The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-12-12
Observations During Recent
Trip and Recommends
tons Submitted to
Congress.
High Praise for the Island,
It's People and Govern
ment.
GREAT WEALTH OF THE ISLAND,
AS SHOWN BY EXPORTS AND
IMPoRTs-REoUEsTs CONGRESS
TO CONFER RIGHTS OF AMERl-
CAN CITIZENSHIP UPON ISLAND
Frs WITHOUT DELAY.
By Associated Press.

BY Associated Press.
Washington, Dec. 1.-THE presi-
dents special message to congress
giving the result of his recent obser
vations in Porto Rico and urging sew
eral recommendations concerning the
] government of the island was deliv-
cred to the senate to-day, II was
read at length and received careful
attention. The message is as follows:
The Message.
To the Senate and House of Repre-
sentatives:
On November Il visited the island
of Porto Rico. landing at Ponce, cross
ing by the old Spanish road by Cavey
10 San Juan. and returning next morn
ing over the new American road from
Arecibo to Ponce; the scenery was
wonderfully beautiful, especially
among the mountains of the interior,
which constitute a yeritable tropic
switzerland. | could not embark at
San Juan because the harbor has not
been dredged out and can not receive
an American battleship l do not
think this fact creditable to us as a
nation. and / earnestly hope that i'm
mediate provision will be made for
dredging San Juan harbor
tOubt whether our people as
whole realize the beauty and fertility
Of Porto Rico, and the progress that
has been made under its admirable
pyernment. We have just cause for
pride in the character of our repre-
scntatives who have administered the
tropic islands which came under our
flag rs a result of the war with Spain,
and Of no one of them is this more
true than Porto Rico II would be i'm
possible to wish more faithful,
more efficient and more disinterest-
ed public service than that now being
rendered in the island of Porto Rico
by those in control of the insular gov
eminent.
Work of Education.
] stopped at a dozen towns all told,
and one Of the notable features in
every town was the gathering of the
school children. The work that has
been done in Porto Rico for educa-
ton has been noteworthy. The main
emphasis, as is eminently wise and
proper, has been put upon primary
educatiOn; but in addition to this
there IS a normal school, an agricul-
tural school. three industrial and three
high schools. Every effort is being
made to secure not only the benefits
Of elementary education to all the
Porto Ricans of the next generation,
hut also as far as means will permit
10 train them so that the Industrial
agricultural and commercial oDDor-
mnities of the island can be utilized
10 the best possible advantage. II
vas evident at glance that the teach
er' both Americans and native Por-
70 Ricans, were devoted to their work,
look the greatest pride in IL. and were
endeavoring to train their pupils, not
only In mind. but in what counts for
FAR more than mind in citizenship. that
Is. In character
II was very much struck by the ex-
cellent character both of the insular
police and of the Porto Rican regi-
ment. They are both of them bodies
that reflect credit upon the American
administration of the island The in
sular police are under the local Porto
RlCan government The Porto Rican
regiment of troops must be appropri-
ated for by the Congress. | earnest
y hope that this body will be kept
Permanent There should certainly be
troops in the island. and il is wise
MAJ these troops should be themselves
native Porto Ricans. 1t would be from
every standpoint mistake not to
nerpetuate this regiment
Exports and Imports.
In reversing the island even
NE most cursory survey leaves the
'Fholder struck with the evident
rapid growth in the culture both of the
SUGAR cane and tobacco The fruit in
cuStry is also growing. Last year
was the most prosperous year that
NE island has ever known before OF
ance the American occupation. The
GaI Of EXPORTS and imports of the
,tahl was forty-five millions of dol
-. rs against eighteen millions In
,OI This is the largest in the island's
n.S,,ory. Prior to the American occu
.'"'n the greatest trade for any one
49,: .r vas that Of 1896 when it reached
10y twenty-three millions Of dol
a. a., Last year, therefore, there was
s.uHe me trade that there was in the
~, ~ prosperous year under the Span
:, regime. There was 210.273 tons
y, sugar exported last year. OF the
que OF Sl41S6.S19: s3.555.163 of to-
. ~ ana 1920 222 pounds of coffee
~. me value of s3.4S1 1902 Unfortun.
'e''' what used to be Porto Rico's
continued on Seventh paoeo