The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1908-07-31
.DgdZ6Y 4FLlP 1LE7W C4RzZ4L
6ZzZLDZNC or PLzZRz0- RICO

white man to land on the little island
Of Porto Rico, the natives Of that
verdant spot in the Atlantic always
regard Ponce de Leon as the greatest
figure in their history He saw the
island while accompanying Columbus
on his second journey to the new
found America and was SO greatly de-
lighted with it that he applied for and
was granted authority to act as its
governor
This first visit Of the great explorer
to the island occurred just 400 years
ago the 18th Of next August and
great preparations are being made to
observe the event with appropriate
ceremonies, for the Porto Ricans
count that date as marking the begin
ming Of their place in history.
So this the first Of the island
colonies which the United States ac-
quired in the war with Spain is to
have its celebration which win prove
Of international Importance, and the
United States, as might be expected,
will share in the ceremonies. In
token Of the good feeling which exists
between Uncle Sam and his ward the
government at Washington has been
asked to send delegate as its special
representative.
The celebration will continue
through four days, and there will be
exercises not only in Ponce, San Juan,
the capital, and Mayaguez, but in the
smaller towns and villages.
It is interesting to note that the big
day in August is only four months
short Of being also the tenth ami
versary Of the occupation Of Porto
Rico by the United States.
For 800 years the island had been
the most productive of SPANS West
Indian colonies. The errors Of an adj
ministration that had made Of Cuba
a shambles, and which had the final
result of driving Spain from the new
world in disgrace, had not marked
the history Of the ownership of Porto
Rico. Barring the fact that the crown
lacked enterprise and did little TO de
velop the wonderful resources Of Their
country, the Porto Rieans found littl'
to complain OF.
They worshiped the memory O.
their first Spanish controller, though
according to tradition, Ponce de LeoT
governed with considerable vigor, ant
never permitted any false idea Of th'
rights Of the natives to interfere will
what he thought the proper action 70
either the benefit Of his sovereign o
himself.
But Ponce was a romantic figure
He left his imprint on the entire e,
treme southern section and outlyin
districts Of the United States.
His name conveyed his birthplace
He was literally Ponce de Leon, fo
it was IN town Of the latter nam
, that he was born in 1850. OF nobl
, birth, he entered the military servic
of Ferdinand and Isabella. and spec
ily distinguished himself, his mos
1 notable prodigies of valor having bee
! performed against the Moors. Whe
: the ending OF that long conflict pl
! the throne Of Spain in a position
entertain the plans OF the Genoes
. dreamer, Columbus, and finance h
4 expedition in search Of the short roui
4 to India, Ponce would gladly have bee
a member Of the expedition. for It W;
= Of the adventurous nature to appe
|. strongly to him, but unfortunately u
= king had other work for him. SO III
a the gallant De Leon was lot then ab
to embark under Columbus.
As governor Of the eastern provin
Of Hispanolia he had gained consl
, erable knowledge Of administratio
and when on Columbus second II
. his enchanted eyes saw the beaut
: Of Porto Rico. and he expressed 4
: desire that he might live there Il
y ever as supreme controller Of the
!, land for the good Of his king al
4 country. the wish was speed
4 granted
4. Ponce took up his residence near I
n town that now bears his name.
D. For seven years he remained the
" despotic, but at the same time,
v progressive ruler. Stories OF gallant
In of incidents in which he figured, a
IN still told, stories Of beautiful spani
a. and native ladies' who gave tn
he hearts to the distinguished explor
n. knight and administrator.
n. The aggressions OF age alone ga
woe to the ruler. He loved life. I
world, women. song. The Of
thought that tormented him was Il
as coming years would end his gay i
m Some wanderer told the story Of
lg. magic fountain on the mainland,
a. the upper part Of the peninsula q
AZ now marks the southeastern extrem
u. Of Uncle Sans bounds
Ial Ponce de Leon determined to
*. and seek ont this magic water, th
in to bathe. SO that he could laugh ct
IT. passing Of years, there To remain e
nd young.
re 1t was Ia March, 1919, that a
"a. procession moved out Of the isla
nd Ponce sailed for Florida He lanl
near what is nov the mecca for