New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-09-19
PROGRESS IN PORTO RICO.
CONDITIONS IN THE ISLAND DESCRIBED
BY SECRETARY HUNT.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE

LBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
Washington, Sept. 1S.-Attorney-General Griggs
has received interesting private letter from Sec
rotary Hunt, OF Porto Rico, on existing conditions
in that island Among other things Judge Hunt,
referring 10 the conditions produced by the hurri-
cane OF 1899, says:
When eyil government care in on May it had
of circumstances seemed to make the near outlook
troublesome. OF course, things along quite
smoothly until ratons were stopped-it was easy to
answer a cry OF hunger with a meal of goldfish
beans and rice The distribution Of supplies was
stopped on July 10. The situation mad to be met
and if the people We're ever to be taught the neces
Appeals for more rations were always denied
kindly. but firmly. Timely notice was given but
impending public calamity and distress. But we
were determined; and overcame the obstacles
few Instances We did some road work and this
will pound stone fer two weeLg IN sTtcsesin
few days and Inertia SEXES him and he stops
When he has money he subssts on fruits if in
season. or sweet potatoes, or by begging ekes out
miserable living, passively succumbs to die Of
lhIesihal disease consequent upon impoverishment.
or dysentery brought about by eating unrpe
In few weeks things began to improve some
What-the crisis seemed to have passed, and it was
the only way by which life could be supported This
was something accomplished. and instead of a cry
for free food We now for work so as TO
buy food TO this we have therefore given our best
districts that the acute poverty is and as nature
alone can restore the coffee plants to fruitful yields
OF the population, thousands live in these coffee
sections, the problem Is large
Road construction is the solution until the croDs
can be gathered in October. Thirty per cent is n
fair estimate OF the coffee crop but to gather If
laborers with have be employed This viii do a
great deal to work out the perplexities and when
sugar is being harvested later on in the season we
think the thing Will solve Itself. again to be
met IN such trying form Then. too example
counts for much. and each month should help to
demonstrate that it is those who help themselves
who are getting along, and the truble will lessen
practical education spreads
The exchange OF money coming closely upon
the heels Of the stoppage OF tons. added 10 our
troubles; for 1t impossible for the people to
understand how great big peso only worth
60 cents OF the big silver dollar and even The hest
merchants and planters believed that Govern
ment was making 40 cents on ever peso exchanged
The free silver man would raise purcha sing
power Of silver dollar, but the Porto Rican
actually did depreciate the purchasing power Of a
sold for 10 centayos sold for 10 cents. Washer
basis bread and other articles sold
accordingly, and things were topsy urvy for short
time A few Spanish merchants the OF
II all, and by force of example prices dropped to
normal and another crisis was over.
The thing that strikes most noticeable
in the Porto Rican IS his inability TO help himself
A came in the other day and said men,
Inuncipa ity-no work food. / asked If there
road construction going on there He said
was and labor was wanted asked why the sur
fering did not go and get work. Why" said
hes no e%V told him hat If man was
the verge Of starving already, he had better go
life But no; they preferred 80 die together no
said, rather than work II it involved family sep
/ aration. Such is their sentimental ineTtness.
Turning for moment from this side Ot the
TO the counterbalanCing one and we find all the
expected. The potentialities OF Porto Rico are
| tremendous. 1t is veritable garden spot, and
wiling field. Investors viii be handsomely rewarded
I think With roads, railroads and steamship lines
be AFFORDED and capitsl must come here It is a
fresh field, plenty OF people and no competition