Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-12
THE PROSPECT BRIGHT
ANNUAL REPORT OF GOV. HUNT
OF PORTO RICO.
People Becoming Better Acquainted
With Their Responsibilities-Re-
suits Are Gratifying.

suits Are Gratifying.
Gov Hunt of Porto Rico in his annual
report to the State Department says the
situation in Porto Rico is one Of hope and
that the larger results inspire renewed con-
fidence in the future. He says that the
people understand the responsibilities OF
participation in self-government more and
more and that judged by comparison with
conditions which existed when the civil
government was established. there is pro-
gress and Improvement He lays stress on
the fact that the people have adopted the
institutions of free schools American codes,
free elections, uniform tax laws, writs OF
habeas corpus and other institutions which
stand for a better civilization. 1t Is ad-
mitted that there will be misunderstanding
and abuses under the new laws. but 1t Is
added that the people are Americans IN
their desires and aims and that the current
is strong in favor of Amerfcanism.
The People characterized.
The governor characterizes the people as
warm-hearted. impressionable, AMBITIOUS
and devoted to political power. and ex-
presses the belief that in time the bitter
ness of party spirit between the local fac
~
the natives believe that the present form OF
government can well be preserved fOr some
time.
The report says that every influence
which has national force behind 1t exerts q
power among the Porto Rican people. an0
the governor believes that the presence OF
American warships has done much TO EVIL
dence the great power of the United States.
He recommends that the Porto Rican RIO
visional Regiment he incorporated III lIie
.f1h tsh
because it has served a great purpose IN
stimulating patriotism and in teaching the
people discipline self-reliance and self
support. {.
Viewed and the report advises against tne
extension of the jury system to other than
criminal cases for the present.
Porto Rican Coffee.
In agriculture, the Universities under
which the coffee planters struggle are daS-
cussed, and it is stated that strong EFFORT
will be made to spread knowledge OF the
excellence of the Porto Rican co1ee
through judicious advertising at the St
Louis exposition. It Is believed that tne
production per acre can be mucn greater
than at present. Fruit culture is being ex-
tended the Porto Rican orange hndlng an
excellent market in New York. The recent
stimulus given to cotton growing Is regard
ed as favorable, the variety known as South
Sea Island cotton DelnS tnat WHICH pioS
fair to be most profitable.
The governor advises that the restriction
upon corporate ownership OF real estate TO
500 acres be removed, and that investors
may be able to own not to exceed o'oVV
acres.
Appropriations for dredging the harbors
at San Juan and other places are said to be
needed and hope is expressed that liberal
appropriations may be made TOT surveys
and the agricultural experiment station.
The report refers to the changes that
have occurred within the past three years.
mention being made of the organization OF
Enlistment of the courts. the assembling
of the joint legislative body. change to
American money. adoption of American
laws and procedure, extension OF educa-
tional facilities substitution of an Ameri-
can revenue system for a Spanish introduce
ton of jury trial. Of a statutory bill OF
rights of improved sanitation, of economy
in municipal government, and or new roads.
The report then adds:
"Withal commerce has been extended.
free trade with the United States has been
declared, wages have increased. capital has
sought investment and an unfavoraole pai-
ance of trade of over $2.OOO,O0O during the
first fiscal year has given away to favor
able balance Of over 5000 GOO during the last
year. The current income Of the island
comfortably exceeds it's expenses. And
throughout law. order ana peace nave Deeh
successfully maintained, with no aid what
soever other than the regular constabulary
of the island, which Is of itself a body of
native-born men.
This work has involved not alone the
construction Of much that is new and good,
but has simultaneously involved the de-
struction of much that was old and bad"
Gratifying Results.
Reference is made to the fact that pow
erty exists, and always has. but that con-
ditions are improving. In closing, Governor
Hunt says:
Surely therefore, the results are crafty
ing: they stand to prove the wisdom of
Congress in comforting civil government
upon the people, they sustain the statement
that the people are dOcile, intelligent and
kind. that the island Is a fertile and rich
country. and they justify the confident ex-
pectaton which we hold that as admins
tration progresses improvement will con-
tinue and that in any situation which may
arise the people will be found loyal to the
United States. vast majority of them be-
ing anxious to cooperate In every forward
movement toward the patriotic and ma
terial welfare of the island"