New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-09
PRISONERS OF PORTO RICO.
SCENE AT THE OLD BUILDING ON THE
MARINO AT SAN JUAN.
AMERICAN WOMEN PRESENT At THE RELIGIOUS
SERVICES HELD THERE-GooD WORK DONE
nv GENERAL AND MRS HENRY.
San Juan. Porto Rico, March

BY GENERAL AND MRS. HENRY
San Juan Porto Rico. March a.
One OF the most touching and interesting events.
one that will 10 down I'm the history of the island
Of Porto Rico occurred at the prison on tho
Marine at San Juan on Sunday. March %. and In
It fair American women played an Interested part.
This prison Is OF the oldest In San Juan;
many OF the prisoners have been there for years.
1t was here the American Freeman Halstead was
imprisoned during the Spanish regime, when men
were put into the dark cells and never came out
alive. Until few weeks ago prisoners wore the
shackles that had been welded on their limbs. But
General Henry gave the order that the shackles
should be filed off and more cruelty practised
within the walls Of the building. This marked the
passing away OF the Spanish nquisiton In this
prison
few weeks ago at General Henry's request re-
Iigious services were held in the prison for tho
first time. the Rev r. l.. Smith. Of the Army and
Navy Young Mems Christian Association, conduct
ing the service. assisted by Mr.. Mccormack and
Mr. McKim. OF the Young Mems Christian Asso-
oiation and by DR.. Pratt OF the Episcopal Church.
General Henry was present as also United
States Consul Philip Hanna and Mrs. Hanna; Mrs.
Bennett. a daughter OF the General Miss Graves
their guest Mrs. Brchmin. and Mrs. Jessie Ho-
land. OF New-York Mrs. Hanna presided at the
organ, while the other women sang What
Friend We Have in Jesus" America" and other
hymns in Spanish.
Mr. Smith assured the men in his address that
the women had come with sincere desire TO
mako them happy and their lives brighter. and
had learned the hymns purpose to please them
and he hoped they would sing TO show they ap-
preciated it, and they earnestly tried.
Last Sunday the group gathered for
other service. only instead OF the Governor-Gen-
era] Mrs Henry present After the opening
address Mr.. Smith introduced Mrs. Henry who
made n short address that warmly applauded
OF suppressed excitement when tho Rev T. Smith
announced that Warden Luzunaus would say few
words. The warden said
THE prisoners wish to thank you. Mrs. Henry
and the General. for your presence and kindly in
terest in them. as also that Of tho five American
they have prepared little gift which they wish me
TO present TO you, hoping you Will be pleased and
wishes"
The prisoners had not much money but had coll
leced 81 50, and requested the warden TO purchase
hanging basket OF flowers for the General and
The latter we're ali vsiby affected and the eyes OF
all grew misty Mrs Henry responded, thanking
the General here. know he would say I thank
YOU; stand up and be men. You are men. as thii
Of good in them could show such kindly hearts.
Keep on trying to be better. let your souls shine
walk out of This prison free men ready TO live good
lives. The General is interested in you. and will
help you 10 do the right thing"
Mr.. McKim acted as Interpreter; Mrs Henry
was fOllOWed by senior DlaZ, the Minister or Jus
tice, who made stirring speech. which called
forth repeated applause. This was followed by a
solo sung by Senora Luzunaus.
The gifts were; For General Henry. hanging
basket of artificial flowers for Mrs Philip Hanna,
flower pot OF white carnations and a POT OF
given TO each OF the other four women.
General Henry had the basket hung In the recep-
tion-roOm OF the palace. and Mrs. Hanna had her
gift placed upon II stand in the reception-room OF
the consulate
General Henry in conversation with the Tribune
reporter said:
This incident shows the disposition OF the peo-
pie. They are kind. patient and ong-suffering;
they are willing to learn and anxious 10 work.
You must teach them truth and justice and you
confidence They have been half-starved and op-
pressed yet they not half "a vicious the
criminal class In the States. Many OF them are I'm
prison for stealing. having. perhaps, been driven
TO Il through lack of food. They a grateful
people. You simply have to be honest and firm
and they are easy OF control
1t is almost beyond the power OF imagination to
realize the change the occurrences Of the last few
months have wrought I'm these people. A few short
weeks ago you could scarcely have found a moro
hopeless lot Of men, to-day their faces bright.
clothes clean. and when they called to go out
10 their work the streets they step with nlac-
now is So for they looking for General Henrys
approval and that of the kind Americana senoras.
They have learned tC sing the hymns translated
into Spanish the pamphlets and given to them
by the Rev. DR.. Smith. who says that Americans
may well feel proud OF the little handful OF women
who have helped brayely bring about this
condition in the Island.