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Show RIOTING IN PORTO RICO. A State of Anarchy Said to Exist on the Islands. Washington, Nov. 19. At a session of the cabinet much time was devoted to the consideration of complaints that have reached the war department al" leging that a state of practical anarchy an-archy prevails in Puerto Rico. These complaints asserted that the lawless elements are committing depredations of the gravest character, and that the seriousness of the situation is increased by the fact that United States troops likewise have been guilty of gross misconduct. mis-conduct. Secretary Alger, at the instance of the president, cabled General Brooke, inquiring as to the accuracy of the complaints. The most serious allegations are against brigands and lawless elements in the smaller towns away from the coast. It is said that, taking advantage advan-tage of the unsettled state of the coun. try, due to the transfer of the government govern-ment from Spain to the United States, bands of men have organized for robbery rob-bery and rapine, burning houses and plantations, and levying tribute upon the people wherever possible. In -one case, it is said, they made a raid on a small town of about 1,500 inhabitants, fifteen miles from the nearest troops, and burned and destroyed property to a considerable value. |