New-York tribune., 1898-11-17
HARDSHIPS IN PORTO RICO.
THE CLIMATE TRYING on THE TROOPS
ENCAMPED NEAR PONCE-KINDLY
RECEPTION OE AMERICANS.

Camp of Ist Regiment United States Volunteer
Engineers. West OF Ponce. Porto Rico. Nov. 'Spe-
ciaD.-The question OF amusement for the men In
camp here is difficult one. After the novelty OF
sights and places has worn off there l. little TO
do during the leisure hours which this climate en-
forces. and the men very homesick. reading
room tent. toward which The Tribune has been
great help. has been far the most practical sou
ton. Ii is a hard problem how to keep our men
healthy In this climate. II IL not a bad climate for
place far South yet in the warmer months NJ
least It Is a perpetual struggle TO preserve good
health. Typhoid fever dysentery is always
threa iening. One cannot drink anything but boiled
and filtered water one canno; eat what Is most
inviting; one cannot exercise or do any work in the
heat Of the day. And the days seem just as hot
ut the first OF November the first OF Au-
gust.
or course some OF the sick from lack OF
self-restraint or from dissipation. But even with
all wise precautions and thoroughly good food and
most complete outfits many have been simply un-
able TO stand the climate.
The people here express great wonder at the COM
plete and thorough equipment Of the Army eXpedl-
ton The fine strong troops and great supply
trains were a great source OF astonishment 10 the
natives. Doubtless mistakes were made ana
bad system prevailed in certain matters. but the
Porto Ricsn expedition was, on the whole, not
stnted in its supplies.
The Porto Ricans have received tho Americans
kindly in this part OF the Island. But 1t must De
ideas and a new civilization will produce some dis
satisfaction and friction with an easy-going ana
conservative people.
And then too. II IL pretty hard for all tho men
to live 10 the role OF liberators and benefactor
that they have been g generally proclaimed to be-
native gentleman told this story the other day
Soon after the troops occupied one of the argeSt
towns volunteer officer entered the fashiona pie
restaurant OF the place. which was well filled win
ladies and gentlemen. II was hot day and me
officer warm. Soon after he had taken a sea
the head Of OF the tables he got up ana
took off his coat and hung II over tho back OF a
chair Then. finding that did not relieve him SUI d,
hciently he again arose and took of MS shirt ana
hung that over a chair. and then proceeded with mis-
dinner In his gauZe undeishirt The natives got uP
and quietly left him To- eat alone
The great majority OF the soldiers are fine. brave;
manly fellows. but ill-manneTed ana
greedy. and they attract the most attention. some
OF the things the men do make one
ashamed. and either 100 great affection or NeIS
great gratitude from all for the liberation oi forIo
Rico must not be expected II must be some year >
before this island be ready for statehood thogh
American educational advantages and moral pirrl,H-
cples will I'm time work wonderful changes me
schools here queer little od-fashioned arrahR'
ments. forty years behind the American schoos'
The need OF modern educational and rellglous au-
Vantages here Is great.