The morning news., 1899-02-21
INSULAR CABINET DISSOLVED.
GEN. HENRY wEEDING OUT THE
OLD SPANISH METHODS.

Interest of His Party, and the
Governor General Called Il Halt.
The Rivera Regime Resigned and
New Omcers Were Put in-Changes
Made by GEN. Henry in the system
of Government. et %
Correspondence of the Associated Press
San Juan de Porto Rico Feb. 1.-THE
insular cabinet created by Spain in defer
ence TO the demands of the Porto Ricans
for autonomy, and which has been con-
tinued by the American military govern
mept, has been dissolved by Gov. Gen.
Henry.
The cabinet In office at the time of the
occupation Of Oct. IS consisted of Munoz
Rivera, minister of state; DIR, Colly roste,
minister of finance; Hernandez Lopez
minister of justice, and DR.. Carbonell
minister OF the interior.
Munoz Rivera had been elected by lhe
votes of the people at an election held in
February, 1898, and he had selected the
other members of the cabinet from the
Liberal party, of which he is the chief.
Munoz is the strongest man in Porto Rico
"a man whose physical and mental vigor,
united with personal magnetism. have
enabled him to influence the American
military government as well as TO lead
his own party.
Gen. Brooke and Gen. Henry had trust
ed him completely, and in accordance with
the system in vogue, had reposed in the
,r att4h
Used Power for His Party.
Munoz availed himself of the American
governors unfamiliarity with Porto Ricsn
affairs 10 use the military government for
the benefit of his party, and 1t was not
long before his methods were observed in
the appointment of officials in insuler and
municipal PAGES.
The Liberals have always claimed that
they represented a great majority of the
people of Porto Rico, and the better in
terests of the island. Until the present,
Gen. Henry has thought likewise In
fact he has often wanted to appoint mem
bers of the Radical party to offices, but
has said that he could not find any of
sufficient standing who would get along
harmoniously with the other officials of
the Liberal party.
Complaints were numerous from various
parts of the island of the action of Rivera
and his colleagues, but Gen. Henry always
defended them. The Radicals viewed with
sullen resentment the growing power of
their ancient enemies, and held them re-
sponsible for the conduct of the civil gov
ernment, instead of the military authori,
ties.
Not Moved by Criticism.
Munoz and his cabinet did not heed the
criticism They continued their policies
of shaping the action of the military gov
erument In the interest of their party. and
soon began to talk of the speedy termina-
tion of the former.
Rumors were numerous Of the with
drawal of the American troops and the ap-
pontment of Munoz as civil governor
These gave him prestige With prestige
came holiness and then frequent opposi-
tion to the views of Gen. Henry.
The principle of Porto Rico Cor the Porte
Ricans became prominent, and the Ameri
can sovereignty seemed shadowy and dis
tant, both to the ambitious Liberals like
Muuoz, who saw visions of a Porto Ricar
state or republic and to the exasperated
American colony. who failed to see any
evidence of change from the old order Of
things under the intolerant rule of Spain
DR.. CarboneIl the minister of the inte-
rior paid so little heed TO Gen. Henry il
the management of his department. that
the latter knew little about its affairs
When the ministers were called upon fol
explanations they invariably took refuge
under Rivera, who, it was urged, under
the cabinet system had the responsibility
of government.
The Doctor Was Fired.
The too progressive doctor finally involv
ed The general in unjust criticisms. and th'
limit of patience was reached. The doc
tor was dismissed.
In the order relieving him Gen. Henry
provided that the branch of public in
struction should be taken charge Of by
Gen. john Eaton and that of pubic works
by Maj. Pearce. This was too much foI
the cabinet. They refused to concede the
right to Gen. Henry 10 nominate Ameri-
cans for these places. Had not the co.ona
commission declared that mo American
would be appointed to office In the colon.
ies?' and did not Gen. Henry himself
repeat the deciarationY' yr
They presented an address to Gen. Henry
wherein they recited that the postofiices
were i'm the hands of the Americans, The
and now the schools and public works
were 10 be turned over to them. They sale
they would moi complain if these ser.
vices had improved under the new man.
agement but they alleged they had become
VIGOROUSLY worse.
The Straw That Did 1t.
crowning test of their patience wa;
shown in their quiet submission TO ths
order which required them 10 buy theil
own postage stamps. One of he dearest
prerogatives under the Spanish rule was
the right of free postage.
Unless a Porto Rican of their owl
choice should be appointed 10 succeed DR.
Carbonell, they threatened 10 resign. Gen
Henry refused. He considered that HI
had given these people every opportunity
consistent with his duty to govern them
selves and to adapt themselves 10 pro
gressve and impartial government. HI
declared that Rivera was conducting af
fairs simply for his political ambitions
while he (Henry) bore ali the responsible
ty, political and personal.
Gen. Henry's order.
Gen. Henry issued the following. ordel