The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-07-04

100 miles long, so that the breeze3
from old ocean sweep it continuously.
This is the beginning of the rainy
season. copiOus showers fall almost
every day, and at the shortest posi-
BILE notice, frequently while the sun
is shining clear. They are, however,
OF short duration, and the town being
hllly, the water rapidly runs off
the well paved streets, aud within
> or I'D minutes after shower, The
street sre quite dry again.
The cost Of living here rs moderate,
but, as rule, the food IS poor
II is said that some excellent beef
may be obtained here from the Com
missary Department Of the army,
but such as your correspondent has
seen is lean, tough aud strnRy
Chicken rarely appears on the bill OF
fare, and when it does the contrast
between what Is called chicken here,
and the "fried chicken of Old Nir-
giuia, is too great 10 be expressed by
words. The fish served are good,
and there is an abundant supply Of
Zee.
One of the favorite and refreshing
drinks of the early morning is the
aqua de coco, or the water Of the
green cocoa nut, which the negroes
bring into town in great quantities M
push carts II you cannot speak
Spanish, approach the cart and mako
q slashiDg downward motion with the
right hand. Instantly the Spanish
speaking darkey will pick up his long
machette, and selecting green co
Goa nut, with one or two dett cuts
will make an opening IN the end
about the SIZE of quarter dollar
You drink the contents through the
hole. This aqus de coco Is pleasant
to the taste, thirst-assuaging, and Is
said to be free from microbes which
are believed TO infest the ordinary
drinking water.
The Board of Health, Board of
Public Works, Board Of Education
and Charities, Iusulsr Police, and
other departments Of the Military
Government of Porto Rico, are doing
wonders in the way of improving
the condition of San Juan, sanitary
and otherwise. The Porto Ricians
are initiative, and will doubtless pat
ern after and profit by the example
set.
They are intending to have a royal
celebration of the 4.h Of July next,
and the merchants and business men
are subscribing to make 1t success.
la the VI flower hotel the proprietor
is having several porcelain lined bath
tubs with shower baths, constructed
and introduced for the benefit Of the
guests. Such modern conveniences
were unknown in Porto Rico before
the occupancy by the army Of the
United States. The Military Govern
ment moves with precision and effect,
without friction, and is doubtless,
for the time being, doing far more
for the benefit Of the people than
could be effected by civil govern
ment, which it is said they desire.
The Governor General of Porto
Rico, Brig. Gen. Geo. W. Davis, is a
msn of much force of character and
executive ability, yet very consider
ate, looking closely into deta Is,
seeking to make his administration
of the insulsr affairs and revenues,
one conducive to the general welfare
of the people here and the best inter
esta of the United States. The
palace. where his headquarters are
located, is an imposing building on
the exterior, whlls the inside halls,
reception rooms and rooms of state,
used until lately by the old Governor
Generals under the Spanish regime,
are really magnificent.
Catholic churches, Of course,
abound in S,n Juan; one is con
stanily reminded of that fact by the
continuous jangle of the bells from
many steeples, which are rung here
in most peculiar manner. 10 more
than one instance | have observed
two churches Immediately together.
In an old church at the head of San
Christie street, overlooking the bsy,in
which your correspondent attended
an early morning service lin parD, it
is said the remains of Ponce de Leon
are buried.
have attended divine services
each Sabbath morning since
my arrival, at st. Johns Epls-
copsl church, recently started
here by Rev. DR.. Pratt, of Washing
ton, the church services being held
in commodious upstairs hall, look
ing out upon the Plaza The services
are we'll attended by military officers
and civilians from the States residing
here. Protestant services are also
held in the theatre here, under the
auspices of the Young Mems Chris
tiau Association.
The Postal service here is well
organized and we'll conducted, under
the direction and management of
Gen. Elliott, the Director General OF
Posts for Porto Rico.
The building occupied by the poet
office in San Juan, is that formerly
occupied, UP to the time of American
occupancy, by the old Spanish Lot
terry, and is an imposing structure,
fronting on San Francisco street and
extending an entire block from San
Christie to San Jose streets.
Since the island of Porto Rico and
its dependencies came into the posses
sion of the United States there has
been no central plan or organization
oft fi1ancial system. is intended
t)inaugurate on the first of July next
an accounting system modelled after
that followed in the United States
Treasury, but simplifed and modified
to meet the existing conditions here.
The work required Of your correspon-
dent. as auditor of the island, has
been exacting and continuous since
his arrival, aud will require all of
his time for some weeks TO come.
When he has had the opportunity to
| IL. II