The native rural citizen, born on the soil, clings to it tenaciously. After four centuries he still retains much of his Andalusian ancestry. He is rather small in stature and dark. He is unam bitious but a good and obedient worker. He is rarely a land owner, but, for the most part, both a tenant and a farm-hand. He receives such pay as his landlord chooses; $1 a day is con sidered the standard wage. The coming of the free schools has awakened an ambition to learn.
Early History.—Porto Rico was discovered by Columbus on his second voyage to the New World, Nov. 19, 1493. He landed on the western coast and took possession of the island in the name of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain. This landing was the first and only time the feet of Columbus trod the soil of what is now United States territory. After replenishing his supply of water Columbus proceeded to Santo Domingo, first naming the island San Juan Bautista in honour of Prince Juan, heir to the Spanish throne. Occasional visits for supplies were made subsequent to the discovery, but no attempt was made to establish a colony until many years later. There was a marked difference between Colum bus's first and second voyage. After months of trial he had at last been able by favour of the queen to equip his three small craft and collect a nondescript crew of 90 men to set sail on an unknown sea westward to an unknown destination. But when he returned, giving undoubted proofs of his discovery he at once became a hero. On his second voyage 17 ships and several smaller craft and over 1,5oo men joined in the venture. Among the hidalgos and persons of rank who were anxious to share with Columbus the expected glories and riches of the voyage was Juan Ponce de Leon. After a stay in Santo Domingo of some 15 years, during which time he rendered valuable serv ice to the colony, Ponce de Leon persuaded the governor to supply him with ships and men to make an exploration of the island which Columbus had named San Juan Bautista. With these he sailed in 1508 and landed first at the point he had visited with Columbus. Pursuing his voyage along the north coast toward the east he discovered the bay which afterward became the harbour of San Juan. Because of its excellence the explorer gave it the name of Puerto Rico or Rich Port. By a strange inversion the bay and capital city became San Juan and the island became Puerto Rico. Being favourably impressed, Ponce de Leon secured col onists and supplies in Santo Domingo and founded a settlement known as Caparra, near the harbour in an almost inaccessible location among the foot-hills. The situation was unfortunate and the colony moved to the island in the harbour on which is now located the city of San Juan. In 151 o Ponce de Leon became governor by order of King Ferdinand. Explorations were made with a view of finding gold but without much success, and the future did not seem promising for the colony. Trouble with the Indians threatened owing to the efforts made by the colonists to force them to work and dig for gold.
When discovered by Columbus Porto Rico was peopled by a tribe of Indians known as Borinquefios. These Indians were a
peaceful, agricultural people who had developed some progressive tendencies. The social organization was similar to that of the In dians on the northern continent; the unit was the clan and the chief was called the cacique. The cacique lived in a larger house than the others, which always contained the Zeni, or idol of the clan ; his powers were supreme, and his wives were many. There would have been no trouble with these kindly disposed natives if the Spaniards had been disposed to treat them fairly. But the settlers were eager for gold and were determined to get it at any cost. The Indians were not used to hard work, having led an Ar cadian existence which required little labour to maintain. , When forced to dig in the hills or wash for gold in the streams all day under a tropical sun they succumbed or fled to the mountains to escape. The original number of the natives is difficult to ascertain; estimates vary from a few thousand to 600,000. By a system of allotment the whole population was gradually enslaved, and under this treatment the race was in a short time exterminated. In 1582 it was officially reported that none were left ; all had died from ill-usage or disease or had successfully escaped to other islands.
Colonial Difficulties.—During these early years of coloniza tion the island did not prosper. While considerable gold was secured the supply was soon practically exhausted. By the en f orced labour of the Indians, and then by the labour of thousands of negroes brought from Africa, the gold digging continued until it became so unprofitable that it was abandoned. Its evil influence seemed to bring bad luck, and disaster followed disaster. The Caribs, a savage, warlike tribe inhabiting the southern islands of the West Indian group, made frequent incursions, carrying away what food and property were found and murdering the defenceless inhabitants. Hurricanes destroyed homes and crops. The people began to leave the island whenever opportunity offered. Then followed the attacks of the pirates and the French, Dutch and English freebooters which brought the record of calamities to a climax. San German, the most important town after San Juan, was completely destroyed by the French in Conditions were so bad that petitions and delegations clamoured for protection. Spain was finally made to see that it would be necessary either to abandon or fortify her possessions. In 1533 the building of La Fortaleza was commenced. Its site was ill chosen and it was never completed as a fort but was converted into the Governor's palace and has since been so occupied. The high point at the entrance of the harbour was then covered by an excellently built and massive fortress which is still well preserved and is known as Morro Castle. San Cristobal, a still larger and stronger fortress, was also constructed on the Atlantic side of the city. Several other points were fortified and the entire city was enclosed in a strong stone wall, two sides of which are still well preserved.