The Springdale news., 1917-01-26

Porto Rico was not conquered by the l 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 l that were nothing more than skir- mishes. The Porto Ricans 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 l to time that the islanders expected to l be given certain rights as new mem 1 bers of the great republican family l which they had been denied ill the l past. They are allowed today to elect their own island house of representa- l lives, but it's will is entirely subject to that of the American appointed gov ernof and his executive council. An other Edward Everett Hale might write another Man Without q Country with q 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- l ing American citizenship upon them congress intended to act very slowly, if I at all, many of the people have be come indifferent to the American tie and actually have demanded complets independence. There is in the island today a considerable party whcf 1 hopes that the political bonds whict tie the country to the United States today may sometime be severed. The unionist party, however, contains a majority of the people and these de sire to continue the union with the United States. but on the basis of American Citizenship. Apparently it 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 for the promotion of vocational eduea- ton 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 saiutary educational works eyer entered upon=hy the government
 In brief, this vocational educational measure provides for financial assis- tance from the government, to be in- creased in amount from year to year, i for any state which in it's own behalf chooses to allot a certain amount of money from its treasury for the pur- pose of carrying forward the eduea tional endeavor. The sums which are 10 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 ill trade and industrial subjects are to be allotted in the proportion which the states urban population bears to the l total urban population or the United States.
 Cabinet Members on Board.
 The law creates 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- l teligently to assist in the establish ment of vocational schools and classes and in giving instruction in agrieul- ture. trades, industries. commerce and commercial pursuits and home eco uomieS.
 Soon after the president signs this vocational educational bill, which at this writing is in conference between the two houses, and virtually Is eer tain to pass. the board consisting of the cabinet officers already named will select Il general director of all voca- tional educational work. He probably will be paid q salary of S7, 900 year. A specialist in agricultural education is to he employed, probably at a salary of $7,000 q year Other specialists re- ceiving like salaries will be named to supervise trade instruction and com mercial instruction, II seems likely that woman will be appointed as the specialist in home economies Her salary will be 5000 a year.
 The board also will be authorized under the law to select an advisory board to be composed of seven men, one from the economic arts, one from agriculture, one from commerce, one from labor Tn general, and three from the field of general education. The members of this advisory board cannot serve under the law for more than 3C days in one year They are to re. ceive no salaries. but shall have their travelling expenses paid and are to be allowed S10 day for subsistence.