Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-10
REPORT OF Gov HUNT
Healthy Progress Shown
Throughout Porto Rico.
INCREASE IN TRADE
CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND
IMPROVEMENT OF STREETS.
Decrease in the Death Rate-Branch Of
the United States Banking
System Desired.


The report of Governor Hunt Of Porto
Rico. just submitted to Congress, is dated
July 10. 1902, and Is the second one pre-
sented since the Inauguration of civil gov
erHment. 1t advises the President OF
healthy progress and steady advancement
throughout the island. in all substantial re-
spects. 1t states that there has been prog
ress in comprehension Of the institutions OF
the United States; that administration In
municipal affairs has improved; that educa-
ton is spreading its good influences; that
more land has been cultivated; exports and
imports have increased; new roads have
been built: the telegraph system has been
extended: the health of the people is better
and the death rate has decreased.
The governor regards the people as loyal,
intelligent and kindly disposed. He COM
plimeEts the United States Provisional
Regiment. and characterizes it as fine
looking body of troops, enduring military
duties quietly and without showing fatigue
or suffering. He says that from an educa-
tional standpoint, the establishment of this
regiment has done inestimable good, having
taught the men discipline and how to rely
upon themselves.
Comment is made upon the bitter political
differences which divide the people, but 1t
States is a source of pride-to the vast
Jority of the people.
Success Of the Foraker Law.
The organic act. known, as the Foraker
law. the governor said, has furnished an
admirable form of government for the is
land. Whatever doubt may once have ex-
listed as to its practical applicability, must
give way to actual facts recorded under
the crucial test of operation. Through it's
provisions the United States has brought
liberty. self-government and prosperity to
a million people,"
Sugar Is regarded as the principal crop
of the island. and 1t is stated in the report
| that the crop of 1902 is the largest but one
ever produced. Increase in area Of to-
bacco culture Is reported. Space is de-
voted to the cultivation of fruits oranges,
pineapDies. cocoanuts and bananas. Rice,
maguey and rubber referred to as prob
able successful crops of the island.
Trade With This Country.
In commerce and manufactures remark
able increase appears. The value of i'm
ports from the United States for the last
fiscal year aggregated $40, 1924. Imports
from foreign countries amounted to 81, 429,-
600; the exports from Porto Rico to the
United States, in the same period, amount
ed to 1927 ,420, and to foreign countries,
81, 500 500.
The governor advises that commerce
would be aided by dredging the principal
harbors of San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez.
1t Is stated that within four years the
United States has built more than half as
| many miles of roads as the Spaniards did
in nearly four hundred years, there being
now 263 miles of road in maintenance and
more being constructed. In education, IN
1897. the Spaniards had 53S schools. whereas
| IN February, 1902, the United States had
93o :" %" .i.s2
Tn, froy~
available funds were 81 1858 ,46S, which show
ed a material increase Of funds available
for current insular expenditures. Receipts
were S239.96S over expenditures during the
fiscal year.
Reference Is made to banking and the
report looks with favor upon a branch
banking system as applicable to Porto
Rico. such branch banks to be associated
with stronger banks in the United States.
Improvement Is reported in the judicial
system. and the governor regards the adop-
ton of the new codes, following the Cali
fornia codes, as great step forward, and
reports that the people satisfied with
| the new laws
In municipal administration, progress is re-
| ported and Improvement in streets and
| public utilities shown.
death rate of 23,511 for the last year
| as against one of 81 $50 the year previous
| is reported, the greatest decrease being in
| anemia, which was the prevalent disease.
The statistics show that 54l Spaniards
| returned to Porto Rico during the last
| year.
The Climate
The report compares the climate of Porto
| Rico with that of Havana and Manila to
| the advantage of Porto Rico, 1t appearing
| that Manila has a higher mean tempera-
| ture, with a greater rainfall, while Havana
| has lower mean temperature.
The report refers to the fact that the
year has had it's full share of anxieties and
| that they will continue for some time, but
| that the great work being done cannot sue
coed without its accompanying troubles and
| cares.
1t concludes as follows: Patience good
| sense and courage are necessary to insure
| that measure OF progress which every good
| citizen desires. We shall go ahead with
determination, relying upon the patriotism
Of the islanders and your own fair judgment
| and that of the American people generally"
Efficient Public Service.
an looking to the future, it is pleasant to
| tell you that the public service in the island
| is most faithful and efficient Nor is this
| commentator due to heads of departments
only; 1t is sincerely meant for the whole
| service. 1t would be hard to find better
organization. The standards eXacted kor
appointment and tenure have been honesty.
| loyalty to the institutions of the United
States and capabilty. These have been
| lived up to in way that should excite the
| pride of those who have watched the build
| ing up of civil government in Porto Rico.
| 1t is my intention to recommend to the leg
| islatye assembly the adoption Of civil
| service law. t=5.-45 g. e.-.s
| Il have the homer to repeat my confidence
! in the good sense and moderation of the
people of the island. and, my conviction that
| under the present wise form of government
| they will steadily go forward toward the
| best American nationalism."s