The Elevator Constructor Volume 1

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1903 Excerpt: ...outright, and tailoring is generally conducted in the same manner. I notice but little of building operations, or even of repairs in the building industry. Those from whom I have inquired agree that there are from between twelve to fifteen thousand unemployed workmen and laborers on the island. It is stated that some of the laborers could obtain work on plantations some distance from their homes, and while this may be true in a measure, it is also asserted that the wages offered are so low as to preclude the possibility of these men supporting themselves at the place where they would be required to work and at the same time maintain their families at home. They insist that they have no right to go from their homes and barely sustain themselves, leaving their wives and children to depend upon themselves, which, in all probability, would result in the latter going hungry. It is noticeable that the working people down here are underfed, have insufficient food, and that their quarters are cramped and unsanitary, which, together with the continuous warm climatic conditions, have contributed much to physically enfeeble the people. That this is true is very evident by comparison with the much better physical condition of the "higher class" of Porto Ricans. There is a regiment of Porto Rican infantry of the United States Army here, the members of which, I am told, when they entered the service were of the usual physique, but since that enlistment. with proper food and quarters, they have developed greater muscular and physical strength, to the astonishment of their former friends and of other observers. It is plainly a question of proper food, proper housing, and proper sanitary conditions. Of course it would be entirely pre sumptuous to attempt at this t...