The sun., 1908-12-13
IRRIGATION FOR PORTO RICO.
% 900 600 Scheme to Help the Cane
IAnds-A New Capitol Too. y p

Lawrence Hill Grahame, Commits
Eoner Of the Interior for Porto Rico,
has sailed for the island from this city.
taking with him the first working plans
for the new Capitol Of Porto Rico. He
came north to look after tho plans for
this building as well as those for a peni-
tentisry and various other public works
on the island. The total sum appro-
priated for the improvements 10 In the
neighborhood of 100000 A further
sum OF $1,000. 900 has been appropriated
for irrigation works.
After a public competition the design
OF Frank e. Perkins of this city was ac-
oepted for the Capitol. while the peni-
tentiary will be built according to the
specifications Of a Philadelphia firm.
The Capitol viii be surrounded by ter
racing OF graded platforms leading up
to a final promenade overlooking the
ocean to the north, while the front Of the
edifice will face the harbor.
1t has been necessary, OF course. to
adapt the construction TO the peoniiari-
ties of the climate and the liability to
earthquakes and tornadoes. For this
purpose the building will be Of reinforced
concrete. A scheme of variegated color
will be introduced into the concrete by
utilizing the effects produced by crushed
coral, limestone. cement and other ma
terials. The general effect will be relieved
by bronze metal work at the entrances
and window openings.
Practically no glass will be used In
the building. Open blinds fitted with
In
will be all that Is necessary.
During the last two years the insular
authorities have been investigating means
for relieving the arid condition Of the
southern portion Of the island by irnga-
ton. There is little rain in this region.
and Commissioner Grahame explained
that this was due to the defoFested condi-
ton Of the mountains
Often. he said, there would DO drought
lasting for two or three years. Thou
sands of square miles Of very valuable
cane Lax suffered from the lack OF rain
ard only about one-third of this area
could be cultivated to advantage. The
result was much suffering among the
people who depended upon the cultiva-
ton Of the land for q livelihood.
Even during the rainy season when
water did fell it was carried Oh to the
sea Immediately because no means were
employed to utilize it. By the new sys-
tenn which is being worked out it Is
planned to reserve this water In the cane
laads. The plans have been referred
to Engineer B. NJ. Hall of the reclamation
service at Washington. ard In his opinion
the project is practicable aid can he
reedily accomplished. 1t is proposed
TO tap two or three rivers flowing north
ward ard to divert them through tunnels
in the mountcins SO that they will in
future have southerly course.
Naturally the irrigation plans are
very popular uong Porto Ricans. Mr.
Grahene &c thst this feeling was only
one manifestation Of the contented con-
ton of the peopie on the island. Elec-
tions were recently held erd the results
were so satisfactory that there was no
eompleint whstevar from the people,
which is somewhat remarkable In con-
sderation of their temperament. What
ever apti-ADerit sn feeling exists Is
purely political. said the Commissioner,
ard is only the natural objection Of the
rstives to being governed.