The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1902-08-22
WM. G. GREGG AND COLONEL
MCANDLESS ON PORTO RICO
An Interesting Description Of One Of Uncle
Sans New Possessions. an Educa.
tonaI and Property Test for Voters.

Before the American occupation. $780,
600 was sent annually to the King Of
Spain: 10000 was sent to the Pope at
Rome, and from 100000 to $500 900 was
spent for the support of 1000 Spanish
soldiers. This was under trade con-
ditions that were less favorable than
they have today. For the Spanish
market before the Spanish war was a
good deal of myth. both as to Porto
Rico and Cuba. Spanish consumption
always was small and the leading pro-
ducts of Porto Rico and Cuba before
the Spanish war were sold in the
worlds open market.
Statements with reference to moral
conditions are conflicting. Through the
laxity of government and the excessive
fees of the church the marriage cere-
mony was among the lower classes
largely dispensed with This did not
necessarily mean licentiousness. Hap
PLY these matters have been corrected.
A law is just going into effect compell-
ing every man and woman who live
together to procure a marriage certi-
fcate. If 1t is not enforced too vigor-
ously on the start the good results will
very soon show themselves.
NOT A TERRITORY.
Porto Rico is not a territory. The
people are foolishly sensitive on this
point, as they say they are not Ameri-
can citizens and they want to be. From
what / know of the conditions in Ha-
wall I think Porto Rico very fortunate
in being under the wise provision of
the Foraker bill. They have an educa-
tional and small property qualification
f.N,- -.
of the legislature. The upper house
consists of twelve men called the exc
cutive council. Seven of these are ap-
pointed by the president direct and five
are appointed by the governor of Porto
Rico. such appointments being con-
firmed in Washington. With clean cut
and capable men such as Governor
Hunt at the head of this executive
council, and such men as General FL
lot at the head of the interior depart
ment which constructs all the roads,
and with such fine lot of Americans
as / met in official positions, am not
surprised at the good results obtained.
The island is about as large as five
counties the size of Hennepin and con-
tains about 100000 persons. They are
being taught in the public schools the
English language along with Spanish.
1t is easy to find almost anywhere
someone who can speak at least little
of our language. I think it is safe to
say that in ten years everyone under
twenty-five years Of age will speak
English.
The public library established in San
Juan has been splendidly patronized,
the common people have been allowed a
| freedom in the plaZas or parks un-
known before. Real estate has doubled
in value. Unfortunately this does not
affect the poorer class favorably.
/ am compelled to admit that the
effect of the American occupation Of
Porto Rico has been a godsend to the
people and more or less of an inspira-
tion to the people of the United States.
can see no cloud in the future. / do
not expect great things from a tropi-
cal people For their own good they
should not be allowed to become a ter
ritory; for our good they should not be
allowed statehood