José de Diego Pomarrosas, inner cover. |
He set up a law practice in Arecibo and founded La república. Diego along with Muñoz Rivera and Mateinzo Citrón formed a committee that ultimately convinced Spanish Liberal leader Práxedes Mateo Sagasta to support autonomy for Puerto Rico. During the brief interlude between the declaration of autonomy and the U.S. invasion of the island, Diego served as Subsecretary of Justice and Interior, and then became a magistrate of the Real Audiencia Territorial de Puerto Rico. After annexation, he combined a brilliant literary career with public service. He was such a charismatic speaker that in 1915 he was named "Caballero de la Raza" by the Casa de América in Barcelona. Diego became a member of the Chamber of Delegates (1903-1917) then Chamber of Representatives, representing the Unionist Party, until his death the following year. He was a strong supporter of the Union of Caribbean islands.