The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-04-09

Washington, April 6.-Charles n Al
len, governor OF Porto Rico who arriv-
ed in Washington this morning. had
an hours conference with President
Mckinley today. Great interest was
manifested in Governor Aliens visi,
on account Of the rumors that have
peen rife ever since he sailed from San
Juan that 1t was his intention to relin-
quish his post in the island.
After the conference, however Gov
ernor Allen announced that he ,vou,d
not resign and would return to his du-
ties about the first week in Nav after
settling up some private affairs I'm Bos-
ton. 1t is pretty well understood that
Governor Allen came to Washington
In the hope that the president would
relieve him of his duties in Porto Rico.
and that he asked the president to do
so. but the president prevailed upon
MIN to continue at the head of the al
ministration of the affairs of the L.
land.
Governor Allen enjoys the confidence
ol tne president to a very high degres
ana ne felt that 1t was his disty to ac-
cede to the wishes OF the chief exec-
utive.
speaking about the affairs of the Is
land, Governor Allen said that the Sit
uation had improved very materially In
every way since he became governor
over year ago.
Ihe civil government established I'm
Porto Rico" Governor Allen said "is
working smoothly. The various de-
partments have been organized and
our administration is seemingly :-ivine>
general satisfaction. In a ma ariaI,
way there has been wonderful pros -ess.
Much OF the island which was not un-
oer cultivation under the old re-me
is being taken up and made profitable.
Ihere is great field i'm the island for
prooucts that can be shipped to the
United States, especially oranges and
other fruits. The advantages possess-
ed by the Porto Rican fruit growers ON
account of the discrimination In their
IaVor as far as tariff duties are con-
cerned, which will be increased when
all duties are removed July Ist, cannot
out result in making it a great fruit
growing country.
Recently people who are interes.ea
in the growing of lilies and other aow-
ers' as well as onions and potatoes I'm
Bermuda, have been looking over the
Island with view to transferring to
Porto Rico the agricultural industries
that have made Bermuda famous. A
faint idea Of what this would mean to
the island can be gathered from the
fact that last year this country import
ed from Bermuda 400, 900 bushels OF on
ions alone.
In the old established Industries I'm.
Porto Rico there has been great i'm
provement in all except coffee growing =
and production. Unfortunately this In
ianguishing at the present time. The
production of sugar has been increased
from 10000 tons last year to probably
100, 600 tons estimated for this wear
The sugar industry Is bound to
flourish on account ef the tariff dixcrfm
nation in Its favor. Upon the crop
estimated for this year the Porto RI
cans will save $780, 600 in tarir duties.
The orange industry Ii being IN
creased by the investments of Amerf-
cans. The fruit is delicious and there
Is plenty Of land to be had for the cuI-
tivation Of oranges.
Il believe Senator Foraker buiIded
more wisely than he knew In the or
ganic law governing the island. and +
feel, after somewhat intimate ae-
quaintance with the situation. that that
law itself. interpreted fn the spirit In
which 1t was made. will be found 10
work quite satisfactorily in Porto Rice
for some time TO come"
When asked about the alleged unpcp-
ularity Of the Hollander tax law. Gov
ernor Allen explained that there was
naturally much misunderstanding
about the Inauguration Of a purely
American system Of taxation. based
upon property valuations. to take the
place OF old Spanish system that had
been in vogue for over 800 years. He
said that the total valuation of proper
" in Porto Rico would be close to sloo.-
CONTINUED ON FIFTH pAcz1