The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-11-22
EIGHTY MILES IN AUTO.
President Roosevelt Makes the Trip
Across Porto Rico

San Juan, Nov. 22.-President ROose-
Welt journeyed in an automobile over
the famous military road from Ponce
to San Juan and was accorded an ova-
ton 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 pres
ident made short speeches to the peo-
pie. The president in all his speeches
dwelt on the affection he held for the
people of Porto Rico and assured them
that he would use every effort to Sc
cure citizenship for them, that his Ell
forts would be uneeasing to help them
along the path of true self govern
ment
Ponce. Porto Rico. Nov. 22-Presi-
dent Roosevelt arrived here from Colon
on board the battleship Louisiana he
was visited on board the vessel by
Governor Winthrop, who extended
welcome to the island The president al
once came ashore and was greeted az
the pier by a delegation of prominent
officials and citizens. The town, when
was profusely decorated in the presi-
dents honor was crowded with people
from the surrounding country, eager 10
greet Mr.. Roosevelt.
In spite of the early hour, the land
ing place was crowded with an expect
ant throng many of whom had been III
their places all night, to witness the
incomingS of the Louisiana As In.
president stepped. ashore the crowd
cheered him. crying: Viva Ell presidents
When. the greetings were over the
president. accompanied by Governor
Winthrop, was driven to the city nail
Mrs. Winthrop and Mrs. Roosevelt Iol-
lowing. The president was kept busy
acknowledging cheers from the lano-
ing place to the principal plaza of the
town. AT the entrance to the plaza
huge arch had been erected from
which little girls threw flowers to both
the president and Mrs. Roosevelt as
At the city hall an address of well
come was read torthe 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:
4 shall continue to use every eftQrt
to secure citizenship for Porto Rico.
am confident this will come IN the end,
and all that 1 can personally do TO
hasten that day I will do My efforts
will be unceasing to help you along
the path of true government,
which must have for its basis union
of order. liberty, justice and honor
In conclusion the president said; I
salute YOU from my heart as fellow
The reference to the citizenship
brought out enthusiastic applause
from the people
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 of this school was
laid in April. 1903, by the presidents
daughter, now Mrs Longworth. The
president was greatly pleased. with his
reception at the school. and made
short address.
The presidential party left Ponce at
1890 o'clock. the time set by the
schedule for the run to San Juan over
the famous military road Eleven au-
of three minutes each were made at
Juana Dlaz, Coamo and Aibonito. At
each place the. president was we9-
coined by the mayor and spoke briefly
from his automobile
The presidential party. arrived at
Cayey at 1870 p m.