The Pulaskian., 1917-01-26

if a man should say that he were n citizen of Porto Rico he would be sim ply acknowledging that he was neither fish, flesh nor fowl as citizen. Of course under the United States rule the Porto Ricans have had something to say about their home government, but they had no such rights as citizens of the United States enjoy, and their status. while if involved obedience to She laws of the United States, car ried only subordinate right to make the laws under which the island was governed.
 Porto Rico was not conquered by the United States in one sense, although it was occupied during our war with Spain when such Spanish soldiers as were there were defeated in battles that were nothing more than skir- mishes. The Porto Rieans themselves met the soldiers of Gen. Nelson A. Miles with outstretched hands and with hearts full of hospitality. Nearly all of them were glad to get away from the control of Spain.
 Congress has been told from time to time that the islanders expected to be given certain rights as new mem bers of the great republican family which they had been denied in the past. They are allowed today to elect i their own island house of representa- tives but it's will Is entirely subject to that of the American appointed gov ernor and his executive council An other Edward Everett Hale might write | another Man Without q Country with Porto Rican as it's hero. Some Want independence.
 Through the years that have passed when it became apparent to the Porto Ricans that in the matter of bestow- ing American citizenship upon them congress intended to act very slowly, if at all, many of the people have be- come indifferent to the American tie | and actually have demanded complete independence. There is in the island today a considerable party which hopes that the political bonds which tie the country to the United States today may sometime be severed The unionist party, however, contains majority of the people and these de- sire to continue the union with the l United States. but on the basis of American Citizenship. Apparently 1t is the belief of the American con gress that all the Porto Ricans event ually will become satisfied provided citizenship be given to them.
 To Aid Vocational Training.
 On the point of passage, and soon unquestionably to receive the presi- dents approval, is the bill which will give federal aid to the various states 1 for the promotion of vocational eduea- tion in agriculture and the trades and industries. Irrespective of party, most of the members of congress seem to think this measure is be one of the most salutary educational works ever entered upon by the government.
 In brief this vocational educational measure provides for finaucial assis- tance from the government, to be in- creased in amount from year to year, for any state which in It's own behalf chooses to allot certain amount of money from it's treasury for the pur- pose of carrying forward the ecuca- tional endeavor. The sums which are to be allotted by the government to | the different states for the teaching of agricultural subjects are to be in the proportion which the rural population of these states bears to the total rural population of the United States.
 The sums which are to be appor toned in the states for instruction in trade and industrial subjects are to be allotted in the proportion which the states urban population bears to the total urban population of the United States.
 Cabinet Members on Board.
 The law creates a federal board for vocational education. It is to consist of the postmaster general, the secre- tary of the interior, the secretary of agriculture, the secretary of commerce and the secretary of labor. This board Is to make studies and Investigations which will enable the government in- telligently to assist in the establish ment of vocational schools and classes and in giving instruction in agricul- ture, trades, industries, commerce and commercial pursuits and home eco- monies.
 Soon after the president signs this vocational educational bill, which at this writing is in conference between the two houses, and virtually Is cer- tain to pass, the board consisting of l the cabinet officers already named will select a general director of all voca- tional educational work. He probably will be paid salary of $7,500 year. A specialist in agricultural education is to be employed, probably at a salary of $7,000 year. Other specialists re- ceiving like salaries will be named to supervise trade instruction and com mercial instruction. It seems likely that woman will be appointed as the