New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-15
4 VEUy ERA FOR THE ISLANDS.
SECRETARY ALGER DELlGHTED VIII"
WHAT HE SAW IN CUBA AND
PORTO RICO.


washington. April 14.-Secretary Alger re-
turned 10 Washington tonight from his trip
10 Cuba and Porto Rico where he spent the last
three weeks making personal investigation
of conditions in those Islands He conferred
with the commanding officers OF the CUBAN
provinces visiting four provinces personally
His reception everywhere was of the most
cordial character. In an interview to-night
Secretary Alger said:
'I had no adequate idea Of the wonderful pos
sibilities Of Cuba and Porto Rico before my
personal investigation. and l return TO "ash-
ington with renewed faith. All that ever I'M
agined has been more than realized. Under no
circumstances would now consent TO the sur
render Of Porto Rico which is now our terri
tory nor would place the slightest check upon
the great work which is being done for Cuba
The duty we have taken upon ourselves Of hold
ing Cuba in trust for civilization is noble one
NO FEAR FOR THE FUTURE.
THE problems are meeting satisfactory sou-
ton, and see no reason TO fear the future'
None Of the serious questions which have al
ready arisen or viii arise are insurmountable
Havana is beginning TO feel the benefits OF
American control. and the advance and develop
ment will be enormous The people of the
United States must certainly realize what clean
Mness in Havana and other Cuban cities means
for this country, and that with removal Of un-
sanitary conditions the scourge OF fever will not
continue to menace our Southern States. though
there will be sporadic cases. OF course IL we
can decrease TO a minimum. as believe we can,
the danger of fever visitation we will save mill
ions OF dollars which our Southern quarantines
directly cost us. while the indirect benefit TO
business through the removal OF disturbing fear
t.f,. eaI
find so little distress in the islands. The amount
Of rations for distribution among the people is
rapidly decreasing, and as fast as the people
find employment they will cease to be dependent
upon us for food There is no intention of in
viting pauperism in the island.
Il think 1t is a mistake to believe that fort
unes can be made quickly in Cuba, though there
is great deal OF American money invested
there Time is needed to secure return from
capital, as for everything else. II will take years
70 raise people unaccustomed to what we
consider even the necessaries OF life to a degree
where they will require a great amount Of
manufactured goods. this being true mainly Of
the rural population. The cities. however are
full Of business. Education among the poor
classes is what is most needed in the island.
The people OF Cuba that the United States
is acting with justice and moderation with the
couraged because Of the friendly feeling mani
tested in my talks with leading citizens
CUBANs LAW-ABIDING AND PEACEFUL
II never anywhere a finer body OF men
than the American soldiers now in Cuba They
are like princes. athletic in build and bronzed
and hearty In appearance. They seemed con-
tented. and the United States has every reason
10 feel proud Of them. They having fric-
ucn with the people. / found harmony every
where There are few troops now in Cuba ex-
oept Regulars and the number of the latter
may be reduced. The people respect the au-
thority Of the United States and are as a whole,
law-abiding and peaceful All the American
troops are being quartered In excellent perma-
nent barracks everywhere. and the hospitals are
OF the best All the officers and have
learned TO he soldiers and how TO care for
themselves, showing a great contrast TO the new
raw recruits that were hurredly gathered
Der the call for troops when declared
Had they had this experience or used the same
self-care then now there would have been
comparatively little sickness in camps OF
course the tropical climate is trying at best
but with patience the sick list Will be minimized.
The Army as II exists to-day. Regulars and
volunteers. u.s. believe among the finest armies
Tor It's numbers that was ever organized. This
rs shown by the Army In the Philippines. where
tne greater portion are volunteers, ana In CUBA.
All have the same ration that WAS furnished
from the beginning Of the war. but all know now
now 10 for and COOK IL.
Il was deeply impressed and more than graf
ifed at the intense loyalty shown toward the
United States In the public demonstrations
which marked our progress across PORTO Rico
The poorer class Of Porto Ricans live under con-
dtions that an American laborer would not ac-
cept Their houses are principally poor, and
they live literally from hand to mouth. Amer
icsn ownership OF the Island VIII mean great
advance In their condition. and they appreciate