New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-22
PORTO RICAN AFFAIRS.
WORK OF THE COLONIAL COMMISSION.
INsULAR PEOPLE ASK FOR CIVIL GOV
EMINENT AND A LoAN-GENERAL

| 1OLiDAf.
| San Juan de Porto Rico April 19-On the ar
rival Of the Colonial Commission here the repre-
sentative bankers merchants and planters appoint
| ed committee TO draw up address in the
nature of an exposition OF the needs of the island,
and this prepared by Messrs. c. Armstrong.
| P. J. Rosaly. d. Felici. E. Salazar X. Mariani,
]. E. Prats. J. NJ. Morales. A. B. .Casals. r.
| Cortada. r. Coazo. f. Torres. j. Cortada. V.
| Usera. c. Cabrera and j. o. Pasarell. Most of the
| members of the committee have branch houses at
| Ponce, and a matter Of fact. the address was
dated there. Some of the more suggestive passages
| follow:
the cessation of the military government in order
come capable OF attaining its final admission TO our
National Institutions, in which we see the only
lens. The military government does not harm US
by being military, more 50 when II is represented
| BY honest purposes; but the military government
Of Affairs and the abnormal periods Of life prevent
| everywhere the development of the commonwealth
AS result Of the treaty Of peace, the markets
| of Spain and Cuba, which took great portion of
pensation of their free admission into the markets
Of the American Union And all this takes place in
| moments In which the decrease in the price OF cof-
ses is and S in all the mar
to the permanent and accidental causes that are
| operative And commerce. n the limited mani
of the bad situation Of agriculture with which II
intimately, connected ewing to the want of
We consider II absolutely necessary and indis-
admitted free in the markets Of our new ne metrop-
| oils This would greatly facilitate the rapid in
produced OF excellent quality here: but ii is an
tce that has ne market now swing to the actual s
principal markets of our leaf.
M by suppynr Rs% w to gfaa Oq5
70 enable M them 70 ye is help p m
banking laws, which are Of unauestionabe superior
regulate the exisence O OF such in
the United States Let the Government e at wash h
guaranteed by the island with the principal idea
the island they can extend the sphere Of their
Give rem ssd o. sso 70 the saSeo
600 or $500 oc to the Banco Espaho SO iha; they they
81 goo to increase sne the capital Of the credto
% so that It's rns 5S 0Te H4S
abe to all Finally facilitate the estabishment Of
other banks. the treasury Of the island contriout-
aTe the establishment of those institutions of
oT he s0 rapd budng Of roads Fortu
nately this loan is an easy matter as ne treasury
S e tie island was left by the S''Hi'F'' free Of all
| THE COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS
| II has been learned through trustworthy
that the Insular Commission Is TO report in favor
| OF an immediate introduction OF American laws
| and customs. The Porto Ricans' welcomed the
Americans but the foisting upon them OF this rad
| zeal plan will make them sullen people. indeed.
The policy Of General Henry has been 70 Introduce
American methods and principles into the island as
! fast as circumstances would permit. His idea is
to colonize gradually. not TO Americanize at once,
| in the hope that before many years the Porto
Ricans. who extremely sensitive and Jealous Of
their prerogatives will be in possession OF terri
toral form Of government.
Before leaving Porto Rico the Insular Commission
sent a communication to Governor General Henry
requesting that money should be given to mu-
oIt.foa rkG Ofla I'm
provements. The Commission also desired him TO
suspend the collection OF all taxes and to abstain
from special judiciary reforms until its report had
been filed This had caused a feeling of general
dissatisfaction among Porto Ricans who say they
will appeal to Washington against what they call
unjust treatment and unsatisfactory regulations.
While the Insular Commission was In Porto RICO
Il was the recipient Of numerous addresses and
memorials. Most Of these were of political char
acter and will probably never find their way to
publicity The politicians OF the capital presented
addresses upon questions of politics and govern
ment the sugar-growers along the coasts and
through the valleys showered them with petitions.
the coffee-growers OF the mountains memorfazed
them ad inHnitum. and the exporters OF Ponce sum-
married. their demands In valuable pamphlet.
Y. NJ c. AS GOOD WORK
The representatives OF the Young Mems Christian
Association in Porto Rico much eated over the
opening OF the Army and Navy branch Of the in
stitution in this city This is the first branch Of
that department TO be successfully opened In Porto
Rico and it has been brought about by the energet
ic efforts OF the secretary the Rev. Frank L. Smith.
and his SON Judson T. Smith. They have just
opened to the public splendid suite of rooms sit
vepiene o thai may be found in the Young Mems
Christian Association rooms OF most towns Of the
pers and magazines: writing tables. with pens INK
and pa He4y fas With cook
Ing and English speaking attendants The first day
many Of the civilians in San Juan, and the energetic
and faithful work Of Mr. Smith promises to bear
General Henry has had holiday In accord
With 9nget pvB II spa6 to be e6sdd &
"Wednesday OF Holy Week, and that the usual holt
DAYS Of aoy Week Wa
cigar e ssn HeS as his e
away from the capital ana ne ACCEPTED zee me INVITA-
sistin SS on General and Mrs Henry. Mrs Benton
Juan Thursday. March 80 in an Army ambulance
they were hurried over the Military Road behind
Baths the following DAY No notice Tt had been en-
Went b o was vas erected by enthusiastic crowds The
people in Porto Rico Ike General Henry. At every
from balconies: and he bore with him many
Dr Ames has the reputation OF being the hardest
worker in Porto Rico The vaccine farm is his hobby
hs mas R S hsrs he
dozen brainy and active young doctors, VINO are |
Of rnedicine-the vaccination OF a million people
The doctors cottage had been prettiy adorned |
to make II most delightful resort for the party
Glossy palms and brilliant flowers were profusely |
arranged throughout the rooms, and every corner |
had Its easy couch A dozen loyal Porto Ricans |
visited the General the first night after his arrival
having walked miles to bid him welcome Inc |
General made a speech In Spanish. which brought |
forth yivas from the Porto Ricans and hurrahs |
from the Americans II full OF affection and |
spirit. The General spent the day visiting the |
vaccine farm and examined every detail OF the |
operations. AS Inspector-Genera Breckenridge "A |
week previous after his visit 10 the farm. said. |
The results are simply marvellous" DR.. Ames |
has most effective support In this great undertake
ing by Colonel Santiago. ex-colonel OF Spanish |
volunteers, who Is the largest land Owner and the
greatest power In the vicinity OF Coamo.