The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-15
PORTO RICO DEVELOPING WELL
GOV. HUNT TELLS OF PROGRESS,
PHYSICAL AND POLITICAL.
Fast Becoming . Prosperous American
COmmunity-Exp0rts and Public Reve.
nue. Increased, Railroads ExtendlAg,
More schools. More Jury Trials.

TAst becoming y fTObpefOuH American
COmmunity-Exports and Public Reve-
nue. Increased. Railroads Extending,
More schools. More Jury Trials.
Gov. William H. Hunt OF Porto Rico
arrived last night on the steamer Ponce.
Gov Hunt said there was no truth in tho
rumor that he would resign. In speaking
OF Porto Rico he said:
There has been continued Development
within the island during the closing fiscal
year. Business conditions have gone ahead.
while a II relations between the Porto Ricans
and the people Of the North have become
more frequent. Trade statistics show, for
example, that from January to June. this
year, over $500 900 worth Of Coffee was ex-
ported to the United States as against only
$2l 900 worth In the same time in 1902.
Coffee planters find encouragement in the
belief that the New York market is at last
opening to the Porto Rico coffee which
is not to be excelled. Americans are in
vesting largely in orange cultivation and
the value Of exports Of this fruit Is twenty
times more than last year. Over 10000
worth OF sugar has been sent north since
Jan. 1, 1908, which is a heavy increase over
last year. Sugar is the great staple prod
uct at present. The tobacco manufact-
leaf from the island. indicating that more
formerly. Much tobacco is being cult
waited underneath cloth with good results.
Interior development Is very satis-
company has built over twenty miles Of
additional line which will connect two
principal cities. Work is about to begin
on the electric road between Ponce and
San Juan. American capital and enter
prise are beginning to work great changes
in a political way we find substantial
advancement. Peace and order now pre-
vail, American Laws are effectively ad-
ministered and the people aspire to the
government. Jury trials are frequent, With
good results. We are opening new schools
and otherwise extending public improve
ments, municipal management is better,
budgets are lover r.. sanitary Iiuay methods are
are more common.
the treasury will show a balance Of
current revenues Of $500 900, a net gain Of
500 900 over last year. besides having a
million dollars OF trust to carry on public
improvements.
II am on my way to Washington to assist
in the matter Of a distribution OF public
lands which will be available on July I, or
after the President shall have made reserva-
uses. This grant will be another valuable
asset for the people and afford room for
the city Of San Juan to grow.
4 have every confidence in the future
Of Porto Rico. Naturally it will take time
to accomplish all We wish to, but If the
past few years are fair to Judge by Porto
Rico ia fast becoming a prosperous Ameri-
can community"
Gov. Hunt is accompanied by his wife
and family.
Among other passengers by the Ponce
were Major Robert L. Howse of the Porto
Rico Regiment, who has been ordered to
Manila to be present at the investigation
of the charges made against him Of cruel
treatment Of Filipino prisoners, Of which
he was once acquitted.