New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-08
In PORTO RICO
GoUernor Hunt Tells What Has
Been accomplished.

Governor William II. Hunt of Porto Rico. who
has been appointed to United States Circuit
Judgeship, and who has been dividing his time
between New-York and Washington. as required
by official business for the last three weeks, sailed
on the Coamo yesterday for San Juan. Seen at
the Everett House shortly before going to the
steamer. Governor Hunt said: MY family is still
IN Porto Rico. and after moro than four years
OF residence the island 1 should naturally
desire to return to say a formal farewell to those
with whom have been SO intimately identified in
the formative and constructive period in the
history of tho present governmet. Besides. there
are many matters OF Importance that require my
attention before surrenderng the reins Of official
control to my successor"
Being asked for general observations as
TO what had been accomplished in the line of ma
terial development and official achievement Gov
ernor Hunt said:
''It IS only the truth to say that four years OF
civil government is a record Of wonderful change
in the island and a change for the better. The
people have advanced in their knowledge OF how
to conduct public affairs; their municipal govern
ments are far more efficient than formerly; their
understanding OF proper administration by way Of
systematic accounting and strict responsibility in
public expenditures is improved. They have a
complete system Of American codes. POLITICAL civil
and penal all Of which operate very well and to
which they adapt themselves with gratifying IA
cillty.
'In 1900 the balance Of trade was nearly 100000
against the island. while now It is about 100000
in our favor. We have 100000 surplus Of current
revenues in the treasury. and a limit of property
taxation OF one-halr Of per cent for insuIar pur-
poses and the same for municipal uses The reve-
laws OF the island are working most salts
factorIy.
The road building has developed new interior
sections and reduced the cost OF transportation
Of produce The death rate has decreased under
the better sanitation. and modern plumbing and
draining being established
The system or public schools Is very dear TO
the people. and have an enrolment Of over
seventy thousand. against twenty-five thousand
under the Spanish dominion.
All laws OF the Island arc made by the legfs-
elective and directly popular IN It's representation.
The peace Of the community is maintained by six
hundred insular police, every one of whom, except
two officials, is native OF the island.
In the several departments OF the government
native Porto RicaRs ll responsible positions with
honesty and credit They direc health charities
and correctional affairs telegraph operators.
engineers. clerks and disbursing officers. The
tority OF the Judges Of the Porto Ricans
where formerly they were Spaniards.
Our policy has been to put the natives into
the purpose OF establishing American Institutions
with due consideration for the ambitious habits
and capacity Of the people.
The government OF the island is now thoroughly
American IN form, with every sign OF commercial
and political progress My own work was TO DO
what could In helping to build up civil govern
ment. This was we'll commended by Governor
Allen as CHIEF executive, and then II fell TO TO
go with IT. I feel that I may now with pro-
prietv retire. but 81 u keep up the greatest in
terest IN Porto Ttcan affairs Ny plan Is PERSONAL
throp, my successor. and leave there permanently
In July"