BoletiÌn mercantil de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 18??-1918, 1901-07-01
SAN JUAN, JULY !, 1901.
Editorial Comment.

While he is member of the republican
party Justice Harlan, according to recent
political gossip, is now being tavorab,
mentioned as candidate for the presidency
On the democratic ticket in the approaching
campaign, in view of the fact that his well
known attitude upon the leading questions
of present national politi s, which IS in
harmony with the conservative democratic
position, would be calculated to upite the
contending factions more effectively than
could any other leader.
Justice Harlan is rated by many as the
very ablest man upon the supreme bench,
that he is a man of the most maj astic in.
tellectual qualities no one can or will at
tempt to deny, ha has for many years been
almost universally considered to he the
leading exponent of constitutional law and
his lectures upon this subject at Columbia
college have long stood among the acceTt
I'd and unassaiabe differences thereupon.
In the two most important hearings
which have been before the court in recent
years, viz; the Income and the 1nsnlar
cases he has voiced the minority opinion
ia terms of ringing clearness and mastery
cogency. Upon the tariff question he Is
moderate, as to the currency he is what is
called "sounf'. AS 10 his position in the
two court cases mentioneu Judge ii Ran
is unquestionably with the democratic party,
as to the tariff lie does not esent ally d fer
with its now controlling forces and as to
money question his views do not matter as
there is little likelihood that it acill enter
into the next campaign at all.
Ees with all this in favor Of
tion OF SO splendid figure as
Jurist to head the legions of The
it is doubtful if victory could thus be
achieved. The result of going outside par
tY lines for a leader was seen when Horace
Greely was so chosen. 1t was followed by
- disastrous rOut. Such proceeding is
in self confession of weakness. 1t dis
rnpts rather than unilcs. Surely, reasons
the voter, that party is lacking in well
defined principles and in courage VIII ch has
no leadership within its own ranks in Unlch
it can trust.
And the effect is to keep the Old liut
progressive and thinking ones into the fold
OF the party that eau manage and trust
itself and knows what it wants.
Party spirit is not what is needed to
pourish end develop the hest interests of
Porto Rico but the close alliance of Gem
pact and harmonious community devoted
to the advancement of the highest material
and moral well being Of the island.
There is a splendid field here, in rany
ways an almost virgin one, such as is fit
to engage the best ambitions and energies
OF any race or class of men. Ricues Of
soil, wealth Of climate, untouched mineral
treasure, pastoral Resources, all the Offer
iDgs of the abundant fool life of the waters,
together await only the qackening touch
OF capital to produce their latent royalties.
The chickering's of factional strife do not
open tie way to prosperity and happ ness.
These alone may be secured through the
united efforts of an Industrious, peace Low.
ing people, oonsecrated TO the work OF la,
ing upon firm foundations the fabric of
strong and enduring state.