The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-09-16

spanish rulers. When the United states
found an empty treasury, the masses ~
the people poor. unemployed and suffering
from munger, the plantations generally
mo9rtgaged. ana owners without nope OF
redeeEing the lands because Of the low
prtces OF sugar and coffee, the chief prod
uc6. They found themselves called upon
70 govern a people with whom they could
not converse because Of the difference in
languages, whose customs. habits aud
tastes we're the opposite Of their own,
and TO administer Justice under laws new
thority was supreme: Whatsoever the COM
mandlns general chose to promulgate in
general orders became the law OF the
land Tor the time being. But while IL
was his duty to maintain order and
enforce obedience TO authority, no was no
less solemnly obligated to win che respect
methods OF administration. To the honor
OF Gems. Henry and Davis it can be said
tnat II either erred II was in exercise OF
too great leniency.
The period OF military government in
Puerto Rico was a trying one. not only
because OF the .perplexities of the condi-
n mans ap ,b fecited but lust when I, APP
eminent 10 get together and move on, and
INC approaching harvest OF coffee and
lrui's gave promise of business revival
and plenty Tor the poor 10 eat. the awful
hurricane OF August S. 1899, came, WITH
deatn and destruction in its wake. carry
ing oesolations and woe 10 every part OF
calamity are well known; sufYsce n for the
present purposes that the military gov
eminent successfully COPIED with the stu
ation ana for year fed the poor with
rations furnished by the war department
II was noble and generous 10 thus provide
a dor tne needs Of the people. but the wis
uon OF giving without reQnfring q return,
in labor admits Of grave doubt. Csrrtainiv
tne state or affairs produced by the policy
mas added many burdens and perplexities
10 the civil government.
The conditions above enumerated and
otners, confronted Gov. Allen on tnaur,,-
ration day. They are yet being wrestied
Win and, at best, will but slowly be over
come. Nevertheless, there has been prog
ress all along the line and now that the
furry caused by the exchange Of provin.
elai money, current only In Puerto Rico
lot United States money, as good as gold
1he world over. has practically subsidized.
ana the commercial community knows
where 1t stands there are unmistakable
signs or confidence and renewed life The
new government, now fully equipped with
a mead OF every administrative depart
ment, and the courts In motion, Is meet
ing the expectations of the people In every
respect True, its hands are tied bv n
mixture OF old Spanish laws and military
ORDERS. out the executive council is ar
ranging for the election OF a Legislature
which VIII be prompt to take up matters
or importance and enact some wholesome
,aws. Inc receipts from customs have
largely exceeded the most sanguinary ex-
pectations of the officials; the internal
revenue system has been worked up 10 a
most satisfactory state OF efficiency; the
treasury is always able TO meet every
legal demand and yet show a respectable
balance of cash on hand, and the people
are well pleased with the outlook. Ask an
Intelligent Puerto Rican what ne thinks
or conditions now as compared with the
situation under Spanish regime; whether
II is his opinion that the IS per cent, tar
IN Is oppressive. or that the people are be-
ing swindled In the exchange of money,
and he will invariably reply that there Is
no ground for complaint or criticism.
mo one, not even a Democrat, need
lose sleep from worry over his fellow
citizens OF Puerto Rico. They perfe..ly
preciate the benefits possible under the
Foraker law. They fully understand the
fact that the future veal or woe OF the
island depends upon Its own people. They
know that they. through their chosen
representatives. are TO make as few mis-
liverance from the thralldom OF Spanish
laws rests with them now. and that by
the exercise of wisdom, good Judgment,
and consideration Of the rights of the
people and the wants OF the island, there
can be speedily established in Puerto
Rico n model government under which
prosperity and happiness will reign SUI
preme. Let them alone; II Is the thing
TO do; anyhow. have the grace to cease
misrepresenting them. and give them
the chance to solve the problem. With
the reelection OF Mckinley as president
which they most earnestly hope for and
are confidently anticipating a continue.
tion of his kindly interest In their well
fare and the flow OF capital to the island
that settled conditions will warrant and
impel they win need no sympathy and
win soon be In position to laugh at crit
icixm."