Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-12
COLLECTION OF SOUVENIRS
Relics Brought From Porto Rico by Mr..
William D. Catlett.
The List Embraces Arms, Articles of
wearing Apparel. and Photographs
4. Il
specimens g of Fruits.

Mr.. William D. Catlett, a well-known
ciezen OF west Virginia and long a resi-
ueht OF washington, has just returned to
'nls country from Porto Rico, where he
was IN the United States postal service,
pelng IN charge of the post office at Ma
hau. Mr. Catlett Is stopping at 9O7 H
street. He is displaying, for the benefit of
MS friends, a most interesting collection of
rel1cs' products, specimens of native handi-
work and the like, that he secured while
on the island. The former postmaster
states that he likes the island, as a whole,
and also the climate of Porto Rico, but has
not much to say Of a complimentary nature
as regards the small towns. 1t is his in
tention to return to Porto Rico, but not in
the government service.
Perhaps the most Interesting of the arti-
cles brought home by Mr.. Catlett is
per that belonged to a Spanish civil guard.
IT was used against the United States
forces during the engagement at Comao.
The man who welded it was killed by one
OF captain Halls men with a bayonet. He
also mas sword that was used in action
py spanish corporal. and sword and
dagger picked up at Mayguez as well as
several machetes, all with histories that
tell of bloodshed.
Some Fine Fruit.
The collection includes a number of ma
tive spoons made from cocoanuts and some
calabash dishes. In the way of fruit there
are sweet lemons and oranges that are so
juicy that in this case the use of spoon
IN their consumption is an absolute neces-
sity. quite novelty is a guer which is
musical instrument, called into service
by the native bands 1t produces a scrap
ing noise and is used more for the purpose
OF Keeping time than for the production Of
melody. Originally the guer was a gourd.
MI Catlett has number of native hats,
and also specimens of native plants-coffee
as 1t grows, sugar, rice and vermicelli. OF
considerable value are some articles of
real lace, including pillow cases, scarfs and
bed trimmings. These are really beautiful
samples of neddlework A native hammock
is also a unique, valuable and useful souv-
enir.
Implements of Torture.
Half dozen spear heads, used by the
natives III lieu of whip to accelerate the
movements of oxen, are also possessed by
Mr.. CatleEt. He says these implements are
operated ito an extent that is far beyond
the bounds of brutality. The majority of
the beasts of burden therefore suffer with
massive sores, the result of the proddng
they receive. The military governor of the
island, however, has taken stringent meas
ures to lessen the acts of cruelty to ami
mails.
Mr.. Catlett has several excellent photo
graphs of places and scenes on the island.
A number were taken at the time of the
first Fourth Of July celebration in Porto
Rico last month The majority of the arti-
Giles will be presented to the governor or to
the state of West Virginia by Mr.. Catlett
He has already forwarded the state capital
shell that landed in San Juan during the
bombardment Of that city by Admiral
SIMPSONS fleet