Evening star., 1939-01-23
Chief Naval Activity
On Guam Is RuIino
Native Population
Only $4,000 in Gosh -.
Circulating on Island,
Governor Reports
BY JOSEPH s. EDGERToN.

BY JOSEPH S. EDGERTON.
The Island of Guam, likely storm
center of congressional debates in
connection with the national defense
program, is peaceful, quiet. spot
with the chief naval activity being
carried on in behalf of the native
population of 20,88O persons, accord.
ing to the annual report of the Gov
ernor and commandant, lust re-
ceived at the Navy Department.
The proposed expenditure of S.
100000 for military development of
the island, only 1900 miles from
Japan, would provide the most revo-
lutionary activity in the islands en-
tire history, examination of the re-
port would seem to indicate.
There now is approximately $175,-
600 IN cash on the entire island, of
which only $4,000 Is in general cir
culation, according to the report of
Comdr. James T. Alexander, Cover
nor and commandant since last jan
uary. This amount of currency, he
said, serves the entire needs of the
island
No Paupers on Island.
'The past year has not been one
of prosperity for Guam" the
Governor reported Despite this,
the people have not suffered hard
ships, there are no paupers. Among
the people generally there exists a
degree of content, goodwill and pride
in their homeland which is not ap-
parent in many countries of the
world today"
One of the most striking changes
in the mode of life in Guam in re-
cent years has resulted from the
advent of trans-Pacific air transport
service, Comdr. Alexander said.
This has trebled postal receipts and
the people themselves occasionally
travel by air. Most important, how
ever, is the fact that air travel is
putting an end to Guam's isolation.
With the advent of the new Boe-
ing clippers of so passenger capac-
ity and the anticipated so per cent
reduction in air express rates, both
expected in the near future" the
Governor said. lit may be said that
the days of Guam's isolation are
nearly over"
Many Americans prominent in let
! ters, business. national and in
ternational affairs now are passing
through Guam and leave their i'm
pressions and modern ideas with
those who live here according to
the report.
Copra Chief Export.
Air transportation may be said
to have removed the most remote of
the United States island possessions
from behind vast sea barrier, plac-
ing Guam and its interests within
48 flying hours of Californias
shores" Comdr. Alexander stated.
The foundation of Guam's econ
omy is supported by three pillars
the world price Of its chief export,
copra; the assured cash income from
naval activities. and a tropical agri-
culture. The copra trade. however,
has fallen off heavily during the
past year, both in amount and
value.
The people were described as hav-
| ing closely knit family ties and u
social order which permits them to
deny themselves luxury goods with
out deprivation of the necessities
of life. Practically every Chamorro
family has its own ranch, on which
they produce practically everything
necessary to sustain life.
Health, sanitary and educational
conditions in the island have con-
agement. The Navy has encouraged
the manufacture locally of salt
water soap to eke out the copra in
dustry and has encouraged forma-
ton of agricultural co-operatives.
Schooling Compulsory.
Water transportation is inadequate
and Guam can never develop eco
nomic independence until adequate
water transportation is available, ac-
cording to the report. The build
ing of a road system, however, is in
progress.
The government of Guam pro-
vides for a Congress, consisting OF
a House of Council of l6 members
and a House of Assembly OF q
members who are elected every two
years. The Congress has no legis-
lative powers but acts in an advis-
ory capacity to the governor. There
are four naval government courts,
the island and justice courts being
presided over by native judges.
The educational system reaches
the entire population and public in
struction is compulsory for all chill
dren between the ages OF 7 and IL
years and is available for all up to
and including the sixth grade. Ad-
mission to the seventh grade is by
competitive examination, the high
est 10 being accepted.
The Guam military department
has strength of Sc officers and 37l
men. There is an insular patrol of
one officer and % enlisted men Of
the United States Marine Corps and
a native police force of four non-
commissioned officers and "a men.
The Navy keeps a force of 4O8
and the Marine Corps l3l officers
and men at Guam. There are three
naval vessels assigned-the U. S. S.
R. L. Barnes, former destroyer
serving as floating oil depot; the
U. S. S. Gold Star, station ship. and
the U. S. S. Penguin, station tug
There are 81 small vessels, includ-
ing launches, lighters and barges.
Total Expenses $142,302.