New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-12-01
TIC the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune
Sir: I notice that unkind things are salo
about, Governor Hunt incident to the recent
elections, and such reflections are always &C
companied by the most doleful accounts or the
conditions here. hope the people of the states
will not believe all they hear Of the eVli III
this island. Remember this is little island,
with a million people just escaped from the
tolls Of Spanish despotism. History teaches
that we must not expect perfect order so soon'
and that it is not due to mismanagement if we
don't have IL. Really. there is more tranquility
than we might expect. The people have re-
spect for authority Crime appears only IN
spots and on occasions. There were some po-
litical tantrums in which a little blood was
spilled 1t all came from the old Spanish habit
that controlled public affairs by intolerance ana
menace. Hardly time yet to work 1t out by the
infusion of American ideals. But things are
tending that way. The situation grows brighter
Your recent editorial expressing satisfaction
that the Foraker law did not completely sever
the island from the United States supervision
was well considered. The present form or gov
eminent is tentative and temporary intended
to conduct safely and wisely the transition OF
the island from absoIutism to republicanism 1t
is having trouble. Of course. but it Is doing
well. So let US be patient a while. Porto Rico
is evolving rightly. The Foraker law is working
nicely Governor Hunt is fulfilling his mission
with courage and good sense.
One New-York Republican paper claimed a
great Republican victory in Porto RICO, ana
New York Democratic paper answered by as
scrbng the victory to General Hunts twenty
five personal representatives sent to the prom
inent polls out in the island to watch the vote
and secure by their presence order and fair play
Neither paper knew what it talking about.
A Republican victory here is not victory from
the standpoint of q Republican in the states.
Both parties here have the same set Of glorious
principles. Both have Endorsed Roosevelt's ad-
ministration. 1t is largely personal Tight for
place and leadership Governor Hunt has no
need to cross the street to secure a victory FOR
either side. He sent those twenty-five men
the island to secure fair play, and to report
to him the difficulties if any, which they en-
countered. I don't believe he saw that those
men even Republicans; I know most Of
them, and know not. They were all
men CT sense, Americans who could speak Span
ish, and didn't care which side won. so the vote
was fair. Their influence was wholesome. There
were some fights and riots on the two registra-
ton days but Election Day passed off like a
Sunday in Philadelphia Instead Of aspersions
upon General Hunt there should be only COM
mendations. Not quarter Of the trouble exists
IN Porto Rico that the rumors going north are
bloated with. AmericaniZation of Porto Rico
may be long way off, but it IS advan i~g stead
lily. The Governor is fulfilling his mission wise
", and nne-tenths of the Americans here know
it, and standing by him. E. S. w.
San Juan, Porto Rico, Nov Is.