BoletiÌn mercantil de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 18??-1918, 1901-07-18
SAN JUAN, JULY 1S, 1901.
Editorial Comment.

The dispatches indicate that England is
prepared TO make peace with the B0ers
upon the cession of the mines to hersei',
and granting independence to the Transvaal
provided Kruger will resign tie presidency
thereof. The Orange Free State is to be
annexed.
As to other conditions heretofore named
it is not kno,on what action is Offered
but it is supposable that the British Gov
ernment concedes all that has been asked,
including amnesty to the Cape ColonlstS
who have fought in the Boer armies, the
rehabilitation of the farms, and the withhold
ing of suffrage from the Kaffirs, together
with matters of lesser importance.
In view of the fact that acinter is nov
on in South Africa and tie Beers fight at
greatly Increased advantage during that
season, coupled with the reinforcement OF
their numbers which has followed upon the
recent accession of six thousand Cape Co
lony farmers to their active forces in the
field, it does not seem likely that the pro.
posed terms will be accepted.
1t has all the time been asserted by many
that The only thing for achich England is
Colonies is the gold mir eS of the Rand and
the diamond fields of Kimberly, and if
this be true doubtless the possession of
these will be made the key note of the
ultimate terms of settlement, but as to this,
Of course, there are divided opinions. Many
believe that high principle Of right and
justice, of equality and protection under
the laws for all foreigners in Sonlh Africa
is at the bottom of the British claim ard
contention. One may take their choice of
the two theories.
At all events history acill say that in
all the years of her national existence En-
gland never met harder, braver or nobler
foe than that which has sent her armies
to repeated and rather inglorous defeats
upon the veldts of Souh Africa
& mighty struggle is on in the United
States bet,peen the opposing forces of 'ahor
and capital. 1t may we'll be believed that
upon the results hang the fate of the many
important economic and industrial questions
of the future.
Everywhere the gradual congestion of
capital in the great manufacturing, com
mercial and transportation interests in the
ownership of the syndicates mas gore on
until it may be truthlully said that less
than doz men in the city of NeU York
hold the business control of the United
States in the hollow Of their haads, and if
things 60 on they or those who succeed
them may eventually order the fate of the
republic itsef
It is hard even now 10 place limit of
nnt at N bo fhnc alraa -
WELD, their concerted action would at any
time brig on crash in public affairs
with which the panics of the past W, uld
lear Tut small comparison, they have
the values Of vast share Of the publ ana
private assets of the country at their alb
solute command.
1t Is reasonable then that tie labor unions
should see in this steadily growing power
threat as to their own existence and so
demand recognition for themselves. Upon
this principle the coming struggle seaius to
mainly turn and it is to be gigantic one,
that is clear, unless both sides make liberal
concessions.
The end will be eagerly watched but
the suspension OF labor Will bring hardsh p
poverty and sorrow to many a household
no matter how the battle gees.
1t is reported that the building to be
used for the Porto II can exibit at Buffalo
is not yet finished and the exibit Itself is |
in state OF unreadIness. This is unfor-
tunate u it is true, the men placed ln
charge of the display we're chosen with
view to their high character and fitness and
1t is certainly only right that our people
should expect proper attention to their
interests and prompt opening of the dis
II y in order that its full benefits might be- |
Ieaized.
No donbt the delay is one for which the |
commiss' oners are in no way respor sible, il |
is not unprecedented that the buildings are
not yet finished, in fact every great exposi-
tion has still been under construction when |
its gates have been opened and only partial |
order conld be called cut of chaos long
enough to permit Of the celebration OF the |
inaugural exercises Such was tbs case at |
our centennial, twice at Paris and also at |
the Chicago exposition.
Steps should be begun now to make the
proposed exhibit at Charleston credit to /
the island, the time for the preparation
should be ample in order that The delay 10
opening may be reduced to the minimum.
It is to be hoped that tiis m ter sill be
promptly taken up BY our u siness men, and /
9 repret entatige committee chosen 10 all tie I
cities to secure an adequate reprB ntation
st Charleston.