patriotic. Of
course. met with the opposition of men
who have always heretofore made a farce
Of Law and who openly sought only their
own selfish interests. They naturally OPP
posed reform that brought equity and
equality and protection to all: but their OPP
position is fast disappearing and in the
near future every Porto Rican will bless
your administration and cherish your pa
triOtic services.
Continued Devotion Pledged.
I'VE congratulate you upon your years
glorious achievements, We proud OF
your administration. we pledge you con-
tinued and increased devotion. and we
earnestly hope. sir. that you will long re-
main with US. giving US your advice and
assistance. building here on this historic
and beautiful island the same democratic
Institutions that have so wonderously
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
kind that knows no serfdom and the land
over which floats the noblest emblem Of
human liberty-the stars and the stripes"