The times., 1899-04-26
AMER1cAN1z1Ne PORTO RICO.
@enerni Henry Gaining Mastery of
the Islands Affairs.

Assistant Secretary OF War Meiklejohn
has received the following general orders
recently issued by Maj. Gen. Guy " Henry,
Governor General of Porto Rico:
T. In accordance with orders from the
War Department, native products Of Porto
Rico purchased by the Commissary De-
paftment for the use of the United States
Army are to be exempt from the con-
sumption tax.
II. The War Department having forbid
den the issue of rations to Porto Ricans,
commanding officers of posts are author
lied to prevent suffering among the people
in their respective localities by purchas-
ing necessary articles Of food at n rate
not TO exceed 10 cents a day. Spanish
money for each needy person, and to send
the bill for the same 10 the Office of the
Governor General for payment from the
moneys Of the island. General Henry es-
pecially directs in this connection that
great discretion must be used in carrying
out his Instructions. and that aid must
only be extended to those who are unable
to work or obtain the same
General Henry states that his re-
cent visit to Caguas, Cayey. Aibonito. Goa
mo, Coamo Springs. Santa Isabel. Guaya-
ma, and Arroyo showed a most satisfac-
tory condition CT affairs and that the peo-
pie are strongly in, sympathy with Ameri-
can methods and progress. AT Coama
Springs, he says. most patient and COM
mendable work is progressing in procuring
vaccine for the benefit of the people OF
the island. AT some towns complaint was
made as TO the cost OF bread, which was
then selling at cents loaf. the same as
last summer, although the cost of -four is
much less now. General Henry says the
price should not be over cents pound.
In the city of San Juan, the price of bread
is down to cents. 1t is the duty of
the alcaldes. says General Henry. to re-
duce as far as possible the cost OF the
necessaries of life and to increase the tax
on other articles.
General Henry says he found the prison
at Guayama very uncleaniy, while, on the
ether hand, the prison at Caguas was clean
although it was in an old building.
The quarters of the insuiar police and
appearance of the men at San Isabel,
Guayama, and Cagras were also found to
be very good and particularly so at the
last named place.
While the meals were good and the beds
clean at the hotels visited, the location
and dirty condition of the water-c closets.
placed in or near the kitchens, as is prob
ably the case in many private dwellings
on the island. were most disreputable
Until this sanitary condition is refnedied.
General Henry informs the inhabitants OF
the island that great discredit will be cast
upon the inhabitants. as Americans view
such conditions with disgust and their
recollection Of otherwise agreeable sur
roundings will be marred by this unnatural
and disgusting practice.
The habit of delegations coming 20 San
Juan at the expense Of the people or NUM-
cipalities, General Henry warns the in
habitants. must be discontinued. All ap-
plications hereafter are ordered to be ad-
dressed to the proper secretary. II reply
is not received nor any action taken within
a reasonable time. he directs that applica-
tion should be made to the GoSernor Cen
eral stating what is desired, the Fact of
inaction, and date Of appeal. Valuable
time. he says, is taken up in talking about
matters that can only be attended TO in
writing and by reference to the proper
secretary.
The work of building roads and taking
charge of the schools and jals so as TO
reduce the taxes of the people, will. he
says. be taken up as rapidly as possible.
In the mean time all budgets will be re-
duced to the lowest possible limit. honest
economy practiced in all directions and
patience exercised during this period of
transition between a military and a civil
administration of affairs