Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-06-03

Popular interest in the appointment
of Col. Theodore Roosevelt as Governor
of Porto Rico turns upon what his
fathers son may do toward solving the
problems of the dissatisfied islanders.
There Is some speculation, too, about
the possible future political significance
of the colonels return to public once.
"This Is one of the most important
posts in the Government service" says
the Buffalo Evening News. 1T requires
administrative ability Of high order and,
with that, an understanding Of the Latin
temperament and some familiarity with
the political and the economic situation
in the island. Recently many complaints
have come from Porto Rico. The people
of the colony are not satisfied with their
status under American rule. The gov
errors, therefore, have not had happy
time Of 1t. The Porto RicanS seem to
feel that Gov. Towner has not been SUI
ficiently sympathetic toward their as
pirations. AS his successor, Col. Roose-
Welt will not have any easy path to
tread. However, he starts with this adj
vantage: The Porto Ricans hold the
memory of his father in tender regard"
perhaps the island and its prob
lens need the publicity and the attend
ant popular attention that young T. r.
is likely to bring to It," thinks the
Lansing State Journal. 1T is true that
Porto Rico has not taken as much
American attention as have the Philip
pines. The public mind is rather con-
FUSED as TO the situation in Porto Rico.
It is described as an island Of wonder
full possibilities. and 1t ought to be a
matter of great satisfaction II 1t can
be so we'll administered as to bring the
possibilities to their highest develop
ment.'
1.-THE problems there today" accord
ing TO the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, ARE
human problems. Underpaid labor, pow
erty, depression unquestionably exist
There is precious little market for Amer
lean shoes or any other shoes in that
island Under American control, it has
not shared American prosperity. Yet
It's natural resources are wonderful, ana
sugar, coffee and tobacco should be pro-
duced in wealth-bringing volume under
more modern methods OF agriculture.
Naturally, political problems spring out
of economic problems. Porto Rico is
demanding 8 governor who Is a native.
She Is demanding full control Of her
own affairs. She is Americanized to
that extent. And to conciliate the ma
tives and make them prosperous and
happy is q task worthy Of the charac-
teristic Rooseveltian energy"
1.-THE doughty colonel Is son OF his
father in many particulars" remarks
the Morgantown New Dominion, yet
he finds this one of the things that he
must live down. If he is to succeed in
life on his own account, he must first
teach people 10 recognize him for his
own worth and ability. and not as the
son Of the illustrious President.
He has now been called out OF political
obscurity, not to run for ofhce, but TO
accept an appointment. The chances
are that the post in Porto Rico marks
the return of Col. Roosevelt to the
ranks of political possibilities or to the
legion OF diplomatic representatives.
There Is a great deal Of sentiment
attached to the name Of Roosevelt In
this country, and most persons will
hope that the son of his father Will be
successful in his new position" declares
the New Castle News. president Hoo
yer has shown tact, as well as wisdom.
in making appointments thus far, ana
there is every reason to believe that the
ceived as others have been"
The hope that "Mr. Roosevelt Will
rise to the demands Of the position" is
voiced by the Rochester Times Union,
as it recognizes that the people OF
Porto Rico have not been quite happy
In the governors which administrations
In the United States have imposed
upon Them" and remarks that per
haps they will never be happy under
any governor, but 1t does seem as
though q selection might be made
which would be more acceptable than
those Of the past
"The names of Col. Roosevelt's In
aegsers have not been p1hlished" y =