The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-02-28
WHAT WE ARE DOING IN PORTO
RICO.

RICO.
The third annual report of the commits
sioner of the interior for Porto Rico. with
its accompanying documents, furnishes
some interesting evidence regarding the
work that is being done there. The COM
missioner. by the way. Is an Indiana man,
Hon. w. H. Elliott. of New Castle. and his
friends have reason TO be proud of the rec
ord he has made in Porto Rico.
Porto Rico has been in our possession a
little over four years, the flag OF the United
States having been first raised in token OF
formal possession Oct IS, 1898. The
island was under military control about
year and a half The act providing for a
civil government was passed April II. 1900.
and went into effect May 1. Since then
great progress has been made in Ameri-
canizing the people and making improve
ments in the island. July 1. 1902. Congress
passed act which authorized the Presi-
dent to make within one year after the APP
prevail OF the act such reservation of public
lands and buildings belonging to the United
States in the island as he might deem
necessary for military. naval. lighthouse,
marine hospital. postoffices. customhouses,
United States courts and other public pur-
poses. and providing that all remaining
public lands and buildings be granted to the
government of Porto Rico to be held or dis
posed of for the use and benefit of the peo-
pie of the island. The commissioner of the
interior says: 1.-The enactment of that law
gave great satisfaction to the people of
dence 1t offered of the continuation of
liberal policy toward the island and as pre-
senting the means for a just and speedy
solution of all matters relating to public
lands and buildings" Under it a large
amount of property. lands and buildings
has been turned over to the insular gov
eminent. The United States will construct
its own government buildings.
The commissioners report shows that a
large amount of work has been done in the
way of building good roads in different
State in the Union is showing more activity
in this regard than is being shown in Porto
Rico. Building roads is dificult there on
account of the mountainous character Of
the interior and the treacherous quality Of
the soil. The insular legislature established
road law which provides for the division Of
the island into seven road districts. each
to be in charge of three supervisors. and
sets aside IS per cent. Of the municipal
taxes for the construction and repair OF
roads as determined by the board of super
visors. Under this law road building is
being steadily prosecuted. and the commits
sioner says he does not believe better roads
are built anywhere than in Porto Rico. Up
to the date of his report the bureau of
public works had expended s62s6s7 in this
work and had on hand $685. $50 for dsburse-
| ment- The roads are macadamized. and
include many stone bridges and culverts.
The commissioners report includes the
reports Of the superintendent of the Board
of Public Works. the superior Board of
Health, the chief of the bureau of agricul-
| ture and mines. the chemist of the labora-
tory, the veterinary inspector and the SUI
perintendent of insular telegraph lines. All
these reports show intelligent administra-
| tion of the various departments. The work
of the Board of Health and of the chemical
laboratory Is evidently conducted on strict
| ly modern lines. and sanitary laws and pure
food laws are rigidly enforced. The chem.
| list of the laboratory says:
Within the last few months a standard OF
| purity for the various articles of food
| drink. ETC.. has been adopted after a care
| full inspection of those recognized, both in
Europe and America. and a proper con-
Rico as suggests the necessity of modifying
the requirements in other countries. In
| this connection would respectfully repeat
| the recommendation made some time since
| that before the final adoption of these
standards you invite the inspection of them
| by the merchants of the island and Others
interested in order that when finally pub
| lished they may contain only such pro-
| visions as may appear necessary to obtain
| their sole object-that is, the prevention
| of the sale of articles either positively in.
| furious to health or that purport to be of a
| nature or class different from what they
| really are.
The report confirms unofficial statements
regarding the general prosperity and rapid
progress of the island and the general con.
tentment of the people. Among the latter
there is but one sentiment as to the result
of annexation to the United States, and tina
is one of gratitude and pride at being un
! der the American flag. The climate will
prevent the Porto Ricans from ever becom
ing very energetic people. but by tn,
time they are Americanized they will be
very happy people and will demonstrat,
that republican government can flourish In
a tropical climate as well as in a NOR,
| northern one.
THE SOITH RENn MATTER