Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1902-11-27
truly the land of perpetual June.

but perhaps you may nave peeh Tea'i'
ing accounts of riots and murders during
the recent election period, and are think
ing that in spite of the beautiful climate
this island is not altogether happy
place for a residence. 1t is true that
there have been few disturbing occur
rences in the past few weeks, but the
accounts published in the papers have
been for the most part greatly exagger-
ated; when it is considered that the peo-
pie of Porto Rico have in the past three
years been given liberty so much
greater than they had ever known be-
fore, that the stern and depressing dom
nation of Spain has been, replaced by
the mild and uplifting government of
America, it is not to be wondered at if a
few of these newly made, voters have
mistaken liberty for license, and have
attempted to throw off all reasonable
restraints. Politics and revolution have
been synonymous terms in all Spanish
America; the, habits of four centuries
can not be uprooted in -four years. Yet
there was a great advance in the conduct
of the recent election over that of two
years ago, and it is evident that, with
the advancing education in ideas of per-
sonal and national freedom, Porto Rico
may expect bright political future. ~
Education, that is what is needed most
of all, not simply the inculcation of a
knowledge of literature, mathematics
and sciences, but broader and deeper
influence which shall give the people
new ideals, and teach them to seek all
that is true and beautiful and lovely.
Much can be done through the schools,
and we feel that the Americanization of
Porto Rico must begin there. At this
time nearly 1900 schools are open; over
every one floats an American flag, and in
every one, to greater or less extent,
American ideals are taught.
When the school year began last Sep
TENDER, | had the pleasure of going to
the city of Fajardo to open new high
school; and when, as the flag was raised
for the first time over the handsome
stone building, the 500 children gathered
in front joined in singing America" l
received my first impression of what the
schools were doing toward making Amer
lean citizens of these people.
1 wish you could have seen that group
of children. Some were white, some
were black, but most of them were of
shades varying between the two ex
tremes; some were well dressed; some
were nearly undressed; but all were
eager to learn the new ideas which the
schools are teaching.
Not much clothing is necessary for
a child in these attitudes. Recently l
visited an agricultural school-a school
where boys receive, besides training in
the common school branches, practical
training in gardening and farming and
found present there so pupils. With
the teacher and myself there were so in
the room. I made little inventory of
visible articles of clothing which resulted
as follows: Eighteen coats, one vest, SO
shirts, four collars, three neckties, four
pairs of shoes, three pairs of stockings
and 81 IL pairs of trousers. But there
was an earnest look on the faces of the
so boys, and am not afraid to guarantee
that few years hence those same young
men will be wearing good clothes which
they themselves have earned, and will be
doing the work of men in the world.
There is great work here for men and
who want to share in the cares
and labors Of building up state, but nc
place for the adventurer or the indolent
pleasure seeker. We are now employing
about one hundred and fifty American |
teachers, nominally to teach English but
those who stop when they have given
their English lessons, and are satisfied |
with six hours work in the school room, |
10 but small part of the work: we want
them to show the pupils, the native
teachers and the people in general, ex-
amples of all that is best in American
life, and by their constant influence tend
70 bring to pass sooner the awakening of
ibis people. Most Of them are doing !,
ibis, and they are receiving their re-
so much in money as in a
of being an important part
Of great work.
Personally, find the work intensely
there are many problems yet
20 be solved, but we are seeing some re-
suits from what vas been done, and can
ook ahead to still greater things. Porto
Rico is land of promise, and the time
will come when it will be one of the
brightest stars in the American constel-
ation.
f. w. LORD,
Acting Commissioner of Education.