The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1907-07-25
Prosperous zorro RICANS.
Under the American Fiag They Have Every.
thing They Desire But Citizenship.

To rHE EDITOR or The SUH-Sir: With
the commemorstion on July 25 Of the ninth
anniversary Of the landing OF American
troops at Guanica. Porto Rico. may ] dwell
upon the achievements OF the United states
In that dependency Economically speaking
there IL nothing to compare with the mar
vellous growth OF Porto Rico In so short Q
time In the history Of European colonization.
As a customer Of the continental United States
Porto Rico is now giving Cuba a close race.
and II the Pearl Of the Antilles" does not
adapt herself to a settled life and stable as
tenn Of government she will be left behind by
her little sister.
The Spanish Ministers Of Ultramar never
dreamed Of the wonderful agricultural posi-
bilities lying dormant In the fertile soil Of
their favorite colony. They would be taken
aback II they were told to-day that the total
wealth Of Porto Rico has jumped In nine
years from about $4,000. 900 pesos OF a fuc-
tuating value to something like 100. 600, 900
American dollars Of a fixed worth. Their
mouths would water II IT. we're impaired TO
them that the imports and exports OF Porto
Rico have increased from ~ .37+. 1888 pesos In 1899
to a, 40. 852 dollars In 1908. They would rub
their incredulous eyes If they were told that
the importation Of fertilizers In 1908 reached
the respectable sum Of $500. 900. which when
com with the %, 700 pesos consumed In
1898 would denote that the farmers Of the
island are abandoning the old nonchalant
ways OF tillins the soil and are adopting
scientific methods to increase It's production.
They would be rather abashed we're they con-
scious OF their inability TO do, proportionately.
in 100 years for public education in Porto Rico
what the Government OF the tnlted states mas
But what would be the character OF the
remarks uttered by those monarchical gentle
men VI they were taken into our confidence
and told that the Republican administration
Of the United States does not feel inclined TO
make eood. the assurances given by General
Miles at the time Of the invasion OF Porto Rico
when he said that he went to the island TO
bestow upon its people, the immunlties and
blessings Of the liberal institutions Of our
Government"P What omment would those
roy alist adherents make II they we're in
formed that In lieu of. the autonomous native
islanders in 1913. and which General Miles found
IN working order when he landed at Guanica.
a fair participation in the ri ghts and respon-
sibilities of their insular administration?
Would not those Ministers laugh in their
sleeves IL they knew that In compensation OF
transports OF Joy with which Porto Rico
accepted the change OF sovereignty, the
have no national status?
/ agree with those who venture the sug-
seetion that the Porto, Ricans themselves
are much 10 blame for the actual negligence
OF The american Congress. No bdstd toner
ra:Ja. es precise Que nos "a otorgnSn. Is me
nppon those who with risht on their side should
fight in the last ditch pnr to g. What belongs S. 70
in favor Of their dues. but so feeble that they
were soon forgotten. IL there is a people
on the face OF the earth which responds
quickly to the dictates Of justice and right
eousness that people Ia the American people.
The Porto hhans. have acted like. children.
| They have placed too much confidence in
the ability Of men holding offcial positions
TO reach and influence the legislat ors at Wash
ington, when they should have gone IN person
TO the national capital and made their wants
known.
What will 1908 have in store for the Porto
Ricane. VIII the tenth anniversary Of the
raising Of the Stars and Stripes find It's in
habitsnts In the same predicsmcnt as they
are to-day d. CoLLAZo.
New YORK, July 20.