The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-11-22
President is Cheered Along the
 Entire Eighty Miles
HE TALKS ON CITIZENSHIP
Elaborate Preparations Had Been Made In Both Ponce and San Juan for the Entertainment of the
 American Executive.

San Juan, P. R.. November 2l. -Presl- dent Roosevelt today journeyed in an au- tomoble over the famous military road from Ponce to San Juan and was ac- corded an ovation by the people or Porto Rico The eighty-mil trip was made n six hours and thirty minutes, counting the time taken up by stops at the princi- pal towns along the route where the Pres ident made short speeches to the people The President. in all his speeches, dweit upon the affection he had for the peobie of Porto Rico and assured them that he would use every effort to secure citizen- ship for them-that his efforts would he unceasing to help them along the path CT true representative government.
 Great Crowds at Pier.
 President Roosevelt arrived in Ponce this morning from Colon on board the battleship Louisiana.
 He was visited on board the vessel by Governor Winthrop. who extended wei come to the island The President at once came ashore and was greeted at the, pier by Mayor Oppenheimer, and delegation of prominent officials and citi~ zens. In spite of the early hour the land- ing place was crowded with an expectaut throng, many of whom had been in their places all night.
 As the President stepped ashore the crowd cheered him. crying: Viva cl Presidente," when the greetings were over the President, accompanied by Gov ernor Winthrop. was driven to the ely hall, Mrs. Winthrop and Mrs. Roosevelt following. The President was Kept busy acknQw ledging cheers all along the two mile line of march from the landing place to the principal plaza of the town. Al the entrance to the plaza huge arch had been erected from which little girls threw flowers to both the President and Mrs Roosevelt they passed Tones was in gala attire American colors belng interspersed with Spanish flags. At the city hall an address of welcome was read to the President.
 He delivered his reply from the balcony of the building addressing the largest crowd that had ever assembled in Ponce. The President said in part:
 Speaks of Citizenship.
 q shall use every effort to secure clt'- zenship for Porto Rico. am confident this will come in the end, and all that can possibly do to hasten that day l will do My efforts will be unceasng to help you along the path of true self-govern- ment, which must have for its basis q union of order. liberty. justice and honor In conclusion the President said "I salute YOU from my heart fellow citizens
 The reference to citizenship brought out increased applause from the people. Be- fore leaving Ponce the President was driven to the Roosevelt high school Here several hundred school children had been assembled and sang America as the President drove up. The cornerstone )l this school was laid in April, 1903, by the Presidents daughter, now Mrs Long worth The President was greatly pleased with his reception al the school, and made a short address. He was showered with flowers by the children as he drove away. Mrs. Roosevelt was presented with ;t beautiful piece of embroidered work, the handiwork of the girls of the industrial school before she left the city
 Leave for San Juan.
 The presidential party left Ponce at lo:So' the time set by the schedule for the run to San J1an over the famous military road Eleven automobiles conveyed the party Stops of three minutes were made at Juana Diaz. Coamo and Abonito. At each place the President was welcomed by the mayor, and spoke briefly from his au- 1omobile The presidential party arrived
 
 was served in the barracks. officers or the Porto Rico provincial regiment be- ing the hosts.
 President Roosevelt received remark able reception at Caguas. the most inn portant town on the military road Here he spoke at length, reiterating his views on Porto Rican citizenship. Passing through caguas and the Cayney tobacco district. where American capital has worked wonderful development, the President was greatly impressed with the fertility of the plantations. At Caguas, Mrs Roosevelt was showered with flow ers Between towns surging crowds eager lv awaited fleeting glimpse of the Presi- dent. People from the outlying planta- lions some on foot from the mountain districts miles away; peons, women, chil- dren. beggars and crippes, all came to nav tribute. Many of occupants or shacks who were too poor to own even flag, showed their patriotism by loudly cheer ing the President, whom they seemed to recognize quickly.
 Received By School Children.
 At Rio Piedras the last town before reaching San Juan. President Roosevelt received an enthusiastic reception rom the school children and the pupils and teachers of the Porto Rican normal school From Rio Piedras to San Turco, dis tance of seven miles, along both sides of the roadway, were immense crowds which cheered the President. Througr San Turco. suburb of San Juan, where there Is a large American colony, the bal comics and roofs of houses and the sides of the road were crowded with eDthusias- tic crowds. The President was kept busy acknowledging the greetings of Amerl- cans.
 Arriving at the original entrance to the city of San Juan. where formerly stooc the old city hall and gate. a huge arch hat been erected by the city. and here Mayor Todd and the city officials extended theil welcome to the President. He responded in a brief speech, and was then escorted bv the Porto Rican provisional regiment to the governors palace. The city was slaborately decorated. The view in For Elsa street was especially attractive. Int street which is narrow. was congestet with an enormous crowd as were likewise the housetops. balconies. windows anC every point of vantage. He was deeply impressed with his reception by the popu I2aee.