Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-04-15
AIGER At HOME AGAIN.
His Impressions of Cuba and Porto
Rico.


WASHINGTON, April n.-secretary-of-
War Alger to-day returned from his trip
to Cuba and Porto Rico, where he spent
the last three weeks making a personal
investigation of the conditions existing on
those islands During his trip he confer
red with the commanding officers Of the
Cuban provinces. visiting four provinces
personally. His reception everywhere was
OF the most cordial character. In an in
terview tonight Secretary Alger said:
Il had no adequate idea OF the wonder
fu possibilities OF Cuba and Porto Rico
before my personal investigation, and j
return 10 Washington with renewed faith.
All that | ever imagined has been more
than realized. Under no circumstances
would ] now consent to the surrender of
Porto Rico. which is now our territory
nor would / place the slightest check
upon the great work which is being done
for Cuba. The duty which we have taken
upon ourselves OF holding cuba I'm trust
is a noble one and | see no reason 10
fear the future. None Of the serious
are insurmOuntable. They have begun TO
feel the benefits Of American control,
and the advance will be enormous
LITTLE DISTRESS.
Il am greatly surprised 20 find so little
distress I'm the island. The demand Tor
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 iayiting pauperlsm IN
the island
u believe IT is a mistake to believe that
fortunes 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 every
thing else. The people Of Cuba see that
the United States is acting with justice
and moderation. with the chief end OF
improving conditions. ! feel encouraged
because Of the friendly feeling manifested
in my talks with leading citizens.
OUR SOLDIERS LIKE PRINCES.
81 never saw 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 ap-
pearance. They seem contented, and the
United states has every reason to feel
proud Of them.
"Our officers and men have learned to
be soldiers and how 10 care for them
selves showing "A grbt contrast TO the
new raw recruits that Were hurriedly
gathered under the call for troops when
war was declared. Had they mad this
experience or used the self-care then as
now. there would have been comparative
" little sickness IN camp. or course, the
tropical climate is enervating and trying
at best. but with past experience, the
sck-lst will be minimized.
THE PORTO RICANS.
81 was deeply impressed and more than
pT.atided at the intense loyalty shown to-
ward the United States in the public de-
mOnstratiOns which marked our progress
across Porto Rico. The poorer class of
Porto Ricans live under conditions that
an American labOrer would not accept.
Their houses are extremely poor, ana
tnev live literally from hand % mouth.
American ownership OF the island will
mean a great advance in their condition.
and they appreciate this fact. Eventually
we shall devise necessary legislation for
the island. but at present the system OF
combining military control. which is SUI
preme. with civil administration is work
ing admirably"