Putnam patriot. [volume] (Putnam, Conn.) 1872-1962, 1909-03-19

Ii seems hardly possible 10 one in the
tropics that winter cold can anywhere
prevail. Our coolest weather has been
~ above zero, land this is only for n
short time in the morning. Ii is sell
dom that the thermometer goes down
To 70, but is usually from 20 to 50, be-
coming warmer later in the day. Tn
such mornings one wants on cem-
mon spring coat, but an alpaca coat is
often sufficient for the rest of the day.
We meet many turists from the States
who are highly pleased with Porto
Rico winter, We have recently
received at the Institute delight
full calls from DIR. Thompson,
prominent Presbyterian clergyman
from New York, and from DIR.
Lyman Abbott, editor of the Out
look. We meet many others who are
spending short time ON the island,
with whom we form pleasant ae-
quaintance.
The American community is quite
large and constantly becoming larger.
Distance from home causes n feeling Of
kinship among all, and one soon finds
himself surrounded by large circle OF
acquaintanees. Of the receptions
which we have attended the most ela-
borate were the reception TO Bishop
Warren of the Methodist church al the
Hotel Eureka, at which the address of
welcome was given by the Governor of
the Island; the reception To DIR.
Thompson. and the Governors recep-
ton ut the palace. AT this last large
number both Porto Ricans and Amer
leans, were present. The elegance of
costumes and the general appearance
of superiority iof those present conf
ported well with the decorations and
appointments OF the Palace itself. 1t
was very enjoable occasion.
AT Blanche Kellogg Institute we
have had several occasions of interest.
Our observance of Christmas was after
the New England pattern, Christ
mas tree In the Chapel aud pieces suit
able to the day recited by the children.
A better looking Christmas tree IL
would be hard to find, or better exer-
cises, In any northern school. The
children collected and brought In 800
In money 10 provide Christmas for
any outside the school who might be as
happily situated as themselves. Then
we have had several concerts in our
Chapel which would ne considered
very superior in any New England
village. Recently we held a Memorial
service in honor of Mr.. Kellogg, re-
Gently deceased, who contributed
the father of the young lady whose
name il bears Al this service we had
addresses by Gov. Post, Mr., Haddock
the Assistant Commissioner of Educa-
ton, and several others. In these adj
dresses the opportunity before this
school and the importance ofils work
were duly emphasized.
One of the hopeful signs of the
Americanization Of Porto Rico Is the
observance of both Iaineoln's and
ashington's birthday much as In
the States. The children think of the
"Stars and Stripes as the flag OF their
country, and on these occasions give
expression to the most patriotic senti-
ments both in song defamation. In
the Legislative hall, the portrait of
Washington looks down ON the
Lawmakers. The improvement OF
roads, the building of bridges, the
multiplication of fruit rand sugar
plantations, the rise In the price of
real estate, and the improvement seen
in many ways, are evidences OF
the great change which has come with
the American occupation.
NEWTON !. JoSEs,
Blanche kellogg Institute SanIurce.
Porto Rico Feb. -, 1903.