The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-09-25

father was a doctor of laws, a scholar
end an eloquent advocate, with a prac-
tiCe extending over the whole island.
His example was her inheritance. She
learned uncOnsciously from him to
speak directly and agreeably, and to
write gracefully. He was an autono-
mist though at that time the govern
ment OF Porto Rico forbade the use of
the word by any political party on the
island, saying it was only a synonym
for Separatist. The daughter took kind
ly to her fathers ideas, and When hard
ly in her teens was an out and out sep
aratist. She wrote many popular songs
and ballads full of the spirit Of free
dom. These had a wide circulation,
and were the lullabies Of many a Porto
Rican household.
DR.. Nalverde, a political exile from
San Domingo, and a friend of Senior
Rodriguez, interested himself in the
girls education, being attracted by her
gift Of pOesy, and instructed her in the
Spanish classical style. She was an
apt pupil, and soon composed verse that
attracted attention throughout the
Spanish West Indies, and even in
Spain In 1873 the year that saw the
end Of slavery in Porto Rico Lola Rod
riguez, then just twenty-five years old,
made an address at the graduation ex-
ercises Of the college in Mayaguez. She
was the first woman on the island to
speak publicly before an audience. 1t
was time Of much political excite
ment. Porto Ricans were eager for re-
form. They wished Spain to separate
the military and civil departments Of
the government. They were willing,
they said, TO have captain general,
but let him cOnfine himself to military
affairs exclusively, and let another man
hold the chief civil office. They wished
also to elect their own provincial gov
0FAvsC
over by Spain, who appointed them.
rot because Of their fitness, but because
she wished them out Of the way These
worthy Spanish appointees shed tears
on leaving their beloved Spain. but
sWOre upon their honor to return again
as soon as they had stolen enough to
Fay their debts. Another thing the ma
tive Porto Ricans wished was freedom
Of the press. The captain generals
regulations demanded that at least four
hours before any paper was issued the
proof sheets should be sent to the CEN
sor for approval. His blue pencil was
a judgment against which there was
no appeal.
The sonora spoke eloquently. though
guardedly, Of all these things. She be-
sought Spain to give a mothers love
TO her child, far from her almost hid
den in the bosom of the sea, and she
prayed that the child should show her
self worthy of such love and deserving
OF perfect trust. The grace Of the
speakers manner and the beauty Of
her language won all hearts, and the
brave words she spoke wrought her an
dlence TO the highest pitch Of enthu
siasm
In day she had added to her fame
throughout the island. She was poet
ess and prophecies in one. Her college
address was the beginning of an at
tempted propaganda in Porto Rico that
ended only when she and her husband
were offered their choice between 1ail
and the wide, wide world.
La RazOn and La Patria were suD
pressed, but the words Of the patriot
editor remained in the minds Of the
people. Even captain general cannot
imprison an idea. Nor could the ballads
end poems Of the sweet singer of the
hills be eXiled. The first volume, ''Mis
Cantares," appeared in 1875, and soon
was in every book stall in Mexico, Cen
tral America, South America, the West
Indles and even in Spain. A second
volume appeared in Caracas, Venez-
uela, IN 1878, followed by mis- Poe
sias" in 1880, and mi Liro de Cuba"
In 1892
In Caracas g, warm friendship sprang
up between the Tios and Prof Hostos
who was then at the head Of educatto
al affairs in Venezuela. The Tios orc
enthusiastically eXpectant of good pc
suits from the professors present mis-
sion to the island, whence he was ban
ished many years ago. After two wears
In Caracas new governor general
came from Spain to Porto Rico. and
the poetess returned to her native ISL