The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1921-07-08

IL iOIlO ltlCdn feSluenl cOilhhiS
siOner in tie United States is Felix Cordova Da-
villa. In the house the other day he asked and re-
&c we'd unanimous consent to print In the Congress
sional Record an article by DR.. Albert Shaw on
Porto Rico, which he said contaiped very valu-
able information which may be useful to members
OF congress-. In connection with his request he
said In substance:
L 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
the people who favor this ideal are very good ma
iernl out of which to build up loyal American cit
liens; 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-
uons, Is the best evidence of our love to the peo-
nle d Porto Rico. AT all events, the issue of in
aependence is really unfortunate. but the common
sense and the patriotism of the Porto Ricans In
duce me 10 believe that this ideal will disappear
from their minds in the not very distant future.
Il lndorse 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 a right to elect their
own governor, and l hope that the congress of the
Unised States will recognize this right at the
proper time. (Applause) u
~At present we have lost our fight. But we are
good losers. We cordially congratulate the new
governor on his appointment. He will surely have
me cooperation of our people in the discharge of
afs official duties. We wish him a successful ad.
hfiiitoAiullOu.
J Or. 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
Ean flag and loyal to II beyond a question, are
dow having very elaborate political discussions
about their future. These arguments are not close
Iy followed in the United States and are somewhat
puzzTing, even to public men at Washington who
are sympathetic and open-minded and who really
desire TO understand. The Porto Ricans them
selves are aware that people In the United States
ssd 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
Sfizens Just as truly as are the people of AIassa-
chusetts and Virginia.
Most readers in the United States are not aware
that the UnIonlst party. which has a very large
najority In each of the chambers of the Porto Rico
swept the island in the election last
November on a platform which included an Gin
3ependence" plank. The opposing party. which
Fears fine name Republican, was, apparently, weak
ened rather than strengthened by a coalition which
L formed with the Socialist party for election pur-
poses. The strong and capable men of Porto Rico
ae to be found in both parties. In so far as the
future of the island is concerned. the Republicans
IRE Uholly I'm favor of accepting the connection
fhe United States as permanent. The leaders
of both parties, as also their newspaper organs,
are warm in their expressions of friendliness to
The people Of the United States and to the govern
nent Mt Washington.
Tie UnioBist leaders disavow all thought Of Sc
,uyring an independence that should come with any
Of good will on either part. The Porto
Rfcan political spokesman on both sides are men
,f remarkable oratorical ability; and In an election
campaign where they seek to gain a large popular
following they express themselves more passion
ssely i'm. the discussion of q question like that OF
Independence than wien conversing quietly about
Porto Rico's best interests with members Of the
-nb.net at, washington or with members of con-
,ressionai committees. independence" we are
,ssured by the leaders. is not secession but natural
As a matter of fact her connection with the Uni
ed States Is too valuable to Porto kico TO be sac