Evening journal., 1898-08-22
RIOTS IN PORTO RICO
Spanish Outrages Rouse Ma
tives' Vengefal Spirit.
EDITOR OF Ell NUEyl ERA ARRESTED
Published an Incendiary Article-Houses
OF Spanish Residents In Yauoo
Eurned-Piot Against Span
iards Suspected.

PONCE. Porto Rico. Aug 22.-The
turbulent state Of affairs continues, ap-
parently growing out of the violence
connected with the partial destruction
of the village of Coto Friday. followed
by numerous fires Friday night Sew
eral houses Of Spanish residents were
burned In Yauco during the night. and
reports show that incendlaries have
been at work destroying heciendas and
sugar mills all over the island
Evidence is accumulating to show the
existence Of a plot among the natives
to destroy the property of Spanish resi-
dents. There is no longer any reason
able doubt that the incendiarism is the
result OF concerted action, which prob
ably originated in Ponce. where the
vengeful sufferers Of the inqulsitlon OF
1883 have congregated since the Ameri-
can occupation.
The outward expression OF incendary
sentiments was checked by the action
OF the United States military authori-
ties IN suppressing La Nueva Era and
arresting its editor for publishing an
article demanding vengeance for the
Gales massacre. The editor, who Is
still under arrest, may be court mar
tialed for his utterances At any rate,
he must explain them.
Ponce was cNiet Saturday night.
There was no rioting, because the pro-
vost guard was on the alert. There is
no doubt that order can easily be main
tained in the principal towns occupied
by the American troops. but in the
country II may be impossible 10 pre-
vent the Porto Ricans from hanging
the Spanish residents.
The situation IS difficult IN that part
OF the island occupied by the Spanish.
IL is infested by guerrillas who daily
commit outrages similar TO. but less ex-
tensive. than the Gales massacre. The
American troops cannot suppress these
guerrlllas, who commit depredations
and then retreat into the territory held
by the Spanish, where the spirit of the
armistlce prevents pursuit
These outrages have stirred the ma
tives TO desperation They demand re-
venge The rlotous demonstrations in
this locality are the result The riots
win become more general unless Cover
nor General Macias promptly sup
presses the guerrlllas. A terrible situa-
tion would ensue with Spanish guer-
rillas numbering Porto Ricans In the
northern part OF the island and Porto
Ricans numbering Spanish noncombat-
ants in the southern part
Strangely enough tho United States
military authorities. who seem TO grasp
the gravity Of the situation, seem pow
erless to act but they can do much to
maintain order II the proper steps are
taken.
Some Of the better class of citizens
are beginning 10 doubt the security an
der American occupation.
General Miles issued an order 10 dis
arm the natives as q means Of prevent
ing retaliation. but General Henry re-
fused to deprive the natives OF their
arms I'm the nelghborhood OF Utuado,
where arms arc the only means OF de-
fense against the depredations of the
Spanish guerrillas who are infesting
the mountains.
General Miles idea is 60 organize a
Porto Rican home guard but that would
take too much time. Immediate action
is necessary, because delay invites a
period of incendiarism rapine and muir
der. Some one should have the authori-
~ 10 deal with issues arising every day.
General Miles Is still visiting General
Wilson at Coamo, but no one is author
lied to act here meanwhile.