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PORTO RICO

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 3, 1901

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 78, No. 49.

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PORTO RICO.

By A. M. Fischer

Having been here but three months, it is impossible to fully portray this field and its needs, yet some of its features are visible on the surface, and many indeed of its needs stand out so plainly to all at a glance, that it is only necessary to be here to see them.
My travels over the island so far, covering about two hundred and fifty miles, have given me an opportunity to visit some of its most important cities, some of its richest agricultural districts, and converse with some of the best minds among the Porto Rican people.
This is a rich and fertile spot. Nearly everything necessary for man’s existence can be produced in large quantities. All the fruits and vegetables of the tropics grow here, and a great many of the vegetables commonly raised in the United States,—besides some of the fruits which grow there.
A great advantage is realized here in being able to raise two crops a year of most all the island produces. Sugar, coffee, and tobacco are the articles from which the people realize their greatest returns. As soon as a good railroad can be built connecting the interior with the coast, a paying fruit trade can be established with the island, especially in bananas, oranges, pineapples, and plantain.
The most important thing which concerns us as a people, is getting the truth before all nations. There are over nine hundred thousand souls here, and every one of them should have the gospel. How can we best supply this need. There are less than a dozen Protestant ministers in the field, about the same number of teachers in the denominational schools, and one medical missionary; this is the extent of the gospel forces in Porto Rico. Of the seventy towns here, only about twenty have been entered by Protestant workers; so it is evident that there is still plenty of room for workers.
Since the change from Spanish to American rule, by reason of the ravages of the war, and the revenge of the poorer classes just at the time of the declaration of peace, also the destruction of crops and property by a terrific hurricane passing through the country, a great deal of suffering and poverty exists; but much is being done by the United States to relieve these conditions; and in order to lift the poor out of ignorance, good public schools are being established in every locality, so that in a short time every Porto Rican child will have the advantage of an education. Before this reaches our readers, about eight hundred schools will be open for a nine months’ term.
Many are sick among the rich and poor because of their ignorance of the laws of health. The idea prevails that it is dangerous to drink water without rum in it. Tobacco is universally used, and considered a great blessing. The Porto Rican says, “Take my food and my drink away, but leave me my tobacco.”
There is not a first-class hospital nor a sanitarium of any description on the island. Nothing is needed so badly in all the field as a sanitarium where the people from all the West Indies may receive healthful treatment. Many are forced, because of the lack of such a place, to go to the States in order to be treated for simple diseases.
The location of Porto Rico, its close proximity to America, its good climate, water, and the productiveness of its soil, all argue in behalf of the establishment of some branch of the medical work here.
Another opportunity would be in the line of an agricultural school, as such schools are needed very much, and could probably soon be made self-supporting. The government has seen this, and is planning for several schools of this nature just as soon as teachers can be secured.
There is no place so advantageous as Porto Rico for the education and training of workers for the great South American field and other Spanish-speaking countries. The natural resources of the country, the nature of the government, and the language of the people render it very convenient for a center in this part of the field.
The way is open for the medical missionary, the teacher, and the canvasser, and colporteur.
Brethren, do not think this is a small place and needs but little help. You that are able, offer your means, and if you feel that God wants you here, offer yourselves. Let us not wait until others occupy all the openings before we do something, but let us act now.
A. M. FISCHER.