The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-08-05
Changes in Puerto Rice.

Changes in Puerto Rice.
Many difficulties have been eneoun-
tered In bringing good government and
conteutment to the island OF Puerto
Rico since the United States began to
exercise authority there. but good be-
ginning has been made: and in spite OF
great destitution and some discomfort
because OF the hurricane Of last year.
the people have been furnished with
the benefits gained by change OF SOW
ereignty. The reforms already effected
are OF a substantial character, and re-
lief from many burdens borne under
Spanish rule should give the Puerto
Rfcans an idea OF what they win be
able to enjoy in the way Of an enlight-
ened administration Of affairs when
new problems have been worked out.
Under the old spanish rule. impris-
onment without hearing or the pre-
ferring of charges against the persons
arrested was common. and those de-
tanned often passed many years in con-
finement without being informed OF the
nature Of the ofYense for which they
had thus been held. The United States
has rooted out Spanish methods In deal
ing with those charged with unlawful
acts. established honest courts OF Jus
tice and made 1t possible for the ac-
cused to get speedy trial
Before the American occupation. mar
rage had been hedged about with ar
bitrary restrictions which made II i'm
possible for the poor. especially In the
rural districts. to enter into matrimony,
and the result was that more than half
the families were living In a state Of
concublnage More than half of the
children born In the island in later
years were illegItimafe. and because Of
their Illegal birth were deprived OF nat
urai rights under the law. BY recent
order the contract OF marriage may
b. entered into without cost. and the
legal status Of children born ont os
wedIoek has been established. Those
acquainted with the previous condition
Of affairs unite In saying that this re-
form is one Of the greatest importance
20 the people % the island.
Under Spanish rule II was the custom
e.. al ~-fa L..
and TO demand a renewal OF the rens
every year after the FIRST ave years.
Failure 10 pay the renewal promptly
resulted in the dislntcr1nen; Of the body
and the throwing OF the bones IN .
common heap This custom was dts
continued by order OF the military gov
eraoF, making It unlawful TO dissntsr
bodies without a special permit. and
then only for the purpose OF renter
ment
Formerly the island was a prey 10
disease, owing largely 10 unsanitsry
conditions and lack % care for the pea-
Die BY those Ia authority. A general
cleaning zap has taken place. and SAM
tary regulations pu, In force. A vac
cine farm has been established. army
surgeons have vaccinNsed the popaia.
tion of the Island. and all reasonable
precautions have been taken 20 prevent
The spread Of diseases which we're once
scourgs unchecked and unattended
IN.
Under the Old regime everything was
taxed. generally for the senens OF the
tax collectors and th0se hlgh In author
lily, In addition to heavy taxes on
property. real and personal. there were
duties Ga imports. port dues. petty IL
eensss. innnmerable exsctions Of the
church. which was backed by the
crown. and. quite Important. a gov
ornamental lottery the tickets of which
the mayors Of the towns were expect-
ed TO sch to citizens who found that
purchase was something really compul-