Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-16

dent has no intention at this time of
visiting Cuba, as had been suggested in
speculation which has followed an
nouncement of the trip Saturday night.
The schedule indicates that the Presi-
dent will be in Porto Rico not more
than two days and that his visit to the
Virgin Islands will be limited to one
day.
It was emphasized at the White House
today that the trip is to give Mr.. Hoover
q complete rest from the mental and
physical strain to which he has been
subjected throughout the two years he
has been in Office. At the same time, it
will afford him an opportunity to in
dulge again in one of his greatest pleas
Cres-a voyage on the ocean.
Then, too, some opportunity may
present itself for Mr.. Hoover to indulge
in few hours Of fishing in the tropical
waters. OF course, the President will
have an opportunity during his brief
visit to these insular possessions to
discuss domestic problems. He viii be
able to confer with Gov. Theodore
Roosevelt of Porto Rico, and prominent
men Of Porto Rico as well as the gov
ernor, Paul Pearson, Of the Virgin
Islands. He viii be able at first hand
to listen to grievances and suggestions
from some OF the native leaders ana
will have the benefit Of a personal
view Of the interior Of Porto Rico to
see for himself destructivenesS Of the
damage caused by the recent hlrTi-
canes on that island, and to see the
progress being made in rehabilitation.
Mr.. Hoover has shown considerable
interest in the efforts of Gov, Roosevelt
to lessen the distress In Porto Rico, and
Is known to be especially interested in
the governors crusade to raise money
for ameliorating the condition of Porto
Rican children. Next to the economic
difflculties Of Porto Rico, the child
welfare there is one of the great prob
lens, according to advices the President
has received. Also, there will be an OPP
portunity for the President to study at
close hand something of the political
conditions In Porto Rico, and in the
Virgin Islands, too. In the latter place
prohibition, as It affects the bay rum
industry, Is one Of the disturbing prob
lens.
First Visit to Islands.
The Presidents voyage, according to
the White House viewpoint, will be Of
no international significance.
Mr.. Hoover never before has visited
Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Quite naturally he is looking forward
to his visit with a great deal Of inter-
visit, have the distinction of being the
first American President to visit these
possessions.
The Naval officer who will have
charge OF the vessel on which Presi-
dent Hoover win take his forthcoming
Southern trip was until recently SUI
perintendent Of the United States Naval
Observatory here.
Capt. Charles Seymour Freeman.
q. s. N, now commanding the battle
ship U. S. s. Arizona, will direct the
Presidents cruise.
The modernization process has ma
terlally altered the appearance of the
Arizona, Naval officials explained.
Capt. Freeman came to Washington
In May. 1927, as superintendent of the
Naval Observatory and was on duty
there until May, 1890, when he was
transferred to command of battleship
u. s. s. Arkansas. Following last years
midshipmen's practice cruise, Capt.
Freeman was ordered to command the
Arizona.
Secret Service to Precede.
Three secret service men, in order to
look over the situation regarding the
protection Of the President at Porto
Rico and the Virgin Islands, in advance
OF the arrival of the President, will
make the journey from Miami, Fla, by
. plane Of the Pan-American Always.
Col. E. w. Startling, assistant chief
Of the White House secret service, who
has been the so-called advance man
on presidential trips for the past Is
years, will leave Washington tonight for
Miami. He expects to arrive in San
Juan, Porto Rico, Friday morning. He
viii be followed the next day by Secret
Service Operatives George Drescher and
Harvey Ingley.
ISLANDERS GIVEN SURPRISE.