New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-23
COLONIAL AID SOCIETY.
GENERAL AND Mrs. HENRY SPEAK OF
RELIEF WORK IN PORTO RICO.

THE STORY OF THE GOOD DEEDS DONE AND THE
NEEDS OF THE PEoPLE-MANY PRES
ENT JOIN THE ASSOCIATION.
A largely attended meeting OF the Colonial Aid
Society held yesterday afternoon at the WAL
dorf-Astora to consider the educational and relief
work as 1t has been naugurated in the island of
Porto Rico by General and Mrs. Guy V. Henry
both OF whom were present guests OF the society
The meeting called to order by Miss Anne
Rhodes. chairman OF the day and first vice-presi-
dent OF the society. the personnel of which is
largely made up OF the members OF the Woman's
National War Relief Association.
I'm calling you together this year" she said after
referring to the meeting OF last year at the Wind
sor. I'VE meet in peace and happiness. Last year
we met to prepare for war and sorrow"
Miss Rhodes introduced Mrs. Henry who told the
story Of her work and the great needs OF the people
She emphasized the generosity and loyalty OF the
Porto Ricans their pride. that forbade asking aims
their docity and sweetness.
People ask" she said. why the people In Porto
Rico are very poor. 1t is because Of the tre-
mendous CONFUSION that has put business at a
standstill and taken away all the income Of the
men and women
She told Of the starting Of an aid society at Ponce
which had for its intel work the training Of six
hundred little children. and which is now managed
by Porto Rican women.
She said that at the first meeting OF these chill
dren they were taught TO sing America and by
the fourth meeting they could sing It well
any American children. She spoke OF the formation
OF a second society at San Juan. which is carried
by the OF the Army and Navy, and en-
phasized the great need OF assistance 10 carry on
the work.
General Henry. being asked 10 speak, declared
the Spanish American War to have been God
war. with men behind the guns but God behind
the men. He thought that the responsibility OF the
United States in Porto Rico was not yet ended.
and that work with the children must be carried
on In the schools. He also commended the natives
as the most patient. accomplishing and unsehsh
OF people
Nine. Lucchetu wife OF the former French Con-
sui to St Thomas. also spoke, paying earnest
tribute 10 the esteem la which General and Mrs.
Henry held by the Porto Ricans.
DR. Van Dc Water followed with a characteristic
appeal for help TO carry on the work begun. The
time has come he said. when you must face
{ what Is before you and. facing 1t as good Amer-
cans. do your duty. No matter what the demands
upon us. God is good enough to give US His sup
protection OF our flag. there We will go with our
means to render assistance"
Miss Rhodes then detailed the genesis Of the
Colonial Aid Society. outlined its proposed work.
The president OF the society Is Mrs. Guy V.
Henry. the secretary Mrs Janvier lie Due. and
the treasurer Mrs. Horace Lee. The dues OF the
society to be 81 year.
At the close Of the meeting opportunity was
given TO all those present to meet General and
Mrs. Henry socially. and to give their names or
/ money TO the society. Nearly every one present
avaed OF both offered privileges. and the treasury
stsntial sum for assisting in the relief and educa-
tional work.
Among those present yesterday a number
OF Porto Rlcans who happened to be in the city