New-York tribune., 1901-04-07
GOV. ALLEN NOT TO RESIGN
THE PRESIDENT REQUESTS HIM TO con-
TINT'E IN OFFICE.
CONFERENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE ON
AFFAIRS IN PORTO O-WONDER-
FUL PROGRESS OF THE ISLAND

lg for war with Russia.
UNDER CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
TBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TR1BuNE.I


UNDER CIVIL. GOVERNMENT.
rBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TR1BUNEJ
Washington, April 6.-Governor Charles H.
Allen. Of Porto Rico. arrived in Washington to-
day. and after Offering his resignation to the
President consented 10 return TO his post early
in May TO remain in charge Of affairs in the
island at least until Congress meets next De-
Cember The Governor lad conference with
President Mckinley lasting hour Great in
terest was manifested in Mr.. Aliens visit ac-
count Of the rumors that have been current
since he sailed from San Juan that it was his
intention to relinquish his post in the island.
After the conference. however. Governor Allen
announced that he would not resign, but would
return 70 his duties about the first week in
May. after settling up some private business.
He came to Washington hoping to he relieved
of his duties in Porto Rico. but the President
prevailed on him TO continue at the head OF
affairs in the island. Governor Allen enjoys the
confidence Of the President TO high degree, and
he felt that it was his duty to accede To the
wishes Of the Chief Executive.
PROSPERITY IN THE ISLAND
Governor Allen makes a gratifying report Of
prosperity in Porto Rico. In a statement TO a
Tribune corresponds at no said fnat the stua-
tion had improved materially ir every way since
he became Governor over a year ago. The civil
government esta ablished in Porto Rico" he said,
lis working smoothly. The various departments
have been organized. and administration is
seemingly giving general satisfaction. In a ma
terlal way there has been wonderful progress
Much Of the island which was not under culti-
walton under the old regime is being taken UP
and made profitable. There is great field in
The island for products that be shipped to
the United States especially oranges and other
fruits The advantages possessed by the Porto
Rican fruit growers. on account of the discrim
inat!on in their favor far tariff duties are
concerned, which will he increased when all
duties removed July l. cannot but result in
making II a great fruit growing country. Re
Gently people who are interested in the growing
of lilies and other flowers. as we'll as onions and
potatoes in Bermuda have been looking
the island with a view transferring to Porto
Rico the agricultural industries that have made
Bermuda famous. faint Idea Of what this
would mean TO the island can he gathered from
the fact that last year this country imported
from Bermuda 100000 bushels of onions alone
In the old established industries in Porto Rico
there has been n great Improvement in all except
coffee growing and. production. Unfortunately.
this is languishing the present time The
production of sugar has been increased from
10000 tons last year to probably 100000 tons
estimated for this year The sugar industry is
bound flourish account of the tariff dis
elimination in it's favor. Upon the crop esti-
mated for this year the Porto Ricans will save
$500 600 in tariff duties. The orange industry
is being increased by the investments OF Ameri-
cans. The fruit is delicious, and there is plenty
Of land to be had for the cultivation of oranges.
Il believe Senator Foraker builded more wisely
than he knew in the organic law governing the
island, and 1 feel, after a somewhat intimate
acquaintance with the situation that the law
itself, interpreted in the spirit in which il
made. will be found to work quite satisfactorily
In Porto Rico for some time to come
THE TAX LAW EXPLAINED
When asked about the alleged unpopularity
of the Hollander tax law. Governor Allen ex-
planned that there was naturally much misunder-
standing about the inauguration of purely
American system of taxation. based on prop
erty valua tions. to take the place of the old
Spanish system that had been in vogue for over
three hundred years. He said that the total
valuation of property in Porto Rico would be
close to $1OO,O00.000, and under the law only
one-half of l per cent could be levied for munich
pal purposes, and the same for insular pur-
poses This would raise about S1.0000OO. The
other $1,OOOO00 necessary to make I'D the total
budget would be raised by excise taxes on rum.
cigars. cigarettes, etc. Governor Allen ex-
planned that the complaint made against the
six months for the redemption of property sold
for taxes was one that could be remedied by the
next legislature. which meets in December if the
time was found to be too short Taxation under
the Hollander law was lower than in any of the
States of this country.
The administration of the island continued
the Governor, has in all respects desired the CO.
operation of all good citizens 1t is required of
those who aspire 10 hold insular office that they
should be loyal to the American Government
and that fitness for office, with such loyalty
should be the fundamental Endorsement rather
than that of some political leader Some disturb
ances have occurred but never with such serious
results as have often occurred in the United
States. Barroom brawls, bowling crowds on
the streets, a few stones thrown some rattling
of sticks along the palings, have been sufficient
to occasion sensational cables TO the North
which, though promptly denied have been cir
culated to the dscredit of the island
EMIGRATION COMPARATIVELY SMALL.
Il understand that several thousand people
nave been employed by agents TO leave Porto
Rico for Hawaii principally. some few for Crba