es upon our mountains and valleys this
day of July, 1898. It is a day of glorious remembrance for each son of
this beloved isle, because for the first time there waves over it the
flag of the Stars, planted in the name of the Government of the United
States of America by the major-general of the American Army, General
Miles.

"Porto Ricans, we are by the miraculous intervention of the God of the
just given back to the bosom of our mother America, in whose waters
Nature placed us as people of America. To her we are given back in the
name of her government by General Miles, and we must send her our most
expressive salutation of generous affection through our conduct toward
the valiant troops represented by distinguished officers and commanded
by the illustrious General Miles.

"Citizens: Long live the Government of the United States of America!
Hail to their valiant troops! Hail Porto Rico, always American!

"Yauco, Porto Rico, United States of America.
"El Alcalde, Francisco Megia."

The alcalde is the judge who administers justice, and he also presides
as mayor over the City Council.

The citizens of the town hugged the Americans, and some fell upon their
knees and embraced the legs of the soldiers. It was a most remarkable
spectacle.

On July 29, Ponce was formally given over to the Americans, without the
firing of a single shot. The populace received the troops and saluted
the flag with enthusiasm. When General Miles entered the city he was
welcomed by the mayor, cheered to the echo by the citizens and serenaded
by a band of music.

The mayor of Ponce issued a proclamation of the same tenor as that of
the mayor of Yauco, although not quite so enthusiastic.

General Wilson was made military governor of Ponce.

A day or two after the taking of Ponce several local judges were sworn
into office. This was the first time in the history of the United States
that the judges of a foreign, hostile but conquered country, swore to
support the Constitution of the United States.

The following was the form sworn to by the various officials:

"I declare under oath that, during the occupation of the island of Porto
Rico by the United States, I will renounce and abjure all allegiance and
fidelity to every foreign prince, potentate, state or sovereignty,
particularly the Queen Regent and the King of Spain, and will support
the constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or
domestic, and wil