The Florence tribune., 1898-12-10
AS TO PUERTO RICO.
Obstacles Which Will Arise in
 Uncle Sam's Path.
During the Transition Stage There Will Undoubtedly De Much DiscOntent Among the
 Natives.

There is Ec room for doubt that the more educated portion of the popula- tion who are posscssoIs of real estate or other property in Puerto Rico appre- ciate that the change Of ownership of the island is to thcir material bene- fit. It is also necessary to bear in mind that the Puerto Rican has always been treated by the Spaniard as belonging to an inferior caste, and the knowledge of this fact has been most gailing 10 the inhabitants there. Moreover, such treatment has not been justified by circumstances, a considerable number of the more wealthy families of the island being fully equal in refinement. culture and general intelligence to the most aristocratic representatives and officials sent to this country from Mad rid.
 In SO far IS the Spaniards engaged in commerce are concerned, 1 think they regard the change of government with equanimity. Spanish merchanns in these countries are generally keen business men, who do not allow their patriot ism to interfere with their pockets, and they quite realize that in the pres ent instance their interests and rights will be fully protected. An increase in the volume of business 10 be trans acted will g far toward paIliating any harsh feelings that may exist to-day as the result of recent occurrences, and the United States government need have small reason to fear that the s1aH- iards who remain in the island will prove other than law-abiding and in- dustrious citizens.
 As regards foreign residents general Iy, there eaa be no question that they will be better of under United States than under Spanish rule They will enjoy sounder security for life and property than has hitherto been the case; they will have legal remedy in disputes connected with commercial transactions or other matters where they are nniustly treated-,a remedy which the intricacies of the Spanish courts have debarrcd the great major ity of injured persons from appealing to in the past.
 But with the mass of the native in habitants other considerations crop up, and trouble may occur in consequence. Among the 100000 people comprising the lower class of the population of Puerto Rico the code of morality is of a very low crder. Respect for law and order has never been rigidly enforced by the Spanish authorities, and this leniency has resulted in a license as to all moral obligations becoming al- most an ingTained part of the native character.
 From the observations have made in the island am inclined to think that the country people are averse to steady work and have small respect for in dividual life or property. All this will have to suffer alteration under the new regime. The rural population will have to work to live, and the amount of the contributions they will be called upon to pay in the shape of taxation will assuredly bs heavier than hitherto. Crime of all kinds will meet with speedy and severe punishment, and the people will have to learn and fully ap- preciate the fact that the justice meted out to them is no easy mistress to serve under.
 The transition stage while this lesson is being inculcated will in all human probability be productive of many ele- ments of discomfort. and the United States authorities must expect to en- counter some unpleasant difficulties when dealing with these sources of mis. chief In time the effect of just ad- ministration will solve the problem but during the process of solution the Americans must not forget that they are dealing with foreign race, alien in language religion and sentiment tc | the dominant features of their owr great republic, and they will do well 1 sometimes to call to mind the old Ttal ian proverb of. "He who goes slowly goes far"
 The number of foreigners in the is land is very limited Of British sub jects the total is stated not to exceed 800, including many negro immigrants from Jamaica and other West Indian colonies. France is more strongly rep resented, some 2,090 persons claiming French citizenship. Ponce being theil principal center. In most of the chic towns Frenchmen are established 1T both wholesale and retail business more especially in the latter brancf of trade. The German colony althougl not very numerous. has important in terests both in financial matters ane in the import and export trade o, tn, island.
 The number of Americans residen' in Puerto Rico before the war was very