"Switzerland of America"

Great was the impression made by General Pershing's "Lafayette, we are here." Perhaps he would have caused an even greater thrill had he said, "Lafayette, nous sommes arrives." But it remained for another U. S. soldier and statesman to make so perfect a gesture. Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, after taking oath last week on his late great father's presidential Bible as ninth U. S. civil governor at San Juan. Porto Rico, spoke in Spanish the first 200 words of his inaugural speech. The remainder of the speech was delivered in English, but inasmuch as no previous U. S. governor of Porto Rico had ever spoken inaugurally in Spanish, and as Colonel Roosevelt had studied Spanish only since the announcement of his appointment to his position (TIME, April 23), the Porto Ricans were impressed.

But for its bilingual twist, the new governor's speech might not have been considered extraordinary. The Colonel recalled how his late, great father, only U. S. president to visit Porto Rico, had called the island "the Switzerland of America." He referred to his duties as ''our work," asked for "team-play, shoulder to shoulder."

Mrs. Roosevelt contributed to the fitness of things by dancing a native danza with Senator Antonio R. Barcelo, political strong man. Also, the new Governor stood up, grinning, for ''La Borinquena," unofficial island anthem, as well as for "The Star Spangled Banner."

The Roosevelt idea of his job, as approved by President Hoover: to be not merely Governor of Porto Rico but U. S. Ambassador to the Caribbean.