The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-11-20
NEW LEADERS INDEED.
The Island Must Shake Off its Heritage
of Partisan Hatreds

The Island Must Shake Off its Heritage
of Partisan Hatreds.
Correspondence of the Associated Press
San Juan de Porto Rico, November -.
lit is said here in San Juan that Porto
Rico needs new leaders-that he men of
to-day are not fit, because of the ranking
Idissensions of the past which eannot he
! forgotten. to lead the island to the bril-
liant future that awaits it. In this le-
spect the following letter, freely trans
Hated, from the Correspondence, Is inter-
esting:
1.-THE weight of four centuries of error
has torn the Spanish flag from Porto
Rico.
The passionate and uncontrolled Span
| ish Government that during its sway
succeeded in poisoning all local organiza-
lions of administration has also succeed
ed, by reason of the inevitable influence
of constitutional power, in killing the
faith of the people. 1t has awakened ard
kept alive feeling of deep hatred in the
hearts of our public leaders. 1t is posi-
| bic for those men to shake off the cling.
| ing influence of colonial ideas breather by
them in the past.
THE Spanish Government in Porto
Rico is dead but, as logical conse-
quence of four centuries Of political mis-
rule, we have made a mournful inherit
lance.
"Our local politics were a reflection
of those of Spain The practice of the
exploitation of the community at large
for the financial benefit of those in powe,
was followed by the natural feelings Of
resentment that are sure to be awakened
in the hearts of II people who realize
their humiliating position. The govern
ing centers of the colony were like mer-
camille offices; in each everything had its
price
This state of affairs gave birth to the
first contentious. On one side stood those
who were being robbed. on the other
those who robbed us. There arose rankl-
ing hatreds, followed by the determined
persecution of those among us who vain
~ called for justice.
"This situation is the keynote to our
insular position to-day. Political ideas
and ideals were lost under the shower
of personal animosities directed at the
men who were party leaders. As a re-
suit of those conditions our local politi-
cal parties were schooled from the very
beginning in the animosities and hatreds
of bitter struggle that knew neither
reason nor reflection. And they have not
been able to forget their early lessons.
1t was strife that saddened the hearts
of the islands best men and that in the
past, as well as to-day, has oYerpowered
them with its bitter realities and lasting
hatreds.
"There then came to us the new SOW
ereignty, only to find existent the politi-
cal degeneration that is out inheritance
from the Spaniard.
Porto Rico is confronted to-day not
by questions of reforms, but by neces-
sity for creation. and this is the most
solemn and important moment in our
islands history. Our land is wearied by
futile strife. it needs guiding hands and
minds in the great work of regeneration
before it. But, hands that will not be-
raised in vengeance for past wrongs.
minds than can forget the past in the
| bright promise of the future Now is
the time for reconstruction. This great
work claims the best effort of every
Porto Rican. But, in order that our
work be lasting and strong, that we
build upon foundations of rock and not
upon the shifting sands of passion and
hatred, we must have new leaders New
| leaders and new blood. Men who
are without rancor men who do not re-
greet the death of Spanish supremacy:
| men who do not still hearken to the echo
| es of recent strife; whose minds do not
| brood upon past wrongs and receptions,
land whose hearts are not full of the
lcruel scenes and acts of recent days.
''Under such leaders only can be
formed party truly representative of
Porto Rico. Nothing lasting or good can
be constructed with rancor and hard feel
ling for its foundations, and these feelings
Iexist in every Porto Rican family to-day.
Peace. concord and unanimity of pur-
pose are the key-notes to a prosperous
future.
Striving ambition still exists among
Jour men: there are hopes unfulfilled and
many petty political enmities. And men
of the old Fusionist and Autonomist par
ties who have recently been noticeable
because of their enthusiastic perserver-
ance in public life, are in no proper men
tai condition to bring about the true
union of the Porto Rico people. There is
a crying need for self-sacrifice; a demand
for men with whom love of country is
truly greater than all else
"When the new men come let them
Ihave clear path; let us leave them
alone We who carry the scars ane
RNCT A Eorlnfon,s and nbad,or