BoletiÌn mercantil de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 18??-1918, 1904-07-15
Governor Winthrop
at the Helm

AS we informed our readers in our
issue of yesterday there were not any
public demonstrations of rejoice on the
arrival to these shores of Governor
Winthrop.
We doubt not, that some one, has
made his business to inform. the Co
vernon, that it was an old adopted
custom OF fhe portoricans to accord to
their governors enthusiastic and affec-
fjonate receptions, and safe to say
that he had also been made aware
that large crowds would follow his
coach, and that his line Of march
would be covered by flowers thrown
out by the must beautiful women, at
the sound of the heartiest hurrahs.
This could not happen this time and
it could not happen, because sad ex-
perience has taught the PEOPLE. that
all such demonstrations are premature
and uni i1rious, when there is not evi
dent and sufficient cause to call for
the same.
Satisf action and happiness need ex-
pans1on, and never filter occasion
than the arrival of the Chief of the
Executive; this sort of condition Of
happiness and satisfaction owing 10
abundance and comfort, established
the old custom; but matters have sadly
changed and not even some hints
from above would PROMPT the people
TO show out as OF old.
But let Us ask. have the powers
expressed any desire Of reception
by the people to the new Governor?
We believe they have not, and if they
have, they failed.
AS the general conditions grow
worse, disaffe ection and discomfort per-
wade the mind and it is impossible
that people under such circumstan-
ces will show any outward marks of
satisfaction. Nevertheless, our people
will tend a cordial welcome to the
Governor, as a guest and as the re
preventative of great nation.
A change of governors do not alter
the terms of the problem, the change
we need is change of regimen and
is what the people ask for. A demo-
cratic government, hnantial methods
more humane and more in harmony
with the principles of political eco
nomy as own in Justice to moderate
and educated people, like ours 49,.
If the new Governor had been the
carrier of effective and formal promi-
ses of reforms which would soon be
come facts, if The peoples hope for a
near end of their present misery would
materialize, their attitude would have
been full of expressive congratulations
to the new Governor.
What we wish and what we ask is
the derogation of the Foraker Law
with its execrable provisions for free
trade, with its unrelented persecusion
of our chief product, coffee, which
have brought the ruin of the country;
and that political and reasonable f.
nantial laws be accorded to us, as we
have right to.
The GOODNESS of the people could in
no manner have surprised the over
nor, he knows or have been informed
even before his arrival of the benign
nature of our people, but people SO
moulded. feel deep, and if not other
wise, show it in their faces and in their
must minute actions.
Governor Winthrop is at the Helm.
If he extends his hands to the people,
he will bring the ship to safe port
through fair seas and fair wind, and
if he does it. the everlasting love Of
the portoricans will be won by him, as
also the nw,t beautiful place in the
history of the country.