The times., 1899-11-01

stalled in all the towns municipal govern
ments really representing the viii OF the
people
1T is probably beyond the power of man
TO devise and TO carry into execution an
election law that is absolutely free from
defects. and that in its application may be
shown TO be perfect, but the adage should
always be remembered that TO err is hu-
man. to forgive divine. Each of the par
ties clamors for municipal elections and
autOnOmic government Of towns. The Mil
itary Governor has no doubt that each of
these parties. in the strife for the political
mastery viii govern all its actions by
high sense of duty. and viii resort to no
methods or acts that VIII in the slightest
degree tend 10 discredit themselves, their
respective parties, and their beautiful ISL
and
When all the municipalities shall have
happily reached a firm basis when justice
and right shall reign supreme and local ai-
fairs are honestly administered. the prob
lem of the future government of Porto
Rico VIII have been solved, for the next
step. an insular legislature. should be an
easy one. and the civil functions Of the
military commander should cease.
TariH Laws Need Modifying.
In speaking on the industrial and econ
omic conditions of the island he says:
The Industrial and economic conditions
of the people are in very sad state; but.
not only is it far from hopeless it is, in
stead. full of promise. It is my earnest
hope and expectation that the tariff and
trade laws now prevailing will soon be ma
terisIly changed, so that an impetus may
be given 10 the industrial development and
rCmunerativa labor found for the unem-
ployed.
In speaking Of the future of the island,
General Davis says:
IF all classes OF the inhabitants, native
and foreign. viii work together for com
mon good Porto Rico would soon be the
Gem OF the Anulles-the best-governed,
happisst, and most prosperous island in the
West Indies
The Health Of Troops.
General Davis says that the health of
the troops has baan excellent. The santa
tion of the island is a very difficult prob
lem. owing to the character Of the houses
and the habits of the people. Permanent
works and sewers are almost unknown,
The natives are willing TO learn. and the
sanitary conditions Of the larger places are
being improved. Boards Of health are es-
tablished in the more important towns
where sanitary measures are carried out
As TO the recruiting of Porto Ricans 70!
military service he refers TO the recruiting
of the Porto Rican battalion, and says that
/ il was impeded by the difficulty in obtain
/ ing men of physical standard require
mants- Few Of the applicants spoke Eng
/ glish, and it was difficult TO instruct them
Referring TO the hurricane, he adds:
AT the moment of closing this report
/ a hurricane OF unprecedented violence has
/ just swept over the island. The destruc-
tion Of life and property has been enor-
nous. ard data is not yet at hand for any
+ accurate computation Enough is known
however. 10 show that tens Of thousands
CT families Rave been left wholly destitute
and are without any samblance OF shelter
and, rs soon as the fruits gathered from
the debris OF the storm are consumed, the!
viii be wholly without food.
The prompt response CT the department
I 10 my calls for food 10 relieve the suffering
viii have a most excellent effect, and vii
much simplify my task. for. without sucl
aid. il would have been impossible to aver
( q famine" ?"