The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-07-23

The Porto R1cdn resident cOiAhiS
,sioner in the United States is Felix Cordova Da-
villa In the house the other day he asked ana re-
ceived unanimous consent to print In the Congress
sional Record an article by DR.. Albert Shaw on
Porto Rico, which he said contained very vaiu-
able information which may be useful to members
lof congress-" In connection with his request he
said in substance:
Il want to say once more that the movement OF
independence In the island Of Porto Rico has been
greatly exaggerated in the United States; that
1.-THE people who favor this ideal are very good ma
teria out Of which to build up loyal American cit
items that we all truly appreciate the privileges
OF being citizens Of this nation: and that our 10y
atty to the national flag, without mental reserva-
TONS Is the best evidence Of love to the peo-
pie Of Porto Rico. At all events, the issue OF In
dependence Is really unfortunate but the common
sense and the patriotism of the Porto Ricans in
duce me to believe that this ideal will disappear
from their minds in the not very distant future.
II indorse everything printed in this article ex-
cept the views of the writer regarding the COVER
norship. / really believe, Mr.. Speaker, that the
people Of Porto Rico have right to elect their
own governor, and hope that the congress OF the
United States will recognize this right at the
proper time. (Applause) 81
"At present we have lost our fight But we are
good losers We cordially congratulate the new
governor on his appointment. He Will surely nave
the cooperation Of our people in the discharge OF
his official duties. We wish him successful ad-
ministration."
DIR. shaw's article is too long for reproduction
here In full. Following are some of the important
points made:
The Porto Ricans, though living under the Amer
lean flag and loyal to 1t beyond question, are
now having very elaborate political discussions
about their future. These arguments are not close
. Iy followed in the United States and are somewhat
puzzling, even to public men at Washington who
<Infic ,dxO Undo md yUhn
desire to understand The Porto Ricans them
selves are aware that people in the United States
read more about politics in Ireland and Canada
and at times more about affairs In Australia, New
Zealand and South Africa-than about what Is go
ing on In an island which we annexed more than
20 years ago. and whose people are now American
citizens just truly as are the people or Massa-
chusetts and Virginia.
Most readers in the United States are not aware
that the Unionist party, which has a very large
majority In each of the chambers of the Porto Rico
legislature swept the island In the election last
November on platform which included an Elm
dependence" plank. The opposing party, which
bears the name Republican, was, apparently, weak
ened rather than strengthened by coalition which
4 formed with the Socialist party for election pur
noses The strong and capable men Of Porto Rico
are TO be found in both parties. In SO far as the
future Of the island is concerned, the Republicans
are wholly In favor Of accepting the connection
with the United States as permanent The leaders
OF both parties as also their newspaper organs
are warm In their expressions Of friendness to
the people OF the United States and to the govern
ment at Washington.
The Unionist leaders disayoW all tnougnt OF Sc
curinp an Independence that should come with any
sscrifca Of good will on either part. The Porto
Rican political spokesman on both sides are men
of remarkable oratorical ability; and In an election
corraian where they seek to gain large popular
following they express themselves more passion.
otelv Il the discussion Of q question Ike that OF
,nSlependence than when conversing quietly aOou'
Porto Rico's best interests with menpets y .ne
sssssr,,.s committees Independence" we are
assured 81 tie leaders Is not secession but natural
evolution. -.
AZ matter Of fact her connection with the Uni
IA States Il too valuable to Porto Rico fo pc sac