Evening star., 1899-03-02
Form of Government.


Government as understood by the Anglo
Saxon is an unknown. Utopian dream to
the Spaniard, and government as under
stood by a Spaniard is not government, but
spotiatiou, as understood by the Anglo
Saxon and the Island of Porto Rico is an
example of the correctness of the conclu-
sion.
No part of the United States is as fertile
heaithful or prolific as is the Island of
Porto Rico. There is no frost drought
to destroy crops, and no insects to prey
upon vegetables and fruits in any consid-
cradle degree. and yet this island is inn
porting nearly all of its provisions and al
of it's building material. The island over
a hundred years ago was stripped of every
VeStiSe of forest and timber of value. so
that now there is not a stick of cord wood
to flre brick Kiln nor tree to shade from
the sun. The land, denuded of its trees
was not cultivated, but allowed to grow in
brush and wild growth, entirely unculti-
waited and undevelopei. One-tenth of the
island is under cultivation. and there is
not single square foot of il but will pro-
duce paying crop of one kind or another.
Their orange trees are wild and their
oranges so sour that they cannot be eaten.
Their bananas are likewise wild and so
small that four of them would not equal
Florida banana. WatermelonS grow here.
but they have mixed watermelon seed and
gourd seed for so long a time il is
question which is being produced from the
watermelon vines.
A land and climate as varied and capable
of results the irrigated soil of southern
California Is allowed to grow worthless
brush and vines, and the fruit trees actu-
ally planted to be of a dwarfed, worthless
character, because the government sees fit
to tax all industry off the island. No buSi-
ness whatever can be transacted without
a license, and no license can be obtained
without payment of heavy taxes Every
farm product was taxed when sold to such
an extent as to absolutely kill il. The
cattle raiser cannot butcher without paw
ing heavy license fee; the dairyman cannot
sell his milk without heavy license fee;
the sugar planter cannot sell his sugar
without paying his license fee. and in addi-
ton his ground, his machinery and his
building material must pay taxes without
limit.
and taxes is in many instances not SO
great hindrance as is the system of in
spection. with it's thousand and one yexa-
tious delays created for the purpose of
having the inspectors bought off or to kill
off rival. Anglo-Saxons stand this for
while. but they finally surrender and
move out; likewise the French and Ger
mans, as well the Jews. 1t is a state
ment heard all over Spanish America that
Jews never attempt to bother them with
settlements, and L think the explanation
is that the Spaniards are robbers far too
keen for them. When a Spanish official
makes profuse promises, but defers his
execution until manana, you can depend
upon it that you will have to pay and pay
promises.
Business Men and Gentlemen.
The Spanish business man is very much
On the order of the Spanish official; ma
mana is the universal reply, and is general
ly made for purposes other than mere de-
lay. Spanish merchant has one figure
which is his usual price, with the privilege
of furnishing the goods at his leisure; but
he invariably doubles the rate whenever
you require delivery by a time certain
Also business is very largely controlled by
ex-officials, and the method of the Office
holder is the method of the store.
The Spanish gentleman, however, seems |
to be very reserved, mild-mannered man,
never allowing himself to become excited
and never allowing himself to be commit |
ted very strongly to or against any party |
or any policy. He is always considerate,.
polite and obiiging and wears an express
sion of kindness and sadness.
The present government of Porto Rico |
already shows the change to Anglo-Saxon |
laws and constitution. Senor Munos Rivera
is a very able man and man whom be- |
heve to be absolutely honest. His board
of secretaries seems to be composed of men |
of his own style and character, and its mem