Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-07
HIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Counsels Extension Of Markets and
Development Of Trade.
SUPPORT OF LOCAL INDUSTRY
Complete Self-Government Under
Stars and Stripes Dependent Upon
Peoples Action.

u. X. Cotton was today 1nauglrated Gov
ernor Of Porto Rico. succeeding Regis H
Post. The ceremony was held in the
Municipal Theater. which was filled with
al audience that manifested q keen and
sympathetic interest. The oath was ad-
ministered by Chief Justice Hernandez
of the supreme court. Bishop w. A. Jones
made the invocation. The feature Of the
inauguration was the reading of a con-
gratulatory cablegram from President
Taft.
Col. Colton's speech was well received.
His references to Porto Rican coffee,
American citizenship for permanent resi-
dents OF Porto Rico who desired it and
that he would exercise his appointive
power regardless Of political Or religious
Affiliations were literally applauded. The
people are favorably impressed by the
personality Of the new governor and ex-
pect that he will govern them firmly.
After his speech Col. Cotton reviewed
the Porto Rican regiment. the marines and
the police, and later held an informal re-
ception at the palace, which was attend
ed by the distinguished citizens of the
island.
The inaugural ceremonies closed to-
night with a grand bali at the Municipal
Theater.
Cooperation Urged.
I'VE. must stand and pull together for
Porto Rico and things Porto Rican." was
the keynote Of the inaugural address OF
Gov. Cotton here today. His speech was
received with much enthusiasm by the
hundreds of Porto Ricans who listened to
a statement Of the policy 6f the new ad-
ministration in the insular possession.
Gov. Cotton warned the country against
"legislating ourselves rich In a day." and
recommended rather q calm. sustained.
thoughtful effort to take advantage Of
every opportunity presented at home and
abroad to extend the Porto Rican markets
and develop its trade.
Duty Of Business Men.
Every business man of Porto Rico"
said he, should stand behind every in
dustry Of the island. at least with his
moral support, for every one that is sue
.csesfui helps another. We must make
the legend upon our exports, made or
produced in Porto Rico mean to foreign
purchasers that the contents OF every
package that bears II Is OF standard or
better grade. let the world know. first
"
shams or substitutes to offer.'
He assured the Porto Ricans that COM
plete self-government under the Stars and
Stripes eventually would come to them
when a sustained public opinion arose
among the whole people that could not
be easily swayed by the specious arsu-
ment Of the few who might seek to ad-
vantage themselves at the cost of their
country.
Marks New Era.
The recent assignment of the affairs OF
the Porta Rican government to the War
Department. he predicted, would mark a
new era in the progress Of the island.
The department had always been the
agency of the American people in re-
lieving distress and stamping out disease
at home and abroad. Always headed by
a strong, able man from civil life. to-day
by one Of the greatest civil lawyers of
America
In the exercise of his appointive power.
Gov. Cotton said he would place only the
most deserving men in public ofice. re-
gardless of political or religious affilia-
tions, save only that no man would be
appointed to Office against whom there
was the slightest ground for suspicion
that he was disloyal to his country or
u ne dOOSU. however.
that he would pursue this policy with
variance. because Of his profound belief
OF the right of every man to his honest
opinion.
Entitled to Citizenship.
With respect to American citizenship,
he said he believed that every perma-
nent resident Of Porto Rico who desires
to become an American citizen should ne
entitled to do so, and that the Jurisdiction
of the courts for the accomplishment of
that purpose should be SO arranged as to
make the procedure convenient
Although the showing thus far has
been poor he told the Porto Ricans that
he did not despair of finding q perma-
nently profitable market on the mainland
for Porto Rican coffee. He told them II
always had been used In his home from
choice.
Method Of Governmental Inspection.
Gov. Cotton described the method of
governmental inspection and certification
of the origin and grade Of tobacco used
In Philippine cigars, and suggested that
such plan may be Of advantage in pro-
tecting Porto Rican cigars against HARM
full imitation.
In concluding he said: II pledge you
my constant support of everything that
may he of real advantage to the Porto
Rican people, and I feel that no petty
thing will be permitted to intercept the
realization of the good intentions of the
American people toward you