The times., 1899-11-01


administration Of the island as military
governor. He refers particularly to his re-
organization Cf the departmental affairs
cf Porto Rico and speaking Of the judiciary
remarks From the very dilatory and
unsatisfactory manner in which the local
courts conducted the numerous criminal
cases which came before them IL was evi-
dent that in order to facilitate the admin
istraticn Ct justice and punishment OF
crime it was necessary TO modify the judi
ciaI system
He says that the administration OF civil
affairs by a governor general and 'insu-
lar cabinet" as provided by Spanish rule
was unsatisfactory and continues My
period Of command has been just three
months long enough only TO permit me TO
learn something OF the condition Of the in
habtants, their manners, customs laws,
and institutions. The files in the office OF
the commanding general are now full Of
complaints alleging dishonest, corrupt and
unlawful municipal administration IN many
towns Invests cations made by impartial
officers have unfortunately justified the
complaints IN many eases. The law-abid-
ing p1CpIe CT Porto Rico cannot expect or
wish that the military government should
cease and the towns be left in the chaos
In which some Of them were and IL is
feared, still continue.
Autonomy for Natives.
General Davis describes at length the
system OF military government. In speak
ing Of the possibility Of granting autonomy
to the natives. he said:
Il do net feel able tC indicate any date
or time when territorial autonomy may be
implanted and the people left to regulate
their own affairs. Experience only can be
relied on for the data 10 warrant an opin-
ion.
There are many changes in methods Of
administration and in judicial procedure
that must be made and reforms matured
before the inhabitants OF Porto Rico should
be vested with the powers and responsible
ties Of government.
Now. but a small part OF the inhabi-
tauts can read and write: some estimate
the ratio as low as from 10 TO j. per cent.
As respects iliJeracy the proportion here
cannot be materially different 10 what 1t
was among the native New MsZicans when
that territory was annexed 10 the United
States in 1871 Although half q century
has elapsed since General Kearny promul-
gated a civil code for New Mexico. and a
territorial government was authorized in
1850. this territory has not yet secured
from Congress q recognition OF its capacity
for State government
.-HCg much more rapid progress toward
a realization of their aspirations the
Porto Ricans may demonstrate than that
OF the New Mexicans, Jime only can de-
tsrmine Immediate territorial autonomy
for Porto Rico I do not expect, and II
would I think. be disastrous to the best
interests Of the island.
Ny policy has been determined by the
knowledge that military government for
any part OF the national domain can be but
temporary. and that the military meas
ures executed for maintaining law and
order have for their ultimate object the
preparation OF the people for astronomical
civil government, which. when authorized
by Congress. could be implanted with the
least possible friction or change.
Given Cordial support.
u am happy TO say that so far the peo-
pie Of the island have given me. as they
have my predecessors. their most cordial
support and coop -raticn. and although the
task is Of necessity a difficult one, 10 i'm
plant an American growth upon q stock
OF most ancient origin the progress Of
fecJed in the year Of American occupancy
encourages the hope and the belief that the
result viii be successful
ties. each striving for mastery, and par
tisau feelings run at high tide. A defeat
ed party at an election is sometimes car
ried away by prejudice. Those who are
unsuccessful sometimes assert that their
party Is uufavoraDly Disseminated against
CT is unjustly treated Honest and intel
ligsut supervision OF these elections is
necessary. and this can only be supplied
through public spirited and the honest
Porto R5caus assisting the military gov
eminent
An official exercising functions such as
usually devolVe upon Secretary OF State
VIII be necessary for reasons stated
Complete autonomy for municipalities
IS very greatly 10 BE- desired and is intend
ed to De instituted as rapidly as possible
the government OF the towns TO be as inde-
pendent as they are in the United States
But al present a bad economic state exists
in many municipalities. Some are heavily
Be- debt and have no visible means O. lqui-
dating rheir obligations. large sums oi
money in the form OF uuc1llected taxes ar,
owed in nearly an The municipalities, tC
meet current expenses sCme Of them pro
poses extraordinary taxes that are no
nca authorized by Law. in many munici
UalitIes there are mayors and cUuueIlmsl
who have not been elected by the people
AID complaints against town admulstEa
tiol are numerous.
..tII The towns need assistance to ex
t-icate them from their difficulties and 10
this help their appeals are very numerous
They need public improV meHts in shap
ol seh0clHouses hCsp-<als, slmshOuses
water supply sewers, and great man
other accessories 10 efficient town admins
traticl. For these reasons il is uece=sar
10 maintain a municipal bureau i'm 10
Iusu.a~ government SO as 20 keep il in clos
touch alth the times and the people.
Elections 10 BE Held.
tA beginning has been made at one Dlar
IN supplying local self-g government TO Ia
Iahablauts. This is 10 be repeated in otbe
towns and elections held In all Of them a
rapidly as possible
"a general plan for municipal election
has been resolved upon by means of Whicl
educated men and business interests OF IN
island may have expression. This has bee
explained 10 the accredited leader Of eacl
Cf the political parties, and both OF thes
gentlemen have assured me OF their heart
approval and support Of the proposal Z
hold municipal elections Iu the manner In
dlcated. II all their adherents VIII act ac
c0rdiug 10 the dictates Of justice and equi
ty ID is intended there viii soon be in
EzSE5zEse1zszsesaz=sz