The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1848-06-26
PONCE, P. R., June s, I34S
The Difficulties in the West indies Their Effect
on Business, &C.


In my last mentioned that an excellent feeling
existed between the slaves here and their m iste rs
The latter are kind and indulgent, though firm in
their treatment, while the former are generally will
ling and industrious Ihnve never seen the 81 ghtes
indication on their part OF desire for insurrec-
ton indeed, it would be folly for them to make the
attempt, so far inferior are they to the whites in
numerical force. Oar people, however, possess
very excltable imaglnatlons, and have been not a
little alarmed by the recent news from some of
the neighborlng islands The actual arrival of a
vessel in our harbor, laden with fugiuves from
Martinique, seeking the protection of our govern
ment, seemed to bring the danger our very doors
But a moment's reflection will convince any one,
that with the large prepOnderance of white popu
lation which we possess, and the observance OF
common precaution, we are perfectly safe
Even admitting that our negroes we're turbulent
and mallciousy disposed, our active and ener
| every measure calculated to inspire confidence
aud insure tranquility. His proclamation
with reference to recent events, has had the
effect OF producing n great deal of confidence
vcntion rather than cure The general is adding
to his popularity every day, by liberal and judi
cious system OF reform in all departments He
shows his progesista principles at every STEP
though with caution, and thus far usties the hopes
expressed in my first letter, In which ANNOUNCED
his appointment in place of the Condo de Mirasol
Our only fear is that his liberaity will not meet
the views Of the cabinet at Madrid, and that he
VIII De Tecaeu before lie mas nall fulfilled the nlea
sure of his usefulness.
In one important act which he has recently pas.
sed he has directly reversed the policy of his pre-
decessors; namely, that which refers to the adj
mission and naturalization of foreigners Former
y 1t was vexatious and expensive process for a
stranger to obtain even the privilege Of temporary
residence here, and everything seemed TO be done
with view to discourage immigration. Now, on
the contrary inducements cid out, and all the
old obstacles are swept away. We trust that ere
long we shall have considerable influx of Ameri.
can capital and industry, and, God knows we stand
in need of BOTH
! presume that accounts have reached YOU
OF the wretched state OF business here. be.
eve it is generally conceded among our mer.
chants that they have never experienced q
severer pressure. The extremely low prices
OF sugar and moasses, added to the slow demand
regret to say that the prospect for another veal
affords very little encouragement.
During the past year many OF our merchants
advanced considerable sums to the planters, or
the present crop; and the planters, in turn expended
great deal upon the cultivation and improvement
of their estates. The result is, an immense amount
OF produce, with scarcely any sales, and no price
The Playa or Bay, where the merchants reside
actually presents the appearance of deserted
town, the quiet of Sabbath reigning in the streets
which but three months ago were filled with an
active and busy crowd There wi probably be
nothing more OF any consequence done, nor any
farther arrivals Of The great needful, specie, fol
eight or nine months TO come.
Capital could now be invested here to very grea
advantage, for it cannot be doubted that with the
great natural resources possess, and the cncour
agement of wise and liberal government a very
condition as any of the West Indian Islands evel
enjoyed. Their present dicffiulties would induce
many merchants and planters to make large sacri
fees for ready money. Adios. ANTONIO.