Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-26

Territorial Government Wanted.
The Porto Ricans desire a territorial
form of government. They chafe naturally
under a military government, matter
how mild it may be. 1 subordiuated the
military to the civil government for the
purpose of instructing them in governing
themselves and to prepare them for future
self-government.
IF they should be given a territorial form
of government they will lose the customs
money which is now at their disposal to
be used for the good of the island, and they
probably have not thought of that, but it
will have to be considered seriously be
fore any definite action is taken. | do not
see how the Porto Ricans can be better
off than they now are under a Just and
honest military administration, under which
full power is given the civil authorities, and
under which they have the full use of the
customs money. They want a change,
though this change may not be to their
advantage when it comes. At the same
time u military government Is not IN ac-
cordance with our institutions, and that
will probably influence the decision of this
question"
No Place for Men without Capital.
Speaking of the opportunities in Porto
Rico for Americans, Gen. Henry said only
those with capital should go there, and
their enterprise would chiefly be beneficial
in the purchase OF sugar estates.
"Americane,' lie said, "Cannot open stores
and trade successfully in Porto Rico, for
the reason that the native stOrekeepers are
too active and smart as competitors to give
outsiders a chance While ] was in Porto
Rico a young man came there from Boston
with capital and stock of goods. IN
short time he arranging TO go home.
When ] asked why he WAS going back he
said: These people are smarter than the
Yankees, and I must go home, Even those
who have money to invest III sugar estates
will find that land is held at a high price.
| think it is doubtful if there Is much money
to be made in Porto Rico by Americans. No
man without capital should for moment
consider going there, for the country is
oyerstocked with labor now.
Heartily Supported by Both Parties.
General Henry spoke of the need for
building more school houses on the island.
and referred to his interesting encounters
with the politicians there. When he first
arrived he called a meeting of delegates
from all parts of the Island, and asked
the radicals to stand. large number OF
those present arose. Then he asked the
liberals to stand, and another portion of
them arose He then told them there was
another party in Porto Rico, that proposed
reform in government and betterment OF
all local conditions, referring to the desires
of the Americans in the future or the is
land and he asked all who would support
that party TO rise, and every man present
stood erect. From that time on he had no
trouble and received the hearty co-opera-
ton of the people in whatever he under
took. No man can have greater confidence
In any people than General Henry has i'll
the Porto RicanS.
General Henry is suffering from a cold
contracted shortly after he arrived at New
York, as the result of the cool weather he
encountered after a winter in the tropics.
His wife and son and aid, Lieutenant Hen
ry, accompany him.