War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America's Colony

by Nelson Denis,
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, June 1, 2015

At the conclusion of the Spanish-American War of 1898, the New York Times concluded that “Porto Rico” [sic] was a charming winter resort, with considerable commercial value, and a valuable naval station positioned between two continents. “We are not pledged to give Porto Rico independence,” the editors concluded. It would be much better for her to come at once under the beneficent sway of the United States than to engage in doubtful experiments at self-government, and there is no reason to believe that her people would prefer it.”