davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

culturalIy, it admits of great expan- sion in this direction. Under differ ent political regime and freed from vexatious and oppressive taxation the island would certainly become more productive and prosperous.
 Gold, copper, iron, zinc and teoal mines are known to exist, but have not been developed. There are also valpa- ble and extensive sponge fields which have scarcely been touched owing to the lack of capital and other causes The same is also true of quarrie$, ef white stone, granite and marble. There are salt works at Guanica and Salinas, on the south coast, and at Cape Rojo, on the west, and this constitutes the prin- cipal mineral industry of Porto Rico. Hot springs and mineral waters are found at Juan Diaz, San Sebastian, San Lorenzo and Ponce, but the most fa- nous are at Coamo, near the town of Santa Isabel. ~'S
 The most predaeeous quadruped on the island fs the wild dog, and it chiefly attacks pigs and other small domestic animals. Mice are the great pests of the island but. they are kept down by their natural enemies, the snakes, which reach a length of from six to nine feet. Numerous species of ants and bees ex- ist, as we'll as firefiies, or cucuzos. Oc- casionally they fly in great masses, producing splendid and weird effects in the tropical nights. Poultry is abun- dant, and the seas and rivers are full of the finest fish.
 Railways on the island are so far in their infancy, and cart roads are very primitive. some of them being little better than tracks made by cattle. There Is, however, one fine road extend ing from San Juan to Ponce, dis
The age-herald., 1898-07-05
Spain'S Only Remaining Colony In the West Indies the Next Objective Of the Forces
 Of the United States.

Chicago, so that the climatic conditions prevailing on the island are such as would soon reconcile themselves to most dwellers in a temperate zone.
 The rainy season lasts from August to December, and so copious is the rain- fall north of the mountains that the cul- tivated fields and plantations are fre- quently inundated, and swamps are formed. The mean annual rainfall av- erages 641a inches, and occasionally it has reached S1 inches.
 The prevailing diseases are yellow fever, elephantiasis, tetanus, March fe- yer and dysentery. A lack of proper sanitary measures is largely responsi- ble for much of the illness on the is- land. Even yellow fever, the most fatal of these diseases, could probably be rooted out were proper precautions adopted and all the means available used to prevent its recurrence.
 The soil of Porto Rico is of remarka- ble fertility, and it's dominant indus tries are agriculture and numbering. In the elevated regions the vegetable pro- auctions of the temperate zone can be grown. There are more than 300 va rieties of trees found in it's forests, many of them valuable, and the plains are full of palm, orange and other fruit bearers. The crops consist of tobacco, sugar, cocoa, coffee, cotton, rice, maize, yams and plantains, all of which can be raised to four times the amount re- quired for home consumption.
 Well developed as the island is agri-
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

tance of 90 miles across the island. Spaniards generally are poor road build CTS, but bad as are the roads in Porto Rico they are superior to those in Cuba. There are several lines of railways now in course of construction, a system be- ing projected around the island, $40 miles in length. The telegraph system is also in an incomplete state, and the service is only partially maintained The length of wire is about 854 kilo- meters. One line of cable runs to Cuba. Mexico, Panama and the coasts of the South American continent. Another connects the island with St. Thomas, Jamaica and the rest of the world.
 According to the census taken on Dec. 31, 1887, the population of the island then numbered S14, 708, of whom s480 267 were white, T,751 negroes and 24S,690 half castes. The women numbered more than the men by about 1000, but the immigrants from Spain being mostly men the actual ratio between the two sexes as regards the native population would be largely in favor of the fem mine. The foreign residents numbered 41,000, of whom 5000 were natives of Spain and 6,000 of other countries. Thir- ty per cent of the white population and 75 per cent of the negro were elassed in the census as laborers.
 The inhabitants of Porto Rico are scattered all over the country, the land being extremely subdivided. Efforts have been made by the authorities to have the people collected into villages, but they have almost invariably resist ed change which would not suit the conditions of their lives or tend to in- prove their status. As the population of the island has been steadily increas- ing since the beginning of this century, if the same ratio of increase has pre- vailed since the last census was taken as that existing before, the population should now approximate closely to 1000, 900.
 The capital city of Porto Rico is San Juan Bautista, founded by Ponce de Leon in 1510. It is located on the small island of Morro, now connected with the mainland by the San Antonio bridge, and has about 27 900 inhabitants. On the western end of this small island Ponce de Leon built the governors pal
The age-herald., 1898-07-05
1!liA 2!Ii11!Hii ii|la!|

principal town of the group Is Agana, the capital of Guahan. It is fortified after the Spanish fashion, but it has an excellent harbor which affords safe anchorage excepting during the hurri- cane season. The population of this capital is a little more than 5,000.
 The natives of the Ladrones, accord ing to the ethnologists, are descended from a rowing band of Greeks, and in support of this theory it Is mentioned that many of their words are pure Hell lenic. When Magellan discovered the islands, form of republican govern ment was in vogue. It was liberal in the extreme, the few offenders against the unwritten laws of the land being tried in the open air by the entire male population. There were no real rulers as we understand the term. The La- drones are about 1700 miles from Ma nila and about 2300 miles from Hono- lulu.
 The natives of the Carolines are much more warlke than those of the La- drones, and they have several times re- belled, though without success, against the authority of Spain. Some years ago, while James G. Blaine was secretary of state, the wanton shelling of soma American missionary property came very near to causing international com- plications. A missionary was sent in irons to Manila, where he was promptly released by the governor general and all possible reparation made. The na- tives, who are fond of all whites ex- cept the dons, got even month later by killing every Spaniard on the island of Tap, from the governor down to ths humblest private. Butcher" Weylei then held forth in the Philippines, and he sent an expedition, which the Caro- line natives promptly cut to pieces. Then a larger force was dispatched, and the "Butcher'' had the satisfaction of causing blood to flow like water.
 The Carolines are extremely fertile, and land is so plentiful on the hundreds of islands comprising the group that one may take all he cares to cultivate. There are one or two partly fortified towns, and the population of the archi- pelago is about 3O,000, while the area in square miles is 10000 The natives are of the Malay type and are inclined to be
The age-herald., 1898-07-05
A Story of Marine Anthony.

They tell good story of Marine An- thony, the one who saluted Captain Sigsbee and so coolly said, T have to inform you, sir, that the ship is blown up." Anthony was once a sergeant and as such was attached to the marine re- cruiting office in New York. Now. at this position Anthony exercised consid- erable power over applicants, and he made that power felt in such a way as to cause his reduction to the ranks which was followed by his detail as Captain Sigsbee's orderly and his conse- quent rise to fame.
 Anthony didn't care much for for eigners. He was sure the marine corps would be the better if native born Americans alone composed it. After Anthony had been on his detail for some time 1t came to the knowledge of the officer that the sergeant was turning away all men who had been born abroad. While, according to the recent rules in all arms of the United States military and naval service, a man to be enlisted must be a citizen, such an arbitrary proceeding as throwing out all but the native born was clearly be- yond the power of even a recruiting sergeant. So, they say, Sergeant An. thony was relieved of his detail and re. duced to the ranks.
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

were afterward banished, but in their exile they have ever since been active in devising measures for the freedom of the island.
 It has been suggested that, no matter what disposition may be made of the Philippines, the United States is almost certain to compel Spain to give up to her either the Ladrone or Caroline is- lands or perhaps both. It is admitted by military and naval strategists that with these islands in our possession, to be used as coaling stations and as bases of supply, we would have no cause to fear any complications. that might arise in the east.
 There is perhaps no more beautiful place in the world than the Ladrones, which received their name from Magel- Ian, who discovered them. The great explorer declared that the natives were natural thieves, and he dubbed their home in accordance with that opinion. In reality the simple aborigines who went on board the ships and who had never seen utensils of any sort made of metal were so enchanted by the bright blades and cooking utensils of the sailors that they helped themselves to whatever they fancied, though, to their credit be 1t said, they were not guilty of attempting to conceal the fact that they had violated the law of '.meum ct tuum." They simply knew no better and did not realize that they were doing wrong.
 The Ladrone, or Mariana, islands are located approximately in longitude 150 east and latitude IS north, being about 800 miles due north from the Car olines. Only five of the Ladrone is- lands are inhabited, and these, accord ing to the last Spanish census, taken more than a decade ago, contained about 300 males and only half a dozen females of pure native blood. The peo- pie are naturally docile and hospitable, but they have been bled to such an ex- tent by the Spaniards that their gen. eral condition is one of extreme pover- ty. There had been up to short time before the beginning of the Spanish American war about one Spanish soldier to every three persons, and the effect, as may be supposed, has been disas- trous in an industrial sense. The wo- men, too, who have followed the Span ish oppressors into the islands have not tended to improve their morality. The
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

the opinion that it is contrary to the policy of this government and it's pro- fessed object in going to war with Spain to establish the principle of territorial acquisition. Still others there are who in vague sort of way think that Porto Rico would not be worth having, even though the dons were to offer to give the island to us. The impression ap- pears to prevail that Cuba is the only place in the West Indies which is of special value.
 This is of course the widest sort. of error. It-is said by those who have rin< vestigated the subject that more can be raised on an acre of land in Porto Rico than in any other spot in the world. In addition to this, it is also fact that the climate of Porto Rico is exception ally salubrious and that the danger from yellow fever except on the coast is very slight.
 If the stars and stripes are to wave permanently over the fertile little is- land, which is really the garden spot of the world, there is certain to be mar vicious increase in values there, for with the multiplication of rail and wag- on roads which will follow the influx of American capital and American enter prise Porto Rico, now despfsed and re- garded by Spain simply in the light of fairly valuable milch cow, will take on a new existence and will, in the words of the oct, blossom as the rose."
 The island of Porto Rico was dis covered by Columbus on Nov. 16, 1493, and the first Spanish settlement was formed there by Ponce de Leon in 1510. The island is the most eastern of the Greater Antilles. in the West In- dies. On the east the Lesser Antilles extend in curve toward Trinidad, on
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

chain several spurs diverge toward the north coast, giving it rugged, broken appearance. Part of the main range is called Sierra Grande, or Barros. It's northeast spur is known as the Sierra de Luquille, and that on the northwest is the Sierra Lareo. There are inter- esting caves in these mountains, the most noteworthy being those of Aguas Buenas and Ciales. This elevated ridge intersecting the island intercepts the northeast trade winds, blowing from the Atlantic, and deprives them of their moisture, so that the rainfall of the north section is very copious. This has the effect of reducing the rain south Of the mountains, so that droughts pre- vail, and the processes of agriculture can only be assured of success by irri- gation. But as such work is very inn perfectly and unsystematically carried on the results attained are not satis- factory.
 Porto Rico Is land of rivers and streams. None of them is of course of any great magnitude, but of the entire number, 1900, 40 are navigable for vary ing short distances for commercial pur- poses. The water of the rivers and brooks and lakes is remarkably pure and wholesome, so much so that there is quite an industry in its shipment for sale to other West India islands.
 The climate, though hot, is agreeably tempered by the prevailing northeast winds A temperature as high as IF degrees has been recorded, but 1t seldom exceeds 97 degrees in the shade during the hottest part of the day, and at night 1t sinks to 6s or 69 degrees. Such tenn perature during nights, especially in a warm season, would be a delightful sur- prise to the people of New York or even
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

ace, inclosed within the Santa Catilina Notifications, where also are the cathe- dral town house and theater. This portion of the city is now known as Pueblo Viejo and is the seat of an epis- copal see, subordinate to the archbishop of Santiago de Cuba.
 The harbor of San Juan is surrounded on the east and south by swamps. On the west it is sheltered by the islands of Cabra and Cabritra, which sand bank practically connects with the mainland. This side of the city com- prises four small bays and two rocks, of which tine one nearest the coast is half a mile west of the Moro. It is strongly fortified for guarding the en- trance to the outer harbor.
 The interior harbor is landlocked and capacious and has been dredged to a uniform depth from the docks to the anchorage of 29 feet. The old city is di- vided into four wards, three being out side the Notifications The houses are of stone, usually one story high, and have roof gardens, from which fine sea views may be enjoyed. Almost every house has a garden in it's patio, or court. The other cities of importance on the island are Arecibo, Aguadilla, MayagueZ, San Germay and Ponce.
 According to the latest Spanish sta- tistics, the importations into Porto Rico during 1896 amounted to SIS, ,945,793 and the exports to $17, ,295,535.
 Articles of import are distributed by countries as follows: From Spain come wines rice, oils, flour and textiles; from England, machinery, textiles, salted provisions. rice and coal; from France, a small amount of textiles. some jewell ry and perfumery and some fine wines and liquors; from Italy, wines, vermi- celli and rice; from Germany, glass and porcelain wares, textiles, paper, cheese, candied fruits, beer and liquors; from Holland, cheese; from Cuba, rum, sugar and tobacco; from the United States, petroleum, ironware, glassware, chem icals, textiles paper, lumber. barrels, machinery, carriages, dried and salted meats, butter, grease, codfish, flour, coal, fruits, vermicelli and cheese.
 The trade with the United States dur.
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

industrious, though they have so far had little opportunity to work at a profit on account of the mismanagement of the Spaniards, who have encouraged them to drink. Twice a week on many of the islands there is a public debauch led by the chiefs and participated in by men, women and even children. It is no uncommon sight to see numbers of the latter ree1ing toward their homes after one of these drinking bouts. The only missionaries in the archipelago are Americans. If the Carolines shall eventually come under our flag they will offer an unusually tempting field for the exploitation of our capital and enterprise. The Germans now pracri- cally control business there.
 NEIL MACDONALD.
The age-herald., 1898-07-05
The LadrOne and Caroline Islands, Which May Also Shortly Come Into
 Our Possession

the South American coast, inclosing on the westward the Caribbean sea. A strait of 70 miles separates Porto Rico from Haiti on the west, and the dis tance from San Juan, the capital of the island, to other strategical points is 2,10O miles to the Cape Verde islands, 1,050 miles to Key West and 1, APO miles to Hampton Roads. Porto Rico is an island oblong in shape, 10S miles long, about 37 miles broad and has an area of 3,400 square miles.
 The general conformation of the is- land is slightly undulating except for a mountain range which traverses 1t from east to west. This range divides the island into two unequal portions, the more extensive slope being on the north, so that the rivers flowing through that section to the coast are much the longer. From this mountain
The age-herald., 1898-07-05
Copyright, 1S9S.1 "Now for Porto Rico!"

"NOW TOT POrtO R1cO!
 Uncle Sam's brave sailormen and bold land fighters having got the dons on the run and Cuba being practically lost to the crown of Spain, the univer- sal cry is, Now for Porto Rico!" It sweeps from north to south, from east to west, in a nightly cadence that to the hidalgos must sound like funeral knell for their dream of continued sov- ereignty over their erStwhie posses sions in the West Indies.
 Whether or not the United States will eventually decide to hold Porto Rico after she shall have captured it remains to be seen. There are those who be- leve that we cannot consistently do anything else, while there is very nu- merous section of our people who are of
The age-herald., 1898-07-05

India wheat is still thrashed by be ing trodden out by bullocks and buf faloas-
The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-02-19
DO 1T YOURSELF.

You can tell just as well as a physician
whether your kidneys are diseased or healthy.
The way to do is TO take a bottle or glass tum-
bier, and fill it with urige. If there is u
scdiment-a powder-like substancc-at the
bottom after standing Il day and night, there
is something wrong with the kidneys. An.
other sure sign Of disease is Il desire to urinatp
often, ard still another sign is pam in the
back. If urine stains linen, there Is no doubt
that the XII incys are affected.
Any and all diseases of the kidneys, liver,
bladder and of the urinary passages and con
stipatiun of the bowels a L cuted by DR.
David Kenuedy's Favorite Remedy There
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1t quickly relieve, aud cures Inability to hold
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ncd's Fav0ritc Reu,dy, 1t c%orrects the bad
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often require tie use u; instruments to push
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The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-02-19
IN SENATE AND HOUSE.
Senator Mason Wants Congress to In
vestigate the Maine Disaster.

Senator Mason Wants Congress to In
vestigate the Maine Disaster.
Washington, Feb, ia debate de-
Cided in its sensations was unexpected
ly p%recipitated in the senate yesterday
over the consideration Of the resolu-
ton of Mr.. Allen, of Nebraska, direct
ing the committee on naval affairs to
investigate the disaster to the battle
ship Maine. An arrangement had been
made for the adoption of Inc s0olution,
with a minor amendr .4'oDut de-
bate. MT. Mason. of Irapi. however,
proposed a substitute providing for az
investigation to be conducted by a
joint committee of two branches of con-
gress. Mr.. Mason delivered a speech
in which he said hat the people de-
manded the truth concerning the
plosion, and declared that they would
not be satisfied with the investigation
to be %conduced by the officers of the
navy, who would virtually try their
own case and would cover up any
blame that the facts might show at
tached TO them.
Mr.. Wolcott, OF Colorado, declared
that moi a patriotic citizen in this
broad land has not the fullest and most
splendid and glorious confidence in ev-
cry department OF the governments anu
In the department of the navy particu-
larly." Mr., Wolcott thought this was
a time when we should refrain from
gratuitious insult 10 a friendly nation,
and from unjust and ignorant criti-
cism. War may come said he. Il
think myself the day may not be far
distant. When that day comes our
course must be externally grounded in
the right" The resolution went to the
calendar.
The house yesterday promptly and
unanimously voted the $500, 600 asked
for by the secretary of the navy 10
recover the bodies lost in the Maine
disaster, ana to raise the wreck If that
is deemed advisable. The rest of The
session, which lasted six hours, was
devoted to a continuation Of the debate
on the bankruptcy bill.
The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1898-02-19
SAMPLE SENT FREE.

Unhealthy urine from unhealthy kidneys is
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mp many times during the night to urinate.
The mild and ext aordinary effect Of DR..
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