Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-03-20
URGENT APPEAL
From Puerto Rico for Aid from
the United States.
10000 People Hold Mass Meeting,
Monday, at San Juan.
4 Petition Formulated Asking Congress 10 Sell
lie Tariff Question.

San Juan. Puerto Rico, March ia
gathering of 10000 persons, headed by
the San Juan Chamber of Commerce,
gathered at the palace of the governor
general. today, to submit petition
with reference to the needs of the
island. The deputation selected to pre-
sent it was received in the absence Of
Gen. Davis. who was indisposed, by
Lieut.. Col. Hall, adjutant general. On
behalf of Gen. Davis, Lieut.. Col. Hall
expressed pleasure al seeing 50 many
people who were interested in a ques-
ton of such Importance and assured
them that Puerto Rico would receive
justice. An account of today's proceed
ings will be transmitted to Washing
ton. The crowd was orderly and dis
perscd without confusion, amid ''vivas'
for the United States and the governor
general. Following is the text Of the
petition:
The people of Puerto Rico Of all
classes. represented by the mayor of
this city and by the Chamber of Com
merce in peaceful assembly convened
call upon Gov.-Gen. Davis respectfully
TO direct his attention and through
w H.,
the following most salient points of the
present critical condition Of the island:
.First-The CONSERVATION into which
the business community in general has
been thrown on account Of recent
cabled news from the United States.
setting forth the negative attitude of
the Senate as regards the tariff ques-
ton.
"Second-The utter inability of the
island to hold out much longer under
existing conditions. as the Senate's de-
lay in coming to a decision on the tariff
simply agEravates the almost absolute
state Of perjury throughout the island
"Third-The urgent necessity Of
final settlement Of the question as
means Of saving to their owners. most
~ men of small means. the sugar and
tobacco crops. which would pass under
the control of spectators if no con-
clusion should be reached; this being
the time for planting new crops and
failure to act promptly being also cal
culated to have most prejudicial re-
suits.
''Fourth-The distress and alarm
that are daily becoming more embar-
assing in all branches of trade. owing
to the vertual lack of a fixed and def
mite standard for transactions and the
grave apprehensions as to the future
now 50 generally entertained by all
merchants.
"Fifth-The absence of buyers for
products which, with the loss of their
former markets. as a consequence of
the new regime. are now at a practi-
cal standStlll.
Sixth-The enormous depreciation of
property. more especially on the plan
tationS and the ruin staring a majority
of planters in the face as a result of
the natural uneaSiness which has
made itself felt among capitalists and
loan institutions leading them to cur
tain or to shut off entirely the credit
necessary in moving crops.
"Seventh-The lack Of power as well
as the absence Of credit to contract
loan for the relief Of most Of the pres
ent necessities and the development of
reSOrCeS.
"Eighth-The need of undertakings
of a public nature instead of relief
supplies, which, although necessary,
tend to make paupers of the working
classes.
These statements, respectfully made
your petitioners respectfully re
quest the governor general to bring to
the knowledge of the government at
Washington, trusting that a favorable
solution speedily be found.
(SigncdD ANDRES CROSAS,
President of Chamber of Commerce os
San Juan.
NJ IGEZCUE.
Mayor Of the city Of San Juan"