Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-03
Porto Ricans to Have Advantage of
Free Education.
SUPf. JOHN B. EhFON'S REPORT
New System Goes Into Effect
First Of July
GEN. HENRY'S RETIREMENT

SAN JUAN DE PORTO RICO, April
21-Mr. John b. Eaton. superintendent OF
schools, has formulated a public school
law, which is officially published -lere to-
day. II goes into effect on July ! next and
provides that all schools supported by pub
lie taxation, either local or insular, shall be
styled public schools. and that admission TO
them shall be free TO all persons between
the ages OF six and eighteen years who
are residents Of the island. Teachers may
suspend and municipal boards OF education
may permanently exclude pupils of bad
moral character. or who are insubordlnste,
or who possess or are exposed TO infectious
diseases.
The school year is to consist of three
terms of three months each reckoning
four weeks of five days each for the month.
The pay of teachers is fixed at from $50
month in rural and auxiliary schools to S76
a month to English supervisors and graded
school principals holding principals diplo-
mas; payment being only for each month of
actual service. The budget for the year
calls for S}25 $50 for the payment Of teach
ers. the purchase Of text books and sup
plies, for printing, &c.
Free Text Books for Students
The law provides that text books shall
be loaned free of charge to pupils in the
public schools, in accordance with rules
and regulations authorized by the Secretary
OF the Interior upon the recommendation
of the director of public instruction.
Ii IS required that municipalities must
provide rooms for public school purposes
Wherever possible municipalities must pro-
vide public school buildings, constructed
and furnished according TO plans author
lied by the Secretary Of the Interior. suit
able for graded schools. Municipalities
must also provide all necessary supplies
Tor SClDDlS hooks md
flags. Municipalities may provide addi-
tonal schools or provide for the opening
Of schools during vacations, or in any other
way Increase their educational facilities
from their public school funds.
General Henry's Retirement.
Maj. Gen. Guy V. Henry has announced
in general orders his retirement at his own
request from the post of department COM
mander and military governor, and that he
will soon be relieved from duty here. Gen.
Henry says that during his stay In the
| island, which began in July last. he had
received abundant proofs of the loyalty
and intelligence of the Porto Ricans and
their desire to be true Americans and 10
adopt the methods that have resulted In
making the United States a great nation.
The pro misses made to the military gov
ernor at the meeting of delegates last De-
cember, the general says. have been fully
realized: and he expresses his thanks to all
for their good will and hearty cooperation.
Gen. Henry advises the Porto Ricans TO
be patient, and adopt as rapidly as possible
all suggested changes which are for the
better and lead to success and the improve
ment of the island.
Hopes for Kind Treatment.
The methods to be pursued. he trusts and
believes, Will be based upon humanity and
justice and with due regard to the Golden
Rule Honest and Jealous performance OF
duty by all officials and the prompt carry
ing out of all laws and reforms based upon
just and moral codes should be the founda-
tion stone of all action.
He thanks the various officers and SOL
diers for their cooperation and willing
SuEordination to the civil authorities in or
der that the latter might have an oppor-
tunity to learn and practice what will be-
required of them upon the removal of the
military forces.