The sun., 1909-11-07
PORTO RICO INAUGURATION
Cos. COLT0N. SW0RS m, HOLDS
A RECEPTION AND REVIEW.
In His Address FOreshAdows Complete
sesf-GOvernment for the Island
Thinks People May Become Citizens
Even NOw--The Uni nI0nIsts Hold AioOr
.sp.c,or cON. Despatch TO The SUN.

Special CGbls Despatch TO The SUN.
San JUAN, p. R.. Nov. 0.--Col. George
r. Cotton Of Illinois. former Collector Of
Customs at Manila. was sworn in to-day
as Governor Of Porto Rico, succeeding
Regis n. Post of New York. who resigned
recently. The inaugural ceremonies took
place in the TeatrO Municipal. The
Roman Catholic Bishop delivered an in
! vocation. The oath OF Office was ad
mlnistered by Seflor Conrado Hernandez,
Chief Justice Of the Supreme Court of
Porto Rico.
In his inaugural address Gov. Cotton
said:
Porto Rico ia an American Territory
and will always remain so. The Con-
stitution of the United States vests the
power OF making rules and regulations
for its government in Congress. The
determination Of the policy TO be pursued
with respect-to it therefore rests with the
! American people through their repre-
sentstives in Congress-.
They sympathize with the whole mass
Of these people and will not be misled by
false political sentiment. That complete
self government under the Stars and
Stripes will eventually come to the people
OF Porto Rico is as certain as our institu-
tions are secure. II will come TO them
when sustained public opinion arises
among the whole people that cannot be
easily swayed by the specious arguments
of the few who may seek to advantage
themselves at the cost Of their country.
The question of American citizenship
for the inhabi tants Of Porto Rico has
been brought to my attention. believe
that every permanent resident of Porto
Rico who desires to become an American
citizen should he entitled to do 50, and
that the jurisdiction OF the courts for the
accomplishment OF that purpose should
be so arranged as TO make the procedure
convenient. However. Porto Ricans now
have every security and guarantee which
a citizen Of the United States has under the
Constitution. and that Congress newer
intended to debar them from becoming
American citizens is conclIsively shown
by it's act OF June %. 1905. which. in my
| judgment. points out clear channel
through which any Porto Rican may be-
come All American citizen by voluntary
act without leaving this island.
Nevertheless | shall give the Ques-
ton careful study to the end that there
may be no confusion upon the subject.
and take such action as may he consistent
to meet the desires OF the Porto Rican
people. I would not have American
citizenship. even though il carried with
il only sentimental advaniage ges. thrust
invohIntarily upon any man anywhere.
! for to me that status in life is too pre-
cious TO be bartered or thoughtlessly
conferred ,..a
The address wasinterrnpted by repeated
applause. A telegram from President
Taft congratulating the new Governor
ON his inauguration was read.
After the ceremonies Gov Cotton re-
viewed a parade OF the Porto Rico pro-
visional regiment. marines. sailors and
police. AftetwaFd he held an informal
reception at the Executive House. where
he was visited by the foreign ConsuIs.
many leading citizens and delegati ion
OF the Republican party.
No delegation from the Unionist party
called.