In his inaugural address, on the day of his arrival, Davis stated that "close, cordial, and constructive cooperation under the Jones Law" will be the keynote of his administration. He stated that "towards the Philippine people, the people of the United States have but one desire - to extend to them their friendly aid in the solution of the problems of the future."


His appointment has on the whole been well received both in the Philippines and in the United States, although there was an understandable regret in many quarters that the appointment did not go to Acting Governor-General Eugene A. Gilmore, whose long, faithful, and able service in the Philippines fairly entitled him to the position. 


Davis conducted one of the most extensive reconstructions of Malacañang Palace, essentially transforming it from a wooden Spanish-era colonial house, to a 1930s era large concrete mansion.


He resigned on January 9, 1932 for personal and family reasons. 


In connection with the Davis' resignation, U.S. President Hoover stated:

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"Governor General Davis accepted the appointment to the Philippine Islands at great personal sacrifice. His resignation is based upon personal and family reasons, the force of which must, I feel, receive every consideration, particularly in view of the very generous sacrifices which he has already made in consenting to remain in the Philippine Islands much longer than his personal interests warranted. I have accepted his resignation with the greatest reluctance. His administration of the affairs of the Philippine Islands has been eminently able and successful and constitutes a fitting continuation of the distinguished service he previously rendered as Secretary of War. The 2 years during which he served in the Philippine Islands have been marked by exceptionally cordial and satisfactory relations between the American chief executive and the legislative and other local authorities. Governor General Davis relinquishes office with the deep regret of all concerned, and with a further claim upon the gratitude and affection of both the American and Filipino people."

</div>


Davis was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 5, 1879, a Baptist, married with four children, Harvard graduate, lawyer, athlete, decorated for heroism during World War I, and Secretary of War in the Coolidge Cabinet.


He is best remembered as the founder of the Davis Cup international tennis competition. 


He died in Washington, D.C. on November 28, 1945, and was buried in the Arlington National Cemetery.


Sources: 

<ol class="article-sources">
<li>
Philippine Magazine, Volume 26, Number 1, August 1929
</li>
<li>
Herbert Hoover - Statements on the Governor Generalship of the Philippines, (http://goo.gl/qczqXp)
</li>
<li>
Presidential Museum and Library of the Philippines
</li>
<li>
Photo credit: Getty Images
</li>
</ol>

July 8, 1929: Dwight F. Davis became the 9th American Governor-General of the Philippines