Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-03-23
Representative Hamilton Returns
From Visiting the Islands.
MANY REFORMS MUST Be MADE
American Methods Are Needed in
Several Lines.
D TROUBLE EXPECTED

Representative Hamilton of Michigan re-
turned to the city today from visit to
Porto Rico and Cuba, made since Congress
ADJOURNED. Mr.. Hamilton has taken a deep
interest in Cuban and Porto Rican affairs
and made as close an investigation into the
conditions prevailing in the islands as the
brief time occupied by the trip would per-
init.
Il do not think Porto Rico will present
any problems too hard to solve" said Mr.
Hamilton to Star reporter today 1.-The
people are difficult, because they are so diff
ferent from our folks They do not look at
anything from the Anglo-Saxon point OF
view. All their environments differ from
ours. and it will take time to change their
point of view to agree with ours.
Many Reforms Needed
Many reforms will have to be made in
Porto Rico before the island attains it's lust
share Of prosperity. The judicial system
must be renovated, and, think ought to
be oVerhauled from the ground up. The
Porto Ricans don't seem to mind the
abuses. l suppose things are normal to
them.
American methods must be introduced in
many lines. A thorough system of survey
ing ought to be established to properly de-
mark property, both for the protection of
the individual and for taxation purposes.
Under what is known as the Hollander bill,
recently enacted by the local legislature
plan of land taxation is in effect, which
believe will turn out to be a good one, al
though / understand some complaints have
been made against it.
agricultural methods can be wonderfully
improved The island is both healthful and
fertile and will grow a great variety of
crops But their tobacco, sugar and
oranges can be improved so as to command
better prices for better quality. That will
all come in time, 1 suppose.
Il did not evidences Of destitutiOn.
That is, destitution as the Porto Ricans un-
derstand it. We would think affairs were
in bad shape. because We would not consent
to live they seem contented to exist.
do not believe there is opposition to the
Americans, although it is easy to see that
for some time to come there may be lack
of harmony, purely a racial disagreement
and the outcome of difference of tempera-
ment and habits, between the Porto Ricans
and the Americans.
Cubans Want Independence.
LAS to Cuba, am Of the opinion that the
Platt amendments will ultimately be ac-
cepted by the Cubans and that there will
be no trouble between Cuba and the United
States.
There is no mistaking the feeling of the
people, however in favor of independence.
Their hearts are set on it, and you hear 1t
talked in the plazas, on the streets and
everywhere. II diiicuItleS arise II Will pe
because the people are easily influenced by
their leaders, and small fractions or parties
can attract large followings of impulsiye,
impetuous people If the right man is at the
head.
Il think the people can be convinced in
time that the Platt amendments do not
hamper their independence and that our
declarations therein contained are only in
line with our foreign policy and the Monroe
doctrine, as understood by all the world"
Mr.. Hamilton thought of undertaking a
trip to the Philippines, but says that short
experience in the tropics is sufficient and
he will forego further insular investigation.
A temperate climate, he says, is good
enough for him, and that for associates he
is content to put up with the Anglo-Saxon