The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1899-04-15
ALGER REACHES WASHINGTON.
TALKS OF THE POSSIBILITIES OF
CUBA AND PORTO RICO.

xNouId Never Consent TO the Sur
render of Porto RicO-ProbIems OF
Government Meeting Satisfactory
soIutiOn-FOund Very Little Dis
tress-Praise for American Sol
dfers-Deeply Impressed with the
Loyalty Exhibited by the People
of Porto Rico.
Washington, April A.-secretary Alger
returned tonight from his trip to Cuba
and Porto Rico where he spent the three
last weeks making a personal investiga-
ton of conditions on those islands.
During his trip he conferred with the
commanding officers of the Cuban prov
inees visiting four provinces personally.
His reception everywhere was of the most
cordial character. In an interview tonight
he said
81 had no adequate idea of the wonder
ful possibilities of Cuba and Porto Rico
before my personal Investigation, and I
return TO Washington with renewed faith.
All that 1 ever imagined has been more
than realized. Under no circumstances
would l now consent to the surrender Of
Porto Rico which is now our territory,
nor would l place the slightest check upon
the great work which is being done for
Cuba. The duty we have taken upon our
selves of holding Cuba in trust for civili-
cation is a noble one.
THE problems are meeting satisfactory
solution, and i see no reason TO fear the
future None of the serious questions which
have already arisen or will arise, are in
surmountable Havana is beginning to feel
the benefits of American control and the
advance and development will be enor-
nous.
Distress Is Decreasing.
Il was agreeably surprised 10 find so
little distress in the islands. The amount
of rations for distribution among the peo-
pie 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 inviting pauperism
IN the island
q believe it is a mistake 10 believe that
fortunes can be made quickly in Cuba,
though there is a 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 i'm
proving conditions. feel encouraged be-
cause of the friendly feeling manifested in
my talks with leading citizens
Praises the Soldiers.
"I 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 appear
ance They seem contented and the Unit
ed States has every reason to feel proud
of them
"Our officers and men have learned to be
soldiers. and how TO care for themselves,
showing a great contrast to the new raw
recruits that were hurriedly gathered I'M
der the call for troops when war was de-
clared Had they had this experience or
used the care then as now there would
have been comparatively little sickness in
camps Of course, the tropical climate is
enervating and trying at best, but with
past experience the sick list will be mini
mized.
Loyalty i'm Porto Rico.
81 was deeply impressed and more than
gratiffed at the intense loyalty shown to-
ward the United States in the public dem
onstrations which marked our progress
across Porto Rico. The poorer class of
Porto Ricans lived under conditions that
an American laborer would not accept.
Houses are extremely poor and they live
literally from hand to mouth. American
ownership of the island will mean a great
advance in their condition and they APP
preciate this fact. Eventually we shall
devise necessary legislation for the is
land but at present the system of COM
bning military control, which is supreme
with civil administration, is working adj
mrably."