La correspondencia de Puerto Rico. (San Juan, P.R.) 1890-1943, 1905-11-05

En- nuestra edici6n de de Octubre de
1905 publicamos el texto espafiol de una
caTta que tuvieTa la bondad de suscribir
ell senior John L. Hogan, de New York
\ 7 como quiera que esa traducci6n no era
exacta nj correcta, habi6ndose cometido en-
ella errores. damos hoy la publicidad el
texto ingl6s de la referida carta
/ He aquf la carta:
|. III New York, 438 West 10th, Street.
|. September 21st, 1905.
My dear sir
| Following your valued suggestion, |
have made several visits to Mr.. KeeleF's
establishment with the purpose of seeing
him, but have been unfortunate in finding
the gentleman absent. called today
determined to see some person other than
Mr.. Keller, and was informed a Mr.
Hammond-whom / presume is a partner
would receive me- handed in your
card stating the visit was made at your
suggestion. After waiting more than a
reasonable time, Mr. Hammond failed to
appear. and in consequence left, hauing
other engagement and being desinclined
to await the convenience of this person. /
shall be unable to call again.
In the matter Of transportation to and
the dissatisfaction which you state exists
upon the part of shippers and Others be-
cause of the character Of the service af-
forded. I would suggest if the merchants
interested desire that new line Of steam
ers be established, no doubt persons can
be found willing to undertake such an
enterprise provided it can be made clear
to them that a profitable field exists and
will continue to exist In order to pre-
sent the matter in an intelligent manner,
it is sggested those interested in transporta-
tion submit schedule covering monthly
shipments to and from Porto Rico during
the past twenty four months, and includ-
ing under separate headings the port of
New York, New Orleans and such other
points as may be in touch at regular inter
walls, The schedule alluded to should
contain de1nite and exact data, naming
the quantity, character and value Of mer-
chandies -classifed-such as, Sugar, To
bacco, Coffee, Hides, fruits (each Variety
Cotton, etc., etc. Naming each port of
call upon the island, and giving complete
inform nation as to quantities handled in
and out Of each port, method of handling
(loading and unloading) facilities for
handling, whether by lighter or on dock,
charges for same depth of water at low
and high ide, port dues, pilot dues, whar-
fage in fact a complete list of expenses
which should be incursed, giving an ex-
hibit Of conditions governing during the
twenty four months past, together with an
estimate of the business for the coming
twelve months. .#|
Added to the above should be a state
ment giving in detail the various subjects
which it is desired should be considered.
If present rates as charged on merchan-
disc, ETC., are considered too high, a sound
reason for such supposition should be adj
vanced, and rate named which would be
satisfactory to those interested directly. In
addition it is assumed those who desire a
new line opened up, would be prepared to
engage the space which vessels would af
ford, and pay for same if used, and if not
use through neglect op the shippers to have
cargo at hand to place on board, to pay
for space set aside and engaged, provided
other freight be not available at reason
able tt me before stalled time of steamers
| departure.
| IF facilities are deseired for cold storage
etc., the same should be stated in detail,
and an agreement would be required
guaranteeing the ship company against
loss on account of ftheir reserving this GER
tain space for the purpose in view.
| 1t may be inferred no reliable company
| would be inclused to enter the field and
| dispute the territory upon mere sspecula-
tation. Transportation 'waTs'' and the
rllinous competition involved are avoided
| as rule, and unless the outone be ap-
parent. Nudless to say the enterprise if
entered upon should show a commercial
| profit calculated upon reliable basis of
facts.
|. The number of sailing desired each
month should be mentioned, indeed the
entire proposition should be put together
in full and in theclearest possible manner.
/ 1t must be apparent to all concerned the
matter of transportation is perhaps the most
important which touches upon the welfare
of the island. Because of the position Of
Of Porto Rico, its necessities, the character
of its commerce, ETC., the influence of water
communication cannot be overestimated.
Delays and difficulties caused by labor
troubles and disaquements with and bet
Ween those interested should be arranged
upon an amicable basis if possible, because
such disaquements have and must continue
ohave seriores influence upon the general,
prosperity of the island. Investors-large
Or small-will not experience desire to
inter upon commercial ventures when it is
evident any day may bring about dis
| turbance which will upset all calculations,
and bring about disaster. This feature Of
case demands careful and intelligent treat
nent III the interests Of all concerned
II A temporary steamship service might
he established under charter or otherwise
and plant might be presented which
| would meet general approval but in any