New-York tribune., 1906-11-22
PRESIDENT In ISLAND.
PORTO RICANS CORDIAL
He Tells Them He Viii York to
Haze Them Made Citizens.

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Roosevelt travelled to-day in automobiIs over
the famous military road from Ponce to San
Juan. and was warmly received by the people
OF Porto Rico. The eighty-mile trip was made
In six hours and thirty minutes. counting the
time taken up by stops at the principal towns
along the route. where the President made shors
speeches TO the people. The President in all his
speeches dwelt on the affection he held for the
people Of Porto Rico and assured them that hs
would every effort to secure citizenship for
them. and that his efforts would be unceasng
TO help them along the path Of true selt-govern-
ment.
President Roosevelt arrived at Ponce from
Colon on the Louisiana at s. 80 q m He was
greeted on board the vessel by Governor Win
thrOp. who extended welcome 10 the island.
The President at once came ashore and was
greeted at the pier by Mayor Oppenheimer OF
Ponce and delegation of officials and citizens.
The town. which was profusely decorated in the
Presidents honor. was crowded with people
from the surrounding country eager to greet Mr.
Roosevelt.
The President expressed his pleasure in arriv-
ing in the island. and said he looked forward to
an enjoyable visit. In spite of the early hour the
landing place was crowded with expectant
throng. many members of which had been in
their places all night 70 see the incoming OF
the louisiana. AS the President stepped ashore
the crowd cheered him. crying: Viva ell Presi-
dente!" The President responded oy bowling.
When the greetings were over the President.
accompanied by Governor Winthrop was driven
to the Ponce City Hall in an automobile. Mrs.
Winthrop and Mrs. Roosevelt followed in another
machine. The President was kept busy ac-
knowledging cheers all along the two miles from
the landing place to the principal plaza os thu
town. At the entrance 20 the plaza a huge arch
had been erected, from which little girls threw
flowers to both the President and Mrs. Roose-
welt. Ponce was in gala attire. the American
colors being interspersed with Spanish flags
WILL WORK FOR CITIZENSHIP.
At the City Hall an address of welcome was
read to the President He delivered his reply
from the balcony of the building. speaking to
the largest crowd that had ever assembled IN
Ponce The President said in part:
shall continue to use every effort to secure
citizenship for Porto Rico. am confident this
will come in the end and all that can person
ally do to hasten that day will do. My efforts
will be unceasing 10 help you along the path
OF true sef-gOvernment, which must have for
it's basis union of order. liberty. justice and
honor.
In closing the President said: st salute you
from my heart fellow citizens
The reference 10 the citizenship OF the Porto
Ricans brought out enthusiastic applause from
the people.
Before leaving Ponce the President was driven
10 the Roosevelt High School There several
hundred school children had been assembled and
they sang America the President drove up.
The cornerstone of this school was laid In April.
1903. by the Presidents daughter. now Mrs Long
worth. The President greatly pleased with
his reception at the school. and made a short
address He was showered with flowers by the
children as he drove away. piece OF en-
do hV-f a-rIs OF
trial School. was presented 10 Mrs. Roosevelt
before she left the city.
The Presidents party left Ponce at 1890
o'clock the time set by the schedule for the run
TO San Juan over the military road II took
eleven automobiles 70 carry the entire party.
Lawrence II. G-shame Commissioner OF the
Interior. was in charge of the trip Stops Of three
minutes each were made at Juana Diaz. Coarno
and AibonIto At each place the President was
welcomed by the local mayor. and spoke briefly
from his automobile. His remarks were prac-
tically the same the speech in Ponce.
THE TRIP TO SAN JUAN.
The party arrived at Cayey at 1:S0 O'Clock
Luncheon was served in the barracks there by
the officers of the Porto Rico Provisional Regi-
ment Of which Major GriTiths is the command
ing officer.
The President was warmly received az Gag
uas. the most important town the military
road. There he spoke at length. repeating bis
views as 10 Porto Rican citizenship Passing
through the Caguas and the Cayey tobacco dis
trict, where American capital has caused a
wonderful development. the President was great
ly impressed with the fertility and hourshins
condition OF the plantations. At Caguas Mrs
Roosevelt was showered with flowers and re-
ceived many presents. Between towns along the
military road scattering crowds eagerly awaited
the chance OF a heeting glimpse OF the President
They came from the outlying plantations. many
walking from the mountain districts, miles away
poems women. children. beggars and cripples.
Many OF the occupants of shacl<s who were too
poor to own even flag showed their patriotism
by loudly cheering the President. whom they
easily recognized
At Rio Piedras. the last town before reaching
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