Thus, the Porto Rican laborer is at the mercy of the landowners, many of whom have never visited the Island. There is no land to which a poor man can acquire ownership. There is no work for the great majority of the people except the labor of the sugar fields. Formerly, the laborer was very poor and toiled and was content. Now, it is very poor and toils and is discontent. Hungry and lean, with a bare machete in his hand, he is demanding a share in that liberty and equal opportunity which is mentioned in the declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, and referred to by political orators. These men have an organization of growing strength, and they are demanding from the planters $1 a day for eight hours of work. This the sugar interests refuse. But whether they win their strikes or not, it is apparent that some fundamental changes will have to be made before industrial peace can be permanently established in Porto Rico, and the condition of the people permanently improved.

The leader and spokesman of the Book and Authors, K. P. Dutton & Co., announce the publication later in the season of a new book by Hermann Eernau, whose "Because I am a German" published in this country a year or more ago. 