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LinAo^niiiBmRY, ssp

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

(M^^o

PORTO RICO

FOR 1903

PREPARED AND COMPILED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE

HON. CHARLES HARTZELL

SECRETARY OF PORTO RICO

OCTOBER, 1903

SAN JUAN

Pre88 of Lou 18 E. Tuzo and Company

1903

'AUG 141944

0^,

TABLE OF CONTENTS.

Paob.

Preface 9

Introductory 11

Porto Rico at a Glance 17

The Governor of Porto Rico 21

The Secretary 24

The Department of Justice 30

The Treasury Department 38

The Auditor 49

The Department of the Interior 56

The Public School System of Porto Rico 72

Chronology of Officers 80

The Courts of Porto Rico 81

Trade and Transportation 86

Custom Houses in Porto Rico 90

Corporations 91

Agriculture 97

The United States Weather Bureau 103

Public Charities of Porto Rico 109

Public Lands of Porto Rico 114

Prisons of Porto Rico 117

Elections 120

Population of Porto Rico 130

Postal Service in Porto Rico 132

Public Libraries 135

The Insular Police .... 140

Churches of Porto Rico 144

Banks of Porto Rico 148

Public Buildings 153

Insular Telegraph Stations .154

Light-houses of Porto Rico 155

Hospitals of Porto Rico 156

Holidays 158

Evacuation of Towns 158

Postal Department in Porto Rico 159

Posts and Barracks, U. S. troops 162

United States Naval Station 164

Metric System Tables 165

Insular Revenue Receipts 166

Distances in Porto Rico, Table of 168

Sketches of Cities, Towns, and Villages 169

Mayors of Porto Rico 208

United States Civil Service 209

Executive Council, Roll of 212

House of Delegates, Roll of 212

Biographical Notes . . 214

Registrars of Property 232

Justices of the Peace 232

Municipal Judges 234

Roster of Employees ... 237

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

FACING PAOK

Morro Castle, San Juan 8

Casa Blanca and Governor's Palace, San Juan 18

San Juan Gate 24

San Juan Cemetery 39

San Juan Harbor 40

Fort San Crist6bal, San Juan 48

*' Las Monjas " Church, San Juan 56

Boys' Charity School Brigade, San Juan 64

Park, Santurce ( R. B. Terminus) 71J

Park, Santurce ( Promenade) 80

Isabela-QuebradiUas Road 88

Isabela-Quebradillas Road 96

Entrance to Aguadilla 104

Lares 112

Yauco 120

Market of Allasco 128

•* Maguey ** Lands, San Sebastian 136

Old Church, San German 144

Church and Square, Guayama 152

Culebrinas River, San Sebastian 160

** Collazo " Waterfall, San Sebastian 168

Old Bridge between Fajardo and Luquillo 176

New Road, Yabucoa-Maunabo 184

"Alfonso XII " Bridge Cayey-Guayama Road 192

Road in Construction, Bayam6n-Comei'fo 200

Entrance to **Dark Cave,'' Aguas-Buenas 208

New Model School, •* Lafayette Riu-al," Gurabo 216

Dorado Rural School ^ 224

Insular Telegraph Office, San Juan 232

ERRATA.

Line 7 on pafce 215 should read Couer (VAlene and not Mosoow.
Line 19 on page 216 should read May, 1908, and not May, 1901.

o
o

^ PREFACE.

In the summer of 1901, the Secretary of Porto Kieo,
the Honorable William H. Hunt, now (iovernor of
Porto Rico, with the co-operation of his able aHsistant,
the Honorable James H. MacLeary, now one of the
Justices of the Supreme Court of Porto Hieo, prepared
and issued a volume under the name of the " First
Annual Register," and which contained a vast amount
of interesting and valuable information, concerning the
Federal and Insular (irovernments, covering the various
forms and branches thereof, their functions, powers
and duties, and also a large amount of historical data.

This volume has performed a most important work,
in furnishing information, in response to very many
inquiries, and it so thoroughly covered the entire field
that it was not considered advisable in 11)02 to publish
a second annual register. But at the present time,
sufficient new matters of interest have developed, and
changes have been made in connection with the con-
duct of governmental affairs in Porto Rico to justify
the issuing of a new volume covering many of the
same matters. We accordingly have prepared this,
"The Register of Porto Rico for 1908," and have
sought to embrace in its preparation those matters of
particular interest to the residents of Porto Rico, as
well as to the people of the United States, which
would be embodied within a compendium of general
affairs of the Island and its government.

The articles have been carefully prepared by the

1606—2

heads of the various departments of the Insular Gov-
ernment to w^hich they pertain, and the historical data
of the different municipalities has been cheerfully fur-
nished by the Alcaldes; in fact, the book is the general
production of those in charge of the various depart-
ments and branches of the service, to which the par-
ticular subjects relate, so that it presents in a concise
form, the present situation, and to some extent the
ambitions and aspirations of those charged with author-
ity in the various departments of the Insular and
Municipal service, with reference to their respective
charges. In this way it is believed that the volume
will be a matter of special interest to all persons
seeking information relating to Porto Rico and its
ofovernment.

CHAS. HARTZELL.

San Juan, Poeto Rico, October 1st, 1903.

INTRODUCTORY.

By the ratification of the treaty of Paris the des-
tinies and future welfare of almost 1,000,000 people
living on the Island of Porto Rico were placed, prac-
tically without restriction, at the will of the Congress
of the United States. It marks one of the greatest
epochs in the history, not only of the Island, but that
of the United States as well. Territorial accession
was not a novelty, for the constant growth and expan-
sion incident to the marvelous progress of the great
republic had necessitated the acquisition and assimila-
tion of adjacent territory; but the assumption of the
vast responsibility with relation to this people whose
future governmental control was thereby vested, with-
out recourse in the Federal (Jovernment, must fix a
point in our national life distinct from any which had
preceded it, and although no great display or public
ceremony attended the inauguration of the new regime,
still, to the lives of the people of Porto Rico and their
descendants had come that same point of national his-
tory so cherished by all lovers of liberty which marks
the time when the people themselves assume direction
of their own governmental affairs; and the wise and
prudent provisions of the Foraker Law, under which
Porto Rico is being taught the grand principles of self-
government, will always stand as a splendid monument
to the statesmanship and foresight of its creators.

Already the Island had been under the physical con-
trol of our victorious army, and a military government.

with ample authority to establish and maintain tran-
quility and order was the immediate and effective
result of an t^xecutive order. Too much credit cannot
be given to the wise, prudent and conservative admin-
istration of affairs under the representatives of the
United States Army, who acted during tlie period of
temporary military control, and many of the geneial
orders having the force of law which were promulgated
during that time are still in full force and effect, and
will undoubtedly become parts of the permanent strui*-
ture for the government of the Island. The great
problem, however, which confronted Congress was the
establishment of a form of civil government suited to
the situation, history and present nec^essities of the
Porto Rican people, and by the terms of which the
greatest possible degree of participation should be
secured consistent with their own best interest and
protection.

Great events of Porto Rican history had been trans-
piring with such startling rapidity that even the best
informed were wholly unable to keep pace with the
changes in the law in many respects, and the duty
confronting those who were selected to face this situa-
tion and to administer the existing laws under the
terms of the Poraker Act, was well calculated to cause
grave anxiety in the minds of all lovers of simplicity
and directness in governmental methods. But now,
after three years of earnest effort in the direction of
Americanization, it will be interesting to hastily review
the progress which has been made, and to voice the
hopes of those who are engaged in this work.

By the terms of the Foraker Act practical autonomy
was granted to the Insular (iovernment for which it
provides, and a large majority of all the officials
throughout the Island are left to the unrestricted choice
of its own citizens. The Governor and the heads of the

various executive departiuents are ehosen by the Presi-
dent with the approval of the Senate, Hud the Execu-
tive Council, which constitutes one of the branches of
the Legislative Assembly, consists of the six executive
department hcHds so chosen, to which are added five
natives of Porto Rico, who are also Hppointed by the
President. The House of Delej^atc^s, or popular branch
of the Lejrislative Assembly consisting!: of thirty-five
members, are sele(*ted by the voters from tlie seven
election districts into which the Island is divided; and
in the Judicial Department the supreme court, con-
sistin^i: of five members, is appointed by the Presi-
dent, but a mnjority of the members chosen for that
tribunal of last resort are native citizens of the Island;
and of the judj^es of the vnrious district courts who
are appointed by the (lovernor, the lar^re majority are
also sele(*ted from anumjr the native population.

The greatest chHno:e which was created bv the insti-
tution of the new jrovernment whs the introduction of
that keystone of the American governmental system
which provides for the creation of three great co-or-
dinate and independent departments, the executive,
the legislative and judicial, each having its own pow-
ers, duties and responsibilities and each performing
its independent functions, while combined together to
form the completed structure. Prior to American
occupation, the laws were practically all enacted in
Spain and were promulgated and enforced by the
representative of the King, who, under the name of
Governor-General, together with his various secre-
taries, exercised well-nigh autocratic power in the
Island. The fact that this condition had existed for
centuries had so definitely fixed it in the minds and
upon the lives of those living in Porto Rico that it has
been one of the greatest problems confronting the new
administration to teach them that there can be any

responsibility lodged in any other head than that of
the Executive Department or that there can be any
redress for wrongs except that granted by royal order
or dispensation.

This great sub-division of governmental power was
the first practical demonstration of what Americaniza-
tion means to people who for centuries had lived under
the doctrine that the King w^s the source of all power,
and the thorough acceptance of this doctrine by the
Porto Rican people is still evidenced by the mass of
petitions, complaints and communications which flood
the mail of the (Governor, but which under the new
administration of affairs are referred to the proper
departments, courts or legislative authority for deter-
mination.

Equal in importance to the creation of these co-or-
dinate departments, and coming with even greater
force into immediate contact with the people, was the
creation of a Legislative Assembly with almost plen-
ary power in the matter of local legislation. Repre-
sentation in any legislative capacity was a thing wholly
unknown, and the selection of a popular house of
delegates from among the people by an almost univer-
sal suffrage, by means of an adapted form of the
Australian ballot system, was one of the first duties
to be performed by the new government, and how well
the people of Porto Rico evidenced their adaptabilit}^
to the situation which was thus presented to them is
well exemplified by the fact that in less than nine
months after the inauguration of the first Civil Gov-
ernor thev held a "general election, and the first Le«:is-
lative Assembly ever known in the history of Porto
Rico, elected by the popular ballot, was engaged in
the enactment of new laws and the revision and
amendment of old ones, which, when so enacted and
amended, should represent the sovereign will of the

people of the Island. It was an experience unique in
in its history and to be recorded for all times as the
definite point when American methods and policies
had established their beneficent domain. Necessarily,
during the sixty days' duration of the first Legislative
session its efforts were largely devoted to the consid-
eration of a few of the most urgent and pressing
necessities which confronted it, and the total inex-
perience of the members in legislative methods and
procedure tended to the prevention of action on many
subjects which were suggested; but the result of the
earnest efforts of that pioneer assembly were most
gratifying to every well wisher for the new govern-
ment and every believer in the great benefits of
Americanization.

The officials of the Insular (xovernment, fully real-
izing that the great changes to be accomplished must
be the gradual work of many years rather than that
hasty action which would not alone endanger and
invite mistakes, but which would also most certainly
arouse objection and hostility among the people to
whom it is all so foreign, and in many cases well nigh
revolutionary, have only sought to institute those par-
ticular features of mo<lern American laws which seemed
most necessary to the immediate and })ressing neces-
sities of the situation of the people of Porto Rico.

The second and third sessions of the Legislative
Assembly have now been finished, and the same spirit
of conservatism has again been manifested and observed
in their actions. The growing acquaintance of the
members with legislative procedure has enabled the
accomplishment of much more of a practical nature,
but the vastness of the work to be done and the years
of patient effort and consequent solicitude which must
elapse before the ambitions of the lovers of Porto Rico
can be fully realized, is being made more and more

apparent to those who have been entrusted by the
Federal Government with the privilege and charged
with the duty of assisting in this great work.

Altogether the situation presented is one of substan-
tial progress, and is full of encouragement and hope of
ultimately realizing our ambitions; but the serious
and constant labor and effort which will be required
for many years, before the full realization of this
happy condition can be had, is becoming more and
more impressed upon those who have had occasion to
reflect upon the results which have been attained by
the three years' experience of the civil government
under American administration.

CHAliLE8 HARTZELL.

"-^

POKTO HKH) AT A (iLAN(^E.

Porto Rico is h possession of which tlie United States
may well be proud, and which is beyond doubt des-
tined to enjoy under American j^uidance steady projr-
ress and prosperity. Its situation, fertility, and neai-
ness to the States are all in its favor. The optimists
who claim that it will before many years flash its star
in the Constellaticm of the American Ha^ have j^round
for their convictions. It is a (jueen amonj; the islands
of the world.

Porto Rico is washed by tlie Atlantic on the North,
and by the Caribbean Sea on the South. The Island
lies further to the East and South than any other of
the Antilles, and of them it is the smallest. It is 100
miles lonfjf from East to West and 30 miles broad.
With its adjacent islands it has an area of Ji,008 square
miles. Of these contiofuous islands the largest are
Mona, to the West; Culebra, to the East; and Vieques,
to the Southeast, (^ulebra was brought into promi-
nence bv the naval manoeuvres of 1902. It is being
well fortifitd and numerous improvements are pro-
jected by the United States Navy Department which
will give CHilebra an importance it has not hitherto
enjoyed. Vieques is a fertile island, well settled.
Mona is unsettled, but is the site of a fine light-house.

Geographically, Porto Rico is located between the
parallels 17° 54' and 18° 30' North latitude and the
Meridians (55° 1 3' and 07° 1 5' West longitude. In shape
the Island is almost a perfect parallelogram, the South-

west corner being gently rounded off. The sea line
approximates 360 miles. There are few indentations
in the coast, which is generally low, and the harbors
and head-lands are few.

It is recorded of Christopher Columbus that when
he was describing the newly discovered Island of
Borinquen to Isabella, Queen of Spain, to illustrate
the configuration of its surface he crumpled a silk
handkerchief in his hand and threw it down on the
marble table before his Sovereign. He could scarcely
have given a more striking and correct representation
of this Island with its mountains, hills, valleys, and
playas, with its cliffs and gorges, its glens and streams,
running in every direction from the center to the sea.

The central cordillera, extending irregularly from
Mount Yunque, near the Eastern coast to Cape San
Francisco on the utmost Western verge of the Island,
forms the comb of the water-shed, directing the steams,
on their courses towards the ocean. Forty-six rivers
and more than a thousand smaller streams find their
sources in the interior mountains and their outlets,
through the grassy playas that fringe the foot-hills, in
the Atlantic on the North and the Caribbean on the
Southern border. Woods and groves crown hills and
mountains, increasing in density with the elevation,
till on the slopes of El Yunque, (the Anvil) rising to
its peak 3,(500 feet above the sea, they form an almost
impenetrable forest. Along the margins of the streams
are narrow valleys which widen as the streams grow
larger, until they join the encircling play a. The soil,
from peak to beach, is everywhere remarkably fertile.

The principal rivers are the Loiza, Plata, Bayamon,
Cibuco, Mantati, Arecibo, Camuy, and (iuajataca, flow-
ing North; the Portuges, Jacaguas, Descalabrado, Coa-
mo, Guamani, and Guayanes flowing South; the Fajar-
do, Naguabo, and Humacao flowing East; and the

Mayagitez, Anaseo, Ciilebrinas, and (luanajitos flowing
West.

The principal harbors of Porto Hico are those of San
Juan, Guanica and Jobos, which are land-locked; and
those of Ponce, Mayagiiez, Aguadilla and Arecibo,
which are open roadsteads. There is need of improve-
ments and dredtjin^^ in all these harbors and that of
San Juan is likely to receive the early attention of the
United States Government.

Few places can boast of as charming a climate as
that of Porto Kico. It may be compared with that of
the Northen states in early Summer and varies but
little the year round. The extrenu^ range of temper-
ature does not exceed 40° Farenheit, the liighest ever
recorded being 98°, which was very rare, and the h)west
being 58°. The average is 70°. For the last twenty
years the mean monthly temperature recorded in San
Juan has'been 70^ In the mountains it is somewhat
cooler. The nights are always refreshing and the
ocean breezes rarely cease sweeping the Island. From
June to September warm days may be expected, but
not with certainty. The other nu)nths, especially from
December to February, both inclusive, are delightfully
cool.

The variations of rainfall are so wide in different
parts of the Island that average figures would be of
little value, (jenerally, the North and East coasts
receive the heaviest down-pours. The abnormal fall of
120 inches has been reached in the forests of El
Yunque. On the West coast 20 inches was the aver-
age for a long time. In San Juan the last twelve
years' average has been (iO inches. During the Spring
of the present year practically the whole Island suf-
fered from a drought of two months' duration, which
seriously threatened the crops, but which was broken
in May by copious rains.

Fortunately the trade- winds which play over Porto
Rico rarely handle the little Island roughly. Only
seven violent hurricanes have been recorded in 400
years. Earthquakes are practically unknown and no
fears exist because of the presence of "extinct"
craters or the more terrible volcanoes like Pelee of
Martinique, and the Soufriere of 8t. Vincent, that re-
cently shocked the world by slaying 35,000 inhabitants
of the West Indies in a few fateful hours.

In a word, Porto Rico is singularly favored by nature
and about it hovers an indescribable charm which
makes one forget disadvantages due to the slow prog-
ress of civilization. Her stately royal palms well typify
her dio^nitv and beaut v. From her hills stretches in all
directions a panorama of loveliness ; her glorious sun-
sets, painted by the Master Artist's hands are a daily
revelation in marvelous colors, and the sea's surf song
lulls her to sleep under the soft bendiction of the KSouth-
ern Cross.

THE (JOVERNOK OF PORTO lUVi).

The office of (iovernor of Porto Rico, hs (?i*eated by
the Act of Congress establisliiiij]: a Civil (lovernment
for the Island, and comprisino; as well the duties and
responsibilities imposed by subsequent acts of the
Legislative Assembly of Porto Rico, in some respects
constitutes a departure from the duties ordinarily
pertaining to the offi(*e of Govei*nor.

The Organic Act, creating the office, provides that: —

"He shall be appointed by the President, by and with
the advice and consent of the Senate ; he shall hold his
office for a term of four years and until his suct^essor is
chosen and qualified unless sooner removed by the Pres-
ident; he shall reside in Porto Rico during his official
incumbency, and shall maintain his office at the seat of
government ; he may grant pai*dons and reprieves, and
remit fines and forfeitures for offenses against the laws of
Porto Rico, and respites for offenses against the laws of
the United States, until the decision of the Pi*esident shall
be ascertained ; he shall c»om mission all officers that he
may be authorized to appoint, and may veto any legisla-
tion enacted, as hereinafter provided; he shall be the
Commander-in-Chief of the Militia, and shall at all times
faithfully execute the laws, and he shall in that behalf have
all the powers of the Governoi's of the Territories of the
United States that are not locally inapplicable ; and he
shall annually, and at such other times as he may be
required, make official report of the transactions of the
government in Porto Rico, through the Secretary of State,
to the President of the United States: Provided, That
the President may, in his discretion, delegate and assign
to him such executive duties and functions as nuiy in
pursuance with law be so delegated and assigned."

In addition to these general powers delegated by
Congress to the (jovernor of Porto Rico, he has been

vested with much authority and charged with great
responsibility respecting matters covered by Insular
Legislation. All of the Judges of the District Courts of
Porto Rico are appointed by him; all the Justices of
the Peace, and a large number of other Insular officials
are appointed in the same manner, with power of
removal under certain conditions fixed by the law.
He receives and acts upon the resignations of Alcaldes
and members of Municipal Councils, and by appoint-
ment, fills all vacancies created by resignation, re-
moval, or from any other source, in these Municipal
offices. He is the head and Commander-in-Chief of
the Insular Police force of the Island, the operations
of which are carried on directly under his supervision
and control.

A very large portion of the duties devolving upon
the Governor of Porto Rico result from the custom
which had been established and continued durino^ the
four hundred years of Spanish occupation of Porto
Rico, of carrying to the Governor or Governor-General,
complaints relating to almost every conceivable sub-
ject which affected the government or the people.
This custom had become so thoroughly impressed
upon the people of the Island, that even since the
establishment of our Civil Government, with its three
great co-ordinate branches, equipped for performing
the various functions assigned to them by the law,
we find the mail of the Governor flooded with thou-
sands of communications, petitions and protests, most
of which can now be referred through the appropriate
channels to the proper department, for consideration,
but many of which still require the personal attention
and consideration of the Governor himself. The
process of Americanization will in time relieve the
Governor's office to some extent in matters of this
character, but for years to come there will undoubtedly

be a large proportion of the time of the (iovernor
necessarily devoted to the consideration and determi-
nation of matters which would not, under normal
conditions, pertain to that office.

The Governor's salary is $8,000 per annum, in
addition to which he is entitled, under the Act of
Congress, to the occupancy of the beautiful old build-
ing formerly occupied by the Spanish (lovernor-(ien-
eral, and popularly known as La F\)rtaleza or Santa
Catalina.

There is no cabinet connected with the (iovernor's
office, but to a large extent he is assisted in the con-
sideration of the multifarious duties of the position,
by the heads of the various Executive Departments,
appointed by the President, who meet with him for
that purpose, at convenient periods.

THE SECRETARY

(by HON. WILLIAM H. GALE, ASSISTANT SECRETARY.)

In addition to the usual duties of a Secretary of State
of a State or a Territory — such as recording and pre-
serving public documents, promulgating the proclama-
tions and orders of the (xovernor and the laws of the
Legislative Assembly, receiving and recording articles
of incorporation, and annual reports of domestic and
foreign corporations, keeping a register of consuls and
other official representatives of foreign nations — the
Secretary of Porto Rico is called upon to perform
duties of another and a higher order.

He is, ex-officio, a member of the Executive Council,
and as such exercises powers which in their nature and
scope are unique in the political history of our country.

In the temporary absence of the Governor from the
Island, or in the event of the office becoming vacant
for any reason, the Secretary is required by the terms
of the Organic Act to exercise all the powers and
perform all the duties of the Governor.

The Secretary exercises powers of supervision and
control over municipal affairs. These powers spring-
partly from the old Spanish system of administrative
centralization, through military orders having the force
of law, and partly from a municipal corporations' law
enacted by the Legislative Assembly. They constitute
the most interesting, if not the most important, of the
Secretary's functions.

There are forty-six municipalities in the Island.

Each one includes numerous rural wards as well as
city wards proper. The rural wards are in charge of
oflScers known as delegates, who are appointed by the
mayor and serve without remuneration. For the
poj)ulated centers within the municipal limits the mayor
has authority, with the consent of the Council, to ap-
point a commissicmer. This officer has charge of the
Civil Register for which service he receives a salary of
not to exceed $360 per annum.

The New England township system for the govern-
ment of rural communities has not been transplanted
to the tropics. This system, even in a modified form,
demands a higher degree of tnlucation and self-restraint
on the part of the agricultural population than can be
looked for in Porto Rico for some years to come.

At the second session of the First Legislative As-
sembly of Porto Rico a general nmnicipal corporations'
law was enacted, applicable to all the municipalities
of the Island. This law is known as the Municipal
Law. It establishes a general frame-work of municipal
government, providing for a mayor and a municipal
council to be elected by the people; and for certain
municipal officers, such as a secretary, a treasurer, a
comptroller and a health officer, who are appointed by
the mayor and may be removed by him for good and
sufficient reason after having been heard in their
defense.

The council is given power, subject to certain limita-
tions, to levy taxes and to manage and control the
finances and the property belonging to the municipal-
ity. The coimcil, subject to certain further condi-
tions, may also pass any ordinance or resolution not in
conflict with the laws of the Island in regard to the
opening and survey of streets, parks and promenades,
and other municipal public highways; paving, light-
ing, and drainage; water supply; public bathing es-

1606—3

tablishments, lavatories, and slaughter-houses; fairs
and markets; public education and libraries; sanita-
tion and hospitals; public charity; cemeteries; con-
struction of buildings; and police regulations in rela-
tion to public order and health.

The sources from which the municipalities may
derive their revenues are specified, and the power
conferred upon them to borrow money is safe-guarded.

The sphere of action of the mayor is defined, and
is sharply differentiated from that of the council. It
is the duty of the mayor to publish and execute all
ordinances of the council; to issue all necessary orders
for the government of the municipality in accordance
with the laws and ordinances relating thereto; and to
appoint and direct all employees of the municipality,
supervise tlieir conduct, and suspend or remove them
from office when necessary.

A general supervision over municipal finances is
exercised by the Treasurer of Porto Rico, and author-
ity to see that the sanitary laws and regulations are
enforced by the local Health Officers is vested in the
Insular Director of Health. With these exceptions,
the Secretary, under the Governor, is given exclusive
jurisdiction in all matters connected with municipal
administration.

In case a member of the municipal council becomes
lacking in the qualifications required of him as such,
or becomes disqualified to hold office by virtue of any
other provision of law, and the council fails to act,
he must be removed from office by the Secretary.

In any action or proceeding to which the municipal-
ity may be a party, represented by the mayor, the
latter may not confess judgment or submit the matter
to arbitration without the consent of the council and
of the Secretary.

Whenever, in his judgment, the public interests

require it, m special meeting of a municipal council
may be called by the Secretary.

No ordinance making or authorizing a sale or lease
of any property belonging to or under the control of
a municipality is valid unless it receives the approval
of the Secretary.

By virtue of a section of the Municipal Law, provid-
ing that residents of the municipalities may appeal to
the Secretary of Porto Rico from any resolution or act
of a municipal officer, the Secretary, in addition to the
specific powers which have been enumerated, is also
vested with wide authority and discretion of a general
nature. The section referred to reads, in part, as
follows:

** Any taxpayer or person resident within tlie limits of
a municipality who believes himself to be injuriously
affected or who believes that the geneml interests of the
municipality have been injured by any ordinance, resolu-
tion, or act of the council or mayor, or of any municipal
officer, may object thereto by suit in a <^ourt of competent
jurisdiction, or by direct appeal to the Secretary of Porto
Uico, and the Secretary of Porto Rico may, himself, take
cognizance of any such act upon the matter coming to his
attention in any way and decide the same in like manner
as if direct personal appeal had been made to him. Such
appeals to the Secretary of Porto Rico shall be in writing,
and against his decision which shall also be in writing,
recourse may only be had upon application to the courts
of justice."

The appeals taken to the Secretary under the above
provision of the law are numerous and varied in char-
acter. Many of them are trivial, and arise from dis-
putes which can be settled only by agreement between
the interested parties, or by the competent court of
justice. The more important appeals relate to tax
matters and to claims against the municipal authorities
for services rendered. Sometimes an appeal is taken
from a municipal ordinance on the ground that the
council has exceeded its authority. Then there are
many communications from mayors requesting infor-

mation as to the proper construction of some provision
of the Municipal Law. Many of the questions that
arise are of a difHcult and complicated nature, owing
to the fact that some of the provisions of the old
Spanish Municipal Law are still in force and that the
General Orders which were issued by the United States
military authorities and which have the force of law
have not all been repealed. These matters are all
given careful consideration, and occupy much of the
time of the Secretary and his office force. If, in any
case, a doubt arises upon some legal point the ques-
tion is submitted to the Attorney -General for an
opinion.

Although the jurisdiction of the Secretary is wide,
his policy has been to intervene as little as possible in
municipal matters of an exclusively local character.
It has been deemed better that some inconvenience and
hardship should be suifered by the residents of the
municipalities through the unwise, if lawful, action of
the officers elected by them, than that experience in
self-government should be lessened in value through
interference by the central authority in matters affect-
ing local interests alone. The Secretary's decisions are
accepted as final. I believe that in the great majority
of cases they are also considered just and equitable.

I have thought it worth while to set forth in some
detail the duties which devolve upon the Secretary as
the administrative superior of the local municipal
authorities, because of the fact that in general outline
the scheme of municipnl government which obtains in
Porto Rico conforms very closely to that advocated
by modern municipal reforms, namely: A general
municipal corporations' act, autonomy within certain
well-defined limits, and administrative control by a
duly authorized central authority in matters which
affect the interests of the state.

2i)

The system thus far has worked well. The munici-
pal reports for the last fiscal year show a reduction in
both floating and bonded debts, an unwonted initiative
in undertaking improvements, and a new^ spirit of
self-reliance and civic pride.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE.

(by HON. WILLIS SWEET, ATTORNEY- GENERAL.)

The Department of Justice was organized under the
provisions of the Organic (Foraker) Act. In a gen-
eral way, its working details correspond to the organ-
ization of the judiciary in a territory of the United
States, although it partakes of features characteristic
both of a state and a territory. Upon first acquaint-
ance the laws are confusing. The Organic Act
continued in force certain laws as they existed under
the old Spanish code; also the orders made by military
authority during the period the Island was governed
by that arm of the National government. Then came
the transfer from military to civil authority, followed
by a meeting of the legislature, and the passage by
that body of such laws as are usually considered by
legislative assemblies in providing local self-govern-
ment. In reaching a conclusion, therefore, as to the
existing laws upon questions as they arise in the
administration of justice, it is necessary, in many
instances, to examine the Spanish code, the military
orders, the code of Porto Rico, and subsequent acts
of the legislature.

Referring to the code of Porto Rico, it is proper to
state that the first Legislative Assembly, meeting the
l-equirements of the Foraker Act, provided for a Code
Commission; and that this Code Commission prepared
and submitted a political code, a civil code, a penal
code, and a code of criminal procedure. The Code

Commission presented what is in effect a system of
laws similar to those in force in the different states of
the United States; the penal code, and the code of crim-
inal procedure being lar«jely based upon the Califor-
nia penal code and the practice thereunder. Under
all of the circumstances, this commission did very
excellent work, and this code, now in force, is of
great benefit and assistance in administering the new
system of laws for the island. We are, however, in
need of more uniformity in the matter of practice; and
a simplification of the rules, Imth in criminal and civil
procedure, is greatly to be desired. One of the neces-
sary steps to this end is the preparation and adoption
of a code of civil practice. In civil affairs, we are
now acting under the old Spanish code, and in penal
matters are following as nearly as possible the Cali-
fornia practice.

THE COURTS.

SIPUEME COURT.

The Supreme Court is composed of five judges, ap-
pointed by the President of the United States and
confirmed by the Senate. It is the court of last resort
in the Island of Porto Rico; but, writs of error and ap-
peals from the final decisions of the Supreme Court of
Porto Rico, lie and may be taken to the Supreme Court
of the United States in the same manner, and under
the same regulations, and in the same cases, as from
the Supreme Court of the territories of the United
States; and such writs of error and appeal are "al-
lowed in all cases where the Constitution of the United
States, or a treaty thereof, or an act of Congress is
brought in question and the right claimed thereunder
is denied;" and the Supreme and District Courts of
Porto Rico, and the respective judges thereof, may
grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases in which the

same are graiitable by the judges of the District and
Circuit courts of the United States. The Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court receives $5,000.00; and the
Associate Justices of said court each the sum of
$4,500.00 per annum. The Supreme Court is provided
with a marshal at a salary of $3,000.00 per annum,
and with the necessary clerical force. The clerks of
all courts in this Island are designated as secretaries.

DISTRICT COUUT.

The Island is divided into five judicial districts.
Three judges are assigned to each bench, one of whom
must speak English. The presumption is that the
English-speaking judge will be familiar with the
American practice, and will thus be of material as-
sistance in making the transfer from the old to the
new system. There are, therefore, fifteen district
judges in the Island, divided as above stated, each
judge receiving a salary of $3,000.00 per annum. The
district judges are appointed by the Governor of the
Island and confirmed by the Executive Council. A
substitute judge is also appointed by the Governor,
and confirmed by the Executive Council. His duty is
to sit in the place of any district judge who may for
anj'- reason be temporarily disqualified. This judge is
assigned to duty by the Attorney -General as the neces-
sities of the service may require. The salary of the
substitute judge is $1,500.00 per annum.

These courts are courts of general jurisdiction, pos-
sessing the powers and authority usually conferred upon
judges of similar rank in the United States.

Each district has its fiscal, or prosecuting attorney.
His duties correspond to the duties of the same officer
in the United States. He is charged wdth certain
responsibilities in looking after the interests of wards
and minors that do not pertain to this office in the

States; and he is also vesttnl with the powers of a
committing magistrate. He is, in brief, the representa-
tive of the State; the prosecuting officer in the district
courts. The salary of the fiscal is $3, ()()(). 00 per an-
num.

MUNICIPAL COIRTS.

The mimicipal court possesses a civil jurisdiction
limited to $400.00. The municipal judge is elected by
the voters of the municipality. There are 40 munic-
ipalities in Porto Rico, and 47 municipal judges; San
Juan being provided with two municipal courts. Each
municipal judge has a substitute nnd a bailiff appointed
by the court. The salaries of the officers of the munic-
ipal court are regulated by a general order still in
force, and depend upon the fees received.

JUHTICEH' COUKTB.

There are 48 Justice's Courts in this Island. The
cities of San Juan and Ponce each have two of these
courts. All other municipalities are provided with
one justice's court. The district of a justice of the
peace corresponds to the precinct or township over
which he has jurisdiction in the United States. The
justice of the peace does not have the jurisdiction
which the title to the office would lead a person
familiar with American courts to infer. In the United
States he has both civil and criminal jurisdiction; in
civil matters up to a certain amount specified in dol-
lars, and in criminal cases he usually has jurisdiction
of all misdemeanors and may sit as a committing
magistrate. In Porto Hico the justice of the peace is
more of a police officer. His court is a police court.
He has jurisdiction only in criminal cases. This juris-
diction is limited to misdemeanors, pimishable by
imprisonment not to exceed six months, and by a fine
not to exceed $250.00. Justices of the peace may

also entertain complaints under the sanitary laws.
An appeal lies from the judgments rendered by the
justice to the district court; but from the judgment of
the district court, upon a misdemeanor, there is no
appeal.

The salaries of the justices of the peace in San
Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, and Arecibo are $100.00 per
month; all other justices receive a salary of $50.00 per
month. Each justice is allowed a secretary of his own
selection. These secretaries in the four larger places
.named receive $(100.00 per annum; in all other places
$360.00 per annum. The salaries of the justice and
his secretary are paid by the municipality in which
the court is situated.

ATTORNEY-GENEKAL'S OFFICE.

In the space allotted to this article it would not be
practicable to attempt a review of the entire work of
the Attorney -General's office. It involves the duties
usually connected with the office of the Attorney -
Oeneral of a territory of the United States. This
means the furnishing of opinions to the Governor and
heads of all departments, relative to the interpreta-
tion, construction, or execution of the laws of the
Island. The fiscals of the district courts are under
the direct administration and supervision of the Attor-
ney-General, as are the penal institutions of the
Island. The municipal and justice's courts, and in
short, the administrative affairs of all of the courts,
including the formulating of the rules for jury trials,
are all intimately associated with the affairs of the
office, and more or less directly under its supervision.
All applications for pardon are submitted to the At-
torney-General for a report to the Governor. The
bonds of notaries public, to the extent of the form
and sufficiency thereof, are subject to the approval

of this office; and, as under the practice on this
Island, notaries public make all transfers of property,
usually make and certify wills, with much other
work of an equally responsible character, this obliga-
tion is in itself an important one.
The immediate staff is as follows;

HALABY.

Attorney-General $4,000.0i»

Assistant Attorney-OenemI and Fim^al of the Su-
preme Coiut 3,0U0.0()

Assistant Attorney-General 2,500.00

Chief Clerk and Disbursing OflHeer 2,000.00

Law Clerk 1,500.00

Attorney for the Hupedur Board of Health 1,200.00

Interpreter and Translator 1,600.00

Secretary and Stenographer 1,500.00

Stenographer 1,400.0U

Two Stenographers, eaeh 1,200.00

Two clerks, each 1,000.<M»

Three clerks, eac*h 1100.00

Janitor 360.00

Two messengers, em'h :{60.0u

GENERAL a)MMENT.

The examination of applications for pardons is a
particularly burdensome task. It is doubtful if there
is a person confined in the prisons of the Island who
has not made one or more applications for pardon
each application carrying with it the story of mis
fortune or injustice which invariably accompanies doc
uments of this character. The daily list of applica
tions requires much valuable time of both the officer
making the examination and the stenographers who
write the reports.

TRIAL BY JURY.

Trial by jury is limited to criminal causes in which
the charge is not less than a felony. The rules gov-
erning these trials are formulated by the Attorney-
(xeneral and two of the district judges of the Island.
One of three judges of the district in which the cause
is to be tried is designated by the Attorney-General to

preside at the trial. The jury is selected by three
commissioners appointed by the court, and, if the law
is executed, these commissioners select jurors from
the responsible citizens of the district, and the empan-
elling of the jury, with the proceedings at the trial,
follow substantially as the same are conducted in the
States. Jury trials are, on the whole, growing in
popularity; but the practice is by no means universal.
The accused has the option of being tried by a jury or
by the full bench, and in criminal cases of a political
character, I think the demand for a jury the more
usual practice; but in other criminal cases the practice
differs in the different courts. But, as before stated,
upon the whole, the demand for a jury is increasing,
and it will doubtless become the universal practice in
all cases in which a jury is permitted by law.

ATTORNEYS.

Attorneys are admitted to practice either upon
examination in open court or upon certificate. The
examination of applicants is made under rules and
regulations formulated by the Supreme Court of the
Island. These rules and regulations are published,
and any person interested in the same may obtain a
copy thereof by applying to the secretary of the
Supreme Court. Any person presenting satisfactory
evidence of good moral character, who holds a certif-
icate of admission to the Supreme Court of the United
States, or of any United States Circuit or District
Court, or of the Supreme Court of any state or territory,
or of the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, or
who presents to the Supreme Court satisfactory evi-
dence that he is a member of the bar in good standing
of any of the courts above named, will be admitted to
practice in the Supreme Court, and all of the District
Courts of this Island.

THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.

In all of the departments of the insular (jovernment
and in all of the courts of this Island, and in all pub-
lic offices, the English langua«:e and the Spanish lan-
guage are used indiscriminately; and, when necessary,
translations and oral interpretations are made from
one language to the other, so that a party interested
may understand any proceeding of a public nature
transacted in any of the courts or departments of the
government.

THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

(by HON. WILLIAM F. WILLOUGHBY, TREASURER
OF PORTO RICO.)

The Treasury Department of Porto Rico has charge
of the administration of all of the financial affairs of
the Insular Government except those relating to exami-
nation and audit of accounts, which are performed
in the office of the Auditor of Porto Rico. In the
Treasury Department is thus concentrated the func-
tions usually performed in the several commonwealths
of the United States by a number of different officers,
such as the Treasurer proper, Assessor of Taxes, Collec-
tor of Taxes, Commissioner of Banks and Corpora-
tions, etc. As Treasurer proper, the Treasurer of
Porto Rico receives, and has custody of, the funds of
the Insular Government, and all the moneys received
by the Insular Government on behalf of the munici-
palities or for other purpose, and pays them out upon
warrants drawn by the Auditor and countersigned by
the Governor of Porto Rico. As Assessor, he has charge
of the assessment of all real and personal property in
the Island for purposes of taxation. As Collector of
Taxes, he has supervision over all the offices of the
collectors of taxes and keeps the accounts and rec-
ords of all payments made by tax-payers on account
of taxes assessed against them. As Commissioner of
Banks and Corporations, he is entrusted with the
examination and supervision of banking, insurance, and
other financial institutions. The Treasurer of Porto

Rico is also required to perform certain other services,
such as the granting of peiTnits to carry fire-arms; the
issuance of licenses to foreign corporations to transact
business in Porto Rico; the supervision of the system
of weights and measures. He, finally, performs very
important functions in respect to the supervision of
the administration of financial affairs by the munici-
palities of the Island. In virtue of provisions of munic-
ipal law, it is his duty to prescribe a uniform system
for the keeping of books of account, deposit of all
moneys, the making of all disbursements by the munic-
ipalities of the Island, and to require from them uni-
form annual and other reports, setting forth in detail
their financial transactions. When duly authorized bj-
the Governor, it is also his duty, himself, or by deputy,
to examine into the financial operations of any munici-
pality. Distinct from his functions as Treasurer of
the Island, the Treasurer of Porto Rico also acts as
Special Disbursing Officer for his own office, and the
offices of the (lovernor, Secretary, and Auditor of
Porto Rico.

In order that the character of these various duties,
and the manner in which they are performed may be
understood, a brief description should first be given of
the revenue system of the Island. The present rev-
enue system of the Insular Government was created
by an act passed at the first session of the First Legis-
lative Assembly of Porto Rico, approved January 31st,
1901. This act was subsequently amended in certain
particulars, but the fundamental principles upon which
it is based remain unchanged. In pursuance of this
act the Insular Government derives its revenue from
the following sources:

(1) Excise taxes, which are paid by the purchase, affix-
ture and proper cancellation of internal revenue stamps.
These excise taxes are imposed upon tlie prochiction or
importation of certain articles, (^hief among whicli are

liquors, tobacco, and matches, upon dealers in these ar-
ticles, and upon the execution of certain legal documents.

(2) A general property tax of one-half of one per cent,
upon all real and personal property situated in Porto Rico,
subject only to certain exemptions, as in the case of pro-
perty dedicated to religious or educational purposes, cer-
tain household goo<ls, etc.

(3j A collateral inheritance tax, varying in rate accord-
ing to the amount of property inherited and the degree
of relationship of the beneficiary.

(4) Special taxes upon insurance companies, in lieu of
the payment of the general property tax.

(5) All customs receipts, after the expense of collection
has been paid.

(6) Miscellaneous receipts, the most important of which
are the two per cent, interest paid by the depositories of
Insulai* funds upon moneys held by them belonging to the
Insular Government; license fees from foreign corpora-
tions for the pnvilege of transmuting business in Porto
Rico; royalties from companies enjoying franchises or
special privileges; fees for permits to carry fire-arms;
penalties, and fines.

For the adminiHtration of the scheme of excise taxes
there is required the organization of an elaborate sys-
tem whereby the Treasury Department may keep
track of the production, or importation and sale of all
articles subject to these taxes. All manufacturers,
distillers, importers of, or dealers in these articles are,
consequently, required to keep books of account, in
the manner and form prescribed by the Treasury
Department, setting forth an exact statement of the
quantity of articles subject to the payment of excise
taxes which are produced, imported, or sold by them,
and the persons from whom such articles were re-
ceived, or to whom sold, with the date of each sale or
shipment. Taxes upon the production or importa-
tion of articles subject to excise dues are paid at the
time the goods are imported, in the case of importa-
tion, or at the time they leave the establishment, in
case they are manufactured on the Island. Every im-
portation and every shipment must be evidenced by an
invoice taken from a stub-book. Upon this invoice

must be affixed stamps to the value of taxes due upon
the goods of which the invoice is evidence, these
stamps being so affixed as to fall partly on the invoice
itself and partly on the stub so that they are per-
manently cancelled and destroyed when the invoice is
detached from the stub-book. This invoice must
accompany every shipment of taxable goods, and every
merchant handling such goods must be able to show
the invoice denoting that the goods sold by him have
properly paid the tax legally due. License taxes are
paid by dealers quarterly, by means of the affixture of
stamps to a license issued by the Treasury Depart-
ment. Such licenses must be prominently displayed
at the establishments of tlie dealers.

To enforce compliance with the law and prevent
fraud, it is necessary that the Treasury Department
exercise a rigid system of inspection and supervision.
This is performed by a force of twenty-three Internal
Revenue Agents attached to the department. These
agents are assigned certain districts, for which they
are responsible. It is their duty to inspect all estab-
lishments at which articles subject to the tax are
manufactured or sold, to examine the goods and take
stock of the goods on hand, in order to determine
whether any such goods have left the establishment
without a proper invoice, and generally to see that
all the requirements of the law are rigidly (*.omplied
with. They must also visit retail establishments and
see that they are able at all times to produce proper
invoices for all articles liandled by them. It is tluis
possible to check tlie records of the retail dealers
against tliose kept by the manufacturers. The agent
must also issue licenses to new dealers and see that
the license fees are properly paid each quarter by
existing dealers. They must finally act as secret
service men; inspect shipments of articles being made

within their districts, for the purpose of determining
whether they are accompanied by the invoices prop-
erly stamped and cancelled, and to make arrests and
institute prosecutions where the law has been violated.
The Internal Revenue Stamps, through which payment
of the excise taxes is made, are kept by the Treasurer
of Porto Rico in his immediate possession, in a vault
especially constructed for that purpose. These stamps
are issued upon requisitions to the collectors and
deputy -collectors of taxes, for sale by them to the tax-
payers.

The administration of the general property tax re-
quires two fairly distinct services: (1) that of the gen-
eral valuation or assessment of property, and (2) the
collection and covering into tlie Treasury of the taxes
imposed in accordance with such assessment. The
first assessment of property was made in 1901. This
assessment underwent a general revision in 1902. In
1903 no general revision of assessments was made, but
a large amount of work was done in the way of taking
account of changes in ownership of new properties
and of properties going out of existence. The assess-
ment of 1901 was made by a special force of assessors
created for that purpose. The revision of 1902 and the
correction of assessment rolls that was made in 1903
was performed by the force of Internal Revenue Agents,
who, in accordance with the amendment of the rev-
enue law, which was made in 1902, could be desig-
nated by the Treasurer of Porto Rico to act as assessors.
The use of the Internal Revenue Agents for this
purpose not only resulted in economy, but also in an
increase of efficiency owing to the fact that such agents
are not only thoroughly familiar with properties in their
districts, but their permanent connection with the
Treasury Department gives a uniformity and continuity
to their work that could not well be obtained in anv

other way. Tax -payers have the right to appeal from
the action of the assessors to a permanent board of
review and equalization consisting of the Treasurer,
the Secretary, and the Commissioner of Interior of
Porto Rico, and two other persons, citizens of Porto
Kico, appointed by the Governor of Porto Rico.

For the collection of property taxes the Island is
divided into sixty collection districts, with h collector
or deputy -collector in charge of each. These officials
must devote their entire time to the performance of
this work and must maintain an office at the seats of
their respective districts. All tax -receipts are made
out in the Treasury Department at San Juan, from the
assessment rolls as finally passed upon by the board of
review and equalization. These receipts are attached
to stubs and are bound in volumes of convenient size.
These volumes of receipts are sent to the collectors
and deputy -collectors and each is charged upon the
books kept for that purpose in the Bureau of Ac-
counts, with the total amounts of receipts placed
in his hands for collection. All moneys received
by collectors and deputy -collectors on account of
the payment of taxes, or the sale of revenue stamps,
must be deposited at frequent intervals in (me of
the two depositories of Insular funds. Upon making
such deposits they receive receipts from the depos-
itories, which they duly forward to the Treasury De-
partment, and, thereupon, receive credit on the books
for the amount so deposited. Collectors must keep
books of account, in the form prescribed by the Treas-
urer and Auditor of Porto Rico, and make due return
to these officers of all work performed by them. Com-
pliance with these regulations is secured through the
work of two travelling examiners attached to the
Bureau of Accounts of the Treasury Department, whose
duty it is, as ordered by the Treasurer of Porto Rico,

to travel from office to office of the collectors and
deputy -collectors and examine their books and cash on
hand for the purpose of determining whether all receipts
and stamps that have been placed in their hands are
duly accounted for. Each collector and deputy-col-
lector is bonded to the people of Porto Rico, for the
faithful accounting for all moneys coming into his
hands.

Taxes are payable twice a year, upon July 1st and
January 1st of each fiscal year, and become delinquent
if not paid within sixty days thereafter. The Treas-
urer of Porto Rico is authorized to enforce the payment
of delinquent taxes by the attachment and sale of the
property of such delinquent tax-payer. Such proceed-
ings can be taken either through the Internal Rev-
enue Agents, specially designated for that purpose, or
through the collectors and deputy-collectors. In prac-
tice, however, this matter is usually handled through
the former officials, as it is difficult for the latter to
leave their offices in order to seize and conduct the sale
of property. Each step in the procedure employed is
provided for by the use of a carefully prepared series
of forms, so that the risk of error is reduced to a
minimum.

Corporations are, in general, taxed upon the same
basis as individuals — that is, upon the actual value of
property owned by them in the Island. The only dif-
ference is that in regard to the procedure utilized in
assessing such property, such assessment being mad^
directly by the Treasurer of Porto Rico instead of by
the Internal Revenue Agents detailed as assessors.

Before leaving this subject of property taxes it should
be noted that the municipalities of the Island likewise
have the power of imposing a general property tax of
one-half of one per cent, upon property within their
districts, for general municipal purposes, and a special

school tax of not to exceed one-tenth of one per cent.
Those municipalities which have contracted bonded
indebtedness can also impose a furtlier tax, sufficient to
produce the sum required by them to meet the interest
and sinking fund charges on account of sucli loans.
These taxes are levied on property as assessed by the
Insular Government, and the Treasury Department has
in all cases assumed the burden of making out the tax
receipts and collecting the taxes represented by them
in conjunction with the collection of Insular taxes. A
great economy is thus effected in avoiding tlie employ-
ment of two sets of collection officials, and the con-
venience of the tax-payer is conserved by his having to
deal with only one tax office. All receipts on account
of such municipal taxes are treated as special trust
funds and are paid over monthly to the municipalities
to which they belong. The cost of sudi collection is
entirely borne by the Insular Government.

No special description is needed of the machinery
employed in the enforcement of the payment of inher-
itance taxes. For such payment the Treasury Depart-
ment depends almost wholly upon the courts of the
Island, as the law makes it compulsory upon such
tribunals to see that the taxes due are paid before any
distribution of such estates is authorized. The collec-
tion of taxes due from insurance companies is likewise
a simple matter. These companies are required to
make regular statements of the business done by them
and to transmit to the Treasurer of Porto Rico the sums
due as shown by such statements. As regards cus-
toms receipts the Treasury Department is relieved
from all responsibility. All customs dues are col-
lected by the Federal Collector of Customs, who turns
over the money thus received after retaining the sum
necessary to defray the cost of collection. Miscel-
laneous receipts are likewise covered into the Treasury

without any special effort on the part of tlie depart-
ment other than that of keeping a proper account to
see that all payments legally due are made.

In conchiding this description of the Insular Revenue
System, mention should be made of the manner in
which Insular funds are actually kept. The Treasury
Department itself receives and handles no cash. All
payments are made to collectors and deputy -collectors,
or other officials authorized to receive public money,
and are deposited by them in one of the two banking
institutions which have been designated as depositories
for Insular funds, and all payments are made by means
of drafts or checks upon such depositories. By the
adoption of this system the Treasurer is not only
relieved from the great responsibility of the actual
handling of funds, but no money is withdrawn from
circulation, even for a moment. The Insular Govern-
ment, moreover, receives two per cent, interest upon
the funds thus held by the Insular depositories. These
depositories are bonded to the amount of live hundred
thousand dollars each to the people of Porto Rico, and
all risk of loss is thus eliminated as far as it is possible
to do so. The Treasurer of Porto Rico is also bonded to
the people of Porto Rico, for the faithful discharge of
his duties, in an amount fixed by the Executive
Council.

For the performance of these various duties the Treas-
ury Department is organized into four bureaus: (1)
Office of the Treasurer of Porto Rico proper; (2) Bureau
of Accounts; (3) Bureau of Internal Revenue; and (4)
Bureau of Municipal Finance. The Office of the Treas-
urer proper constitutes the administrative unit, where
all correspondence is received, opened, properly re-
corded, and distributed for action among the respective
bureaus. All general matters, such as applications for
positions, appointments, correspondence with heads of

other departments, etc., is here directly taken care of.
In this office is also attended to all miscellaneous
duties, such as the supervision of banking and insur-
ance institutions, the granting of licenses to carry fire-
arms, etc. , which do not pertain directly to the duties
of the other bureaus and are not of sufficient impor-
tance at the present time to warrant the creation of
special bureaus for their performance.
, The Bureau of Accounts has entire charge of all
matters relating in any way to book-keeping and ac-
counting. This work consists of four distinct classes
of accounts: (1) those of the Treasurer proper, show-
ing receipts of all classes and disbursements of the
Treasurer on warrants of the Auditor; (2) books of ac-
count opened with the collectors and deputy-collectors
of Internal Revenue, showing the total amount of taxes
placed in their hands for collection, and of revenue
stamps issued to them for sale and of payments made
on account thereof by them; (3) books of account with
individual tax-payers, showing the amount of taxes
charged against each, and the payments made by them;
and (4) books of account of the Treasurer as Special
Disbursing officer. This bureau, in connection with
the keeping of the books above enumerated, also has
charge of the correspondence with the collectors and
deputy- collectors relative to their duties and the re-
quirement from them of their regular reports. Im-
mediate supervision over the collectors and deputy-
collectors is secured through two travelling examiners
attached to this bureau, whose duty it is to proceed
from collection district to collection district and check
up the accounts of each collector and deputy-col-
lector.

In the Bureau of Internal Revenue is concentrated
the performance of all work relating in any way to the
administration of the revenue system of the Island.

In it one division has charge of the assessment of
property, and its revision from time to time as such
action becomes necessary. Another division has im-
mediate supervision over the enforcement of the excise
taxes, while a special employee is detailed to look after
the collection of inheritance taxes. Attached to this
bureau, as has already been stated, is a force of
twenty-three Internal Revenue Agents, the operations
of whom must be constantly directed and controlled
by the chief of the bureau.

The Bureau of Municipal Finance has as its essential
duty the supervision over municipal finances that is en-
trusted to the Treasurer of Porto Rico. The act con-
cerning municipalities, approved March 1st, 1902,
contained the very important provision that all munic-
ipal comptrollers and treasurers should keep books of
account, deposit moneys, and make reports according
to a uniform system as prescribed by the Treasurer of
Porto Rico. In pursuance of this provision the Treas-
ury Department has prepared and put into effect a
system of book-keeping and reporting by which due
record is kept of the financial transactions of all munic-
ipalities according to a uniform plan. For the first
time, it will thus be possible for information to be
obtained in a way permitting of comparison of munic^
ipality with municipality, and of the different years,
of the actual receipts and expenditures of the different
municipalities of the Island. Enforcement of this
system is secured through two travelling examiners
attached to the Bureau, whose duty it is to inspect the
books of the municipal comptrollers and treasurers and
see that the regulations are faithfully complied with.
These examiners, also, when specially authorized by
the Governor of Porto Rico, have the power to make a
detailed examination into the manner in which finan-
cial operations are being conducted by municipalities.

pa
o

THE AUDITOR.

(by HON. REGIS H. POST, AUDITOR OF PORTO RICO.)

The system employed in the Auditor's office was
described in detail in the second annual report of
the Governor of Porto Rico, but the following; brief
statement of the method of accountinji: for moneys
received and disbursed by the (iovernment will serve
to show the duties of the Auditor perhaps still more
plainly.

The Auditor has two important functions---one, as
prescribed in the Foraker Law, to keep accurate and
full accounts of all moneys received and disbursed,
and another to see that all moneys collected are prop-
erly accounted for and that any moneys expended are
disbursed properly and lawfully. To enable him to
carry out these twn) functions the Auditor is jj^iven
very sweeping powers by the Political Code, and is
made the final authority in all matters pertaining to
claims and accounts, subject only to appeal to the
Governor.

The sources of revenue of the (iovernment, and the
methods of collection, are fully set forth in the descrip-
tion of the Treasurer's department, so that they need
not be gone into in this article. They appear in this
department only after they have been collected and
deposited.

All moneys collected, from every source, are imme-
diately deposited by the receiving clerk or collector
in one of the banks acting as depositories for Insular

funds. The Treasurer then issues a duplicate receipt
for the amount so deposited in favor of thc^ depositor
and enters the amount on his books. These Treas-
urer's receipts are not valid until countersigned by the
Auditor, so they are sent to this department, where
the original is retained, and the duplicate is delivered
to the depositor. This duplicate receipt is retained
by the depositor as a voucher for his credit, and trans-
mitted with his monthly account to the Aiulitor. In
this way every cent that is received by the Govern-
ment is entered in both the books of the Auditor and
Treasurer and is vouched for both bv the original
receipt in the possession of the Auditor, and the dupli-
cate attached to the account of the depositor.

The disbursement of moneys is necessarily more
complicated, and is accomplished by the following
method: No moneys can be expended by the (lovern-
ment unless an express appropriation by the Legisla-
ture has been made covei'ing the expenditure. At
the beginning of the fiscal year an account is opened
in the books of the Auditor crediting each appropria-
tion with its proper amount under its general head
and particular sub-head, and as from time to time
moneys are drawn, the appropriations are debited
with the amounts. Thus, the Auditor can tell from
day to day just how each appropriation stands, and its
amount can never be exceeded.

There are two main classes of disbursements — those
pertaining to the expenses of the various departments,
and those pertaining to the (iovernment generally.
These latter are few in number and are settled directly
by the Auditor, while the former are paid by the Dis-
bursing officers of the various departments, who are
bonded to the people of Porto Kico, and who render
itemized accounts each month to the Auditor, setting
forth all receipts and expenditures and submitting

itemized vouchers wliieh are earefully checked by the
Auditor's department.

All moneys that are paid from the Treasury are paid
by draft of the Treasurer on one of the depositories of
public funds. But the Treasurer may not issue a draft
except upon a warrant issued by the Auditor and
countersigned by the (iovernor. If a general claim is
to be settled, the Auditor's department carefully in-
vestigates it, and if proper, makes out a settlement
warrant for its settlenuMit. If a Disbursing officer
requires an advance of moneys for his department, he
files an itemized reciuisition with the Audit<u% who,
if the requisition is within the respective appropria-
tions, issues an accountable warrant for the amount.
These warrants, upon being countersigned by the Gov-
ernor are sent to the Treasurer, who then makes out
a draft for the amount, and sends it to the payee in
settlement of his claim, or as an advance to be ac-
counted for, at the end of the month, to the Auditor.

As the amount of each warrant is carefully entered
in the ledgers of the Auditor under its proper appro-
priation and, as we have seen, all receipts are also
entered in the ledgers, the Auditor's books always
show the condition of the finances of the (iovernment
from day to da}% and they must agree with the books
of the Treasurer. Thus two sets of books kept en-
tirely separately, are continually recording the transac-
tions of the (iovernment, and should balance accu-
rately. At the end of each month the Treasurer sub-
mits to the Auditor an Account Current, showing his
transactions for the month, which is checked by the
books of the Auditor.

In this way the Auditor is not only enabled to keep
full and accurate accounts, but is enabled to guard
against any moneys being paid in excess of the appro-
priation made for the purpose.

The second function of the Auditor is the duty of
seeing that moneys collected are fully accounted for,
and moneys advanced lawfully expended. To enable
him to do this, the following method is employed: At
the end of each month every financial officer of the Gov-
ernment submits to him an itemized report of receipts
and expenditures. Those who collect money are deb-
ited with what they should receive, either the amount
of the property tax receipts, or revenue stamps de-
livered them, and Hre credited with the amounts of
the Treasurer's duplicate receipts submitted with the
report. These accounts are verified by consulting the
assessment rolls, and account of stamps issued and on
hand. As the amount of individual taxes is often iii
small amounts, and sub-divided into personal and real
property, urban and rural, excise, corporation, etc.,
and as certain proportionate parts of each belong to
the municipalities, and part to the Insular Government,
and as the municipal taxes must be sub-divided into
school, road and general funds, the work of verifying
the collections is extremely delicate and difficult. As
certain deductions must be made from time to time
from the funds appertaining to the municipalities, to
pay certain claims against them, a most detailed and
accurate set of accounts must be kept with them, and
constant references made to the copies of municipal
ordinances filed in this office.

The expenses of the various departments are paid
subject to the approval of the respective heads of de-
partments by their disbursing officers, from moneys
advanced to them monthly upon itemized requisitions.
They are debited with such moneys received, and at
the end of the month they render an itemized account
to the Auditor, with vouchers for all expenditures, re-
ceiving credit for such payments. In the event of any
item in the account being open to criticism, the Audi-

I tor "suspends " the item for explanation. If not prop-

erly explained the Auditor disallows it entirely. Each
disbursing officer is bonded to the people of Porto Rico,
and no moneys are advanced to him in excess of his
bond.

From time to time the Auditor sends investigating
committees to each disbursing officer, without warning,
to check up his accounts, vouchers, and cash on hand.
He is thus in constant supervision and is thoroughly
informed of all transactions involving the expenditure
of Government funds.

, One divisiim of the Auditor's office is entirely de-

voted to the audit of the receipts of the United States
Custom House. All customs duties on merchandise
entering Porto Rico from foreign countries is collected
by the United States collectors. They pay the ex-
penses of their offices from the moneys so collected,
and turn the balance in to the Insular treasury. For
the purpose of audit the original ships' papers, mani-
fests, etc., are sent to the Auditor, who checks up the
collector's account by them monthly. The accounts
are carefully verified not only as to amounts but also
as to the correctness of the duties charged. The orig-
inal papers are then filed in the Auditor's office. It is
a part of the duties of the Auditor to make certified
copies of these original papers for any one desiring
such copies.

The Auditor also has charge of the purchase and
distribution of stationery supplies furnished to the
various departments, and the (lovernment printing office
is attached to his department. The printing office
employs three men regularly and is well equiped with
the necessary presses and machinery.

AUDITOR'S
STATEMENT OF INSULAR REVENUES.

FI8CAL YEAR ENDING JUNE H<ITH. ItKO.

RECEIPTS.

Balance on liand July 1st, 1902 $ :n4,6(K).40

Deposits by Collector of Customs $ 771,447. iK»

Internal Revenue Receipts, proper 1,583,347.46

All other soiuves, including re[)aynients
and transfers 147,885,71

2,502,681.07

$2,817,281.47

EXPENDITUREvS.

Expenses of Legislative Branch, including
Elections, Public^ition of Laws, etc $ 116,205.13

Expenses of Executive Branch, including
Scrhools, Maintenance of Roads, Prisons,
etc 1,902,317.12

Expenses of Judicial Branch, including fees
and expenses of Witnesses, Jurymen, etc. 204,891.83

Payments to Municipalities of proportionate
shares of Excise Taxes 163,343.20

Sundry payments of claims, and expenses,
transfers, etc 86,213.61

Total Expenditures $ 2,472,970.89

Balance 344,310.58

$2,817,281.47 $2,817,281.47
COMPAUATIVE STATEMENT.

Balance on hand June 30th, 1903 $ :i44,310.58

Balance on hand June 30th, 1902 314,600.40

Increase $ 29,710.18

o:>

AUDITOR'S
STATEMENT OF TRUST FUNDS.

FI8tAL YEAR ENDIN(» JUNK '.MrVH, IWtt.

RECEIPTS.

Bnlaiice on haiitl July Lst, imnJ $1,043,H(>h.4(>

Remittance by Secretary of the Treasury
of U. S. on account of CiiHt<»ms collections
prior to July 25tli, 1901 $ 375,402.45

Taxes collecttMl on hehalf of the Municipal-
ities 587,307.32

Sundry Trust Funds, repayments and trans-
fers 62,015.64

$2,0f}8,593.87
EXPENDITURES.

By Department of the Interior, Construc-
tion of Roads, etc $ 42i*,274.03

By Department of Education, Construc-
tion of School Houses, etc* 94,486.1)6

Paid to Municipalities on account of taxes
collected 547,421.78

Sundry payments of claims, certificates of
indebtedness, transfers, etc 56,678.52

Total Expenditures $ 1,127,861.29

Balaiu^e 940,732.58

$ 2,068.593.87 $2,068,593.87
COMPARATIVK STATEMENT.

Balance of Trust Funds June 30th, 1902 $1,043,868.46

Balance of Trust Funds June 30th, 1903 940,732.58

Decrease $ 103,135.88

Total Cash on hand, Jidy 1st, 1903 $1,285,043.16

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

(by HON. WILLIAM H. ELLIOTT, COMMISSIONER
OF THE INTERIOR.)

A narrative of added responsibilities, steady growth
and satisfactory results constitutes the history of the
Department of the Interior during the past two years.
As at present organized the department embraces the
office of the Commissioner, Bureau of Public Works,
Bureau of Health, Bureau of Public Lands, Bureau of
Docks and Harbors, Bureau of Insular Telegraph,
Bureau of Agriculture and Mines, and Division of
Archives, each of which is provided with a sufficient
and properly arranged force of employees for the dis-
charge of the duties assigned to it. From the office
of the Commissioner general supervision is exercised
over the several divisions above enumerated; thus
and through frequent reports from and consultation
with the chiefs of bureaus, the Commissioner is en-
abled to keep fully advised of the progress of work and
the needs of the department. There has been no cause
for re-organization and small reason for change in the
system of administration of any of the bureaus since
the creation of the Department in 1900. The duties
of all the bureaus have increased largely, necessitating
in some of them, particularly Public Works, Health,
and Telegraph, re -arrangement of employees and a few
new positions, but the general plan of operation has
not been disturbed.

This department, by reason of its control and super-

•-9

a
o

;)/

vision of the construction and maintenance of roads,
the health and ajrricultural interests, public lands,
telegraph, ajul docks and harbors, is ch)se to the popu-
lace and an important factcn* in the administration of
the government provided by Congress for the use and
benefit of the people of Porto Rico. To what extent
it has been enabled to help the several communities
to better means of travel, improved conditions of liv-
ing, and facilities for communication can be best
shown in a summary of the work accomplished by
the several bureaus.

BUREAU OF PUBLIC WORKS.

The work of this bureau was carried on until March
1st, 1902, under the old organization as a board. On
that date the board was abolished by an act of the
Legislative Assembly, and the Bureau of Public Works
was created, which in spirit, organization and method
conforms more closely to the changes and require-
ments necessary for the enforcement of the Organic
Act. At the same time there were enacted two other
important laws which affect this bureau — a country
road law based upon the division of the Island into
seven road districts, and regulations relating to the
policing of highways. The latter was immediately
promulgated; the former had to await the election
and qualification of road supervisors in the several
districts and is slowly getting into operation.

The work of the bureau is divided into three divi-
sions: (1) Roads and Bridges; (2) Public Buildings and
Grounds; (3) Franchises. The first named division is
further sab-divided into three sections, viz: (1) Mainten-
ance of roads; (2) construction of new and re-construc-
tion of old, or unfinished roads; (3) surveys and exami-
nations of new roads and bridge sites.

The Bureau of Public* Works is bv far the most im-

portant branch of any department of the government.
The responsibilities, financial and economical, put
upon the bureau are large and involve not only the
exercise of sound judgment and a wise discretion, but
oftentimes call for the most delicate discrimination.
Everybody wants roads, and no one cares to admit that
a highway built in any other locality than his own is of
importance. To ascertain and serve the best interests
of the whole people to the extent of the means at
command is an ever-present problem.

The construction of first-class roads under contract
is slow work. If the money was available to pay the
cost of building such highways over the whole plan of
Insular roads, our facilities are so limited that it would
require a long time to complete the work, and manj^
'Communities would remain undeveloped from lack of
ways out. The bureau has, therefore, given attention
to the substantial repair of numerous highways, and
has succeeded in placing many roads in excellent con-
dition at comparatively small cost.

Of the total finished first-class roads, 284. T kilo-
metres were constructed under the Spanish regime
with public funds at a total cost, as shown by available
records, of $3,896,196.00, or at the rate of $13,719.00
per kilometre. The total expense of building 160.1
kilometres of first-class road, including all charges
for land damages, surveys, supervision and contin-
gencies, under the American military and civil govern-
ments, was $1,443,819.00, or at the rate of $9,024.00
per kilometre, a difference of $4,695.00 per kilometre
in favor of present methods, notwithstanding the large
increase in the price of wages and material during the
last three years.

Since the institution of American government there
have been constructed 160 kilometres of first-class
road, and 128 kilometres of road built as stated above.

making a total of 288 kilometres of good road provided
within four years as against 284 kilometres con-
structed during four centuries of Spanish rule. There
are now 003.5 kilometres of road under maintenance
by the board. Before the close of the year it may reach
707 kilometres.

The disbursements of tbe board during the fiscal
year 1902-3 amounted to $732,607.00. Of this amount
the sum of $394,900.00 was drawn from the so-called
"Trust Funds for public and permanent improve-
ments," appropriated by Congress, and $337,707.00
from regular budget appropriations. Of the total
amount, $228,716.00 were expended for maintenance
and repair of roads; $264,146.00 for new roads and
bridges and other auxiliary works; $169,196.00 for sal-
aries and wages of permanent employees, including the
regular force on maintenance of roads, about 900 men.

THE BUREAU OF HEALTH.

During the period of military government in Porto
Rico, from October 18, 1899, to May 1, 1900, an elab-
orate and very complete system of sanitary laws was
established by the authority of general orders issued
from time to time by the Military Governors. These
orders had the force of statute laws and formed th(»
basis for the subsequent work of the Superior Board of
Health. They were far-reaching in their scope and
conferred almost absolute power on the board, but
which power has been so justly and discreetly ad-
ministered that intelligent citizens appreciating the
benefits to be gained by the community through proper
sanitation, have sustained the board in the enforce-
ment of the law. Prior to American occupation sani-
tation was practically an unknown science in Porto
Rico, and the only road to reform, lay in a strong
central authority wisely administered. The very alpha-

bet of hygiene had to be taught to a people at least
eighty per cent, of whom were illiterate; physicians
were few in number compared to the population and
the demand for medical service; bankruptcy was the
normal condition of nearlj'^ every municipality, and the
means of communication were crude, difficult and dan-
gerous. Nevertheless, a vast amount of good has been
accomplished, beginning with a general vaccination of
the people in 1899 by so thorough a system that
800,000 were vaccinated within a period of three months,
and the scourge of small-pox, which had claimed hun-
dreds of victims annually, was effectually stayed.
The board has guarded so carefully and successfully
against the plagues and diseases so prevalent in the
past that no epidemics of any character have afflicted
the Island, and the conditions of security against vis-
itations are steadily improving.

The powers and duties of the Superior Board of
Health of Porto Rico comprise many matters which are
administered by local organizations in the United
States. The subjects specifically assigned to the board
here are water and food supply, markets, vital sta-
tistics, public institutions, license and registration
of dentists, pharmacists, midwives, and undertakers,
plumbing, sewage nuisances, dangerous trades, ceme-
teries, virus supply and vaccination, animal diseases,
interior quarantine, traffic and travel.

Water is being supplied to all city houses as rapid -
ily as possible. Plumbing was a trade practically
non-existent in Porto Rico until the appointment of a
Plumbing Inspector in 1901 , since which time the work
has shown steady improvement. The sewage system
of San Juan is now practically complete; modern
closets and baths are being generally installed. Since
November, 1901, 630 houses in San Juan and vicinity
have been fitted with sanitary plumbing. The cities

of Mayaguez, Arecibo, and (Juajama are about to in-
stitute sewage systems, and other cities are seeking to
arrange loans for such purpose. A fairly sufficient
water supply is obtainable in nearh^ every town, but
filtration is necessary to secure purity.

The inspection of food imports has been a leading
feature of the work of the board. It is gratifying to
note that its efforts have borne good fruit. Hundreds
of tons of bad food have been condemnc^d and de-
stroyed, or returned to the shippers, and there is no
longer the wholesale distribution of decaying codfish,
pork, and other articles formerly sent here as good
enough for Porto Hico but which could not be given
away at home.

Numerous slaughter-houses have been condemned
and replaced In- new ones constructed on hygienic prin-
ciples. Meat-shops have been carefully looked after
with the result that in every district there may be
found shops that would be a credit to any city.

American occupation found the cemeteries of the
Island, with few exceptions, in a deplorable condition;
they were not only a scandalous oftence against de-
cenc}' but stood as a positive menace to the health
of the communities. The Military (lovernment recog-
nized the gravity of the situation and orders were
issued for the construction of new civil cemeteries in
every municipality, but the lack of funds made it im-
possible for many towns to comply with the orders,
and the same difficulty yet obtains in some localities.
But there is a tendency to better things. Public
opinion is growing in favor of treating the dead with
due respect, and many new cemeteries have been
opened in accordance wutli the provisions of a law
passed two years ago.

A law recentlv enacted prohibits the pollution of
any stream the waters of which are used for domestic

purposes, by the discharge into it of nny injurious
liquid. This law lays upon the board a singularly
difficult task. For generations past it has been the
custom to empty the refuse of rum distilleries into the
nearest stream, and few liquids are more injurious to
animal life than the " mostos," produced in large
quantity, to which are added the various liquids used
in washing the apparatus, and which contain acids or
other chemicals. Cattle have been killed in lar^re
numbers, fisheries have been destroyed, and people
have been made sick by use of the polluted water.
No single regulation can be framed to meet all con-
ditions, each case needing to be treated on its own
merits. The board is endeavoring to find a solution
that will enable it to enforce the laws and protect life
and property without unduly crippling an industry
which is a source of large revenue to the Government.

The chemical laboratory is an important adjunct t<3
the board. Daily examinations are made of food and
milk, numerous samples of goods are sent up from
the Custom House for analysis, and many investiga-
tions are made in cases referred from the various
criminal courts. A sj^stematic examination of the
water supply of the Island is now being made and
will be maintained as a part of the regular routine.

Strict attention is being paid to the subject of ani-
mal diseases, and radical measures have been adopted
concerning glanders. A system of inspection has
been organized, quarantine stations have been estab-
lished at many points and every animal proved to be
afflicted with the disease is at once destroyed. The
results have been striking and there is strong ground
for hope that the malady may be exterminated from
the Island. Public opinion strongly endorses the
attitude of the board and there is little or no opposi-
tion to the enforcement of its orders.

Vital statisticH constitut*^ the most important func-
tion of a Board of Health, and it is unfortunate that
the scarcity of medical officials, particularly in the
interior of the Island, ji:reHtly impedes the carrying
out of this work. The best possible information is
obtained; but while there is certainty in the figures
showing the number of deaths, there is cause to doubt
the correctness of those representing the actual cause
of death. Records of births are notoriously difficult
to obtain with H(*curacy in all countries, and in Porto
Rico there are reasons for inaccuracy which will re-
quire years of careful attention to remove.

Concerning contagious diseases, Porto Rico occupies
an enviable position among tropical countries. Yellow
fever does not exist here; the last case occurred in
1897, and it is scarcely probable that a case will
appear, except such as may be importcnl and stopptnl
at the quarantine stations. We are also free from
cholera and bubonic plague; scarlet fever is practically
unknown, and diphtheria has not, during the exist-
ence of the board, assumed epidemic form. Tuber-
culosis is, unfortunately, ([uite prevalent, and its
spread is favored by the careless habits and cus-
toms of the people. Measles is common but sel-
dom assumes a dangerous type. Small-pox of a
violent type is rare, and will undoubtedly disappear
^together when vaccinaticm has reached everyone.
No death has resulted from small-pox during the past
two years, nor has there been any epidemic of vario-
loid this year. Dysenteric diseases formerly caused
the death of a large number of people annually, but
mortality from this cause shows steady decrease, due
jO the improvement in the character of the food con-
sumed. No tropical country shows a more favorable
health report, and there are few places in the United
States where the chances of life are better than in

Porto Rico today. In April, 1JM)1, tlie death rate of
the Island was 43.3; in April, 1003, it was 22.1. Such
figures furnish conclusive evidence of the value of the
sanitary work done by the Superior Board of Health.
The Legislative Assembly of 1902 made many im-
portant changes in the sanitary administration of the
Island, among them the abolition of local boards of
health except in municipalities having more than 8,000
urban population, and the investment of sanitary control
in a health officer appointed by the mayor but acting
under the direct supervision of the Superior Board of
Health. The plan seems excellent in theory but the
practical results have not been satisfactory. The sal-
aries provided are absurdly small; there is no certainty
as to payment, and the position entails an amount of
labor and responsibility out of all proportion to the
compensation. As a result many municipalities are
without public medical service and the poor suffer in
consequence.

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND MINES.

Until the beginning of the past fiscal year the work
of the Bureau of Agriculture and Mines had been
limited to the collection of data regarding the prin-
cipal crops, furnishing information on matters con-
nected with agriculture and mining, and transacting the
business relating to mining claims and concessions.
At the second session of the Legislative Assembly an
appropriation of one thousand dollars was made for the
publication and distribution of an agricultural bulletin.
This appropriation became available Julj^ 1st, 1.902, from
which date the bulletin has been issued regularly each
month and on subjects of value to Porto Rico farmers.
Numerous letters received from all parts of the Island
prove that the bulletin is growing in popularity and
that the farmers greatly appreciate the information
given.

(4
o

OQ
JH

•->

§
n

The area of cane cultivation and the corresponding
production of sugar is increasing rapidly. The amount
of sugar produced in 1902 was 221, 120, ()()() pounds,
showing an increase of 29,400,000 or more than 15
per cent, over the production of 1901. Of sugar pro-
duced in 1903 about 140,000,000 pounds had been ex-
ported up to June 30th, and it may be safely estimated
the output for the year will show an increase of about
20 per cent, over 1902. The amount of sugar and
molasses exported during the last three fiscal years
was as follows:

HU(»AU. MOLA8HES.

POUNDH. GALLONH.

1900-1901 137,817,470 2,848,314

1901-1902 183,822,636 3,080,132

1902-1903 233,070,000 3,537,(HK)

The exportation of sugar during the fiscal year
1902-1903 is the largest of record, excluding that for
the calendar year 1884 which amounted to 215,071,523.

An estimate of the normal production of the cofiee
plantations of the Island in 1901 amounted to 48,460,000
pounds. The actual output of that year was 33,450,500
pounds. The next crop promises to be an exceptional
one, and will probably exceed normal. The farmers
are, nevertheless, discouraged. On account of the
increased custom duties in France and Cuba, it is feared
that the price of this staple will be lower than in past
years, which has barely covered the expense of cultivat-
ing, picking, and preparing the crop for market. If
this fear is realized many planters will be forced to
abandon their plantations. It is not probable that our
coffee will obtain again the high prices current prior to
the year 1898, but a moderate increase would make the
business fairly profitable, even under the present con-
ditions and plantation management, and it would seem
that the only hope for such improvement lies in the
creation of a market in the United States for Porto

Rican coffee on its merit of superior quality. This
relief is possible, but its accomplishment rests largely
with the planters, their ability, and willingness to
organize.

The area planted to tobacco in the past two years
was larger than for many years before, and the yield
was normal. A large part of this year's crop is yet
unsold, on account of prevailing low prices, which will
cause a reduction of area planted next year. Exper-
iments in the cultivation of tobacco under cover have
proved successful. Improvement in quality and in-
crease of yield were marked, giving large profit.
There will be a considerable extension of the shade -
grown area next year, but not so great as many wish,
because of the cost of installation. The value of ex-
ports of leaf tobacco and cigars the past two fiscal
years is as follows:

LEAF TOBA(X!0. (JIOABS.

1901-1902 $212,768.00 $1,549,235.00

1902-1903 194,857.(K) 1,753,917.00

The results of fruit culture so far obtained fully con-
firm all that has been asserted regarding the perfect
adaptability of the soils and climate of Porto Rico to the
growth of citrus fruits, — especially the orange. The
appearance of the groves is encouraging; the trees are
growing rapidly and those three years old from set-
ting, are beginning to bear fruit. The planting of
fruit trees was at first confined to the vicinity of San
Juan, but has later extended to other parts of the
Island. Plantations of importance are reported from
Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Lajas, Manati, Mayaguez,
Naguabo, Ponce, and Vega Alta. Answers to inquiries
by the bureau show an aggregate of 5, 194 acres planted
to citrus fruits, but manj^ farmers failed to give infor-
mation regarding the extent of their groves. Ten thou-
sand acres are considered a conservative estimate. The

«7

industry has received a f?reat impetus durinj^ this year
and many plantations are being prepared for planting
this fall. The value of orange exportation to the
United States, almost wholly of wild fruit, has in-
creased from $51, 3(54. <M) in 1901-2, to $230,589.00 in
1902-3.

Pineapple culture is receiving much attenti<m. The
native fruit is superbly delicious, but so tender that
it does not ship well. New and hardy varieties are,
however, being introduced.

The culture of cotton has awakened interest all over
the Island. About 10,000 acres have been planted to
Sea Island cotton with seed furnished by promoters of
the industry. Most of the plants have blossomed
and are bearing well. The cotton on several tracts
has been picked and is of excellent quality. If the
results verify expectations, and seed can be obtained,
this industry will expand rapidly.

The mineral deposits of Porto Hico are not attractive
to prospectors. There are eighty live con(*essions for
gold, copper, iron, salt, and other minerals, but except
one or two gold placers, and some salt works, they
are not being exploited. Most of the iron deposits
are valuable; the ore is abundant and of fine quality.
Home copper and lead ore specimens have tested well,
but the extent of the deposits has not been determined.

BUREAU OF PUHLK^ LANDS.

This bureau is in the incipient stage of organization.
The uncertainty of title and, therefore, of authority in
the Insular government to control or dispose of public
lands has been a bar to action. In the division of
lands and forests, in the office of the Commissioner,
the examination and completion of records from "ex-
pedientes," and the listing of discovered lands, have
been carried steadily forward. But the need of a set-

tlemeiit of the question has become more acute as time
passed, and there appearing no reason why an equit-
able adjustment should not be reached, the Governor
directed the Commissioner of the Interior to proceed
to Washington and endeavor to secure proper action
by Congress. As the result of conferences between
the Committee on Insular Affairs of the House of Rep-
resentatives, and the Commissioner, a bill was drawn
authorizing the President on or before July 1st, 1903,
to make such reservations of public lands and build-
ings belonging to the United States in the Island of
Porto Kico, for military, naval, light-house, marine-
hospital, and other purposes as he deemed proper, and
providing that all other public lands and buildings not so
reserved be granted to the government of Porto Rico.
This bill became a law, and the President, in accordance
with its pi'ovisions, has designated certain reservations
of lands and buildings for Federal public uses. By this
act, so far as at present ascertained the title to about
104,000 acres of land, located in various parts of the
Island falls to the Insular government. The bureau of
public lands is being organized for the purpose of lo-
cating, surveying and classifying all public lands and
of disposing of them as the Legislative Assembly may
direct, which body it is expected, the way now being
clear, will proceed to make provision for a complete
and proper survey of the Island.

BUREAU OF INSULAR TELEGRAPH.

The development of this important branch of the
public service, standing in close relation to the gov-
ernment and the business interests of the Island and
presumed to serve all with promptness and fidelity,
has been most gratifying. On February 1st, 1901,
the sj^stem was received from the U. S. Signal Corps
with 10 offices in operation and they located chiefly

()J)

on the two main lines from San Juan al(m«; the central
road to Ponce, and on the line from San Juan around
the West end of the Island by way of Areeibo and Ma-
yaguez to Ponce. The receipts had not, in any month,
equalled the expenditures; indeed, the monthly deficits
had been so uniformly large that the system was taken
over with apprehension. It was at once realized that
the hope of increased receipts lay in extended service,
but in this proposition the management was confronted
with a scarcity of operators. Encouragement was
offered to young men and boys to take instruction,
either as volunteers or as messengers at the principal
offices, and a school for young ladies was opened in
connection with the office at San Juan. The majority
of applicants proved aptitude and were advanced as
rapidly as possible, the incentive of certain and per-
manent employment, and primiotion as merited, being
ever held before them. To their industrj% skill and
devotion, is due the present excellent service, for we
could not have afforded to hire the needed operators
from the States.

The subjoined summary shows the growth of the
system and the relative increase of receipts:

NUMBER OF OFFICES.

Februai-y Ist, 1901 10

July 1st, 1901 18

July Ist, 1902 29

July 1st, 1903 32

ME88AOFJ!4 AND EARNINGS.

From February Ist to June 30th, 1901, Average
monthly cash receipts $1,481.70

From July 1st, 1901 to June 30th, 1902, Average
monthly cash receipts 1,912.84

From July 1st, 1902 to June 30th, 1903, Average
monthly cash recei{)ts 2,448.43

In addition to the cash business the bureau is re-
quired to transmit official messages free. This busi-

ness amounted in value, from July Ist, 1901, to June
30th, 1902, to $3,797.68, and from July 1st, 1902, to
June 30th, 1903, to $19,732.96.

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT FOR 1901-2 AND 19(»2-3 I

Total receipts, including value of free business 1901-2 $49,114.07

Total cost of operation and maintenance 35,199.61

Net earnings of lines— fiscal year 1901-2 $13,914.46

BUREAU OF DOC^KS AND HARBOKS.

Under the Spanish regime regulations for the control,
policing, and care of docks and harbors were enforced.
The commandant of the naval station at San Juan had
charge of all of the harbors of the Island, and desig-
nated a captain of the port at each. Under the mil-
itary government the commanding general designated
the commandant of the naval station as captain of the
port of San Juan, and that oflScial performed duty as
such until the advent of civil government, when
the officer then in command, interpreting the law as
abolishing the position, declined to act further. The
matter thus rested for some time, vessels entering,
anchoring, shifting berths, discharging cargoes, and
sailing at will, without payment of port charges, police
protection or surveillance. Confusion and dissatis-
faction resulted. The Governor found authority of
law for the appointment of a captain of the port at San
Juan and placed the control of docks and harbors in
charge of the Commissioner of the Interior. The gen-
eral assembly at the session of 1902, authorized the
Commissioner to formulate rules and regulations for
the government of docks and harbor, which was done
and on July 1st, 1902, the Bureau of Docks and Harbors
came into existence. The flrst duty of the (*hief of the
bureau was to extend the organization to the ports of
Ponce and Mayaguez. After freedom from control or
charge for the use of the bulkhead for so long a time,
it was natural that shippers should object to paying

for the privilejift'K enjoyed. But resentment {rraclually
disappeared and colleetionH of dues under the just and
moderate tariff prescribed nre paid promptly and witli
^ipparent cheerfulness.

During th(» past year the bureau has expended
various sums in repairs to the bulkhead at San Juan,
in the construction of a passenger wliarf at Ponce
playa, and in extensive repairs to the wharf at Maya-
guez. It has carefully investigated the needs, present
Hnd prospective, of the various harbors, particularly
Han Juan, tin* business of which has assumed such
magnitude and is increasing so rapidly that the neces-
sity for ad(}itional wharf facilities is urgent. The
record shows that 510 vessels occupied berths in the
harbor for an average of nearlv four davs each duriuir
the fiscal year 1902-3. The receipts of the bureau to
June 30th, 1903, were $25,362.68; the disbursements,
$18,218.88; available balance July 1st, 1903, $7,143.80.

THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM IN PORTO RICO.

(by HON. 8. M. LINDSAY, ( OMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION

FOR PORTO RICO.) V^ ^^^ \ y

The American forces landed in Porto Rico at Gua-
nica, July 25th, 1898. American occupation and
military government, properly speaking, began in
October, 1898. With schools in a somewhat dis-
organized condition, owing to the war and to the
change of government and still organized on the
Spanish system the School year of 1898-99 began.
During this first year the American Military govern-
ment had to do the best it could with the teachers^
school equipment, local school boards and other
agencies, as it found them. It put a number of
district school inspectors, mostly Americans, in the
field and began taking stock and formulating plans.
In the summer of 1899 began a period of experiments,
with varied success, for the purpose of establishing
the American free public school as the basis of Re-
publican government and business prosperity. That
period of experiment lasted until after Civil Govern-
ment was established in Porto Rico, May 1st, 1900,
and, indeed, until the Legislature enacted a compre-
hensive school law on January 31st, 1901. Of the
history of the work done under military government
a very satisfactory account will be found in the
Chapter on Education in the "Report of the Military
Governor of Porto Rico on Civil A flairs," issued as

part 13 of the annual report of the War Department,
Washington, 1900. In that connection and especially
as throwing light upon the educational conditions
prevailing in the Island immediately prior to American
occupation, there should be read a report entitled
*' Education in Porto Rico" prepared in response to a
resolution (April 12th, 1900) of the U. S. Senate and
published as Senate Document No. 363, otJth Congress
1st Session, Washington, 1900. It contains a history
of the school system under Spanish rule prepared by
Mr. E. C. Hernandez, formerly Secretary of the Insular
Board of Education, and also sometime Chief Clerk of
the Department of Education under American Civil
Government, For the period since May 1st, 1900, those
interested in school matters in Porto Rico will find
ample descriptive matter relating thereto in the annual
reports of the Commissioner of Education for the
years 1901, 1902, and 1903.

The old system may be fairly judged by its results.
The first American census (1899) showed that only
15% of the population could read and write. The
latest statistics of the Spanish schools are for the
month of December, 1897, less than a year previous
to American occupation and they show 539 schools
open with an enrollment of 22,265 pupils. These
schools were supported by the local communities and
were without system; they were without uniform or
adequate equipment and were manned by poorly and
irregularly paid teachers, who had themselves enjoyed
but few educational opportunities and who were given
little encouragement to progress. During the last
school year ending in June the maximum number of
schools of all kinds open was 1,115, with a total
enrollment of 70,216 separate pupils, and with the
highest average daily attendance about 40,000 pupils.
These schools are housed in 717 buildings. Those

1«06— 6

in the towns are graded schools, followhig an eight
years' course of study, the completion of which
admits to a high school. Eno:lish is taught in every
school on the Island, and in about 30 schools all of
the work is done in the En«:lish lano:ua«:e. In the
other schools the studies are followed and all instruc-
tion given in the Spanish language, although English
is taught as a language study. The children show
a remarkable facility in memory work and they are
apt at language studies. They are getting a practical
knowledge of English and are proud of their ability
to converse in that language.

The educational laws of the Island were considerably
modified at the last session of the Legislature which
passed a compiled or consolidated school law and also
an act creating the University of Porto Rico. We
have a highly centralized system in which the course
of instruction, the grading of the schools, the licensing
of teachers, the approval of the nomination of teachers
by the local school board, the appointing of all teach-
ers of English, of whom we have 150 Americans
now on the Island, the payment of all salaries (»f
teachers, the furnishing of free text books and school
supplies and the supervision of school work is vested
in the Commissioner of Education and his Department
of the Insular (jovernment located in San Juan. The
total disbursements for educational purposes made by
the Insular (iovernment during the past year have
aggregated $(500,000, not including the sum of $230,000
set aside from trust funds for the construction of
school buildings, a part of which were constructed
during the fiscal year just ended; the balance are
either under contract or projected awaiting the com-
pletion of plans. In addition to the disbursements
of the Insular Government the various municipal or
local governments have spent during the last fiscal

year the additional sum of $150,000, making in all a
full $1,000,000 spent on the educational plant and its
equipment and operation. Tliis represents consider-
ably over one quarter of the total revenues of the
Island, both Insular and Municipal, raised by taxation.

The common schools are of several types; first, and
in largest number, are the ordinary rural schools, in
each of which there are gathered from thirty to fifty
pupils of all ages from 6 to 15 years and usually
graded in three or four groups as each teacher may
be best able to arrange his work. The teachers in
the rural schools are mostly men and are all Porto
Uicans. They receive on the average a salary of $33
per month for nine months. Next to the rural schools
come the graded schools for which the teachers have
additional qualifications and in which they receive on
the average a salary of $(50 per month. About half
of the graded teachers are women. The difterent
grades are usually seated in separate rooms and
the work is carried on much more systematically.
English, drawing, and music are usually taught by a
visiting teacher who teaches in the presence of the
regular class-room teacher who in turn gives intruc-
tion in the same subjects and supplements and
cimtinues the work of the special teacher. In the
two larger towns of San Juan and Ponce there are a
few kindergarten schools, which take younger children
and prepare them for the first grade primary work.
The graded schools have a principal or an assistant
principal who must have the equivalent of a Normal
School training and who receives a salary of $85 to
$90 per month and has imder his supervision from six
to ten grades, in addition to which he usually gives
some instruction in the highest grade.

In addition to the above mentioned schools we have
had open 19 Agricultural-rural schools conducted on

the same plan as the ordinary rural school but with an
abbreviated course of study for the school room proper
and with a school garden of at least an acre of ground
in which both boys and girls are required to work at
least two hours each day. They are furnished with
tools and seed and under the direction of the teacher
who has had special training for this work they plant
and raise flowers and vegetables, make observations
on plant life and insect life, have elementary lessons
in botany and in the work of laying out a garden,
fertilization, nature of soils, irrigation and care of
plants. Some of these gardens have yielded very
good results and in two or three the children have
sold the products, taking a personal interest in the
sale and distribution and using the proceeds for the
purchase of books for a school library. The aim has
been of course, to give healthy out-door exercise and
to arouse an interest in agriculture and in work on
the soil, which is most important in a population
living in what is distinctly an agricultural community.
During the past year we opened the first Industrial
School, which was located in San Juan and a little
later a second Industrial School located in Mayaguez.
Two more Industrial Schools are projected one in
Ponce where we now have under construction a special
building in the Spanish-Renaissance style of architec-
ture and the cost of which will be $25,000, and one
in the town of Arecibo for which a large old building is
being remodeled. These schools will be made prac-
tical trade schools with a course of study comprising
mathematics, mechanical drawing, language work and
shop work during half of each day in the first two
years and during at least two-thirds of each day for the
last two years of the course. Pupils are admitted
who are prepared to enter on the sixth grade of the
public school work and are carried through a four

years' course of study, which would be the equivalent
of the work completed by pupils ready for the third
year of the High School if they continued in the
regular public schools.

There are four graded and High schools, one for
each of the cities of San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez and
Fajardo, giving an equal geographical distribution.
In the San Juan School, High school work is now
being carried on through the whole four years' course
and all of the grades are establislied. In Ponce all
of the grades and High school work to the end of the
second year are now in operation. In Mayaguez all
of the grades and the first year's High school work are
in operation, and in Fajardo all of the grades with the
exception of the eighth and not including any High
school work as yet, are now open. In all of these
High and graded schools it is the intention to maintain
the grade work exclusively in English and in the
High school work to have parallel courses in both
English and Spanish, so that it will be possible for
the graduates of the English grades in these schools,
and of the Spanish grades in the other schools, to
obtain a High school training and a preparation for
college.

The University of Porto Rico was formally organ-
ized June 1st, 1903. It is under the control of a
Board of Trustees comprising the Governor, William
H. Hunt, Honorary President; the Commissioner of
Education, Samuel M. Lindsay, President; the Sec-
retary of Porto Rico, Charles Hartzell; the Treasurer
of Porto Rico, William F. Willoughby; the Attorney
General of Porto Rico, Willis Sweet; the Speaker of
the House of Delegates, Manuel F. Rossy; and Messrs.
Fidel Guillermety, Francisco Verges, Carlos Armstrong,
and Bernardo Huicy. The Commissioner of Education
is also Chancellor of the University.

The University, founded under unusual and novel
conditions, aims not only to meet present and practical
needs, but has a wide outlook over the future. It is
hoped that in time it may become the educational
centre of the West Indies, or even of the Latin-
American peoples. The educational problem for
Porto Rico is two-fold. The masses must be taught
to read and write, and to know something of the
elementary branches of study, and to understand the
simpler institutions of American rule. This work is
being done, as rapidly as the funds allow, by the
different grades of the public schools. Quite a diiFer-
ent sort of education is also necessary, — the training
of leaders, — of men and wnmien who shall not only
possess culture, but whose culture shall not be alien
and incidental as that too often is which comes from
abroad, but which shall be indisseverably bound up
with the progress of the Island, and imited with our
national ideals. The makers of public opinion, and
those who shall hold responsible positions in govern-
ment, in professional life, in business and in society
rhust have in their own Island an opportunit)^ for a
higher training.

The most immediate need in Porto llico, however,
is for well trained native teachers. Hence the first
department to be opened (1903-04) will be the Normal
Department. This has already a good start by the
taking over, into the University, of the Insular Normal
School, whose scope and courses will now be much
enlarged. The Normal Department contains about
150 students.

The University of Porto Rico is located at Rio
Piedras, seven miles from San Juan, and is reached
by trolley or railroad from San Juan, in forty minutes.
The University owns a beautiful one hundred and fifty
acre tract of land, on which there are already five build-

ings. The central building, standing on a knoll, a short
distance back from the military road, is the Normal
School. To the East is a six -room School of Practice, to
the West is the Principal's house, and near the Normal
School is a one-room model Agricultural-rural School,
with a school garden of several acres under intense
cultivation. Visitors are welcome at any time, and
are requested to register at the Principal's oflSce in the
Normal School, when, if they desire it, they will be
shown about the grounds and buildings, but Thursday
morning, from 8:30-10 o'clock, from October 1st to
July 1st, is specially kept as Visitors' Hour.

The Normal Department is but a beginning. Other
Departments will be added as rapidly as possible, and
probably in the order of the most pressing need.
Those already projected are an Agricultural and Me-
chanical Department, and departments of the Natural
Sciences and Engineering, of Liberal Arts, of Medicine,
Law, Pharmacy, and Architecture. Last, but not
least, a University Hospital is being planned for.
There is in Porto Rico the greatest need for a good
medical school with a well equipped hospital in which
instruction shall be given in both Spanish and English,
and where opportunities for laboratory work may be
furnished.

CHRONOLOGY OF OFFICERS.

GOVERNORS OF PORI^O RICO.

NAME ASSUMES OFFICE BETIBKD

Gen. John R. Brooke Oct. 18th, 1898 Dee. 5th, 1898

Gen. Guy V. Henry Dee. 6th, 1898 May 18th, 1899

Gen. George W. Davis May 18th, 1899 May 1st, 1900

Charles Herbert Allen May 1st, 1900 Sept. 15th, 1901

William H. Hunt Sept. 15th, 1901

SECRETARIES OF PORTO RICO.

William H. Hunt June 9th, 1900 Sept. 15th, 1901

Charles Hartzell Nov. 1st, 1901

ATTORNEYS-GENERAL OF PORTO RICO.

John A. Russell July 13th, 1900 Nov. 13th, 1900

Arthur F. Odlin, (aeting) Nov. 13th, 1900 Mar. 8th, 1901

James S. Harlan Mar. 8th, 1901 Apr. 15th, 1903

Willis Sweet May 18th, 1903

TREASURERS OF PORTO RICO.

J. H. Hollander May 1st, 1900 July 15th, 1901

William F. Willoughby Nov. 16th, 1901

AUDITORS OF PORTO RICO.

John R. Garrison May 1st, 1900 Apr. 30th, 1903

Regis H. Post May 1st, 1903

COMMISSIONER OF THE INTERIOR OF PORTO RICO.

William H. Elliott May 1st, 19(M)

COMMISSIONERS OF EDUCATION OF PORTO RICO.

Martin G. Brumbaugh Aug. Hth, 1900 Nov. 15th, 1901

Samuel McCune Lindsay Feb. 12th, 1902

»
p:

<
X

THE COURTS.

(by HON. JAMES H. McLEARY, JUSTICE OF SUPREME COURT.)

The courts in Porto Rico consist of one hundred In-
sular tribunals of all classes and one National Court,
as provided for in the Organic Act. The expenses of
all are paid out of the resources of the Island, and
they work in entire harmony, no conflict of jurisdiction
having arisen, and no clash even among their several
executive officers.

The District Court of the United States for Porto
Rico is established by section 34 of the Organic Act,
and consists of a District Judge, a District- Attorney,
and a Marshal, all appointed by the President, the
Judge having power to appoint a clerk, an interpreter,
and such other officials as may be necessary. This
court has in addition to the ordinary jurisdiction of like
courts, jurisdiction of all cases cognizant in the Circuit
Courts of the United States. An appeal lies there-
from to the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Insular Courts are created by Congress in the
Organic Act, and by the Legislative Assembly, under
powers therein defined. They consist of one Supreme
Court, five District Courts, one Municipal Court for
each Municipal jurisdiction, making in all forty six,
and one Justice of the Peace for each of the same
divisions of territory, except the cities of San Juan
and Ponce which have two each.

The Supreme Court consists of five Justices all ap-
pointed by the President, with the concurrence of the

Ignited States Senate, and holding office during good
behavior. The Chief Justice receives an annual sal-
ary of $5, 000. 00, and each of the Associate Justices
$4,500.00. The Supreme Court has appellate juris-
diction of cases, civil and criminal, tried and finally
decided in the District Courts. It has original juris-
diction only in cases of charges of malfeasance in office
preferred against the Judges of the District Courts or
the Prosecuting Attorneys in the Insular Courts. The
appellate civil jurisdiction of the Supreme Court ex-
tends to all cases originating in the District Courts and
its criminal appellate jurisdiction to cases of felony
only. All crimes punishable by death or imprison-
ment in the penitentiary are classed as felonies. All
others are misdemeanors. There is no appeal to the
Supreme Court from a conviction of a misdemeanor.
By a late statute the Supreme Court was made a court
of appeals instead of a court of cassation, as it was
formerly. In criminal matters this change had pre-
viously been made by the Code of Criminal Procedure,
which took effect on the 1st of July, 1002, as to all
crimes or offences committed after that date; but the
old Spanish procedure still prevails in civil cases, and
until the 12th of March, 1903, the powers of the Su-
preme Court were limited to cassation. As a court of
appeals it is assimilated to like courts in the several
states.

The five District Courts are composed of three
Judges each one appointed by the (Jovernor with the
consent of the Executive Council; and they hold ses-
sions almost continuously in the several cities of San
Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, Arecibo and Humacao. Each
of the Judges receives an annual salary of $3,000.00.
These Courts have original and exclusive jurisdiction
of all civil cases in which the amount in controversy
exceeds $400.00, and in all criminal cases in which the

fine exceeds $250. 00, or the imprisonment six months.
Municipal Courts have no criminal jurisdiction, but
civil jurisdiction in which the amount in controversy
is $400.00, or less, and they also have jurisdiction in
certain matters of probate registration of births and
marriages and the like. Municipal Judges are paid
entirely by fees paid by the interested parties in each
case pending before them. The Justices of the Peace,
forty-eight in number, have jurisdiction of minor
offences, and can Anally dispose of the cases not cog-
nizable by the District Courts, and exercise the func-
tion of examining magistrates in all cases charging a
violation of the criminal laws. They have each a
monthly salary of $50.00, except tJu^ four located in
San Juan and Ponce who each receive $100.00.

The courts in their organization and jurisdiction have
been gradually and greatly changed since the Ameri-
can occupation; first by the Military Orders, then by
the Organic Act establishing civil government, and
lastly by the codes and other statutes passed by the
Legislative Assembly. Immediately on the change of
sovereignty the system of National courts was at once
extended to this Island; at first in the Provisional Mil-
itary Court, which was succeeded, on the establish-
ment of Civil Government, by the Federal District
Court. The Supreme (^ourt of the United States, at
Washington naturally replaced in authority the Su-
preme Court of Spain, at Madrid. And the Insular
Courts were reorganized more in accordance with the
American systems. Necessarily these changes have
been very tardy, and although a new Penal Code and
Code of Criminal Procedure, as well as a Political Code
and Civil Code have been adopted, the antiquated Code
of Civil Procedure still hampers the administration of
justice in matters falling within its purview.

Under the system bequeathed to the Island by the

parent country there is a host of oflScers more or less
necessary to carry on the business of the court, which
with a change of practice and procedure could be
easily dispensed with. Every court has a secretary
and several clerks, bailiffs, and messengers, to prepare
the numerous interlocutory orders and the notices
which are required to be given of every order made,
and to serve them on the lawyers, who have to be
sought in their offices, or on the streets, or at their
residences, until found. A good working clerk with a
helper and a sheriff with a couple of deputies would
be amply sufficient for any District Court, and the
corresponding officers for the Supreme Court, if the
changes requisite could be made in the practice.

Considering the hindrances under which they have
labored, the courts have accomplished a vast amount
of work, and the number of cases decided will compare
favorably with the dockets of any similar courts in
the Union.

As an example the Supreme Court, during the Judi-
cial year from the 1st of October last till the 1st of
July has decided 87 civil and 144 criminal cases; and
is practically up with its work, not a single criminal
case being left ready for decision and undisposed of,
and very few civil cases. The civil docket cannot
be cleared entirely, owing to the ancient practice which
is still in force, rendering it impossible for the court
to force the trial of civil cases until the lawyers are
ready to proceed. A similar showing can be made for
the various trial courts. It can be truly said that
in Porto Rico justice is neither denied nor delayed
through the dereliction or inactivity of the courts.

The very first law passed by the Legislative Assem-
bly on the organization of that body, under the Organic
Act, was one providing for trial by jury in felony
cases. For several months no prisoner demanded

trial by jury, and none was organized. Then a case
or two were put before the jury, and some acquittals
having been secured, culprits were induced to appeal
to their peers. The experience of courts in such trials
is not encouraging. Too often the jurors in the Insular
Courts are found to be timid in the rendition of ver-
dicts, or swayed from the line of duty by political pre-
judice or personal friendship or enmity. In the Fed-
eral Court better results are obtained, and the laws
more rigidly enforced.

From the present outlook there should be no exten-
sion of the scope of jury trials, and the qualifications
of jurors should be made considerably more rigorous
and greater care exercised in preparing the lists of
persons eligible for jury duty, so as to secure the
proper administration of justice, in the trial courts.

TRADE AND TRANSPOKTATION.

None of the Islands of the West Indies, with the
possible exception of Cuba, enjoys better comninnica-
tion with other parts of the world than does Porto
Rico; and that this advantage will soon be enhanced
by an increase in the number of steamers making it
a regular port of call there can be no doubt. Before
the American occupation, practically the only estab-
lished steamer connection was with Spain, trade natur-
ally being chiefly with the mother country. Twice a
month the mail steamers between Spain and Cuba
touched at San Juan. In addition to these, sailing
vessels and steamers from various parts of the world
came at irregular intervals.

The beginning of the regular trade with New York
was in 1890, two years after the Spanish steamer had
been withdrawn from service. Since then has been
developed the splendid business of The New York and
Porto Rico Steamship Company and of the Red " D"
Line, each with a fine fleet, bringing mail and passen-
gers weekly to San Juan, the trips averaging five daj^s.
Each of these companies does a large freighting busi-
ness; the former between Porto Rico and the United
States, and the latter between the United States, Porto
Rico and Venezuela. The New York and Porto Rico
Steamship Company also maintains a regular weekly
steamer service around the Island, calling at the prin-
cipal ports. Spanish, French, and German steamers
handle the foreign shipping, and many sailing vessels,

especially small coasters, visit San Juan and Ponce.
It is believed that with tlie increase of fruit shippinj^,
especially of oranges, which will soon ^^o by millions
from Porto Rico, there will be a i-ej^ular line of fast
fruit steamers between Porto Hico and New York.
The facilities for shippinjr fruit in quantities are now
poor, and freight rates are high.

A solution of the question of ulterior transportation
neems to luive been reached by tlie beginning of the
building of mu electric railroad from San Juan to Ponce,
an enterprise costing, it is esthnated, $3, ()()(), 000. 00, and
which will make accessible one of the most fertile sec-
tions of the Island. The American, formerly the
French, railroad system now extends from San Juan
to Camuy, ahmg the North coast of the Island; East-
ward from San Juan to Carolina; from Aguadilla
through Mayaguez to San (ierman and frcmi Guanica
to Ponce.

Porto Kico's growing trade can best be shown by
Custom House figures. The following table tells at
a glance the principal commodities impoi*ted from the
United States during the last two fiscal years:

TWELVE MONTH8 ENDIN<i
AIITKJLE JUNE iHriB.

19()2 1903

Agricultural Ini piemen ts . . $ 18,983 $ 16,543

Books 69,84(» 76,135

Breadstuflfs 1,040,079 1,185,313

Candles 54,385 66,782

Cotton, Manufactures of 2,060,826 2,044,470

Fish 300,703 196,370

Iron and Steel, Manufac^tures of 1,171,136 1,434,350

Leather and Manufactures of 234,331 :^9,886

OUs 144,512 150,625

Paper 110,222 116,892

Provisions 1,336,646 1.468,121

Rice 1,8(13,065 2,255,429

Spirits, Wines, Malt Liquors 159,117 201,100

Tobacco 98,191 152,536

Vegetables 231,450 197,798

Wood and Manufactures of 500,081 538,736

Wool, Manufactures of 81,056 80,962

Many other articles not enumerated in the foregoing
table brought the total imports of Porto Rico from the
United States up to $10,719,444.00 during the fiscal
year ending Jime 30th, 1902, and up to $11,192,117.00
for the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1903.

Most of these goods came from the Customs Dis-
tricts of New York and New Orleans, the former ship-
ping $8,872,547.00 worth and the latter $2,845,198.00
worth.

The principal shipments of domestic merchandise
from Porto Rico to tlie United States were:

TWBLVE MONTHS ENDING
ARTICLE8 JUNE 30TH

1902 1903

Coflfee, green $ 27,031 $ 718,531

Fruits 70,871 287,583

Hides and Skins 67,888 86,916

Straw and Palm Leaf Manufactures 176,412 40,198

Sugar and Molasses 6,216,981 7,847,558

Tobacco and Manufactures of 1,683,237 1,830,391

The total shipments of domestic merchandise from
Porto Rico to the United States were $8,297,422.00
for the year ending June 30th, 1902, as against
$10,909,147.00 for the year ending June 30th, 1903.
For corresponding periods the shipments of foreign
merchandise to the United States were $81,344.00 and
$142,048.00 respectively.

A gratifying feature of the Customs reports is that
all the trade in both directions between Porto Rico
and the United States was in American vessels.

The following figures, show the imports into and
exports from Porto Rico in its commerce with foreign
countries, for the twelve months ending June 30th,
1903:

IMPORTS. EXPORTS.

Austria-Hungary $ 17,315 $ 257,533

Belgium 17,311 1,362

Denmark 21,063 17,591

Hi)

IMPORTH. KXPOBTH.

France 259,992 1,294,479

Germany 155,917 :U2,827

Gibraltar 12,865

Italy 15,4fW 269,19(i

Netherlands 7,12o 17,82K

Poi-tugal 440

Russia on Black Sea 18

Spain 79a,mtl 758,(M}7

Sweden and Norway 5,454

Switzerland

United Kingdom

Dominion of Canada

Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, etc

West Indies British

Cuba

Danish

Dutt^h

Frenc^h

Haiti

Santo Domingo

Argentina

Colombia

Giuana, French

Paraguay

Uruguay

Venezuela

East Indies, British

Canary Islands

84N)

318,839

4,021

390,140

988,065

43,441

5,482

550,477

11,709

14,493

22.417

5,197

26,787

2(;

6,055

9,000

21,012

1,611

42,148

956

96,606

828

1,020

22,321

16,791

794

203,441

$3,957,497

The following ligureH, compiled by the Auditor of
Porto Rico, show the deposits of the Collector of Cus-
toms for Porto Rico, for the fiscal years ending June
30th, 1902 and June 30th, 1003:

July 1901 $ 67,987.57 $66,447.90

Aug. „ 5O,(KK).0O 40,0(K).0O

Sept. „ 57,000.00 55,000.0<»

Oct. „ 73,000.00 90,000.00

Nov. „ 85,000.00 70,(MX).(H)

Dec. ,, 126,000.(H» 80,000.(K)

Jan. 1902 40,000.00 65,000.00

Feb. ,, 60,0(K).<M> 80,000.00

Mar. „ 115,260.46 70,000.00

April „ 55,(MM>.<K) 50,000.(K)

May „ 65,000.00 45,0(X).0O

June ,, 55,010.27 60,0(K).00

Total $848,258.30 $771,447.90

1606—7

CUSTOM HOUSES IN PORTO RICO.

Alonzo R. Cruzen, Collector of Customs for District of
Porto Rico, with headquarters at San Juan.

PORT OF HAN JUAN.

George M. Curtiss, Special Deputy Collector.

Salvador Brau, Deputy Collector.

George L. Elkins, Deputy Collector and Clerk.

SUBPORT OF PONCE.

Sandalio Valldejuli, Deputy Collector in charge.
Alejandro Albizu, Deputy Collector and Inspector.

SUB-PORT OF MAYAGUEZ.

Felipe Cuebas, Deputy Collector in charge.

HUB-PORT OF ARECIBO.

Alejandro Salicrup, Deputy Collector in charge.

SUB-PORT OF ARROYO.

Pedro San Clemente, Deputy Collector in charge.

SUB-PORT OF AGUADILLA.

Pedro Reichard, Deputy Collector in charge.

SUB-PORT OF HUMACAO.

Juan Serrano, Deputy Collector.

SUBPORT OF FAJARDO.

Eduardo Alonzo, Deputy Collector in charge.
Eugenio Lopez, Customs Guard, in charge of Island
of Vieques.

CORPORATIONS.

The laws governing foreign and domestic corpora-
tions in Porto Rico are as liberal as are consistent
with public welfare and have been framed to meet
conditions in the Island. They do not differ greatly
from the general corporation laws in the United States,
and are modeled after the admirable corporation laws
of New Jersey.

As to foreign corporations the Civil Code of Porto
Rico provides that all corporations or joint stock com-
panies, organized under the laws of any state or of the
United States, or of any foreign government, shall, be-
fore doing business within this Island, file in the oflBce
of the Secretary, a duly authenticated copy of their
charters or articles of incorporation, and also a state-
ment verified by the oath of the President and Sec-
retary of said corporation, and attested by a majority
of its board of directors, showing: (1) The name of such
corporation and the location of its principal oflBce or
place of business without this Island; and if it is to
have any place of business or principal oflBce within
this Island, the location thereof; (2) The amount of
its capital stock; (3) The amount of its capital stock
actually paid in, in money; (4) The amount of its
capital stock paid in, in any other way, and in what;
(5) The amount of the assets of the corporation and
of what the assets consist, with the actual cash value
thereof; (6) The liabilities of such corporation and if

any of its indebtedness is secured, how secured, nnd
upon what property.

Foreign corporations must pay as fees to the Sec-
retary of Porto Rico: For filing charter 15 cents for
each $1,000.00 of authorized capital stock, but in no
case to exceed $500.00; for recording charter, 20 cents
for each hundred words; for filing and recording cer-
tificate of consent to be sued and appointment of agent,
$5.00; for issuing certificate of corporate existence,
$3.00.

Domestic corporations may be organized by three or
more persons with a capital of not less than $2,000.00
and must file with the Secretary of Porto Rico articles
of incorporation similar to those of foreign corpora-
tions. All corporations must file, annually, in July of
each year, a full report, in prescribed form with tlie
Secretary of Porto Rico.

All domestic corporations must pay to the Secretary
of Porto Rico as fees for filing articles of incorporation:
15 cents for eacli $1,000.00 of authorized capital
stock; but this fee shall in no case be less than $25.00
or more than $500.00; for recording articles of incor-
poration a fee of 20 cents for each 100 words is charged;
for issuing a certificate of corporate existence the fee
is $3.00.

In addition to the fees which must be paid by cor-
porations when they establish their legal status in
Porto Rico, through the filing of their papers in the
office of the Secretary of Porto Rico, corporations are
subject to the following taxes:

THE GENERAL TAX UPON PROPERTY.

(1) The law provides that every corporation incor-
porated under the laws of Porto Rico shall be assessed
to the amount of the actual present value of the capital
of such corporation, which value shall not be less
than the value of the capital stock and bonds plus the

1)3

surplus and undivided earnings of the corporations,
nor less than the market value of all the real and per-
sonal property owned by it in Poi'to Rico, including
in personal property all credits, rights, franchises
and concessions. Foreign corporations are assessed
in the same way with the exception that the actual
present value of the capital is taken to include only
such part of the capital as can be considered to be
employed in the transaction of business in Porto Rico.
It will be see»n, therefore, that corporations, as re-
spects the general property tax, are treated exactly as
individuals. They arc* assessed on the actual property
owned by them in Porto Rico. In the case of some
corporations the value of such property can best be
obtained by taking the market value of their securities,
while in the case of others (and especially industrial
corporations) the best basis of assessment is in the
valuation of the property owned itself. I'^pon the
valuation as thus obtained corporations thus pay the
rate of one-half of 1 per cent, for Insular purposes, and
one-half of 1 per cent, for general municipal purposes.
In addition to these also, the municipalities also have
the power of imposing the special school tax not to
exceed one-tenth of 1 per cent, and in the case of the
four municipalities of San Juan, Ponce, Mayaguez, and
Arecibo, there is an additional tax for the purpose of
providing funds with which to pay the interest and
sinking fund charges on account of bonded indebted-
ness contracted by them.

Special provisions are made regarding the assess-
ment of railway corporations, but these provisions
have reference chiefly to the apportionment of the
taxes when collected among the different municipalities
and do not affect the general principle that corpora-,
tions pay upon property owned by them in the same
wav as individuals.

(2) Surety and insurance companies constitute a
special category of corporations and are subject to the
following special taxes:

First: An annual tax of 3 per cent, of the gross
amount of all premiums or dues collected in Porto
Rico.

Second: A special stamp tax, to be paid by the
affixture of Internal Revenue Stamps, as follows: For
each bond or obligation of the nature of indemnity for
loss, damage or liability, and each bond, undertaking,
or recognizance conditioned for the performance of the
duties of any office or position issued or executed,
or renewed by any surety company, one-half of 1 cent
on each $1.00 of the amount of premium charged;
for each policy of insurance or other instrument, by
whatsoever name it may be called, whereby any insur-
ance is made upon any life or lives, X cents on each
$100.00 of the amount insured; for each policy of
insurance or other instrument, by whatsoever name
it may be called, by which insurance is made or re-
newed upon property of any description against peril
by sea, or by fire or lightning, or other peril, one-
half of 1 cent on each $1.00 of the amount of premium
charged. These corporations, unless they have money
invested in Porto Rico, pay no general property tax.

(3) Every foreign corporation must pay an annual
license fee of $25.00 for the privilege of doing business
in Porto Rico.

(4) In a few cases, where special franchises have
been given to corporations to perform quasi-public
services, such as the operation of the street railway or
the furnishing of electric light or power, provision has
been made in the franchises granted to them for the
payment to the Insular Government of a percentage of
the gross receipts, as a franchise tax.

To meet the increasing demand for information as

to the corporation laws of the Island the Secretary of
Porto Rico has published a pamphlet giving such know-
ledge and which is mailed free on request. The cor-
respondence of the last year indicates growing interest
in the United States and future investment of capital
in the Island. The following is a list of corporations
now doing business in Porto Rico:

FOREIGN (X)RPORATIONH.

NAMK AOBNTH AODBK8H

British & Foreign Marine InHurance (/O MuUenhoff & Korbt^r San Juan

City Trust Safe Deposit & Surety Co EklwinL. Arnold San Juan

Indemnity Mutual Marine Assurance (Jo Sobrino de Esquiasa San Juan

Lancashire Insurance Co MuUenhoff & Korber San Juan

Magdeburg Fire Insurance Co MullenholT & Korber San Juan

New Yorlt Life Insurance Co L. Sanchez Morales San Juan

North British «fe Mercantile Insurance Co Fritze Lundt A Co San Juan

North German Fire Insurance Co MuUenhoff & Korber San Juan

Northern Assurance Co J. Ochoay Hermano San Juan

Norwich Union Fire Insurance Co J. T. Silva&Co San Juan

Prussian National Insurance Co MuUenhoff & Korber San Juan

Royal Insurance Co Sobrinos de Esquiaga San Juan

The Port America Co Eduardo Lugo Vifta Rio Piedras

Han Juan Light & Transit Co Chas. C. Benson San Juan

San Juan & Rio PiedrasR. R. Co Chas. C. Benson San Juan

American Fruit Co. of Porto Rico F. M. Pennock San Juan

Guanica Central Julius Umbach Ponce

Swift A Co H. H. Cloy San Juan

New Colonial Co William Shand Marr. . ( Canovanas

{Sugar Factory.

f Loiza

American Colonial Bank E. L. Arnold San Juan

New York A Porto Rico S. S. Co J. Ram<5n Latimer San Juan

The Manufacturers A Temperance General ) Finlay Bros. A Way- 1

Life Assurance Co I mouth Trading Co... I San Juan

Porto Rican- American Tobacco Co Luis Toro San Juan

San Juan Ice A Refrigerating Co Hubert Needham Clarity San Juan

Canovanas Sugar Factory Richard Silberrad Brown Loiza

American West Indies Trading Co Gregorio Lopez y Falco.^ Caguas

Transatlantic Fire Insurance Co J. Ochoa y Hermano. . . .' San Juan

North German Insurance Co Fritze Lundt A Co San Juan

Fire Insurance Co. of 1877 J. Ochoa y Hermano San Juan

Sun Life Assurance Co. of Canada Gandia A Stubbe San Juan

Palatin Insurance Gandia A Stubbe San Juan

Mannheim Insurance Co MuUenhoff A Korber San Juan

Commercial Union Assurance Co \ Finlay Bros. A Way- \

I mouth Trading Co. . I San Juan

The ^tna Powder Co Dooley, Smith A Co San Juan

Aachen Munich Fire Insurance Co Fritze, Lundt A Co , San Juan

Hamburg Bremen Fire Insurance Co Fritze, Lundt A Co San Juan

The Porto Rico Cigar Co Albert A. David San Juan

The Porto Rico Fruit Co Arthur B. Mitchell Bayamon

Compafiiade los Ferrocarriles de Puerto Rico. Francisco de P. Acufia San Juan

Columbia Improvement Co Geo. C. Towle Ponce

The Mutual Life Insurance Co. of N. Y Wm. Korber San Juan

Ponce Railway A Light Company Geo. C. Towle Ponce

NAME AGENTS

German Lloyd Marine Insurance (Jo Villar A Co San Juan

Fidelity and Deix>sit Co. of Maryland Edwin L. Arnold San Juan

American Railroad Cx>. of Porto Rico Aufi^uste Duval San Juan

West India Oil Co R. A. Bailey San Juan

Guardian Fire and Life Assurance Co Villar & Co San Juan

Porto Rican Leaf Tobacco Co L. Toro San Juan

The Singer MfK. Co Robert Jjove Miller San Juan

The Gustavo Preston ('o W. D. Sheldon Naguabo

Central Los Caftos Herman J. F. Pohlman Arecibo

The Porto Rico Exrw>rt Co Marcial Suarez Cayey

Liverpool & London and Globe Insurance Co..Gandia & Stubbe San Juan

Mayaguez Electric Co Paseual Cobos Mayaguez

British America Assurance Co r J. T. Silva Banking & \

I Commercial Co J San Juan

The Porto Rico Teleplume Co Conrad O. Palau San Juan

The Domestic and Foreign Missionary So- )

ciety of the Protestant Episcopal Church [

in the United States of America I JamesHcurtt VanBuren San Juan

Central Union Life Insurance Co Cha*. W. Drees San Juan

International Lloyd Joint Stock Insur- 1

ance Co » Isidro A. Sanchez San Juan

The Candelaria Fruit Co N. A. Walcott San Juan

domestic: cokpokations.

PRINCIPAL

PLACE OF

NAME BUSINESS

Peoples Co-oi)erative Building. Savings and Loan Association Rio Piedras

The Walker Cotton and Industrial Co San Juan

La Carmelita Company Ponce

The San Juan News San Juan

The Puerto Rico Piiblishing Co San Juan

The Bonnie Fruit Company San Juan

The Pioneer Fruit Company of Poi-to Rico San Juan

The Porto Rico Box Co San Juan

The American Grocery <S[ Ship Supply Co San Juan

III addition to the foregoing list of domestic corpor-
ations there nre in the Island, doing business, a large
nnmber of such corporations which filed their articles
during the Spanish regime and which are named in the
" Commercial Kegister" as having conformed to the
conditions of the Code of Commerce. The list here
given includes only those incorporated under the
present laws of Porto Rico. Corporations organized
before the existence of tJie statutes now in force enjoy
all the rights granted to them by Spanish laws.

AdRKTLTl HK.

Porto Hico is esHeutially hii HgrieultuiHl eouiitiy.
To a large degree its future prosperity will depend
upon the tilling of its soil by thousands of natives
aided by Ameriean capital and enterprise. Within
the last few years the rich possibilities have, by
experiment, been made apparent and development has
been begun. Under existing eonditiims the next de-
cade should witness the full fruition of brightest hopes
for the nplifting of the farmer and for the payment of
exceptionally good dividends on money invested in
agrarian enterprises.

Five products are likely to head for many years the
list of farming outputs in Porto Hico. They are:
sugar, coffee, t()l)acco, oranges, and cotton. Following
these will come an array of a score of minor products
which will add greatly to the aggregate wealth.

In the promotion of this development the P'ederal
(Jovernment is manifesting much interest. It has
established at Mayaguez an Agricultural Experiment
Station on the farm of which a constant and scientific
study is made. As bulletins covering the work of
this stati(m can be had gratis on application to the
Superintendent in charge, it is unnecessary to devote
space to it here.

Sugar has been cultivated in Porto Rico since 1548,
but for thirty-three years previous to that time cane
was grown for the making of molasses. The record
crop of the Island, that of 1870, was 170,324 tons.

That of the present year exceeded 100,000 tons, and
all indications point to a steady increase in the next
few years, new Centrals with large capital back of
them being projected. Profitable sugar cultivation
can only be undertaken by capitalists and on a large
scale, with modern machinery. A gross profit of
from $60.00 to $100.00 per acre may then be expected
in Porto Rico, where flehl labor can be readily obtained
for low wages.

Coffee is the staple to which Porto Ricans generally
pin their faith in future prosperity, and not without
reason. Despite prevailing low prices there exists in
the Island a firm belief that the merits of the Porto
Rican berry will soon be made manifest in the States
and that a profitable market will be created to take
the place of that lost in foreign countries through the
Spanish-American war. Coffee lands are plenty and
cheap, and often net from $40.00 to $60.00 an acre.
Trees bear five years after planting and will produce
for a lifetime. Preparation of the crop for market is
comparatively inexpensive. About 125,000 acres,
yielding approximately 20,000 tons annually, are now
under cultivation. Coffee, which requires shade, is usu-
ally combined as a growth with other products, thus
making the land do double duty as a profit producer.

Tobacco has long been a source of wealth in Porto
Rico and is steadily attaining its rightful place in the
American market. The trade suffered there through
shipments of low grade cigars by unscrupulous manu-
facturers but today the Island is producing and selling
stock which fairly rivals that of the best Cuban wrap-
per and filler. The growing of Sumatra, Cuban, and
Florida leaf under cover has been attended with splen-
did results and where the best price for leaf tobacco
was formerly 50 cents a pound, it is now $2.50, an
increase of 500 per cent. Tobacco growing offers oppor-

tunities to every man who has a patch of ground, his
market being always sure and usually easy of access.
The factories, too, do much towards improving labor
conditions by giving employment to many men and
women at excellent wages. One concern in San Juan
employs during the busy season 1,200 hands, paying
some of them as high as $22.00 a week. In brief,
tobacco growers, manufacturers, or buyers will find a
profitable field in Porto Rico.

Cotton this year has come to the fi'ont with such
giant strides in the Island that it is Htt)-a<*ting wide-
spread attention in the United States, lu a sense, it
is a revival of the industry, as cotton once ranked
seventh in the list of products of Porto Hico. This
year, however, the only grade grown has been Sea
Island cotton, the acreage reaching 10,000, with a
probable result of 5,000 bales of high-grade Sea
Island fibre. Ginneries have been erected in San
Juan, and others will be placed at points in the Island
most convenient to growers. It is not improbable
that within a year the present acreage of Sea Island
cotton will be doubled or trebled, and that many
small growers will be engaged in the culture. This
will give new employment, also, to thousands of native
laborers, especially during the picking season.

Among the fruits, oranges just now take the lead in
local interest, hundreds of individuals and several
stock companies being engaged in the development of
orange groves. This year the first shipments of cul-
tivated oranges will be made, all the oi'anges here-
tofore shipped having grown wild. Within a few years
many millions of oranges will go annually from Porto
Rico to the Northern markets reaching there early and
probably well ahead of the California and Florida
oranges with which they will compete. The Porto Rico
orange proposition seems to be a sound and enticing one.

100

From 70 to 100 trees are grown to an acre and a good
grove can be established at a cost of $100.00 an acre.
To bring it to bearing cost $300.00 an acre. It should
then yield at least $250.00 an acre a year. Even
greater and earlier profits are reached by cultivating
pineapples during the first three years between the
young orange trees. Ten thousand acres have been
planted in oranges in Porto Rico within five years, the
favorite stock being the native trees with Florida bud-
ding. Legislative action has been taken to prevent the
importation of diseased stock and an o)*ange growers'
association has been formed to protect the mutual in-
terest of planters. Whether a man owns one acre or
a himdred he is equnlly enthusiastic and as a result
Porto Rico is learning in a most prHctical way all thei-e
is to know about oranore orrowino: and is at the same
time materially increasing the w^ealth of the Island.

Pineapple culture ranks next in order. Pineapples
weighing 25 to 30 pounds each are not considered un-
usual. From 10 to 12 pounds each is the average,
there being as a rule 1,7(54 plants to the h ere. They
find ready sale in local markets, retailing at from 10
to 25 cents each. Profits run from $75.00 to $150.00
an acre, dependent upon numerous conditions. The
greatest boom in pineapple growing may be expected
when canning factories are established to absorb the
bulk of the product. The pineapples now grown do
not stand well a shipment to New York.

Bananas, though not exported, grow almost every-
where in the Island. They are the bread of the poor,
the shade of the coffee plants nnd the generally utilized
product. The trees grow rapidly, attaining a height
of 15 to 20 feet, and produce a finely flavored fruit.
Banana exportation, however, can hardly be established
until regular, fast fruit steamers ply between Porto
Rico and New York.

101

Cocoaiiut growing is receiving increased attention and
possesses attractive featnres, not the least of which is
lack of risk, the crop being sure though comparatively
low priced. The lands near the seashore, on which the
best trees flourish, are very cheap being suitable for few
other crops. Eighty trees are grown to the acre and the
minimum yield per tree is 125 nuts annually, worth one
cent each at the orchard gate. A full yield may be
expected five years after planting and $75.00 to $100.00
an acre should be the net profit after that time for a
lifetime. The American market is always a ready
one for cocoanuts.

The variety of native tropical fruits, many of which
will in time doubtless be grown and handled with
profit, is great. The list includes limes, lemons, grape-
fruit, aguacates, or alligator peai*; anones, zapotes,
plantains, bread-fruit, mangoes, etc. The cacao, which
already has a reputation, produces the highest grade of
chocolate. The guayaba gives the world- famed jelly
which bears its name. The castor plant grows wild
and has a positive commercial value. Yucca, the starch
producer, and rice, of which the island buys 70,000,000
pounds annually, offer fine profits to the grower.
Many medicinal plants run wild and should be given
attention. The maguey, well-known as a fibre plant
and which the natives use in many crude ways as
cordage, should produce a finished product of sisal
hemp worth six to seven cents a pound in the New
York market. Rubber has not been grown in Porto
Rico but there is no reason why the Central American
varieties should not succeed here; and the same may
truthfully be said of many other agricultural products
not already mentioned.

Closely allied to farming in Porto Rico is grazing.
There are a million acres of pasture land suitable to
stock raising and of assured profits there can be iio

102

doubt. The demand for cattle far exceeds the supply,
the exports being less than 2,500 head annually at
from 8 to 10 cents a pound, gross, on the hoof. The
famous shorthorn Durham breed is said to be the out-
come of a cross between Porto Rican cows and Holstein
bulls. The oxen, milch cows, and beef cattle of Porto
Rico compare favorably with any on this side of the
Atlantic. There is demand, too, for horses and mules,
and donkeys would probably find a ready sale. Poultry,
hogs, and goats abound and are always in demand.
Raising them is an inexpensive business.

In the foregoing brief review demonstrated facts and
apparently assured possibilities have been set forth with
an attempt at clear definition for the benefit of readers
who are, or who are likely to become, especially in-
terested in agricultural affairs in Porto Rico. Many
things must yet be done to make the Island produce
to the extent of its ability. Fertilizers are still sparsely
used where they should be freely mingled with the
soil. Improved modern machinery must be brought
from the States and be utilized in reducing the cost of
crops. Vigilance must be maintained to exterminate
enemies of vegetable growths. Experiments must be
continued and results carefully noted for the common
good. The small land holders must be taught the
value of variety and rotation. The rural agricultural
schools must continue to instruct the children as to
the rudiments of scientific farming and the use of farm
tools and machinery. Road building must go on in all
directions until crops can be rapidly and cheaply
moved to market. A big undertaking all this is, to be
sure, but it will pay a thousand fold return. Within
a decade it will lift Porto Rico to affluence, banish the
gloom of financial stringency and give to the Island a
proud position among the garden spots of the world.

THE UNITED STATES WEATHER BUREAU.

(by WILLIAM H. ALEXANDER, OBSERVER.)

Willis L. Mookk, Chief U. 8. Weather Buieaii WHshiri^oii. D. V.

Edwin C Thompson, Section Director Allen Street.

Observer Allen Street.

Joseph Lopez, MensenK**!* 1 Presidio Street.

The United States Weather Bureau needs no intro-
duction to the American people and its mission in
Porto Rico being essentially the same as in the States
requires but little if any explanation. This branch of
the Federal service came to Porto Rico in 1898 and was
a part of a more extensive West Indian Service inaug-
urated primarily for the purpose of protecting marine
interests in these waters by securing and disseminating
information relative to the formation or existence and
movement of the tropical storms called hurricanes, the
scourge of the West Indies. To accomplish this required
the establishment of twelve or fifteen stations at con-
siderable expense but the results seem to have justified
the expenditure and Congress continues to provide for
the maintenance of the service. These stations are in
<^harge of trained observers and during the hurricane
season — July to October inclusive — meteorological ob-
servations are made at least twice each day and one of
these, usually the morning observation, is cabled
promptly to the Central Office at Washington and from
the combined reports from all these stations the fore-
<ja8ter is able to determine whether or not dangerous
<3onditions threaten any part of the region covered by

.104

the reports and to issue warnings accordingly. The
benefits of this service are not confined to the marine
interests of the United States and her citizens but are
extended equally to the interests of all nations. The
United States spares neither pains nor expense to pro-
tect life and property without distinction as to nation-
ality.

In carrying out this great purpose the bureau in its
wisdom decided to issue to West Indian stations but
two kinds of warnings, and a failure on the part of the
public to distinguish clearly the significance of these
messages has led to some confusion and unnecessary
alarm. The two kinds of messages are "advisor}^ mes-
sages" and "storm-warning messages."

1 Advinory messages are issdetl to suoli pla<H\s as in the
opinion of the forecaster are not threatened with dan-
gerous conditions and are intended primarily for the benefit
of mariners who may be leaving poit. They are to be re-
garded by tlie public merely as matters of information, and
are not to be taken to mean that a storm is approaching.
When unsettled conditions arise, and there is any evidence
of the formation of a hm-ricane, these messages are sent
out to inspire alertness on the part of the observers in par-
ticular and the public in general. These unsettled condi-
tions may and often do pass away without developing into
anything serious. After the h(UTicane forms and starts
on its devastating career, these messages are sent out to
reassure and inform places not endangered. No signal
whatever is displayed upon the receipt of an advisory
message.

2 Storm -warning messages are issued whenever, in the
opinion of the forecaster, a place is likely to be visited by
dangerous conditions, and the hurricane signal— two red
flags with black centers, placed one above the other — is
always displayed upon the receipt of one of these messages.
This message is, of course, to the public in general and
means that it ia deemed advisable to prepare for severe
weather. -Bulletin No. 32, W. B.

It is believed that if the eflfbrts of the bureau are
properly understood and its messages correctly con-
strued, its service will be more highly appreciated. The
bureau, moreover, recognizes the fact that the " advis-

105

ory message" needs to be carefully worded and dis-
creetly disseminated owing to the tendency of the
people to misconstrue it into a storm-warning.

For the rapid and thorough distribution of these
warnings in Porto Rico, a very effective local system is
maintained, rendered doubly efficient by the generous
co-operation of the Bureau of Insular Telegraph and the
Insular Police Force. The central station for the Island
is at San Juan, from which all messages are distributed.
In the event the Island is threatened with a hurricane,
warnings are sent to all telegraph stations and carried
by the police to the remotest places in the interior. The
hurricane signal is displayed at the following places on
the Island, viz: San Juan, Fajardo, Humacao, Arroyo,
Ponce. Guanica, Mayaguez, Aguadilla, and Arecibo.
In short, every effort is made to give the Island a
thoroughly efficient service.

In addition to the work just outlined, the bureau
maintains a '* Climate and Crop" service for the Island
of Porto Rico, similar in its aims and operations to that
carried on in each of the states of the Union. This
work necessitates the establishment and maintenance
of quite a number of voluntary observation stations
over the Island. There are at the present time (June,
1903) thirty five of these stations well distributed over
the Island, each equipped with standard instruments —
a maximum and a minimum thermometer and a rain-
gauge— and at which observations are made daily and
reports rendered regularly to the central station at San
Juan. These voluntary observers together with other
crop correspondents also make weekly reports relative
to the condition of crops and agricultural interests in
general. These reports furnish the material for the
weekly crop bulletin published in English and Spanish
by the bureau and gratuitously distributed.

The rainfall and temperature data collected from

ifioe— 8

106

these voluntary stations will in time become valuable
records and make an important contribution to general
meteorology, for it is a well recognized fact that the
climatology of Porto Rico is but little known. The
Island topography is such as to create surprising local
climatic diflferences. For instance, the Island, small as
it is, has a range in the extremes of precipitation (that
is, the diffierence between the amounts of greatest and
least precipitation at diflferent places) almost, if not
quite as great as is found in the whole of the United
States. These diflferences are so pronounced and impor-
tant that they cannot be ignored when considering the
agricultural possibilities of the Island and must be taken
into the account in all problems relative to irrigation
and the construction of highways. Each locality has
its own peculiarities and possibilities and must be stud-
ied independently in order to arrive at a safe working
knowledge upon which to launch a new enterprise.
General statements as to climate, flora, soil, and hy-
drographic conditions are often misleading and wholly
inadequate for either business or scientific purposes,
and the sooner exact data become available the sooner
may we expect to see the Island go forward in its ma-
terial development by the introduction of new enter-
prises. The IT. S. Weather Bureau is trying to supply
this need.

Perhaps a few observations relative to the climate of
Porto Rico based upon the records of the U. S. Weather
Bureau would be in order in this connection, for,
as we have intimated, the climate of Porto Rico is de-
cidedly varied and more or less erratic. If we consider
daily temperature changes, we will find that the lowest
temperature for the day usually occurs between 5 and 6
a. m., after which it rapidly increases up to 10 a. m., and
then remains nearly stationary imtil 1 or 2 p. m., after
which it gradually falls until 5 a. m. the next day.

107

The maximum usually occurn about 2 p. m., but may
occur any time between 10 a. m. and 2 p. m. The mean
daily range — that is the diflference between the maxi-
mum and the minimum temperatures — is quite constant
throughout the year, but varies at diflPerent stations
over the Island, according to local surroundings. The
record for San Juan, for instance, shows a mean daily
range for the year of 11.5° and a diflference of less than
2° in the means for the various months. The records
for the mountain stations show a daily range of tem-
perature varying from 13° to 15°. If we consider the
yearly changes in temperature, we will find that the
month of January has the lowest mean while that of
February and March is but little higher, and all three
have about the same average minimum temperatures.
From March to August there is a gradual increase in the
mean temperatures and after this month a gradual de-
crease. The month of August has the highest mean
temperature but the highest temperature for the year
usually occurs in May. Another very interesting item
is that although the month of August has the highest
mean temperature, September has the highest mean
maximum temperature. The highest temperature re-
corded since the establishment of the Weather Bureau
in San Juan was 94° in May, 1903, and the lowest 65°
in March of the same year, thus showing an absolute
range of 29° for San Juan.

The topography of Porto Rico is such and it is so
related to the prevailing trades as to give to the Island
a wet and a dry side as may be seen by contrasting the
semi-arid vegetation of the South with the luxuriant
vegetation of the North side. The average annual
rainfall for the South side is perhaps less than 50
inches, while that for the North side is 75 inches or
more, and a fall of 100 inches is not imcommon at
mountain stations. In the vicinity of El Yunque,

108

the average is about 150 inches annually. There
is really no wet and dry season as generally under-
stood. The rains at all times fall in quick sharp
showers and are followed by clearing weather. The
rains are more frequent than heavy. The so-called
rainy season usually begins about the middle of April
and extends to December. The monthly averages
gradually increase up to November which has the
greatest average. February and March have the low-
est averages. The relative humidity of the atmos-
phere is at all time very high, making it at times very
oppressive.

PUBLIC CHARITIES OF PORTO RICO,

The public charities of Porto Rico are under the
direction of a Director of Charities and include the
Boys' Charity School and Girls' Charity School, located
at Santurce, a suburb of San Juan; the Insane Asylum
in San Juan; and the Leper Colony on Cabras Island
at the entrance to San Juan harbor. The work done
in these institutions ranks with the best and most
interesting of all that has been, or is being, accom-
plished under American guidance.

The Insular Board of Charities has existed since
August 12th, 1899, prior to which date the insane,
orphans, destitute, cripples, reformatory class, and all
other subjects of public care, except lepers, were
sheltered in a single structure, the **Beneficencia"
building. Sisters of Charity sent from Spain took
charge of the institution in 1863 and remained until a
year ago when they were substituted by an American
superintendent and assistants^ In January, 1900, a
radical and needed change was effected. It consisted
in removing the orphans to the fine, new Charity
School buildings in Santurce, leaving the greater por-
tion of the '' Beneficencia" building available for the
care of the insane. The lepers were colonized on
Cabras Island.

Excellent results have been attained in the two
Charity Schools. The girls are taught machine and
hand sewing, cutting, fitting, straw hat weaving, cook-
ing, and other occupations, and a millinery class will

be established during the present tiscal year. The
boys are instructed in tailoring, wood-working, gar-
dening, shoe-making, and other trades. In September,
1902, was established a long contemplated plan of
self-government by the inmates. The disciplinary
force of minor rank was abolished, and the cadet of-
ficers were made responsible for the conduct of their
respective commands. This has not only trained the
boys in their respective duties but it has also instilled
a feeling of self-reliance, a spirit of justice, and the
necessary care of responsibility. A gratifying condi-
tion of economy is co-incident with the plan, the cost
to the Government being materially reduced. Of
course, the superintendent and military instructor
guide and watch their young charges, but much is
dependent upon the boys themselves. The school
boasts of a tine band, and of a fife and drum corps of ten
pieces. The inmates are organized into a battalion,
which is daily drilled for exercise and discipline.
Ten acres of land connected with the institution are
cultivated by the boys who thus learn farming and at
the same time produce for consumption a sufficiency
of melons, egg-plant, pineapples, corn, plantain, sweet
potatoes, peanuts, etc. Enough grass for the livestock
is also grown, and sufficient sugar cane has been
planted to instruct the boys in its production. No
deaths have occurred in either the Boys' or Girls'
School during the past two years, and it would be
difficult to find a healthier, brighter lot of youngsters
anywhere in the world.

Although during the last tiscal year there was an
increase in the cost of materials for subsistence, and
also in the expenses for permanent improvements, it
will be found that the figures compare very favorably
with those in the United States for similar purposes.*
The finances of all the charitable institutions named

Ill

and the purchase of all supplies, are controlled entirely
at the oflSce of the Director of Charities, where there
is an oflSce force of seven, with an annual payroll of
$8,539.26. At present there are 203 insane about
equally divided as to sex and 42 employees supported
at a daily per capita of $0.4019 for personnel and
inmates, and a monthly payroll of $970.61. In the
Boys' Charity School there are 259 inmates, and 48
personnel at a monthly payroll of $1,175.00 and a per
capita daily expense of $0.3734. In the (lirls' Charity
School there are 175 inmates, and 21 personnel at a
monthly payroll of $545.19 and a daily per capita of
$0.3132. In the Leper colony there are 19 inmates
and nine personnel at a monthly payroll of $195.5()
and a daily per capita of $0.5843. The budget for
the ensuing fiscal year for purposes of charity is
$108,052.71. The expense of conducting the office
to manage the expenditure, is about 9.75 per cent.
The total number provided for including personnel,
exceeds 1,000. The per capita expense given includes
the cost of maintaining the office.

It is hoped that within a year there will be estab-
lished a blind asylum, for which an appropriation has
been made and for which great need exists owing to
the prevalence of blindness in the Island.

The prospects are that for a long time to come the
Insular resources available for public charities will
be taxed to the limit even if that limit is far ahead of
present appropriation figures. The Government now
can do little more than to relieve the most desperate
cases, private benevolence doing the rest. In private
charities in many municipalities the Americans and
natives labor earnestly together for the amelioration
of distress and thus the afflicted poor are being fairly
well cared for. Philanthropists, however, can always
find good use for their money in Porto Rico.

112

In addition to the amount expended annually by the
Insular Goverment for public charities, the foUowmg
figures, tabulated in the oflSce of the Treasurer of
Porto Rico from official municipal reports, show that
the municipal charities bring the total expenditures to
nearly a third of a million of dollars. The extent of
private charities is of course unknown but it is very
large, especially through the churches. The Porto
Ricans according to their means, are among the most
liberal people of the world in the matter of relieving
distress, and their sympathy for the indigent un-
doubtedly leads frequently to the giving of undeserved
alms. The donors, however, think it best to err, if at
all, on the right side:

113

Statement of moneys expended by the various
municipalities of Porto Rico for sick poor during
fiscal year 1902-1903.

Munioipalities.

San Juan

Ponce

MayaffQez

Arecibo

Adjuntas

Asuada

Affuadilla

AfniasBuenas..

Aibonito

Afiasco

Barroe

Bayamon

Oabo Bojo

Oaffuas

Oamuy

Carolina.

Cayey

Clales

Ooamo

Oomerio

Fajardo

Guayama

Hato Grande...

Humacao

Isabela

Juana Diaz

Lajas

Lfurea

Las Marias

Manati

Marlcao

Morovis

NafiToabo

PatiUas

Bio Grande

RioPiedras

Sabana Grande.

San German

San Sebastian..
Santa Isabel....

ToaAlta

Utuado

Ye^ Baja

Vieques

Yabucoa

Yauco

Total

Doctors
Salaries.

6.500.00
8.800.00
8.980.00
2.1^.00
1.800.00
800.00
1.440.00
730.00
800.00
1.300 00
1.960.00
3.730.00
1.300.00
3.860.00
1.S60.00
1,700.00
1,630.00
1.135.16
1,000.00
1.800.00
3,020 00
3.135.00
3.060.00
l,ft00.00
700.00
1.640.00
600.00
1.800.00
1.300.00
1.740.00
800.00
800.00
764.00
1.000.00
1.800.00
1.300.00
1.840.00
1.600.00
1.830.00
900.00
1.960.00
1.750.00
1.630.00
1.440.00
1.730.00
3,400.00

$ 83.084.16

Medicines
to poor.

8.300.00

8.000.00

3.400.00

3.883.00
900.00
330.00

1.164.00
300.00
160.00
900.00
300.00

1.340.00
630.86

1.160.00
700.00
400.00
900.00
300.00
730.00
600.00
800.00

3.100.00
700.00
774.50
800.00

U009.78
860.00
600.00
800.00

1.435.00
350.00
150.00
400.00
500.00

1.365.00
730.00
400.00
600.00
600.00
300.00
650.00
800.00
800.00
300.00

1.080.00

$ 44.639.64

Asst'sto

poor not in

Hospital.

800.00
647.60
76.00

170.00
40.00
116.36
180.00
866.00

461.50
80.00

350.00

160.00
50.00

300.00

35.00
400.00

900.00

116.67

1.014.11

60.00

300.00

587.00
118.76

350.00

383.41
300.00
160.00

800.00
180.00

8,868.30

Mainten-
ance of
Hospitals.

38.030.00

17.706.00

11.606.00

3.714.50

100.00

876.00

1.673.00

1.655.00

860.00

1.630.00

680.00

707.00

645.00

1.638.00

3.090.00
149.00

1.960.00
150.00
499.01

1.170.00

3.863.00

654.00
60.00

836.00
960.00

3.177.00

853.00
1.058.00
3.708.35

Total.

87.730.00
37.806.00
18.368.00
8.534.00
3.876.00
830.00
8.660.00
960.00
865.36
8.863.00
1.935.00
6.616.00
3.74a86
6.330.00
3.610.00
3.980.00
8,377.00
3.070.16
8.848.00
1.886.00
4.330.00
8.815.00
8.809.00
4.534.50
1.366.67
4.063.00
1.030.00
8.470.00
3.300.00
5.617.00
1.487.00
1.068.75
1.806.75
1.810.00
8.065.00
3.803.41
1.940.00
8.076.00
3.880.00
1.500.00
2.790.00
4.537.00
3.930.00
3.593.00
8.858.00
6.188.35

$ 88.888.76 $ 318.370.76

PUBLK^ LANDS OF PORTO RICO.

The matter of the extent, value, and probable meth-
ods of disposal of the public lands of Porto Rico, has
this year become of more general interest because of
the proclamation of President Roosevelt on June 30th,
1903, defining the lands and buildings reserved for
Federal use, and those set apnrt for the benefit of the
people of Porto Rico.

In the latter class, according to the estimate of the
Bureau of Public Lands of Porto Rico, there is a sur-
face extension of 100,000 cuerdas which are not of
great value nt present but which, under proper im-
provement, could be ndapted to different sorts of
cultivation with every expectation of success. The
Hverage price of these lands is now about five dollars
per cuerda, and they may l>e classified as follows:

High, woody lands, suitable for coffee cultivation,
and for the growing of hard timber for building pur-
poses and cabinet work; low, brushy lands adapted
to fruit growing and minor products and sometimes
utilized for planting sugar cane; craggy lands, good
for peas and other vegetables; broken lands, covered
with trees and scrubby growth, of varying fitness for
cultivation and including lands of calcareous nature, of
which limestone is the only product. Besides these
there are fertile level lands, fit for the growing of
sugar cane, cotton, and rice, and for rich pasturage-
The argil and clayish lands offer material for the

115

manufacture of bricks, tiles, and other articles of
domestic use. In some places there are tobacco lands
on which can be produced as fine tobacco as the best
grown in Cuba, if careful attention is given from the
day of seeding to the sorting, drying, and curing pro-
cess. As H rule, the public lands are suited to the
culture of oranges, lemons, limes, and other citrous
fruits.

The marshy lands and swamps situated near the
seashore and at the mouths of large rivers now pro-
duce little except the mangrove, used for tanning
purposes. They can, however, be reclaimed and con-
verted into valuable sugar land. A survey is now
being made of a tract of from (),0()0 to H,()0() cuerdas
between Manati and Arecibo and known as "Cafto de
Tiburones." This promises to make ideal sugar land.

Within the limits of the larger cities of the Island
valuable building lands have been awarded by the
Federal Government to the people of Forto Rico.
The occupancy of these lands, especially ou the out-
skirts of the city of San Juan, will greatly relieve the
present congested condition.

By an act of Congress approved July 1st, 1902,
entitled ' ' An act authorizing the President to reserve
public lands and buildings to the Government of Porto
Rico, for public uses, and granting other public lands
and buildings to the Government of Porto Rico, and
for other purposes," the President was authorized
to make within one year after July 1st, 1902, such
reservations of lands for military, naval, and other
public purposes, and all lands not so reserved were
to be granted to the people of Porto Rico, and ac-
cordingly the President issued a proclamation on
July 1st, 1903, making reservation of some lands
located near San Juan and other large cities, and with
the sole exception of a portion of the ridge of moun-

116

tains of Luquillo, all the other lands were granted to
the people of Porto Rico.

It will devolve upon the next session of the Legis-
lative Assembly of Porto Rico to settle details as to
methods and conditions of sales and leases of public
lands and to take definite action regarding the dispos-
sessing of "squatters." As to the latter, the Inspec-
tor of Public Lands is now investigating in the Munic-
ipality of Manati. Another question for legislative
decision is as to the rights of many persons holding
lands granted by the Spanish Government.

The Federal reservations include lands and buildings
and fortifications for Federal use throughout the Island,
and indicate the contemplation of improvements which
will greatly benefit Porto Rico, especially the city of
San Juan.

The exploring of the new Luquillo forest reserve, a
tract of about 12,000 acres, is being pushed by Dr.
John Clayton Gifford, of the United States Bureau of
Forestry, Washington, D. C, who reports interesting
and valuable discoveries, including rare timber growths,
gold streams now worked by natives, great and reliable
water power, dense tropical jungles, and quantities of
aromatic gum and other commodities.

PRISONS OF PORTO RICO.

One of the most earnest and successful eflforts in the
work of American reform in Porto Rico has been among
the prisons.

A great change has been wrought for the better and
further improvements are contemplated. The system
now is very similar to that in most of the states of the
American union. The principal prison, which is for
the confinement of prisoners condemned to hard labor
for a period exceeding one year, is located at San Juan
and is known as the "Presidio." In each municipal
district there is a district jail, or "Deposito Muni-
cipal," in which are confined prisoners sentenced to
less than a year's imprisonment. Each municipality
has a lock-up for the temporary detention of petty
prisoners.

In a general way the penitentiary is a great reform
school. All the prisoners are taught trades and thus
hundreds of them are enabled to earn an honest living
after release. The ** Presidio" work is divided into
tailoring, hat-making, basket-making, cigar-making,
carpentry, cabinet-making, blacksmithing, etc. Much
artistic furniture for the public oflSces is made in the
penitentiary and some of the convicts show special
aptitude for the manufacture of inlaid work made of
native woods. In some instances inherent talent %s
artisans comes quickly to the front and is carefully
encouraged.*

118

This year, by authorization of the last session of the
Legislative Assembly, several hundreds of convicts are
to be employed in the construction of two public high-
ways, one from Jayuya to a point between Ponce and
Adjuntas on the Ponce -Arecibo road and the other
from Humaeao to Yabucoa. The prisoners are to be
housed within stockades now being constructed and
will be guarded by a special detachment of Insular
Police. For this experiment, including the costs of
buildings, tools, transportation, overseers, etc., the Gov-
ernor allotted $20,000.00 of the ''Trust Fund" at his
disposal.

All the prisoners are well fed and must keep clean,
being compelled to bathe at least three times a week.
On the whole, the penitentiHry life is not a hard one,
discipline being more lax than in the states. Many of
the convicts are enjoying much better surroundings
than they did while at liberty, (lood conduct brings
them an allowance of one cent each per day during
confinement and every prisoner is given upon his
release a new suit of clothes, with hat and shoes.
Outside of the routine hours of work prisoners are
permitted to manufacture articles which are sold, the
proceeds being sent to the prisoner's family or kept
for him on deposit with the Director of Prisons until
discharge day. Prisoners in municipal jails are em-
ployed in street cleaning in their respective munici-
palities, and keep their own jails in order; otherwise
they do no work.

The last public execution in the Island was at Ponce
in June, 1902, when four men were garroted. Hang-
ing is now the legal method of execution and one
prisoner is under sentence of death, his case being on
apj)eal to the Supreme Court. A prevailing sentiment
among the natives of the Island against capital punish-
ment makes rare a conviction of murder in the first

119

degree and keopn high the number of *'life" or long
term prisoners in the penitentiary.

The total number of prisoners in the penitentiary
and district jails of Porto Rico on August 31st, 1903,
was: Penitentiary, 701; San Juan jail, 313; Ponce jail,
252; Mayaguez jail, 245; Humacao jail, 144; Arecibo
jail, 54; total, 1,709. Undergoing sentence, there were
1,407. Of the total number of prisoners, 1,427 were
male, and 282 female. The married numbered 34() and
the single 1,3(13. In color the prisoners were: White,
711; Mulattoes, 711; Negroes, 287. The prisoners
over 18 years of age numbered 1,54(5. The prisoners
who could read numbered 53; read and write, 472;
neither read nor write, 1,184. The nationality of the
prisoners was: Porto Ricans, 1,680; Frenchmen, 1;
Spaniards, 10; Americans, 5; Englishmen, 4; Domi-
nicans, 1; Venezuelans, 1; Cubans, 5; Danish, 1;
Italians, 1.

Convictions were for 78 different crimes, of which
the leading offenses were larceny, assault, robbery,
breaches of public peace, and homicide.

ELECTIONS.

( BY BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, EX-SUPERVISOR
OF ELECTIONS.)

Altogether the most diflScult problem which has con-
fronted the Insular administration since the establish-
ment of civil government in Porto Rico has been that
pertaining to the conduct of elections. This may be
very readily realized by the reflection that prior to the
American occupation popular elections, as we under-
stand the term, were unknown in the Island. It is true
that certain oflScials had been selected by the suffrage
of a small portion of the people, but the requirements
for the limited voting were so severe, and the method
of supervision was so concentrated in the hands of the
Government, that it may be safely said that popular
elections in Porto Rico commenced with the American
occupation.

In addition to the fact of its novelty, the situation
has been rendered more difficult by the temperament
of the people and by the intense partisanship which
has always been displayed, and which has been much
accentuated by the enlargement of the list of voters,
and by permitting the people to conduct their own
elections.

Under the terms of the Act of Congress creating the
civil government in Porto Rico, the general supervision
and conduct of matters pertaining to election is vested
in the Executive Council, and through the authority of
that body the organization which has the actual control

121

and management of affairs pertaining to elections is
accomplished.

The first election after the advent of civil govern-
ment was held in the Fall of 1900. This was conducted
under the terms of military orders, which had been
issued by the officers commanding the American forces
in the Island prior to the institution of civil govern-
ment, and the partisanship in connection with this first
election was so bitter and intense, that at the last
moments one of the two great political parties of the
Island, feeling resentful in connection with some action
taken, withdrew its entire following from participation
in the election, with the result that of the 58,515
votes cast, only 148 were cast on behalf of the Federal
ticket, and the entire membership of the House of De-
legates, as well as the Commissioner to Washington,
were returned Republican.

The first Legislative Assembly, which was held
during the winter of 1900, passed an act relating to
elections, and a further act relating to registration.
These laws are both framed on the plan of what is
known as the Australian ballot system, with a few
modifications intended to meet the situation presented
in Porto Rico, and with very minor amendments these
laws are still in force on this most important subject.
Elections in Porto Rico are held biennially, and all
officials, including the Commissioner to Washington,
the members of the House of Delegates, and all muni-
cipal, school, and road officials are elected at the same
time.

During the campaign of 1902 political rivalry again
convulsed the Island. Both the Federal and the Re-
publican parties put forth their best efforts to increase
their registration and to insure their success at the
polls. The period of registration, which consisted of
three days, was marked in many parts of the Island

1606—9

122

with tremendous rivalry, and unfortunately several
personal encounters which seem to be almost coincident
with heated political discussion; but a fair review of
the entire campaign certainly reflects great credit upon
a people who, without previous opportunity or expe-
rience, were able to conduct a campaign for the elec-
tion of the large number of ofiicials voted for, and at
which more than 100,000 votes were cast, and to enable
us to record that on the day of election not the slightest
disturbance of any kind occurred on the Island.

The organization of the Department of Elections was
under the control of a supervisor selected by the Ex-
ecutive Council, and the supervisor, together with the
Committee of Elections of the Executive Council, had
full charge and control of the details pertaining to the
selection of the district boards, and, through these
district boards, of the judges and clerks who had
charge of the registration, as well as the actual con-
duct of affairs on election day. Under the law the
lists of electors prepared for the election of 1900 be-
came permanent registration lists, with certain pro-
visions under which the names of those who had be-
come disqualified could be removed, and new electors,
who were qualified, could be added on the days pro-
vided for holding registration. One of the provisions
with reference to the qualifications of voters was as
follows:

" Any male citizen over the age of twenty -one years
who on day of registration produces to the board of
registry a tax receipt showing the payment of any kind
of taxes for the last six months of the year in which
the election is held."

Any kind of taxes was exceedingly broad and ad-
mitted of either Insular or Municipal taxes, and the
size of the tax was immaterial. What was material,
was that a receipt should be presented showing a pay-

123

ment of a tax within six months from the day of
registration including said registration day.

Unfortunately some of the conditions in the election
law apparently conflicted with those in the registra-
tion law, which gave rise to misunderstandings, and
perhaps led to the disqualification of a few electors.
The Executive Council had authority under the elec-
tion law to pass supplementary orders " as it may deem
proper for the better carrying out of the provisions of
the law," and various explanatory orders were issued,
modifying and reconciling the differences between the
laws. Three days were given for registration of new
electors, and both political parties vied with each
other in sending their partisans to be registered. In
many of the municipalities very small taxes were col-
lected. The smallest seems to have been daily taxes
for the use of market stands, where by the payment
of a 3 cent tax a person had a right to deposit his
basket of vegetables on the floor of the open market
and dispose of them. It is probable that the framers
of the law did not have 3 cents taxes in view, any
more than 50 cent taxes for dances, or $1 taxes for
dogs; nevertheless such taxes having been provided
for in the municipal budgets, passed long before the
election, there seemed to be no legal way of prevent-
ing one presenting such a receipt from being registered.
The result of this was to create nearly universal
suffrage.

The right to challenge voters in the permanent lists,
and those registered on the first days of registration,
was freely used. Many challenges presented in im-
proper forms, were accepted by the judges, yet when
the lists were made up at the close of the third day
34,730 new names were added to the permanent lists,
making a total of 158,924. Every district showed an
increase, from 15 per cent, in the Ponce district to 50

124

per cent, in the Mayaguez, and every municipality save
two, Barranquitas, ( now part of Barros ) and Aguas
Buenas, showed an increase from 5 per cent, up to 08
per cent, in Guayama and nearly 80 per cent, in May-
aguez.

Both parties very generally exercised their rights,
and went to the polls on election day, and as a result,
ten Federals were elected to the House of Delegates,
and thirteen municipalities elected Federal officers;
also six Federal road supervisors were elected for the
districts of Arecibo and Humacao, the Republicans
electing the remaining officers. Heavy rains fell
throughout the Island on election day and without
doubt kept many people from the polls, but the total
vote cast was 111,210 or 09 per cent, of the registered
voters.

While in the election of 1900 there were 219 polling
places, requiring 657 judges of election and 438 clerks;
in the election of 1902, under the law requiring one
polling place for every 300 electors, there were 449
polling places with 1,347 judges of election and 898
clerks. In 1900, the number of offices to be filled
was 36, one Commissioner to the United States and
35 members of the House of Delegates. In 1902 the
number to be filled owing to its being a general elec-
tion was 650. In 1900, with but two parties in the
field, the number of candidates to be voted for was 72.
In 1902, in certain locations, with three tickets in the
field, the candidates to be voted for numbered some
1,375.

The following are the election districts of the Island
of Porto Rico:

125

No. 1.
San Juuii

Bayamont
Naranjito*
Toa Baja*

Toa Altat
Corozal*
Dorado*

Manati

Vega Bajat
Vega AltJi*

Comerio
Population, 1:^5,346.

No. 2.
Arecibo

Camuyt

Quebradilla*
Hatillo*

Utuado

Ciales

Morovls

Population, 138,962.

No. 3.

No. 4.

Agumlillat

Mayagtlez

Moea

San German

Lares

Aguada

Yauco

Aflascot

Isabela

Rincon*

San Sebastian

Las Marias

Adjuntas

Maricao

Lajas

Sabana Grande

Population, 137,hi5.

Cabo Rojo

Population, 135,999.

No. 5.

Poncet

Guayanilla*
Pefluelas*

Barros
Coamo
Juana Diaz

Population, 135,a31.

No. 6.

Guayamat
Salinas*
Arroyo*

Oayeyt
Cidra*

Caguast
Gurabo*

San Lorenzot

Juncos*
Santa Isabel
Patillas
Aibonito

Aguas Buenast
Barranquitas*

Population, 136,457,

126

No. 7.

Humacao

Yabucoat
Maunabo*

Rio Grandet
Loiza*

Naguabo

Fajardo

Carolinat

Trujillo Alto*
Rio Piedras
Viequez

Population, 134,337.

Names marked with an * are names of municipalities whieh existed at the time
of this division, but have since ceased to exist, and by law of 1902. have been an-
nexed to the municipality with which the names are designated by a t.

The districts which gave Republican majorities in
1902, were: San Juan, (5,040); Aguadilla, (9,913);
Mayagtlez, (10,073); Ponce, (13,970); and Guayama,
(9,293). The districts of Arecibo and Humacao gave
Federal majorities, 0,942 and 1,999 respectively.

ACJCREDITED TO THE UNITED STATES FOR PORTO RIOO.

BBPBB8BNTATIVE TITLB ADDRES^ DATK OF BXBQUATOB

AUSTRIA-HUNOART.

Joannes D. Htubbe Consul San Juan Slat kug. 1901

Belgium.

C. Renoz Ck^nsul General for

PortoRIco San Juan I8th Feb. 1902

J. E. Saldafia CJonsul San Juan I9th Feb. 1902

J. E. Prato Vice Consul Ponce «thNov. 1902

L. Bravo Consul Maya^Qez I4th Sept. 1900

Chile.

Manuel Fernandez Nater Consul San Juan 27th Oct. 1899

Ck)LOMBIA.

Wenceslao Borda Consul San Juan 16th Ai^ir. 1899

Cuba.

Salvador Roe y Pochet Consul . . .San Juan 27th Sept. 1902

Denmark.

Carlos Armstrong Consul Ponce 2ndNov. 1900

T. G. L Waymouth Vice Consul San Juan sthMar. 1901

Albert Bravo Vice Consul MayaffOez lOthDec. 1901

Antonio Boiff Vice Consul Humacao sthMar. I90i

Victor Duteil Vice Consul Vieques SthMar. 1901

Dominican Republic.

J. Eufirenio Medina Consul General San Juan I5th July 1902

Salvador Amell Maso Vice Consul Affuadilla lOthNov. 19ob

Angel Sanz y Ambros Vice Consul Arecibo uth Feb. 1901

Esteban Gotos Consul Ponce I9th Feb. 1902

Laureano Sarria Vice Consul Vieques SthMar. 1901

Antonio Roi« Vice Consul Humacao. SthMar. 1901

Enrique Russell Vice Consul Maya^ez I6th July 1902

France.

Francois Marie Vicent

Nettement Consul in Porto Rico.San Juan 7th Nov. 1900

D. Felici Consular Agent Ponce 24th July 1900

Angel Figueroa Velez Consular Agent Utuado 3ist Aug. 1901

Joseph Rojas Cortes Consular Agent Barros 3l8t Aug. 1901

Rafael Janer y Soler Consular Agent Arecibo Slst Aug. 1901

Toussaint Palmieri Consular Agent Adjuntas 4thMay 1903

Vicent Antonettl Consular Agent Arroyo-Guayama 4th May 1903

128

REPBB8ENTATIYE TITLE ADDBESB DATE OF EXEQUATOB

Germany.

Carl H.Lundt Consul San Juan 7th Aug:. i»oo

(ieoTfs Sanders Vice Ck>nsul Airuadilla Mth Mar. 1900

Hubert Koberg Vice Consul MayaeOez 28th Nov. 1902

H. C. Fritze '.Vice Consul Ponce 29thMar. 1900

Great Britain.

William Brown Churchward. . . .Consul San Juan 28th Apr. 1899

Thomas G. I. Waymouth Vice Consul San Juan I9th Feb. 1908

Daniel W. Kearney Vice Consul Aifuadilla... ..*. . .24th Aug. 1900

John C. McCormick Vice Consul Arroyo ethJuly 1900

David Wilson : Vice Consul Arecibo 6th July 1900

(I. Monefeldt Vice Consul Mayagttez 6th July 1900

Fernando M. Tore Vice Consul Ponce 6th July 1900

Antonio Roig Vice Consul Humacao 6th July 1900

Guatemala

Manuel M. Sama Honorary Consul San Juan 15th May 1900

Haiti.

Jose Blanch Vice Consul Mayagttez I6th Jan. 1900

Charles Vere Consular Agent San Juan I8th Feb. 1902

Italy.

(iiacinto Anfo«.s<j> In charge of

Consulate San Juan 23rd July 1901

Alfredo Saliva Consular Agent Mayanrtlez 23rd July 1901

Signor Brigaro Consular Agent Ponce 22nd Dec. 1899

MEXIf'O.

M. Paniagua y Oiler Vice Consul San Juan iith Oct. 1900

Job6 Miguel Morales y Alvarado..Vice Consul Ponce 3rd June 1903

Netherlands.

Albert E. Lee Consul San Juan I9th May 190B

Otto E, A. P. Wantzelius Vice Consul Ponce aeth July 1900

LuisBravo Vice Consul Mayagttez 7th Dec. 1901

Nicaragua.

Ramon Mendez Capote Consul Ad. interim . . San Juan 0th Dec. 1900

Francisco Cancio y Vendrell Vice Consul

Ad. interim Ponce 6th Dec. 1900

Paraguay.

Manuel Fernandez Juncos Consul San Juan 4th Feb. 1903

Peru.
Pedro Santistebaii y Chavarri. .Vice Consul San Juan I4th Feb. 1901

Portugal.

Manuel Gomez de Aran jo

Barros Consul for Cuba and

Porto Bico Havana. Cuba. . . I6th Aug. 1899

Dr. Esteban Garcia Cabrera Vice Consul San Juan 9th Apr. 190)

o
o

fir,

O
H

129

RBPBB8ENTATIVE TITLE ADDBES8 DATE OF EXBQUATOR

Spain.

Celestino Marconell y Guivilade . Consul Ban Juan -ind Aug. 1899

Tomas Rodriguez y Rodriguez. . Vice Consul San Juan 23rd Dec. 1802

Angel Sanz y Ambros Hon'ry Vice Consul.. Areeibo 2lst Dee. 1899

PoliearpodeEchevarriay Diaz..Hon*ry Vice Consul.. Arroyo 2lst Dec. 1896

Antonio Maria Oms y Coll Hon'ry Vice Consul. . Humacao 2l8t Dee. 1899

Salvador Amell y Maso Hon'ry Vice Consul. .Aguadilla 2lst Dec. 1899

Juan Vazquez y Lopez Amor Hon'ry Vice Consul. . Mayagtlez 2lst Dec. 1899

Luciano Ortiz y Anton Hon'ry Vice Consul. . Ponce 2i8t Dec. 1899

Francisco Pelegri Roger Hon'ry Vice Consul. . Mayagttez I8th Feb. 1901

Sweden and Norway.

Joaquin F. Fernandez Consul San Juan 28th June 1901

Johan Henrik Mayer Vice Consul MayagQez 28th June 1901

George Henry Lohse Vice Consul Ponce 28th June 1901

Carl Hjalmarson Vice Consul Areeibo 28th June 190i

Venezuela.

Eduardo Villar Vice Consul San Juan I7th May 1902

Alejandro Bravo Vice Consul MayagQez 28th June 1901

Honorato Berga y Pastor Vice Consul Areeibo 28th June 1901

Carlos Conde Hon'ry Consul San Juan I2th Apr. 1902

Jos^ Miguel Morales y Alva-

rado Hon'ry Vice (V>n8ul. . Ponee I5th Jan. 1900

POPULATION OF PORTO RICO.

The last census of Porto Rico was made in 1899 and
showed a total of little less than a million. Since then
there has undoubtedly been an increase. The division
of figures in 1899 by census districts was:

Aguadilla

Arecibo

Bayam6n . .
Guayama..
Humacao..
Mayagilez .
Ponce

DEPARTMENT.

TOTAL
POPULATION

99,645
162,308
160,046
111,986

88,501
127,566
203,191

TOTAL

953,243

An analysis of the census shows some interesting
facts and figures. Of the number named, 939,371 were
natives of Porto Rico; of Spain, 7,690; and of other
countries, 6,182.

The last census showed 578,009 native white people,
59,390 negroes, and 304,352 "mixed." The Chinese
numbered 75, of whom 9 were women. Of the entire
population, 636,878 were without gainful occupation.
There were 146,000 who could neither read nor write,
and only 3,291 with superior education, over 21 years
of age. The conjugal conditions were: Single, 664,077 ;
married, 158,570; living together as husband and wife
by mutual consent, 84,241 ; widowed, 46,052. There
were 148,605 illegitimate children.

131

The occupations of the people in 1899 were divided
as follows:

DEPARTMENT

TOTAL

99,646
169,888
160.046
111.986

88.S01
197.566

Africul-

lure
fisheries

and
mining

Trade
and
trans-
porta-
tion

Manu-
factur-
inff and
mechan-
ical In-
dustries

AiTuadilla

93.196
36,577
96.964
94.187
19.495
96.480
49.669

1.687
2.899
4.614
2.196
1.986
4,967
6.797

1 048

Areeibo

3.984

Bayam<5n

6 698

Guayama

2.770
1.796

Mayasaes

Ponce

5.656
6,638

Porto Rico. . . .

968.943

196.761

94.076

96.615

Domes-

Without

l>rofes-

tic and

gainful

sional

personal

occupa-

service

tion

146

6.668

67.001

221

8.468

110,869

638

15.788

107.994

290

6.861

76382

198

6.840

69.686

364

8.881

89,878

418

14.886

188,888

2.104

64.819

686,878

During the past forty years the percentage of in-
crease of population has been small compared with
that of former years. The percentages for nearly a
century and a half are:

PER CENT. OF

YEAR.

1766

POPULATION.
44,483

INCREASE.

1775

70,260

1800 '

155,426

1816 ;

220,892

1832

330,051

1846

447,914

1860

583,308

1877

731,648

1887

798,565

1899

963,243 1

POSTAL SERVICE IN PORTO RICO.

The United States postal system has the distinction
of being the only exclusively Federal branch of the
National Government in the Island, unless the Army
and Navy be excepted. A portion of the receipts from
the customs service go into the Risular treasury and the
United States District Court is dependent upon Insular
revenues. The postal service has been extended in
its totality to Porto Rico.

The Island of Porto Rico constitutes a division of
post-oflBce inspectors, with an inspector in charge, one
inspector and one clerk, the headquarters of the di-
vision being in San Juan. It is necessary to maintain
an office at that place for the reason that so many
postmasters in the Island are unable to correspond with
the department direct, because of their inability to
write the English language. The correspondence be-
tween postmasters and the department passes through
the office of the inspector in charge, and postmasters'
accounts and reports are examined by him and if found
to be incorrect, postmasters are required to correct
them before sending them to the department, thereby
saving much delay in adjusting their accounts.

Of the 78 post-offices in Porto Rico but three have
American postmasters. The San Juan post-office, the
depositary for all other offices on the Island and the
exchange office for foreign countries, international
money-order business, etc., employs but six American
clerks and these are only necessary because of the

direct intercourse between the San Juan office and
English-speaking ports, and because San Juan has a
large English-speaking population. At the Mayaguez
post-office the postmaster is the only American em-
ployee. At Ponce there are two. The rank and file
of the little postal army throughout the Island, con-
sisting of postmasters, clerks, contractors, messengers,
letter carriers, etc., is composed mainly of Porto
Hicans. Every town and village has its post-office but
receipts are much smaller than in places of similar
size in the United States. The money-order system
has been proven a great boon, and money -orders are
freely used with much satisfaction to business men
and to ordinary correspondents. A small post-office,
where the postmaster's pay does not exceed thirty-
five dollars a month, often issues money-orders to the
extent of thousands of dollars. This money is carried
by registered mail by stage-coach, saddle-horse or foot-
messenger, by night and day, with absolute security.
No hold-ups are ever reported.

All the accounts, records, forms and printed matter
for the use of postmasters in Porto Rico are the same as
those provided for postmasters in the United States and
are in the English language. On the establishment of
a new post-office or the appointment of a new post-
master, the traveling inspector initiates the beginner,
interlineating a few books and records in Spanish, and
leaves the recruit to prove his efficiency and master
the details. This the new postmaster does through
errors of which he learns from the inspectors' office.

As a rule the native postmasters are exceptionally
efficient. This is surprising when one considers the
difficulties to be surmounted by them and which ob-
siacles are never encountered by the postmasters of
"soap box " offices in the village grocery in the States.
And in Porto Rico by the way, there is none of these

134

"soap box" offices. It is rare to see a post-office
located in a store or a postmaster who has any other
calling. In some cases offices have been abolished for
the reason that no one would accept the position
of postmaster for the small remuneration offered,
even to operate the post-office in connection with some
other business. The use of the grocery store is out
of the question in Porto Rico as it is always also a
liquor store and the Post-office Department does not
locate post-offices in a room where strong drink is
sold. The native Porto Rican postmasters are usually
proud of their positions and even some of the most
poorly paid have one or two assistants. This detracts
nothing from the good service rendered and frequently
tends to train another man for appointment to a neigh-
boring office.

By Act of Congress, the United States Postal Laws
and Regulations, and all domestic postal conditions
(including payment of postage with United States
postage stamps) are in effect to, from, and within the
Island of Porto Rico. In this act the Islands of Porto
Rico and Hawaii are included in the term " United
States." In the Island of Guam, the Philippine Archi-
pelago, and Tutiula, termed " Island Possessions," the
postage rates are the same as in the United States.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES.

(by r. a. van middledyk, librarian, INST lak library

OF PORTO RICO.)

Collegiate libraries existed in the Capital of this
Island as early as the sixteenth century. The first of
these was founded by the Dominican Friars in their
convent and contained works on art, literature, and
theology.

The next library was formed in the Episcopal Palace
or " Casa Parochial" by Bishop Bernardo de Valbuena,
poet and author of several works of literary merit.
It possessed a large collection of valuable classics, but
was destroyed by fire during the siege of San Juan
by the Hollanders in 1625.

The Franciscan Friars had a library in their convent
in the capital, but on the community's dissolution in
1635, the books disappeared with them.

Bishop Pedro Gutierres de Cos who founded the San
Juan Consilian Seminary, in 1832, established a library
in connection with it, the remains of which are still
extant in the old seminary building, but much neg-
lected and worm-eaten.

A library of a semi-public character was founded
by Royal Order dated June 19, 1831, shortly after the
installation of the Audiencia in San Juan. It was a
large and valuable collection of books, on judicial sub-
jects, which remained under the care of a salaried
librarian till 1899 when it was amalgamated with the
library of the College of Lawyers.

136

This last is a rich collection of work on Jurispru-
dence, and the exclusive property of the college, but
accessible to professional men. The library is in the
former Audiencia building.

The period from 1830 to 1850 appears to have been
the one of greatest intelectual activity in Porto Rico.
Toward its close Juan de la Pezuela, the governor,
founded the Royal Academy of Belles-Lettres, an in-
stitution of literary and pedagogical character, with
the function of a normal school. It was endowed with
a modest library, but it only lived till the year 1860,
when, in consequence of disagreement betwen the
founder and the professors, the school was closed and
the library passed into the possession of the Economic
Society of Friends of the Country.

This, and the library of the Royal Academy, which
the society had also acquired, formed a small but
excellent nucleus, and with the produce of the public
subscription of 1884, it was enabled to stock the library
with many of the best standard works in Spanish and
French, and open to the Porto Ricans of all classes, the
doors of the first, long wished for public library.

Since then it has contributed in no small degree to
the enlightenment of the better part of the laboring
classes in the Capital, till it was closed at the com-
mencement of the war.

During the transition period the books were trans -
fered from one locality to another, and in the process
the best works disappeared, until the Island's first civil
governor, Charles H. Allen, at the suggestion of Com-
missioner of Education Martin G. Brumbaugh, rescued
the remainder and made it the nucleus of the first
Insular Free Library, which was opened to the pub-
lic on April 20th, 1901.

There are three other excellent libraries in the
capital. One in the basement of the City Hall,

OQ
Q

i:i7

opened to the public by Don Ramon Santaella on the
15th of October, 1880. It began with 400 volumes and
possesses today about 6,500 literary and didactic books
in different languages. Next comes the Atheneum
library which is open to members only or to visitors
introduced by them. It was established in 1876. Its
collection of books consisting principally of Spanish
and French literature is an important one, both in
numbers and quality. It has been enriched by acces-
sions from the library of the extinct Society of Friends
of the Country. The Casino Espaflol possesses a small
but select library with a comfortable reading room.
Its collection of books and periodicals is considered to
be the richest and most varied in the Island. It was
founded in 1871.

The Provincial Institute of Secondary Education
which was located in the building now occupied by the
Insular Free Library, possessed a small pedagogical
library, which, during the transition period from 1898
to 1899, shared the same fate as that of the Society of
Friends of the Country.

The religious association known under the name of
'* Conferences of St. Vincent de Paul" had a small
circulating library of religious works duly approved
by the censors. The congregation was broken up in
1887 and the library disappeared.

The Spanish Public Works Department possessed
another valuable collection of books, mostly on tech-
nical and scientific subjects. A number of works on
other than scientific subjects, from the other extinct
libraries, have been added to the collection, and the
whole, to the number of 1,544 volumes, in excellent
condition, exist under the care of the Chief of the
Insular Public Works Department.

Besides the above specified libraries of a public and
collegiate character, there are some private collections

138

of books in the principal towns of the Island. Chief
among these is the collection of Don Fernando
Juncos, of San Juan, which contains 15,000 volumes
of classic and preceptive literature, and social and
economic science, 1,200 volumes of which bear the
authors' autographs.

In the interior of the Island, the desire for intellec-
tual improvement began to manifest itself a few years
after the establishment of the first public library in
San Juan. The municipality of Ponce founded a
library in 1894. It contains 809 bound volumes and
B69 pamphlets in English, German, French, and Span-
ish, many of them duplicates. The general condition
of the books is bad and the locality of the library
altogether unsuitable. There was a municipal appro-
priation of 360 pesos per annum for library purposes,
but since 1898 it has not been available.

Mayaguez founded its public library in 1872. It has
over 5,000 volumes, with a small archaeological and
natural history museum attached to it.

Some of the smaller towns also felt the need of intel-
lectual expansion, and tried to supply it by the estab-
lishment of reading rooms. Arecibo, Vega Baja, Toa-
Alta, Yauco, Cabo Rojo, Aguadilla, Humacao, and
others, made efforts in this direction, either through
their municipalities or private initiative. A few only
succeeded, but they did not outlive the critical times
that commenced with the war, aggravated by the hur-
ricane of August, 1899.

Owing to the peculiar conditions that obtained in
this Island during Spanish dominion, the people
were slow in joining the movement of intellectual
expansion which began in Spanish America in the
eighteenth century, but no sooner were the obstacles
placed in the way of public instruction removed, than
they displayed a laudable zeal in their efforts to

13i)

onlighten themselves, and now, that under the new
regime, education is obtainable gratis, the officials in
charge of that department have reason to be well
satisfied with the promptitude and enthusiasm with
which the illiterate classes, especially, have answered
the call to the schools.

The same desire for instruction is manifested by the
growing number of youths who visit the Free Library,
principally at night, where they have a not very large,
but select number of Spanish books at their disposal.
The actual number of native students or readers is
about 2,000 monthly, mostly youths. It is satisfactory
also to note that the habit of reading is spreading
among the native female population.

The offer of Mr. Andrew Carnegie of $100,000 for
a public library in San Juan has not yet been acted
upon, no site for the building being as yet available.

THE INSULAR POLICE.

The Insular Police of Porto Rico is an organization
unique in character, eflBcient in quality and especially
well adapted to cope with situations concerning the
preservation of peace and order in the Island during
the present transitory state of the new possession. It
is a native force, familiar with the people and the lan-
guage, and is practically under military discipline. In
some respects it is one of the finest police bodies in
the world, defects in the system and the personnel
being corrected as rapidly as they are discovered. It
has been the steady aim of the administration to
eliminate from the Insular Police everything which
might impair its usefulness and integrity and at the
same time to strengthen it by judicious education along
the lines of special training.

The body was organized under an order of Maj. Gen.
Guy V. Henry, Military Governor, on February 7th,
1899, to stop the depredations of armed band of assas-
sins and incendiaries throughout the Island, and to
maintain law and order in the rural sections.

By an Act of the Legislature, approved by the Gov-
ernor on January 31st, 1901, its jurisdiction was
further extended over all towns of the Island contain-
ing a population of less than 6,000. On request of the
municipal authorities, and by direction of the Gov-
ernor, the Insular Police also took charge of all police
service in the city of San Juan on March 23rd, 1901 . This
force was organized by 1st Lieutenant Frank Techter,

141

47th New York Volunteers, who after his discharge from
the military service became its Chief. He resigned in
the spring of 1903 and was succeeded by Captain E. B.
Wilcox, who was in turn soon after succeeded by the
present Chief, Captain Terrence Hamill of the Porto
Rico regiment.

The force now consists of 070 men, including of-
ficers, and costs the Island $300,000 annually to
maintain. It is uniformed in khaki, is drilled and
regulated in military routine and is armed with car-
bines secured from the United States Ordnance De-
partment, the arms and equipment having been issued
under allotment made by Congress arming the militia
in the several states and territories. A Commission
of three persons appointed by the Uovernor constitutes
an Insular Police (-ommission. This body makes all
the minor appointments to the force and controls the
general management of police affairs. The qualifi-
cations of a guardsman are that he shall be a bona fide
citizen of Porto Rico, between the age of 21 and 40
years, of good character and sound health, able to read
and write, weigh not less than 130 pounds, be at least
1()8 (5.5 feet) centimeters in height and possess a chest
measurement of at least 5 centimeters. As a result of
the enforcement of these regulations the Insular Police
is made up of as physically fine men as can be obtained
in the Island. Gradually the municipal police has
been abolished throughout Porto Rico, the only city
now retaining it being Ponce. Referring to these
changes Governor Hunt says in his last annual report:
"Experience confirms the belief that the highest public
interests demand that its present strength and eflSciency
be retained for some time. When the municipalities
are better regulated and have larger resources it will
be proper that they establish their own police forces
and bear the burden of maintaining them, but the

142

surest and quickest way to this desired end is the
practicable example of a thorough Insular Police.'*

The yearly salaries of the Insular Police are as
follows :

Chief $2,750.00

Major and Assistant Chief 2,000.00

Captain 1,500.00

First Lieutenant and Adjutant 1,000.00

First Lieutenant and Paymaster 1,400.00

First Lieutenant 1,000.00

Se<^ond Lieutenant 900.00

Sergeant 600.00

Corporal 480.00

Private 360.00

An act of the Legislative Assembly of Porto Rico,
approved March 1st, 1002, provides that: "The
numerical strength of the Insular Police of Porto Rico
shall be such as the Insular Police Commission, with
the approval of the Governor, may determine, but the
maximum force shall never exceed one chief, seven
captains, nine first lieutenants, nine second lieutenants
twenty-five sergeants, seventy-five corporals and seven
hundred guardsmen. Not more than two hundred of
the guardsmen shall be mounted. "

The Island is divided into six police districts with a
captain in charge of each district. The Insular Police
Commission, with headquarters in San Juan, where the
Chief also has headquarters, has general supervision
of all police affairs. The following are the principal
police officers:

IN8ULAR POLICE COMMISSION.

RiCARDO M. Hernandez, M. D., Chairman.
James H. Harrison, Commissioner.
QuEVEDO Baez, M. D. , Commissioner.

Chief of Police (Lieut. Colonel) Terrence Hamill.
Assistant Chief of Police (Major) Wilhelm Lutz.

143

(CAPTAINS.

NAME AND BANK DI8TBICT NO.

Fbancisco Cabbera (3) 8an Juan 1

Felipe Silen (6) Juana Diaz II

Ernesto Lopez Diaz (2) Mayagtiez III

Ramon Fernandez Nater (5) Arecibo IV

Angel Paniagua (4) Humacao V

Pedro A. Guerrero (1) Cayey VI

The Insular Police force now consists of six Captains,
eight First Lieutenants, eight Second Lieutenants,
twenty Sergeants, seventy-five Corporals and six
hundred Guardsmen. The average number of police-
men is one for every 2,116 inhabitants and the area
covered is about 3,600 square miles. In the rural
districts this number, it is generally conceded, is
insufficient. During the last fiscal year 22,078 arrests
were made, three-fourths of them being for minor
offences.

The Insular Police Band, composed of members of
the force, is an organization of superior merit and is
very popular with the public.

THE CHURCHES OF PORTO RICO.

As is generally known the great majority of Porto
Rieans are adherents to the Roman Catholic faith, their
church being founded on the Island when the banners
of Columbus were planted in the soil of Borinquen.
During the last five years, however, the Protestant
denominations have been working in all parts of Porto
Rico and the number of Protestants may be expected to
steadily increase. The following are the latest available
church statistics of the Island:

I— ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF PORTO RICO.

Bishop Rt. Reverend James H. Blenk, 8. M. D. D.

Vicar Oeneral Reverend Baldomero Hernandez.

Chancellor Reverend Pedro Ma. Berrios.

Secretary Reverend Santiago Colon.

Ecclesiastical Notary Reverend Urbano Llamas Muniz.

CATHEDRAL.

Archdeacon Reverend Baldomero Hernandez.

Canonigo Lectoral Reverend Manuel Diaz Caneja.

Prebendado Racionero Reverend Antonio Alvarez Pla.

Pi-ebendado Medio Racionero. . . Reverend Santiago Colon Bonfiglio.
Master of Ceremonies Reverend Jose Jesus Nin.

In San Juan, besides the Cathedral, there are the
Parishes of Santa Maria de los Remedies and Saint
Francis deAsis; Carmelite Nun's Church, Saint Ann's
Church, Saint Francis' Church, Purisima Concepcion's
Church, Christ Chapel, Episcopal Palace's Chapel,
Seminary's Chapel, St. Ildephonse College's Chapel,
Sacred Heart College's Chapel, Catholic Kindergarten's
Chapel, Municipal Asylum's Chapel or City Hospital

o
w

145

Chapel, Sisters of the Poor Chapel, or Aged Asylum
Chapel, and Chapel of Perpetual Adoration of our Lady
of the Wayside and St. Michael.

There are twelve Forane Vicarages in the Island, to
wit: The General Vicarage, which includes the follow-
ing parishes: Santa Maria de los Remedies, Saint
Francis de Asis, Bayamon, Carolina, Corozal, Cataflo,
Palo Seco, Dorado, (iuaynabo, Loiza, Naranjito, Puerta
de Tierra, Rio Piedras, Rio Grande, Santurce, Toa Alta,
Toa Baja, Trujillo Alto, Trujillo Bajo, Vega Alta, Vega
Baja. Total: 21.

The Vicarage of Aguada includes the following six
parishes: Aguada, Isabela, Lares, Moca, Rincon, and
San Sebastian.

The Vicarage of Aguadilla, one parish: Aguadilla.

The Vicarage of Arecibo, twelve parishes: Arecibo,
Barceloneta, Camuy, Ciales, Hatillo, Jayuya, Las Flo-
ridas. La Esperanza, Manati, Morovis, Quebradillas
and Utuado.

The Vicarage of Caguas has seven parishes: Caguas,
Aguas Buenas, Cidra, Comerio, Gurabo, San Lorenzo
de Hato Grande and Juncos.

The Vicarage of Coamo, six parishes: Aibonito, Bar-
ranquitas, Barros, Coamo, Cayey, and Santa Isabel.

The Vicarage of Guayama, five parishes: Arroyo,
Guayama, Maunabo, Patillas, and Salinas.

The Vicarage of Humacao, seven parishes: Ceiba,
Fajardp, Humacao, Luquillo, Naguabo, Piedras, and
Yabucoa.

The Vicarage of Mayagiiez, six parishes: Anasco,
Cabo Rojo, Aldea Saenz, Las Marias, Mayagiiez, and
Playa de Mayagiiez.

The Vicarage of Ponce, seven parishes: Adjuntas,
(iuayaniUa, Juana Diaz, Penuelas, Playa de Ponce,
Ponoe wd A^illalba- Arriba.

The Vicarage of San German, eight parishes: Gua-

146

nica, Hormigueros, Lajas, Maricao, Rosario, Sabaua
Grande, San German, and Yauco.

The Vicarage of Vieques, two parishes: Culebra,
and Vieques.

Total number of parishes: 88.

There are 14 priests in San Juan, and 80 in the Island.

RELIGIOUS (X)MMUNITIES.

Lazarist Fathers Dedic^ated to preaching the Gos-
pel, and to missionary work.

Augustinian Fathei-s Dedicated to parochial wprk.

Rederaptorist Fathers Dedicated to parochial work.

The Carmelites Convent In seclusion for prayer.

Sacred Heart Has 20 members dedicated to

teaching.

Daughters of Charity Has 80 members dedicated to

both teaching and nursing in
hospitals and asylums.

Servants of Mary Has 44 members dedicated to

nursing in private homes.

Sisters of the* Pf>or In charge of Asylum for the

Aged. Total n umber of mem-
bers: 25.

Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart ..Who work amongst the poor.
CHARITY ASYLUMS.

Purisima Concej)ci6n For poor women— San Juan.

Kindergarten For teaching Catholic (children— San Juan.

Girl's Orphan Asylum Rio Piedras.

Conception Hospital San German— For the poor.

St. Michaels' School For improved Instruction of Deaf Mutes-
San Juan.

These last five establishments are under the direct
patronage of the Prelate.

The Sisters of Charity opened schools in San Jiian,
Ponce, Mayagtiez, Bayamon, Rio Piedras, and in other
smaller cities of the Island under the protection of
the Bishop.

II.-PROTESTANT CHURCHES.

The Presbyterian church has been engaged in mission
work in Porto Rico about four years. In that time
more than twenty stations have been established, eight
churches have been organized, and three fine buildings
erected. There are now about one thousand com-

147

munieants and a Sunday School membership of nearly
fifteen hundred. Mission schools are maintained in
San Juan, Aguadilla, Mayaguez, La Playa and Ailasco.
in these schools nearly all branches are taught in
English. In addition to the church and school work
a most successful medical mission has been carried on
under the direction of Doctors Atkins and Harris, and
a fine hospital of 42 beds is nearly completed. This
hospital will be thoroughly up to date in all its equip-
ment. It is situated near Borinquen Park, in San-
turce. At present there are engaged in the Presby-
terian Mission work in Porto Rico eight ordained
ministers, eleven teachers, two medical missionaries,
two trained graduate nurses, and eight Porto Rican
helpers. A most promising work for the purely English
speaking Americans has been carried on in San Juan
for more than a year.

The Baptists have organized churches in San Jiian,
Rio Piedras, Carolina, Usubal, Mediania Alta, Caguas,
Aguas Buenas, Gurabo, San Lorenzo, Cayey, Cidra,
Coamo, Ponce, Playa de Ponce, Corral Viejo, Adjuntas,
and Yauco. Mission stations have been established
at Trujillo Alto, Loiza, Barros, Guanica, and Rio
Grande. The present membership of baptized adults
in the Island is 750.

The Protestant Episcopal Church, of which Bishop
James H. Van Buren, the only Protestant Bishop on
the Island, has charge, is about to erect a fine church
edifice in San Juan, and has established churches in
other parts of Porto Rico. The Methodist Episcopal
Church has more than a thousand adherents, seven
miiiisters and ten congregations. The Christian Breth-
ren, Lutherans, United Brethren, and Congregational-
ists are also represented with several churches. The
total Protestant Church membership probably approx-
imates 6,000; of which, 5,000 are natives.

THE BANKS OF PORTO RICO.

(by LOUIS D. HARRY, NATIONAL BANK EXAMINER.)

Although shortly after the American occupation of
Porto Rico the Attorney-General of the United States
decided that the National Banking Act is operative in
Porto Rico, it was not until January of the present
year that a National Bank was organized in the Island.
The First National Bank of Porto Rico, under Charter
No. 6484, with a paid in capital stock of one hundred
thousand dollars, issued bank notes to that amount.
It has thus far been possible to place but little of its
money, owing to the class of paper offered and the
restrictions put on it by the National Banking Act;
but doubtless within the next few months loans of a
considerable amount will be made, and the prospects
of its rapid growth and development are most encour-
aging. The First National Bank of Porto Rico was
designated by the Treasurer of Porto Rico as a depos-
itory of Insular Government funds.

The reluctance to incorporate in the National sys-
tem is explained by the same cause which accounts
for the relatively restricted use of bank checks, the
^cute demand for a paper currency of some descrip-
tion, and the other distinctive peculiarities of banking
in Porto Rico, viz: — the predominant importance of
agriculture among the industries of the Island and the
consequent necessity of lending and borrowing inoney
on long terms and upon real-estate security, a class of
business which is prohibited to national banks. Until

149

the recent issuance of notes by the First National
Bank of Porto Rico, the Banco Espailol de Puerto Rico
was the only institution authorized to put out a circu-
lating mediiim in that form. Those notes are floated
by Spanish Royal decree dated May 5th, 1888, but are
not received in payment of custom duties at the
Custom Houses in Porto Rico nor at Post-oflSces on
the Island. The Banco Espaftol is authorized under
said Royal Decree to issue bank notes in denom-
inations of $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, and $100.00,
to three times the amount of its paid in capital.
Its charter runs until May 5th, 1913. The execu-
tive head, the Governor of the Bank, is appointed
by the Governor of Porto Rico, and the Insular
Government ratifies all changes in the bank's by-
laws. The bank maintains no special reserve tot
redemption of its notes, but all its sight obligations
must be protected by a metallic reserve of one-third,
with preferred securities at 120 days, for the remain-
ing two-thirds. This bank, with a main office at Satii
Juan, conducts a branch at Mayagtlez.

The Banco Territorial y Agricola was founded under
the general provisions of the Code of Commerce on July
2nd, 1894, for a period of seventy-five years, on the
model of the Credit Foncier of France. Its business
is confined largely to loans on long terms on first
mortgages on real -estate for which it issues mortgage
bonds. The bank thus acts as an underwriter or
intermediary between the capitalists and the agricul-
turists, making its profits from the difference between
the rates of interest at which investors are willing to
loan and agriculturists willing to borrow money. The
mortgage bonds issued by this bank bear interest at
the rate of of seven per cent, per annum.

The Credito y Ahorro Ponceno was organized on
February 8th, 1895, for a period of twenty-five years,

150

and does a general banking business, conducting also
a savings department, loaning upon mortgage and
issuing certificates of deposit bearing annual interest
at one-half per cent, payable to bearer on demand.

The American Colonial Bank, and DeFord & Com-
pany act as depositories for the custody of the funds
of the Insular Government, which institutions estab-
lished agencies in the Internal Revenue Collection Dis-
tricts in Porto Rico for the receipt of Insular funds.
The American Colonial Bank was incorporated under
the laws of the State of West Virginia, on April 4th,
1899, with a paid-in capital stock of four hundred
thousand dollars. It is also the depository of the funds
of the United States kept in Porto Rico. De Ford
& Company is a private bank and a branch of the
Boston firm of the same name.

The J. T. Silva Banking and Commercial Company,
incorporated for a term of twenty -five years, upon
the first day of January, 1901, is typical of a large
class of bankers in Porto Rico, who join the banking
with an ordinary commercial business. The bank has
no depositors and maintains branches at Aguadilla,
Porto Rico, and Paris, France.

Banks of issue and discount in Porto Rico require,
under the old Spanish law, which is still in force in
the Island, no special charter. The general regula-
tions of the Code of Commerce govern their incorpora-
tion and transactions of business. Prior to January
31st, 1901, when the Revenue Law was passed by the
First Session of the Legislative Assembly of Porto
Rico, legal provision for the examination and inspec-
tion of financial institutions did not exist. This
resulted in a diversity of methods and institutions and
private banks flourished. Several continue today in
connection with commercial enterprises.

Immediately upon the passage of the Revenue Law,

151

ill which the Treasurer of I^orto Rico was charged
with the duties of making examination into the con-
dition of banking and financial institutions doing busi-
ness in Porto Rico, a system was adopted requiring
each bank to make monthly reports of its condition to
the Treasurer of Porto Rico. The latter appointed
Mr. Louis D. Harry, Chief of the Bureau of Accounts,
Bank Examiner of Porto Rico, and upon the inaugura-
tion of the First National Bank, the Comptroller of
the Currency, in compliance with the National Bank-
ing Law, designated Mr. Harry as National Bank
Examiner for Porto Rico.

The following exhibit is a consolidated report of the
financial condition of banking institutions doing busi-
ness in Porto Rico at the close of business, June 30th,
1903:

152

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PUBLIC BUILDINGS.

SAN JUAN.

Executive Mansion. Commonly called **Forta-

leza," is situated at the ex-
treme West end of Allen St.

Intendencia Building. Main face on West side of

Plaza Baldorioty.

Diputacion Building.

Beneficencia Building.

Girls' Charity School.

Boys' Charity School.

Convent of San Francisco.

Building No. 58 at San Francisco St.

Building No. 3 at Allen St,

Building No. 5 at Allen St.

Building No. 2 at Allen St.

Penitentiary.

San Sebastian Old Powder Magazine.

Old Military Bakery.

Harbor Works Iron Shed,

San Juan Pavillion.

San Juan Guard House.

Quarantine Station ''Miraflores" Island.

Punta Salinas old Guard House and Bakery.

PONCE.

Harbor Masters' Headquarters.
Public Works Building.

mayagCez.
Agronomic Stntion.

1«06— 11

154

AGUADILLA.

Harbor Master's Headquarters.

FAJARDO.

Custom House.

GUAYANILLA.

Old Custom House.

ARECIBO.

Old Post Office Building.

CAGUAS.

Old Post Office Building.

RIO PIEDRAS.

Convalecencia Building.
Penitentiary.

CULEBRA ISLAND.

Delegates' House.

LIST OF INSULAR TELEGRAPH STATIONS.

(in OPERATION ON OCTOBER IST, 1903.)

Adjuntas, Juncos,

Aguadilla, La Fortuna,*

Aguirre, Lares,

Aibonito, Manati,

Arecibo, Mayagiiez,

Arroyo, Naguabo,

Bayamon, Playa Ponce,

Caguas, Ponce,

Carolina, Rio Grande,

Cayey, Rio Piedras,

Coanio, San German,

Fajardo, San Juan,

Guayama, San Sebastian,

Guayanilla, Utuado,

Humacao, Vieques,!

Juana Diaz, Yauco.

* Telegraph and heliograph station,
t Heliograph station.

155

TRANSFER STATIONS.

Following is a list of stations of the American Rail-
road Company of Porto Rico for which messages are
accepted at Insular Telegraph stations, for transfer to
the lines of the American Railroad Company of Porto
Rico at San Juan, Ponce, or Mayagtiez, as may be
most convenient:

Aguada, Dorado,

Anasco, Martin Pefia,

Barceloneta, Rincon,

Cambalache, Tallaboa,

Camuy, Toa-Baja,

Corcega, Vega-Baja.

LIGHTHOUSES IN AND AROUND PORTO RIOO.

LOCATION

San Juan

Cape San Juan .

Culebrita

Vieques, North.
Vieques, South.

Tuna

Figuras

Muertos

Ponce

Guanica

Cabo Rojo

Mayagtiez

Jiquero

Borinquen

Aredbo

Mona .

VISIBI-

HEIGHT

LITY

171

266

305

128

297

119

10Q

120

235

INTER-

CHARACTER

W.F.&Fl.

VALS

R. F. & Fl.

W. F.

R. F.

W. Fig.

0^5''

W. Fl.

W. F.

W. F. & Fl.

R. F.

W. F.

W. Rev.

R. F. 2

W. F.

R.&W.Fl.

0'30''

W. F.

W. Rev.

STRUCTURE

D.G.&W.
D.G.

W. & L. D.

W.&B.

R.
W.
Bl.

Note: — The visibility is calcMilated for an elevation of fifteen feet
above sea level, and is given in nautical miles.

B. signifies blue, Bl. black, D. dark, G. gray, L. light, R. red,
W. white, F. fixed, Fl, fl^fcOi, Fig. flashing.

The height is in feet above sea level.

HOSPITALS.

^ There is opportunity for philanthropists to do much
good in Porto Rico by giving financial support to
hospital projects. The need of hospitals is great,
facilities being entirely inadequate to the demand.
In San Juan, within a year, the San Juan Hospital for
women and children has been opened and is already
over- taxed. The new Presbyterian Hospital on the
water front at Santurce will be ready for occupancy
this year. The Municipal Hospital de Santa Rosa is
a wooden structure on the Morro Castle reservation at
San Juan and its 80 beds are always full. A well
managed small hospital is La Concepci6n, adjoining
the Executive Mansion, supported entirely by volun-
tary subscriptions and admirably managed by the
Sisters of the Concepcion. The Military and Naval
hospitals complete the list in San Juan. The Govern-
ment of the United States will soon build a fine
Marine hospital near Fort San Geronimo, the extreme
Eastern limit of San Juan.

The other hospitals in the island in actual use are:
Aguadilla: — Private foundation and supported in part

by the Ayuntamiento.
Anasco: — Hospital de San Juan Bautista. Building of

wood with iron roof. Capacity, 20 beds.
Arecibo: — Hospital de Monserrate. Well built of ma-
sonry. Capacity, 60 beds. Supported by the mu-
nicipality.

157

Caguas: — Municipal. Wooden building used tempo-
rarily. Capacity, 20 beds.

Cayey: — Municipal. Capacity 10 beds.

Coamo: — Hospital Civil. Building of masonry. Ca-
pacity, 40 beds.

Guayama: — Hospital of wood now used until new
structure is erected. This will be a thoroughly
modern and well equipped hospital with a capac-
ity of about 60 beds.

Guayanilla: — One small building with two beds for
accidents.

Humacao: — Hospital in a rented building. The former
hospital was destroyed in the hurricane of 1899.

Juana Diaz: — Wooden building. Capacity, 25 beds.

Juncos: — Hospital Almodovar. Capacity, 12 beds.

Lares: — Hospital de Caridad. Capacity, 20 beds.

Mayagtiez: — Hospital de San Antonio. Building of
masonry, owned and supported by the munic-
ipality.

Moca: — Hospital de Monserrate. Small wooden build-
ing.

Ponce: — Hospital Tricoche. A really fine building,
erected and endowed by the late Sr. Tricoche,
well situated and well planned. In connection
with it is the Civil hospital supported by the
Ayuntamiento.

Quebradillas: — Hospital San Rafael. Wooden build-
ing with 12 beds.

Utuado: — Hospital San Rafael, of wood. Capacity,
30 beds.

Yauco: — Hospital Municipal, of wood. Capacity, 35
beds.

158

HOLIDAYS IN PORTO RICO.

New Year's Day 1st of January.

Washington's Birthday . . . 22nd of February.

Good Friday April, as fixed.

Memorial Day 30th of May.

Independence Day 4th of July.

Landing Day 25th of July.

Labor Day First Monday in September.

Election Day November, as fixed.

Thanksgiving Day November, as fixed.

Christmas Day 25th of December.

EVACUATION OF TOWNS.

The principal towns of the Island were evacuated by
the Spanish forces during the Summer and Fall of 1898,
as follows:

July 25th, Guanica; July 28th, Ponce; August 1st,
Arroyo; August 13th, Mayagtiez; September 19th,
Aguadilla; September 22nd, Humacao, Naguabo; Sep-
tember 26th, Isabela, Quebradillas; September 28th,
Camuy, Hatillo, Cidra, Comerio, Piedras, Juncos, Gu-
rabo, San Lorenzo; September 30th, Ciales, Morovis,
Naranjito, Aguas Buenas; October 1st, Vieques, Fa-
jardo; October 5th, Caguas, Carolina; October 10th,
Barceloneta, Manati; October 11th, Vega Baja, Vega
Alta, Dorado, Toa Alta, Toa Baja; October 14th, Are-
cibo, and San Juan on October 18th, when the whole
Island was turned over to th^ L^nited States forces.

159

POSTAL DEPARTMENT IN PORTO RICO.

POSTOFFICE INSPECTOES.

Inspector in Charge.

Donald E. McLeod, Field Inspector.

Theron H. Bell, Chief Clerk.

RAILWAY MAIL SERVICE.

Martin A. McDonald, Assistant Superintendent.

Paul Boissonneau, Jr., Chief Clerk.

LIST OF POSTOFFICES AND NAMES OF POSTMASTERS.

Adjuntas*

Aguadillaf

Aguada,

Aguas Buenas,

Aibonito*

Anasco,

Arecibo,t

Arroyo,

Barceloneta,

Barranquitas,

Barros,

Bayamon,*

Cabo Rojo,

Caguas,*

Camuy,*

Canovanas,

Carolina,*

Catano,

Cayey,*

Ceiba,

Central Aguirre,*

Ciales,

Cidra,

Coamo,*

Juan F. Quintana.
.August Font.
Julia Sanchez.
Miguel Lopez.
Teodomiro Rivera.
Maria Brau.
Ramon Rivera.
Francisco Virella Uribe.
Cruz Alegria.
Ana J. Manzano.
Carmelo Gimenez.
A. Geminez y Moreno.
Josefa Rosell.
Francisco L. Arias.
Maria Quintana.
Maria R. Diaz.
Jose G. Correa.
J nana L. Rivera.
Julio Ramos.
Telesforo R. Melendez.
Wm. J. Lowrie.
Guillermina Davila.
Serafina Ayala.
Juan F. Rivera.

* Money order offices.

t International and Domestic money orders.

IHO

Comerio,

Corozal,

Culebra,

Dorado,

Fajardo,*

Florida,

Guanica,

Guayama,*

Guayanilla*

Gurabo,*

Hatillo,

Humacao,*

Isabela,

Jayuya,*

Juana Diaz,*

Juncos,

Lajas,

Lares,*

Las Marias,

Las Piedras,

Loiza,

Luquillo,

Mameyes,

Manati,*

Maricao,

Maunabo,

Mayaguez,t

Moca,

More vis,

Naguabo,

Naranjito,

Patillas,

Penuelas,

Poiice,t

Jose B. Montalvo.
Manuel Vassallo.
Leopoldo Padron.
Martin Ducret.
Manuel S. Paeheco.
Rafael Sevilla.
Maria A. Arena.
Juan Padovani.
Nicolas Jordan.
Isidore H. Rivera.
Simplicio David.
Jose Carrera.
Eduvijes de la Rosa.
Ramon B. Morrero.
Carlos R. Aguier.
Justo Zeno.
Maria Tore,
Paul Vilella, Jr.
Francisco FuUadosa.
Manuel Aldrey.
Jose Villalobos.
M. Herrera y Ayala.
Santiago Hernandez.
Fernando Callejo.
Clotilde Irizarry.
Jose G. Sugranes.
Fred. Leser, Jr.
Pastor Hernandez.
Feliz R. Muiioz.
Juan B. Paeheco.
Josefa R. Rivera.
Ramon Lebron.
Adela Gonzalez.
Robert A. Miller.

* Money order offices.

t International and Domestic money orders.

161

Punta Santiago,
Quebradillas,*
Rincon,
Rio Blanco,
Rio Grande,*
Rio Piedras,*
Sabana Grande,
Salinas,*
San German,*
Santa Isabel,
San Juan,f
San Lorenzo,
San Sebastian,
Toa Alta,
Toa Baja,
Trujillo Alto,
Utuado,*
Vega Alta,
Vega Baja,*
Vieques,*
Yabucoa,*
Yauco,*

Gertrudis Gonzalez,
Honoria Soler Gerena.
Ram6n Arroyo.
Harold Marshall.
Jos6 Quiflones.
Jose Rivera.
Jose M. Irizarry.
Guillerma Cintron.
America R. de Sorva.
Pedro Comas.
W. K. Landis.
Jose Gordo ves.
Emiliano Rosa del Valle.
Luis Izquierdo.
Pio Fernandez.
Gaspar Rivera.
Jose M. Mufioz.
Arturo Castrillon.
Jose N. Girona.
Dario Ruiz.
Francisco Valldejuli.
Simon Semidei.

In order to aid the Post Office Department in per-
fecting the Postal System on the Island of Porto Rico,
every citizen is requested to report all irregularities in
the mail service that may come to their knowledge, to
the Post Office Inspector in Charge, San Juan, P. R.

Very respectfully,

D. E. McLEOD,

Acting P. O. Inspector in Charge.

* Money order offices.

t International and Domestic money orders.

102

POSTS AND BARRACKS

OF UNITED STATES TROOPS IN PORTO RICO,

AND ROSTER OF OFFICERS.

Lieut. Colonel C. J. Crane, Commanding District of
Porto Rico, Casa Blanca, San Juan.

DISTRICT STAFF.

1st Lieut. A. Moreno, Adjt. (ienL, Casa Blanca.
1st Lieut. J. E. Wyke, Artillery Corps, Ordnance
Officer, Artillery Park.

MEDICAL DEPARTMENT.

Major Wm. F. Lippitt, Surgeon, Casa Blanca.

Capt. Jose Lugo Vina, Asst. Surgeon, Military Hos-
pital.

Capt. B. K. Ashford, Asst. Surgeon, Henry Barracks.

Contract Surgeon W. R. S. George, Asst. Surgeon,
Military Hospital.

HEADQUARTERS AND BAND, PORTO RICO PROVISIONAL

REGIMENT OF INFANTRY.

1ST BATTALION-COMPANIES A, B, C, AND D,

SAN JUAN.

Major R. L. Howze, Commanding Battalion, Ballaja

Barracks.
1st Lieut. A. Moreno, Adjutant, Ballaja Barracks.
Capt. J. M. Fields, Ballaja Barracks.
Capt. E. J. Griffith, Ballaja Barracks.
Capt. F. L. Graham, Ballaja Barracks.
Capt. C. B. Kerney, Ballaja Barracks.
1st Lieut. R. E. Gambell, Ballaja Barracks,
lat Lieut. S. Mc. Decker. Ballaja Barracks.
1st Lieut. Frank C Wood, Ballaja Barracks.
1st Lieut. Laurance Angel, Ballaja Barracks,
and Lieut. A. I. Miller, Ballaja Barracks.
2nd Lieut, F. F. Harding, Ballaja Barracks.
2nd Lieut. S. S. Bryant, San Geronimo.

103

2ND BATTALION. PORTO RICO PROVISIONAL REOIMENT OF

INFANTRY.

a)MPANIES E, F, G, AND H, (2 (Jonipanies Mounted.)

HENRY BARRACKS. CAYEY.

Major U. F. Ames, Commandinji: Battalion and Post,

Henry Barracks.
1st Lieut. Emil Huebscher, Adjutant, Henry Barracks.
Capt. 0. H. Hamilton, Henry Barracks.
Capt. O. P. Townshend, Henry Barracks.
Capt. Paul Wuttke, Henry Barracks.
Capt. Geo. C. Broome, Henry Barracks.
1st Lieut. M. K. Taulbee, Henry Barracks.
1st Lieut. Wm. S. Woodruff, Henry Barracks.
1st Lieut. Wm. Lay Patterson, Henry Barracks.
1st Lieut. R. H. Poillon, Henry Barracks.
2nd Lieut. W. H. Armstrong, Henry Barracks.
2nd Lieut. Frank Stephenson, Henry Barracks.

ARTILLERY DISTRICT, SAN JUAN.

56th and 59th (X)MPANIES, COAST ARTILLERY,

SAN JUAN.

Major H. A. Reed, ('ommanding Artillery District,

Artillery Park.
1st Lieut. A. P. S. Hyde, Adjutant, Artillery Park.
Capt. S. C. Vestal, San Cristobal.
1st Lieut. J. E. Wyke, El Morro.
1st Lieut. W. C. Metcalf, San Cristobal.
2nd Lieut. S. S. Ross, El Morro.
2nd Lieut. L. C. Bunker, San Cristobal.

164

UNITED STATES NAVAL STATION.

SAN JUAN, PORTO RIOO.

Capt. Andrew Dunlap, U. S. Navy, Commandant.
Surg. Charles H. T. Lowndes, U. S. Navy.
P. A. Paymaster D. V. Chad wick, U. S. Navy.
Boatswain Harry R. Bray ton, U. S. Navy.
Boatswain August Retting, U. S. Navy.
Pay Clerk Charles T. Bishop, U. S. Navy.

MARINE BARRACKS.

Capt. Theo. P. Kane, U. S. Marine Corps, Commanding.
1st Lieut. Frederic M. Wise, U. S. Marine Corps.

OFFICE FORCE.

Manuel V. del Valle, First Clerk to Commandant.
Fred G. W. Cooper, Clerk Yards and Docks.
Guy H. Oyster, Writer to Commandant.

STATION SHIP BANCROFT.

Lieut. Com. A. E. Culver, U. S. Navy, Commanding.

Lieut. Frederic B. Bassett, U. S. Navy.

Lieut. (Junior Grade) M. St. C. Ellis, U. S. Navy.

Ensign William B. Wells, U. S. Navy.

Midshipman Frederic L. Oliver, U. S. Navy.

P. A. Surg. Jas. C. Prior, U. S. Navy.

Asst. Paymaster Jere P. Maupan, U. S. Navy.

STATION TUG UNCA8.

Chief Boatswain John McLaughlin, U. S. Navy, Com-
manding.
Boatswain August Wohltman, U. S. Navy.

165

METRIC SYSTEM.

(the system adopted by law in PORTO RICO.)

METRIC WEIGHTS.
Miligram ( 1-1,000 gram ) equals 0.0154 grain.
Centigram ( 1-100 gram ) equals 0.1643 grain.
Decigram (1-10 gram) equals 1.5432 grains.
Gram equals 15,432 giains.
Decagram ( 10 gram ) equals 0.3527 ounce.
Hectogram ( 100 grams ) equals 3.5274 ounces.
Kilogram (1,000 grams) equals 2.2046 pounds.
Myriagram ( 10,000 grams ) equals 22.046 pounds.
Quintal (100,000 grams) equals 220.46 pounds.
Millier or tonnean- ton (1,000,000 grams) equals 2,204.6 pounds.

METRIC DRY MEASURE.
Milliter ( 1-1000 liter) equals 0.061 cubic inch.
CJentiliter ( 1-100 liter) equals 0.6102 cubic inch.
Deciliter ( 1-10 liter) equals 6.1022 cubic inches.
Liter equals 0.908 quart.
Decaliter ( 10 liters ) equals 9.08 quarts.
Hectoliter ( 100 liters ) equals 2.838 bushels.
Kiloliter ( 1,000 liters) equals 1.308 cubic yards.

METRIC LIQUID MEASURE

Milliliter ( 1-1000 liter) equals 0.0388 fluid ounce.

Centiliter ( 1-100 liter) equals 0.388 fluid ounce.

Deciliter ( 1-10 liter) equals 0.846 gill.

Liter equals 1.0667 quarts.

Decaliter (10 liters) equals 2.6418 gallons.

Hectoliter ( 100 liters) equals 26.418 gallons.

Kiloliter ( 1,000 liters ) equals 264.18 gallons.

METRIC MEASURES OF LENGTH.
Millimeter ( 1-1000 meter) equals 0.0394 inch.
Centimeter (1-100 meter) equals 0.3937 inch.
Decimeter (1-10 meter) equals 3.937 inches.
Meter equals 39.37 inches.
Decameter (10 meters) equals 393.7 inches.
Hectometer ( 100 meters ) equals 328 feet 1 inch.
Kilometer ( 1,000 meters) equals 0.62137 mile ( 3,280 feet 10 inches.)
Myriameter (10,000 meters) equals 6.2137 miles.
METRIC SURFACE MEASURE.
Centare (1 square meter) equals 1,550 square inches.
Are (100 square meters) equals 119.6 square yards.
Hectare ( 10,000 square meters) equals 2.471 acres.

The metric system has been adopted by the following named
countries: Argentine Republic, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Costa
Bica, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, United States of America, and
Venezuela.

166

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168

TABLE OF DISTANCES IN MILES, BETWEEN PRINCIPAL
PLACES IN PORTO RICO.

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SKETCHES OF THE PRINCIPAL
CITIES, TOWNS, AND VILLAGES OF PORTO RICO.

(furnished by the alcaldes of the respective places
described, especially for use in this register.)

ADJUNTAS.

Ad juntas was fouuded in 1815 as St. Joachim. It soon lost this
name and was called Adjuntas because it was a parish "adjunta," or
adjacent to the Vicarship of Coamo. No other town of the Island ex-
cels this in location. It lies on the Northern slope and on the head-
waters of the Rio Arecibo, amidst a charming hilly region some 2,400
feet above the coast level. It is a popular mountain retreat for those
seeking rest and the joys of an invigorating climate. Ponce is but
fifteen miles away and is reached by a good wagon road. The highest
point of the Adjuntas district is the Guilarte peak, the altitude of
which is 3,000 feet ; it is the second mountain on the Island in height,
and from its summit a magnificent view is had of the surrounding
landscape. Down its steep slopes run various streams, which form
into cascades on account of their bowlder-strewn courses. It is one of
the foremost coffee regions of the Island. It has a gravity supply of
water, piped to the houses from a neighboring stream. Its population
has been estimated at 19,583 inhabitants. There are numerous public
schools ; a Catholic church which occupies a small wooden building,
owned by the city; and a Protestant mission. The preparation of
coffee for expoitation is the main industry, but other crops such as
bananas, vegetables, and various cereals for domestic consumption,
are also raised.

AGUADA.

This was the first town established in the Island when Columbus
made his first voyage, and was originally known as San Francisco de
la Aguada. In the place called Espinal, at the mouth of the Culebri-
nas river, a monument has been erected in honor of the illustrious
navigator. The township of Aguada has a population of 10,681 inhab-
itants in its seventeen wards. The town itself has 1,000 inhabitants,
and is situated on a hill, ten minutes walk from the ocean. There is a
public school in town, conducted by three graduated teat^hers, among
them one kindergarten teacher. The wards of Espinal, Canizal, Gua-
yabo, and Malpaso have each a rural schooL The Catholic church is
built of stone and brick, and there are also two hermitages, one in

1606—12

170

town, another in Espinal, the latter being in a ruinous condition. The
ruins of the residence of Lieutenant Sotomayor, subordinate officer of
Juan Ponce de Leon, (XVI. Century) can be seen in Guayabo ward.
The American Railroad has a station here, with telegraph and tele-
phone in their offices. The sole industry is that of the manufacture
of sugar and rum on the sugar plantations.

AGUADILLA.

Aguadilla is situated at the extreme North-western part of the
Island. It is bounded on the Northeast and East by Isabela; on
the East by the village of Moca; on the South by Aguada; and on
the West and North by the coast. This town was founded in 1775.

The country is irrigated by the Rivers Culebrina and Chico, and
some ravines, wliieh makes the soil very fertile. It produces all the
fruits native to the Island. Its principal products are sugar, tobacco,
coffee, rum, and maize. There are several steam sugar mills, also
several worked by oxen. Trade is represented by several banking
houses and stores. There are also two hotels, two coffee houses, and
some small industries. There are in the town two public school
buildings, one called Baldorioty, and the other Lafayette, wherein
twelve schools for both sexes are established ; there are also one
school in each rural ward, and eight in the village of Moca.

Since the American occupation the desire for learning has been
<leveloped to such an extent that the number of schools now existing
is insufficient.

The total population, including that of the village of La Moca, is
30,240 according to the last census, taken in 1899.

Aguadilla is situated in one of the most picturesque places in the
Island. It is nestled at the brow of a hillock which, with its beautiful
grove, embellishes the landscape and crowns the town at the very sea-
shore. From a nigh mountain which cuts its way through the luxu-
riant grove which covers this hillock, there descends a brook, the
waters of which fall into a stone basin with 12 cocks for the public
service, and thence flow down into a drain which runs through the
streets of the Fuente, Gonzalo Firpo, and Comerio that empties them
out into the sea.

This town has a very deep and extensive bay into which can easily
enter the greatest draught sea-going vessels and which is secure and
sheltered. Histoi*y only records a single case of shipwreck and this
was owing to the want of skill of the captain. There is to be found an
abundant water supply which is considered the choicest in the Island.

The town has 13 streets and 12 lanes which are inhabited by
numerous families ; there are three squares, namely : the Principal, the
Market, and Tamarindo. In the town are a Roman Catholic church,
all stone work, in good state, and a Presbyterian church ; a stone-work
cemetery with more than two hundred vaults, some family Pan-
theons and several others which are the property of the munici-
pality. There is also a three story stone-work building the property
of the municipality, in which are established several public schools,
the public library, and the lire station. The town has likewise a town

171

hall, meat-market, slaughter-house and other structures, including
the old Fort of the Concepcion which is now used as barracks for the
Insular Police and is the property of the People of Porto Bico. There
is also a small hospital, founded by a society of ladies and supported
by voluntary contributions and a subsidy from the municipality.

The battery of Fort Concepcion at Aguadilla was taken by surprise
during the night, sometime in the year 1825, by some Colombian priva-
teers, who spiked the guns, when they were driven back by the small
garrison that guarded the post. In 1855, when Spain waged war with
Morocco, this town was the one that generously contributed the most
money towards defraying the war expenses. For this act it was re-
warded with the title of *'Leal Villa," (loyal town.)

AGUAS BUENA8.

The town of Aguas Buenas is situated at about thirty-eight kilo-
metres to the South of San Juan Bautista of Pc»rto Rico. The neigh-
boring towns are Caguas, Comerio, and Rio Piedras, at a distance of
ten, twenty-one, and twenty-six kilometres respectively.

It was founded in 1838, by Don SaJas Torres, who bestowed ten
acres of land where the town was erected, and it did not exceed
these limits for many years. Later, complying with pressing need by
the increase of the population, the town was enlarged by the munici-
pality, and today (Kjcupies a large extent of land.

Its rural barrios (wards) are Cagilitas, Bonroa, Sumidero, Mulas,
Bayamoncito, Mulita, Sonadora, Jagileyes, and Juan Asencio.

Coffee is the principal source of wealth, and this production at-
tained to gi'eat impoitance during the years 1896 and 1897, when the
total output was from 14,000 to 16,000 quintales (hundred weights). Af-
terwards, owing to the hurricane of **San Ciriaco " the larger part of
the agricultural estates were destroyed, and as a natural consequence
the production of coffee was greatly decreased ; so much so, that during
the next year, there was gathered on an average only 800 or 1000 quin-
tales, but this figure has continually increased since owing to the
persevering efforts of all the planters.

The land is fertile beyond measure, so that first class tobacco can
be raised, as well as an abundant supply of all kinds of fruits and vege-
tables. The town enjoys a mild temperature all the year round, but
the best seasons are Summer and Winter. The fevers and ailments
common to tropical countries in general are here unknown. There are
many springs of chrystaline waters, some of them having medicinal
properties, being re(H)mmended for stomach troubles and as purgatives.

In the barrio of Sumidero there are to be seen the remarkable
"Cuevas de Aguas Buenas," (Caves or Grottos of Aguas Buenas)
which, for the curiosities therein to be found, are continually visited
by large numbers of the people of the Island ; and the guano which
they produce annually could be successfully used for fertilizing pur-
poses.- Thei'e is a river which htis its source in these caves, and it is
said, that if a piece of wood is dipped in its waters, a few days after-
ward it is found to be covered with chrystalized salts. One of these
caves is called "Clear " (Clara) where the solar light comes through,

172

and the other ** Obscure," (Obscura) because in order to get into it, a
light is necessary. These lights are commonly called " Hachos " (fag-
ots) which are made out of the resin of "tabonuco" and "yaguas"
the bark of the palm tree.

AIBONITO.

Of this town, which is situated in the centre of the Island, no oflS-
cial data can be obtained as all the documents which were kept in the
archives were lost in the hurricane of August 8th, 1899, which destroyed
the town-hall, the property of the municipality. From private in-
formation it is learned that the town of Aibonito was founded in 1824,
and that from that time it was segregated with all its jurisdiction from
the town of Coamo.

The first houses were built on a tract of land of about ten acres
donated by a philanthropic land owner thus preventing the necessity of
the inhabitants removing to other towns some leagues distant, in
order to support their famiJies.

On account of its topographical position Aibonito enjoys a delicious
climate declared by competent persons to be the best in the Island.
As a result of this the town grew rapidly. Some individuals came to
it with a view of restoring their impaired health whilst others came
trying to better themselves by means of working the fertile virgin
lands. This fertility largely contributed to the increase of capital ; so
much so that in 1896 there was not a vacant plot of land on which to
build houses. The municipality, fully aware of the urgent necessity
of extending the town so that the poor people might build either
houses or huts in order to shelter themselves, was obliged to condemn
four acres of land towards the South by means of the payment of an
annual sum which the municipality agreed to pay to the owner of the
land. Today the town covers an extent of fourteen acres.

The municipality is composed of ten wards (barrios) : Asonante on
the West; Algarrobo on the Southwest; Llano, on the Northwest;
Cannilla, on the Northeast ; Roble and Plata on the East ; and Pasta
and Guy on on the South, with an area of land of 21,500 acres and a
population of 9,000 inhabitants.

aSasco

Chroniclers disagree as to the date when this town was established,
though generally admitting that it was not prior to 1512, and not till
after Ponce de Leon, the conqueror of Porto Rico, had quelled the re-
bellion of the native Indians. It is recorded that Luis de Aflasco, one
of Ponce de Leon's lieutenants, went, by his authority, to the Western
part of the Island to settle permanently there, not on military duty,
but as a peaceful farmer.

It took nearly two centuries for the Afiasco settlement to develop
into a hamlet, which it was in 1703. Thenceforth it was less slow in its
increase, for in 1730 a church was erected in that place, under the
apellation of ** Saint Anthony, Abbot." By a Royal Decree, issued
October 18, 1733, it was constituted a village (pueblo), a denomination
but approximately rendered in English by the word " town" now applied

173

to this as to the rest of the Porto Bican ** pueblos." A long name was
awarded to it; that of Village of "Saint Anthony, Abbot of Allasco;"
but usage has shortened it, as in many such instances of devotional
names of places in the Island, by suppressing the Saint's name. So the
town is at present called simply Aflasco.

Its location, eleven kilometers from the city of Mayagtiez, of which
it is a judicial and political dependency, is excellent ; its climate, very
healthful and agreeable. Its fertile valleys are irrigated by the River
Afiasco, whose aboriginal name was Guarabo, famous for the test to
which the Indians submitted Captain Salcedo, whom they drowned in
its waters, in order to asceitain beyond a doubt if the Spaniards were
mortals, before daring them by rising up in arms against their en-
croachment. The population, which was 13,311 in 1892, now aggregates
19,952, since the annexation in that year of the town and jurisdiction
of Binc6n.

The principal crops are sugar-cane, coffee, rice, cocoa, and minor
fruits in abundance. There are two *' central *' factories, and several
other mills in the municipality for the manufacture of sugar, but they
prove insufficient to dispose of the large quantities of sugar-cane raised
in the several hundred acres there under cultivation ; and, therefore,
the surplus has to be sent to other mills outside of the district to
have its juice turned to account. Nevertheless, the help which these
outlying factories furnish is inadequate; last year there remained
after the crop was over a large amount of sugar-cane unmilled owing
to the lack of proper machinery and other available means. In con-
sequence of this local congestion, the prices paid to sugar-cane grow-
ers are too low to be satisfactory. And, by reason of this over-pro-
duction, extensive tracts of land most fertile and suitable for the
cultivation of sugar-cane are left untilled, which, if another large
** central'* were built in their midst, might plentifully repay the en-
terprise. Their yearly crops would then yield from 25,000 to 30,000
bags of sugar.

Coffee, until live years ago, when it was ousted from European
markets, was one of its staple products ; but since that time the de-
pression of its price is ruining many of the plantations, or has already
ruined them and their owners here, as elsewhere, in the Island ; and
the many country poor who earned their wages by gathering and
preparing the coffee crop for market find themselves over-crowding
the class of destitute applicants for field-labor to make up for their
lost livelihood. In this predicament, anything that would bring a rise
in the price of coffee would be hailed as a God-send by the suffering
inland poor. Otherwise, the cultivation of cotton or of any other sal-
able produce on a somewhat large scale, if speedily resorted to, might
remedy the evil.

The municipal district is traversed by two railway lines ; one of
them is a narrow-gauge road, leading to the immediate jurisdiction of
San Sebastian, and if it were extended, as formerly contemplated up
to the town of Lares, the agriculture and commerce of this part of
the Island would thereby be materially benefitted and developed.

During the past year education has continued its rapid progress

174

in Afiiisco. Thftre is a graded school under a very competent direc-
tion, and six able graded teachers ; there are, besides, twelve rural
schools, an agricultural school, and special instruction in the English
language is given in the graded school. A modern eight-room school-
building is in project, at an approximate cost of $15,000.00.

In this town two social clubs well fitted with every comfort, fur-
nish their attrac^tive opportunities for recreation.

ARECIBO.

Arecibo, which is one of the most important towns of Porto Kico
is situated on the North coast of the Island fifty one miles from San
Juan. The city of Aiecibo has a population of 8,008, and the munici-
pality is credited with a population of 36,910 inhabitants. The munici-
pal corporation was established in 1537, as per Royal Decree of that year ;
it was made a villa in 1778, but the municipal government did not
begin to operate until December, 1802. The inauguration of the first
municipal council, elected by popular vote, U)ok place on December 25th,
1873. Notwithstanding the insanitary sewers which empty on the
South side of the town, the climate throughout the year is very health-
ful. The local wealth, according to estimates imide, is as follows:
agricultural $1,655,309.00 ; urban, $815,400.00. The city has four private
and eight public schools ; there are, besides, eight rural schools. There
is a public hospital with accommodation for fifty patients, and an or-
phan asylum kept by the city. The city water works have recently been
* completed. Previously the water used for all purposes was taken from
the Grande and Santiago rivers and was distributed through the town
in barrels. There are several means of communication; the Amer-
ican Railroad has a station here, and there are roads to Utuado, Ca-
muy, and Lares. The principal industries are a tannery, an ice factory,
seven rum distilleries, a steam lumber mill, two steam coffee mills,
several cigar factories, eight sugar-cane mills, and other factories of
less impoitan(?e. The harbor is an open roadstead, communication
being by lighters frou) the ships.

According to Dr. Coll y Toste of San Juan, a local historian of
excellent repute, Arecibo was founded in 1616 as San Felipe de Arecibo
(St. Philip). In 1580 the town was a hamlet. In 1778 it was made a
villa or large town. In 1850 it was graced with the title of '*Muy Leal"
(very loyal ) by the Spanish government.

BARROS.

Ban-OS was founded in 1825. The word Barros means clayey
ground. Barros is an inland town situated in the heart of the Island
among the rugged spurs of the Central range of mountains. It is
bounded by the towns of Corozal, Morovis, Ciales, Utuado, Juana
Diaz, Coamo, Aibonito, and Comerio. It attained its present size by
annexation to it of the former municipality of Barranquitas with its
8,103 inhabitants, thus having a total population of 22,948 inhabiting
twenty-three wards.

The annexed region is not quite so uneven as the original district
of Barros whose beautiful cascades seen here and there in the sur-

175

rounding hills add greatly to the striking beauty of its landscape. The
means of communication ai'e poor, and unfit for vehicles, chiefly
those of Barros proper, consisting only of narrow trails which be-
come impassable during rainy weather. In the former district of
Barranquitas the trails widen sometimes in attempts to become
roads, but unsuccessfully. The climate throughout is most healthful
at all times of the year, no epidemic having ever occurred. There are
two Catholic chiu*ches, one in each village, and several other build-
ings of very modest aspect in both. There are at present twenty-
six public schools in the entire municipality, two of these being
agricultin-al.

One of tlie highest peaks of the Island, **La Torrecilla," is found in
BaiTos. It has a natural deep grotto at its base, interesting in its
wild, unexplored possibilities.

Coffee is the main product, being the one most adapted to the soil,
though rice, tobacco and bananas are cultivated to some extent.
Trade is costly on account of the ne(;es8ity of employing pack mules
for transportation.

The municipal budget of expenditures has been reduced from
$14,758.38 which it is now, to $9,024.24 for the next fiscal year.

BAYAM6N.

Bayamon was only a small village until 1772 when it became a town
under the name of Santa Cruz de Bayam6n. Up to 1770 it stood upon
the site today occupied by the hacienda Santa Cruz. The present site
was donated to the city by the Hamfrez de Arelltino family. It is well
provided with means of communication. There is a good road lead-
ing to Mayagilez, a narrow-gauge railway which connects it with Ca-
tafio, one of the two most important villages annexed to this munici-
pality ; also a station of the American Railroad and several other less
important cart roads leading to the neighboring towns. It has six sugar
mills, and ice, tobacco, brick, and match factories ; a graded public
school ; and a number of private educational institutions, such as the
college managed by the Sisters of Charity, and the school annexed to the
Orphan Asylum. It has a Catholic church and an Episcopal mission.
The municipality consists of seventeen wards and two annexed villages,
Guaynabo and Cataflo. The former has only 465 inhabitants and the
latter, which is picturesquely located fronting the Bay of San Juan,
has 2,331 inhabitants. It is connected with the Capital by ferry boats.
Among the wards of the jurisdiction is the one called Pueblo Vie jo,
which was established by Ponce de Leon in 1509. It was the first city
founded by the Spaniards, who gave it the name of Villa de Caparra,
but this was subsequently changed to that of Ciudad of Puerto Rico
by orders of Captain Ovando, then Governor of Santo Domingo. It
ceased to be the Capital of the Island in the year 1521 , when the pre-
sent city of San Juan was established and made the capital of the
Island. The local wealth is estimated at $1,600,000.00. According to
estimate made, there are in the whole district some 8,000 head of cattle.
The population is 19,940. Bayam6n is becoming one of the most im-
portant orange growing districts in the Island.

176

CABO ROJO.

Cabo Rojo lies on the South-western coast of the Island in a rugged
valley drained by two small streams which flow from the hill summits
into the Caribbean Sea. Its foundation was decreed in 1774 by Governor
MuesaSy who segregated it from the town of Nueva Salamanca, today
called San German ; settlers began to arrive in small numbers by the
year 1759. There are today 16,164 inhabitants, of which 2,774 live
within the town. It has a few public buildings, very similar in type
to those of other towns of the Island ; and besides a hermitage, a
Catholic church, a Masonic temple, a theatre, and a casino or social
club where the best people of the town meet. It has a hospital and
an asylum for the poor. Its physiography is that characteristic of the
South; it is a rolling plain broken by numerous ridges and detached
hills, separated by small parting valleys, all under cultivation, chiefly
in sugar-cane. In the more abrupt and rugged section of the district
coffee, tobacco, maize, beans, and other cereals and leguminous plants
are also cultivated to a large extent. Cocoanut groves exist in great
numbers, and a vast area of land is used for pasture ground. Its
main industry is the exportation of fine salt of which there are large
deposits on the sea shores. The water supply consists of rain fall,
gathered in large cisterns, both public and private. It is liberally
supplied with cart roads and trails which put it in communication with
a number of towns and neighboring villages. There are eight public
schools and one private. The trade-winds blow with certain regularity
and to them is ascribed the moderate temperature observed almost
throughout the entire year.

CAGUAS.

Caguas is situated on a large plain, covering eighty-six acres,
which is the property of the municipality. It has a population of
19,857 inhabitants, 9,840 of which are males and 10,017 females. Among
the rivers and brooks which irrigate the township, the most notable
are the Turabo and Quebradilla rivers. It is thirty-seven kilometers
from San Juan, with which it is connected by the Military road. It is
bounded by Rio Piedras, Cayey, Gurabo, Hato Grande, Aguas Bue-
nas and Cidra. The sanitary condition is generally good. The local
wealth is figured at $1,000,000.00. There are eight graded schools, one
principal school, eight rural schools, and one kindergarten. Also
one asylum for the poor, supported by the Ayantamiento, and a
Catholic church. There are 767 buildings, mostly wooden houses,
though some are constructed of stone and brick. The poor live in the
suburbs in thatched huts. The principal industry is the manufacture
of tobacco, there being three factories for this purpose in town.

Caguas was established in 1771 ( lUthough in 1759 it was a small
hamlet) under the name and advocation of **San Sebastidn del Piflar
de Caguas " or " St. Sebastian of the Pineapple Grove of Caguas."
The name "Caguas "was that of an Indian chief or "cacique."

CAMUY.

This town is situated near the Northern end of Porto Rico, on an
area of twenty-one acres of land. The houses are mostly frame build-

Q
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Pi
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177

ings made of native lumber. The finest building in town is the
Catholic church, all stone work, and situated in the centre of the vil-
lage. There is a beautiful and regular square for public recreation.

This town was founded in 1807 and today with the annexation of
the villages of Hatillo, and Quebradillas, its jurisdiction is composed
of a population of 28,758 inhabitants.

Though the soil is rather low it produces abundant crops of fine
tobacco, coffee and fruits. Oamuy's beautiful valleys are irrigated and
fertilized by the Rivers **Guajataca'' and **Oamuy,'' and in these
valleys a splendid production of sugar-cane is to be seen. Its juris-
diction is composed of the barrios Puente, Membrillo, Yeguada, Oie-
nega, Oamuy Arriba, Zanja, Piedra Gorda, Abra-Honda, Quebrada,
Santiago, Cibao, and Puertos.

CAROLINA.

This town was founded on October 18th, 1865, and was named in
honor of St. Ferdinand of Carolina. The town and municipal district
of Trujillo Bajo was added to it in 1870, and in June 1902 the village
and municipal district of Trujillo Alto were annexed to it.

On account of these accessions the municipality is today com-
posed of nineteen wards with an urban and rural population of 18,222
inhabitants. It is situated in the North-eastern part of the Island be-
tween the sea and the heights, which begin at Luquillo, upon an
extensive and picturesque valley, a well selected and beautiful place.

It is twenty-two kilometres distant from San Juan by the road,
which, passing through Rio Piedras, puts it in commercial relations
with the Capital. It has also two ways of communication. A rail-
road, and a navigable canal, which are used for the transportation of
fruits to San Juan.

The state of the health of the inhabitants is excellent because the
conditions of the locality are very salubrious. Infectious diseases are
very rare, on account of the cleanliness and hygienic habits of the
population.

There are in the municipality twenty-six graded schools, and rural
schools, in which there are registered 1154 pupils, with an average
attendance of 965.

In the present fiscal year, some material improvements have been
introduced in the town, and more impoitant works of public utility
are contemplated for the coming fiscal year.

The budget of the fiscal year ending June 30th, 1903, is $19,999.78,
of which twenty per cent, has been deducted for education, and
twenty-five per cent, more for roadways.

The present economical condition of the municipality is very sat-
isfactory, the town having no debts.

CAYEY.

Cayey was founded in 1774, on a plain surrounded by mountains,
among which rise **E1 Torito*' to an altitude of 720 metres above the
sea level. The town has a population of 14,442 inhabitants, according
to the last census taken under the direction of the War Department.

178

Its climate is cool and delightful aD<l its sanitary conditions are so
good that under the Spanish rule there were built splendid acclimati-
zation barracks for the soldiers, which are now occupied by the Amer-
ican troops and which have been improved by the addition of other
picturesque buildings, which enhance the beauty of the town. These
barracks are called "Barracones de Heniy" (Henry Ban'acks) in
honor of General Henry who was the founder.

The lands of Cayey are very fertile, producing many varieties of
fruits, but the principal sources of wealth are coffee and tobacco.
The town of Cayey is surrounded by a beautiful ravine in which are
springs from which the inhabitants get an abundant supply of water.
Educational interests are guarded in a fine school building, built at
the expense of the people of Porto Rico, which can accomodate more
than two hundred children. Cayey is bounded on the North by the
village of La Cidra, annexed now to this municipality ; on the South
by Guayama and Salinas ; on the East by Caguas ; and on the West by
the jurisdiction of Aibonito.

CIALES.

Ciales was founded in 1820, and lies in the North-central portion of
Poiix) Rico, almost suiTounded by the coral hills which part from the
central range of mountains that cross the Island from East to West.
It is 200 feet above the sea level, and its sanitary conditions are excel-
lent. Two rivers, the Manati on the East, and the Cialitos on the West
and North, flow by the town. This was founded on June 24th, 1820,
being originally named Lacy, after a Spanish general of republican
persuasion ; but as he rebelled against the constituted government,
that name was oflQcially disgraced and the village which bore it had it
transformed into that of Ciales.

The water is supplied chiefly by banels filled at one of the rivers
and hauled in ox-carts, supplemented by rainfall caught in cisterns in
the private dwellings.

The district is divided into eight wards and has a totiil population
of 18,115 inhabitants. The climate is very pleasant.

The main product is coffee, of which 7,000 quintals were gathered
annually before the hurricane of 1899 and sold at prices much higher
than those which obtain at present. Efforts have thus fai- failed to
procure a larger and more favorable demand for this staple in the
United States and the Spanish markets practically shut it out after the
customs tariff now in force, ensuing upon the change of nationality,
were implanted in the Island.

Within the last few years the number of public schools in the dis-
trict has been increased to seventeen ; twelve are rural, and three in
the town itself, are graded. Instruction in English is also given by a
special teacher. The establishment of three additional rural schools,
and the erection of a model brick school-house, wherein to locate the
urban schools, and also an agricultural one, are hopeful prospects en-
tertained for the near future.

There is a small hospital in the place.

Access to the currents of general commerce has been rendered

179

easier by a Diagnifieeiit Iiighway lately coUHtructed, eonuectlDg this
town with Manati ; a bridge, which was la(*king in this road, now being
built across the river. A desideratum confidently expected is the
construction of a good road leading across the Island from this town
to Juana Dfaz.

There is a peak named Picachos within the district which rises
3,000 feet above the level of the sea. Another interesting point of the
locality is the cave **De los Archillas." It extends deep into the heart
of the earth and offers many curious specimens of stalactites and sta-
lagmites which give its varied halls an enchanted appearance. It is
one of the interesting sights for the pleasure-seeking traveler to visit.
Guano is found there in great abundance, containing a sure reward in
store for the capital that will exploit it, no less than for the farming
that will utilize such a powerful fertilizer. A copper mine has been
lately discovered in Toro Negro ward, and it is believed that there exist
others within the jurisdiction.

a)AMO.

The available historical data concerning this municipality is some-
what meager, for the reason that its archives, which were among the
most ancient of the Island, and among which were to be found many
valuable and interesting documents, were completely destroyed in the
town-hall fire which ocurred on the night of the 27th of Novem-
ber, 1897.

The town was founded in the yeai* 1616, and was declared a ** Villa,"
or town with a charter conferring upon it certain special privileges in
1727. Its territorial jurisdiction formerly embraced that now pertain-
ing to Ponce, Juana Diaz, Santa Isabela, Guayama, Aibonito, Barros,
Barranquitas, Cayey, Arroyo, and Salinas. One of the earliest courts
of first instance established in the Island was that of Coamo.

The most recent historical fact of interest to this town was its
capture by United States troops on the 19th of August, 1898, after a
brief encounter with the Spanish soldiers who formed its garrison.

The municipal district has the following population : urban, 3,244,
rural, 11,900; total, 15,144. It has 25 schools, distributed as follows:
graded schools, 8 ; night schools, situated in the town, 1 ; rural schools,
16 ; total, 25 ; and two classes, and two instructors in English. It also
has a school building built of masoniy, the property of the People
of Porto Rico ; a civil hospital composed of the same material, the
property of the municipality, with accommodations for forty poor
patients; an orphan asylum known as the "Peniel Orphanage,'* which
is in charge of and maintained by Americans ; and a church and chapel
devoted to Catholic religious worship, both of which buildings are of
masonry. The Baptist denomination uses a frame building of private
ownership.

The municipal council contemplates the construction of an ac-
queduct for the town.

The Military road, which extends from San Juan to the Playa of
Ponce, passes through the town. There is another highway leading
to Santa Isabela, near which, and about one league distant from the

180

town, are situated the thermal springs or hot baths of Ck)amo, which
are connected by telephone with the oflftce in the town.

In the general plan for the construction of roads is included one
from Coamo to Barros, but work upon the same has not yet com-
menced, although the realization of the project would be of great pub-
lic utility.

The town boasts of a telegraph office, and a post-office, at the
latter of which money orders may be obtained.

The principal wealth of this municipal district consists in cattle,
coffee, sugar-cane and less important products, together with oranges,
bananas and other fi'uits. Its commerce, which was flourishing up to
the year 1899, is today in a very decadent condition as a result of the
low price of coffee and tobacco.

The municipal district possesses abimdant raw material, inviting
the establishment of new industries, while its soil is exceedingly well
adapted for stock raising and agriculture. The best of facilities exist
for conveying fruits and other products to Ponce, the nearest sea-
port town.

COMERIO.

This town was founded October 24th, 1826, under the name of
"Sabana del Palmar," or "Palm Grove Meadow," owing to the ex-
ertions of Don Jos4i Bosa Cardona, who on the 26th of January of the
same year, and as a representative of the citizens of Comerio Alto and
Bajo (Upper and Lower Comerio) Barrios, which belonged to the
jurisdiction of Cidra y Barranquitas, applied to the government for
authorization to found a municipality.

The number of its inhabitants amounted to 5,462 in 1872, and in
1886 to 6,190, and in 1889 to 8,249 ; since 1889 the population has greatly
increased. Its agricultural wealth consists of about 400 estates com-
prising some 18,000 acres of land, of which 10,000 acres can success-
fully be applied to the cultivation of tobacco. The remaining 8,000
produce sugar-cane, coffee, fruits, and all sorts of vegetables, and
<?ontain many fine pasturages.

The Comerio tobacco is the best in the Island and can success-
fully compete, as regards flavor and strength, with that grown in the
best tobacco fields in Vuelta A bajo in Cuba.

This town is picturesquely situated, being surrounded by the Biver
Plata, with abundant flow of water. The horizon is limited on all
sides by high mountains, on some of which are to be found thick
groves of palm trees, which can be plainly seen from the precincts of
the city. At some very remote period, of which there is no tradition
or recollection, it seems that the topography of this section of the
Island was changed by the eruption of a volcano in the place named
** La Mora," where there are to be found pieces of petrified lava which
show evident signs of an extinct crater. In the same place, and very
near to one another, there exist two grottos or caves of considerable
extent. They contain extensive halls where there are to be found
large deposits of guano which makes an excellent fertilizer. These
grottos seem to be more the work of nature than that of the Indians,

181

although it is certain that they were used as frequent meeting places.
In one of them inscriptions can be seen which deserve study and ad-
miration.

Comerio has within its jurisdiction the strongest fall of water in
the Island. This fall develops a powerful force which can be success-
fully turned into account for many undertakings. It is to furnish
power for the electric railroad about to be constructed between Ponce
and San Juan.

CULEBRA ISLAND.

Since May 13th, 1879, when its colonization was officially under-
taken, the Island of Culebra has continued as a direct dependency
of the government of Porto Rico. The first delegate in charge
of it was, by appointment dated August 2nd, 1881, Mr. Cayetano
Escudero. Ten such special representatives in all, including Mr.
Leopoldo Padr6n, the present incumbent, have successively gov-
erned the Island. As this represe.ntation comprises the judiciai-yas
one of the branches of government, the present delegate was ap-
pointed Justice of the Peace by the Governor of Porto Rico in
1902, in substitution for the abolished office of Police Judge held by
him theretofore.

By a Royal Decree issued in 1884 a special appropriation of $2,500
was included in the budget of Porto Rico wherewith to defray the
expenses of colonization and development of the Island.

It has been hitherto impracticable to constitute Culebra a munic-
ipality owing to the recent stage of its colonization and consequent
meagreness of its resources not justifying any taxation beyond the
one-half of one per cent, which is levied on its property by the Insular
Treasury.

In the small Island two schools, each in its own building, have
been in operation for the last three, and two years, respectively. They
are attended by an average of eighty children out of one hundred and
fifty children of school age in Culebra, of which some one hundred
boys and girls have been enrolled. The work performed by these
schools is equally as good as that of any other of the same grade in
any more important town of Porto Rico, the cost of their mainte-
nance being paid by the Department of Education.

Medicines are furnished semi-annually, free of cost to the colony
by the Health Department; and a "Practicante,** officially appointed,
and whose salary is paid out of the Porto Rican Treasury, is in charge
of administering them to the sick.

There were five or six small shops, **Ventorrillos," making up the
local commerce at the close of 1901, but with the new year the tents of
camp Roosevelt, first, and of camp Dewey, and others afterwards, were
pitched there by United States marines with the result that the num-
ber of said stalls increased considerably, while some six or eight of
them have grown to be second or tliird -class stores.

The repeated visits of the North Atlantic squadron in its recent
manoeuvres near this isle, and the frequent anchoring of men-of-war
in the harbor, have brouglit about an increase of the colony, from 704

182

inhabitaDts in 1899 to 1,100 or 1,200 at present, the building of more
and better houses, and the abundance of ready currency in traffic.

During the whole of last year, and until May, 1903, the Island
suffered greatly from drought, which caused the produce to be very
scanty then as it is even now. The soil is most fertile when properly
watered, but the strong winds keep the rain from falling for five or six
months in some years, thus rendering farming precarious until proper
irrigation shall be established.

There were in 1897 on Culebra Island 2,215 head of cattle, divided
as follows: horses, 201; asses, 4; bovine cattle, 1,355; sheep, 150;
goats, 325; swine, 180. These were valued at $27,911.00. Since then
cattle of all kinds have kept on increasing there at a rapid rate. The
yield of cattle-raising would profitably supply with first-class meat
some of the near markets for two or three consecutive years; it
proved sufficient fia* the needs of the squadron and the camps
during the past eighteen months, and the meat is obtainable at lower
prices than elsewhere.

Poultry is plentiful in Culebra, multiplies profusely, and is free
from epizootic diseases. Hens are especially abundant.

The products of the Island are sweet potatoes, and other tubers,
maize, bananas, plantains, beans and other grains, vegetables and
fruits of various kinds, which would all be easily raised more copiously
if the Island had a steady market where to sell them. Experiments
made in sugar-cane raising have been very successful. Some to-
bacco of a very juicy variety is raised there, and is fitly manufactured
into chewing tobacco. Cotton, also, is produced, growing in a semi-
wild state, and yields a superior quality of fibre, and its crops are
abundant at a very moderate cost. This year a more select variety
has been planted, and its growth promises splendid results.

In his last annual report, the delegate for Culebra recommended
that a small canal be cut through the little neck of land in the "Palza
Sardinas," to unite Great Harbor of [Ensenada Honda with the mag-
nificent bay of Playa Sardinas, where the United States fieet manoeu-
vred and anchored last Winter. This canal was this year cut through,
and has improved sanitary conditions by establishing an outlet for
the waters of the harbor, and benefitted trade by establishing a speed-
ier means of communication between the ocean and the harbor.

FAJARDO.

This jurisdiction is situated on a great portion of the Eastern
region of the Island. It depends upon Humacao in judicial affairs.
It contains the village of Ceiba, with the natural port of Ensenada
Honda (deep covej one of the most important harbors of Porto Rico.
The village of Luquillo is also annexed to it. Its rivers drag along
golden sand, proceeding from its mountains, on which range there is
a point called the "Yunque" at about 1,520 feet above the sea level,
from which high altitude can be seen one of the most beautiful pano-
ramos that nature offers. The jurisdiction of Fajardo has a popula-
tion of 17,000 inhabitants, and is bounded on the North by Rio Grande,
on the South and West by Naguabo, and on the East by the Atlantic.

183

Its soil is very fertile and produfes an exuberant vegetation. It is
irrigated by the Rivers Fajardo, Daguao, Juan-Martin, Habana, and
Pitahaya, with a great number of rivulets and ravines.

The principal sources of wealth are fourteen steam sugar-mills,
but all kinds of fruits are produced and the cotton plant has been
successfully cultivated on lands advantageously situated close to
the sea.

The town was founded in 1774, and is situated on the Eastern
coast, being about a kilometer distant from its port and of the c^pe
called Cabezas de Han Juan, a headland on which is located a light-
house, the flashes of which can be seen at a distance of rn(a*e than
twenty miles.

Although important as a commercial and busy town its principal
distinction is as an agricultural center, and as soon as has been fin-
ished the road which joins it to San Juan, there will doubtless be a
marked development of its wealth.

Opposite to Fajardo's coast are the small Islands Palominos, Pi-
nero, Hicacos, Isletas, Isla Ramos, Medio-Mundo and the Puerca,
which are principally used for stock-raising. Among the adjacent
larger Islands plainly visible are Vieques, Culebra, and St. Thomas.

Fajardo was invaded in 1817 by some Colombian rebels. In 1824
Commodore Porter of the United States appeared with some ships to
demand satisfaction from the Mayor for some alleged grievances to
an American officer. In 1832 ancl 1833 th<Me were great conflagations
which nearly destroyed the town.

(JUAYAMA.

This city was founded in the year 173(5 with the name of (luayama,
a word of Indian origin, and is situated on the Southern coast of the
Island of Porto Rico. By gift made by a lady, at the time of her death,
of 269 cuerdas of land situated on a plateau some 70 meters above sea-
level, a city was founded which was almost completely destroyed by
fire in the year 1832, owing to which fact, the city, when rebuilt, was
divided into blocks with straight streets running from North to South
and from East to West.

The territorial jurisdiction of Guayama, which was enlarged in
1892, by virtue of an ac^t of the Legislative Assembly annexing to it
the former municipalities of An*oyo and Salinas, now has an area of
some 100,000 acres.

The total population of the municipality is 23,247 inhabitants, and,
including Arroyo and Salinas, it has an urban population of 8,663
persons.

Its climate is mild and healthful owing to the prevalence of con-
43tant breezes from the East.

The city proper contains many buildings of brick and stone owned
by private individuals and the municipality ; the rest are fiume build-
ings with galvanized iron roofs.

Its wealth is valued at nearly $6,000,000, the principal resources
being sugar-cane, cattle, coffee, small fruits, and mines.

Guayama possesses one of the best aqueducts on the Island, the
water of which, even without filtering, is excellent for drinking pur-

184

poses and is distributed from house to house. The city has a tem-
porary frame hospital, a brick or stone school-house, one Catholic
church in Guayama, one in Salinas, and a Methodist-Episcopal church
in Guayama. There is telegraphic connection with the other towns
of the Island, and in addition two telephone lines ; one connecting^
the Central Aguirre with Guayama, Salinas, and Santa Isabel, and the
other belonging to the municipality and connecting Guayama with
the town of Arroyo.

There is a first-rate highway from Cayey to Arroyo, and a wagon
road over the hill as far as Ponce. There is also a railroad of the
Central Aguirre with 22 and 9-10 miles of road.

Up to the year 1815 the wealth of this jiu-isdiction consisted of
cattle, sheep, and hogs, small produce farms, and a little tobacco for
local consumption, the development of the sugar industry having also
begun in that year. It now has a number of splendid factories, and
among them, the Central Aguirre, which last year turned out 9,288
tons of sugar, and estimates that the output for this year will amount
to 15,000 tons. This Central has in operation a sj'stem of irrigation
by means of pumps, which, if worked continuously for 24 hours, would
produce 600,000 gallons of water; but these are in use only a portion
of the day and night when there is not suflBcient rain to properly
water the growing cane. In this way an area of 600 acres of land is
irrigated.

The soil of Guayama and Salinas, according to estimates, produces
a yield of 35 tons of cane to the acre, and one ton of sugar is obtained
fron ten of cane.

From fifty to sixty vessels ent^r the port of Jobos anually without
counting the smaller craft.

The amount of cane anually ground in the different factories of
the jurisdiction may be estimated at 4,000 hectareas.

In addition to the sugar industry the municipality also has two
ice factories, brick yards equipped with machinery, and produces rum,
bay-rum, castor oil, and tobacco on a small scale.

At the present time there are two schools with principals (sic.)
fifteen graded, eighteen rural, five English schools, and a school of
agriculture. The municipality has recently negotiated a loan of
$145,000 for municipal improvements.

HUMACAO.

This town was founded on January 15th, 1793; was declared a
" Villa" on September 7th, 1881, and on January 23rd, 1894, was raised
to the rank of "City."

It is built within the limits of 27 acres of land, the property of the
municipality, and 12i acres, the property of individuals, a total of 391
acres, equal to 15 hectdreas, 61 areas, and 7i centidreas.

According to the last census its urban population amounted to
4,428 inhabitants, and tliat of its municipal district tx) 14,313 inhabi-
tants. Later on, December 11th, 1899, ** Las Piedras" was annexed to
this municipality, the population of which was 8,602, which makes a
total population for Humacao of 22,915.

<
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pq
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185

This municipal district is situated in tht' Eastern part of PorU)
Rico and is bounded on the North by the jurisdictions of Naguabo and
Loiza; on the South by that of Yabucoa; on the West by that of Hato
Grande; and on the East by the sea and part of the jurisdiction of
Naguabo.

The soil in some parts is unbroken and in others is rugged and
hilly. It is well adapted to the cultivation of all kinds of fruits, espe-
cially the sugar-cane and tobacco, which are cultivated to some extent.
The production of coffee is rather s(^anty in the mountainous parts,
whereas on the other hand the (?attle raisers own immense pasture
groimds.

Several good sized streams run through this section, namely :- -An-
ton Ruiz, El Huraacao, El Candelero and the Rio (i^urabo, the waters
of which irrigate the surrounding country by means of several ravines,
the principal of which are the ** Mariana " and ** Catafio."

The jurisdiction of Humacao is divided into twenty-three barrios
four of which constitute the town proper and are named San Juan,
Santiago, Santo Domingo, and San Francisco. The nineteen others
form the Municipal District, namely :— Collores, Anton Ruiz, Mabii,
Marabiche, Rio Abajo, Buena Vista, Playa, Candelero Arriba, Cande-
lero Abajo, Teja, Mariana, and Catafio, which formerly formed the
jurisdiction; and Rio Gurabo, Boqueron, Quebrada Arenas, Collorer
de Piedras, Teja de Piedras, Montones and Ceiba, which formed part
of the old abolished municipality of Las Piedras and at the present
time annexed to Humacao.

This city has two fine edifices which date from the middle of the
past century. In the basement of one is found the public jail which
is also the district jail. In the upper part of the same building is the
District court. The other building is single storied with extensive
departments ; it was obtained by the municipality by purchase of Don
Fernando Roig. There are at present established in this building
four public graded schools and the local Department of Education ; also
the office of the Justice of the Peace, the Municipal Court, Municipal
Offices, the office of the Mayor and Town Hall, and the Municipal
Treasury. These buildings are built of stone.

The public square for recreation is cited as one of the best in the
Island, not only for its extent but for its beauty, greatly enhanced by
some trees brought from Asia, the only ones of the kind to be found in
Porto Rico.

The town also boasts of a magnificent Catholic church, in the
steeple of which is to be seen a clock with a luminous dial.

The terrible hurricane of August 8th, 1898, destroyed a great portion
of this urban wealth, a sad loss which has not yet been repaired. The
city had a civil hospital, a small-pox hospital, and a poor house and a
charitable workshop erected by the artisans of the town, of which
only the ruins are to be seen today. Agriculture has also suffered
immensely, as such establishments as that of the rich Hacienda
Buena-alegie, which was totally destroyed, has not yet been rebuilt.
Notwithstanding all this there are to be found a magnificent "central "
owned by Don Antonio Roig, and five other sugar estates.

1606—13

186

The Playa, the beach of Humacao, officially known as "Punta
Santiago," has a splendid custom house which at a former period was
an establishment of great importance. At present very little impor-
tation business is done there, as most of the merchants make their
declarations in San Juan. In this port some cattle and sugar products
are exported. The Playa is about ten kilometers from the City, to
which it has access by way of a road which is not yet completed.

The American troops came into the City for the first time on the
21st day of September, 1898.

ISABELA.

On the Northwest side of the Island, rather remote from the sea-
shore, at the ward **de la Tuna,*' near the Guajataca river, there was a
village named **San Antonio de la Tuna," dragging a stunted existence,
whose precariousness was ascribed to unfavorable location. Towards
the close of 1818 the village council asked to have the said location
transferred farther West and nearer the littoral zone, to the place known
as "Isabela," where a number of villagers, in anticipation, had built
their homes. The request was granted and the village took the new
name, Isabela.

Although on the coast, it is built on an elevation 300 feet above the
level of the sea, thus enjoying delightful ocean breezes, which preserve
the district from diseases to a degree unsurpassed in the sanitary
records of the Island, and not even by those of outlying regions
renowned for healthfulness, such as the Island of Curazao. Its natural
advantages, among which are splendid bathing facilities at the near
surf, are enhanced by the beautiful gardens which adorn its arbored
streets and surrounding walks and central ** Plaza Corchado," all
aglow with flowers, shrubs, and "flamboyant" trees.

It is an essentially agricultural district. It has a population, in its
fourteen wards, of 14,888 inhabitants, of which only 881 live in the
village. Coffee, sugar-cane, cocoas, bananas, mangoes, and other
minor fruits are produced in large quantities. Tobacco is quite ex-
tensively cultivated, and was, a few years ago, a staple source of in-
come ; now, however, it is very costly and less marketable, and many
who thrived by this industry have suffered by it heavy losses of late.
Formerly the tobacco-leaf raised here and known as ** boliche," found
a ready sale in Spain and Germany in spite of its inferior quality, but as
it has been shut out from these markets by the change of sovereignty,
the only industrial use left for such crops of the district is the manu-
facture of rolls of chewing tobacco, which has to be sold within the
Island, at a price that does not compensate for the loss of the foreign
trade.

Mines of calcium phosphate are found within the jurisdiction, and
are only awaiting the employment of capital in order to yield con-
siderable benefits, both to the enterprise and to the agriculture of the
Island, if low-priced quantities of this manure are rendered available.

There are in this municipality eighteen schools, of which twelve are
rural and four graded, the services of an American female teacher of
English being adj unct. The village is outfitted with a Catholic church,

187

a Presbyterian chapel, and a capacious town hall where the oflQces of
the Alcalde, the Council, the Municipal Judge, the Justice of the
Peace, and the jail are located.

JUANA DIAZ.

Juan a Diaz was so named to honor a person of that name and was
founded in 1798. It is situated in Southern-central Porto Rico, a short
distance from the City of Ponce. The population of the municipality
is 27,896, of whicli 2,246 live in the town. Public education has been
wonderfully improved, and there are now five public schools in the
town, of which one is a kindergarten. The Catholic church building
is owned by the people, and there is a municipal hospital with ac-
commodations for thirty patients. The city is supplied with water by
an old-fashioned aqueduct, but its capacity is insufficient to satisfy the
public necessity. At a short distance from the town, there is a notable
mineral spring. The principal industries are the manufacture of straw
hats and tobacco. Coffee is cultivated to a great extent, as well as
fruits and vegetables of excellent quality. As a consequence of the
advantageous situation and healthful climate of this region, no epi-
demic has ever developed.

LAJA8.

The municipality of Lajas was established as a municipality in
1883 and covers an area of 16,000 hectares or 39,536 acres. It has a
population of 9,000 inhabitants. Although it is situated on one of the
largest plains of the Island it lacks of means of transportation ; but
within a few months the railroad which runs around the Island will
traverse this district.

There are in the jurisdiction seven sugar mills and as many rum
distilleries. The output of sugar during the present year was rather
small, on account of the constant rains which prevented the planters
from preparing their lands in time for the crop. The principal source
of wealth of this district is cattle-raising, the stock numbering at
least 8,000 head.

All minor fruits, as well as tobacco thrive here. Fruit trees abound
and the pineapples are among the best on the Island, having a
delicious flavor and being in great demand. There are also in Lajas
lands very suitable for the cultivation of cotton and the zamie.

The town of Lajas is, generally speaking, very healthy ; but the
stagnation of pluvial waters at the places named ** El Anegado" and
"Cienagade Cartagena" (Cartagena Marsh) has been a constant source
of malarial fever. This has led the dwellers in this district and those
of Cabo Rojo to apply to the House of Delegates asking for the reclaim-
ing of the marsh, the cost of which work would not exceed $6,000.00.
This improvement, if eflfected, would make this town one of the
healthiest parts of the Island.

LARES.

This town was founded in the year 1829. In 1828 it was a ward of
the neighboring town of San Sebastian. It was established in the

188

Western part of the Island on the plateau of the mountain at a height
of 420 meters above the sea level, having twenty-six wooden houses
roofed with the bark of palm trees and seventeen of cabbage palms.
The first mayor was Don Victor Lopez. The first priest of the Roman
Catholic apostolic religion was Don Avelino David, who opened the
first school, with thirty-six children. The parish house, which was the
town hall, was abolished and turned into a church.

A short time afterwards a church was built on the North-eastern
part of the little town, but it did not stand long, as in November of the
same year it was completely destroyed by a tornado. In the following
year, 1830, the population of this growing town was increased by
twenty-six citizens from Quebradillas, fifteen from Moca, three from
Aguadilla and twenty-six from San Sebastian.

In 1830, 284 births were registered, and in the same year thirty-
seven couples were married, ^nd twenty-one persons died. At the
end of the year 1830 the number of inhabitants was 1677.

The growth of this town developed agriculture, principally eoflfee
culture. Owing to the fertility of the soil, the output of coffee
amounted to 1,600 quintales; but the bean was not given any special
finishing process. The town thrived, despite atmospherical distur-
bances, as that of the year 1836.

In the year 1868 the cry of rebellion was raised against Spain, owing
to its bad government, and injustice against the people. This was a
combined movement with the other towns of the Island, but they
did not come up to the movement, at the proper time. The leaders
were Hon. Dr. Ram6n E. Betances, Dr. Ruiz Belvis, Manuel Rojas,
Aurelio Mendez Martinez, Manuel Parrilla and others. They were
tried by summary court-martial; many were exiled and others im-
prisoned in the jails and Spanish penitentiaries.

The entry of the American army was enthusiastically received in
this town, and ever since it has been very progressive, especially in an
educational line.

At the present time, the town is somewhat depressed on account of
the depreciation of coffee, almost its only source of wealth, and although
the plantations are well looked after by their owners, it hopes in, and
relies on the protection of the government and the opening of the great
market of the United States.

LAS MARIAS.

This town was founded on April 13th, 1871, by Don Juan Medina. At
the request of the heaviest tax payers of what then was the Barrio of
Las Marias, on account of its distance from Mayag^ez, and its ever
increasing population, as it had then 40 houses in the town and about
1,500 in the country, two high roads, two parish roads, and a great
number of rural roads, they were allowed to constitute themselves an
independent municipality by decree of the Diputacion Provincial of
March 30th, 1871, and a decision of the municipality of Mayagiiez.
The mayor at the time was Don Esteban Nadal.

The first municipality was established on July 1st, 1872, with Don
Francisco Ramos as Mayor.

189

As soon as the town was formed a general assessment of the pub-
lie wealth of the jurisdiction was ma^e. It amounted to 9,247,077
pesetas. A census was taken and showed a total population of 13,752.

Up to 1898, this town was dependent from Mayagtiez as regarded
the judicial, ecclesiastical, and military affairs. The jurisdiction is
composed of the Barrios of Altesano, Bucarabones, Palma-Escrita,
Bio-Canas, Anones, Naranjales, Fumias, Chamorre, Cerrote, Buena
Vista, Purisima Coucepcion, Espino and Maravillas.

On October 18th, 1898, in the name of their nation, the American
troops under the command of General Schwan took possession of
the town.

Captain F. dc Fumak, Jr., U. 8. A., was left as Commander. Don
Kafael Olivencia acted aH mayor by appointment of the previous gov-
ernment, and by approval of the military forces continued at the head
of the municipality, in accord with the action of a meeting held by the
Municipal Council on October 21st, 1898, in the presence of Captain
De Fumak.

The agricultural wealth of the jurisdiction is estimated at about
700 estates of cultivated land comprising 32,000 acres of coffee, sugar-
cane, tobacco, pasture grounds, and fruit lands, with an actual value
of $1,400,000.00. (battle-raising is represented by 2,000 head, valued at
$40,000.00. The urban wealth is composed of 800 houses, valued at
about $200,000.00

The temperature is pleasant, the waters are very cool, and on ac-
count of the town's altitude it is one of the coolest and healthiest places
on the Island. The raising of the coffee crop to its former import-
ance will mean much to the financial interest of the town and in-
crease general prosperity.

MANATI.

About 1736 this town was established, imder the advocation of
Our Lady of Candlemas of Manati. It had so extensive an area that
out of it evolved and became detached a cluster of municipalities, to
wit :— Toa Baja, now a part of Bayamon ; Toa Alta, Corozal, and Do-
rado, these last two having afterwards been fused with Toa Alta ; Ve-
ga Baja, Morovis and Ciales ; and still there remained an ample dis-
trict under the jurisdiction of Manati, which was enlarged in 1899 by
the annexation thereto of the abolished municipality of Barceloneta.

From its absolute lack of roads for more than a century, this mu-
nicipality could not develop ; its size, previous to its breaking up as
stated, proved too cumbersome to admit of the exploitation of its
wealth. After 1856, and chiefly since 1859, when conditions were im-
proved, the district, and, owing to similarly bettered circumstances, the
whole Island, arose from their torpor and awoke into activity and in-
crement, in agriculture, commerce and industries, in population,
intellectual, and general progress. Manati attained such a degree of
municipal prosperity that in the fiscal year 1891-1892 its budget reached
more than 30,000 pesos. But this amount has been of late reduced by
the Insular Government to less than $19,000.00, more compatible with
the recent losses by agriculturists and the necessity of retrenching
municipal expenses.

190

Manati lies within the Eastern-most coast of the Island. It has an
area of twenty one square miles, with an urban and suburban popula-
tion of 23,346 inhabitants. The town lies at a distance of three miles
from the ocean, and is situated in a valley drained by 'the Manati
River, which abounds in a large variety of edible fish. Its coast line
has several good harbors, namely :— The Tortugueros, Palma-Alta and
Barceloneta. It is the central market for the products of Ciales and
Morovis, which facts make the railroad station here one of the best
and most active of the entire route. The soil of this region is very
fertile, producing evei^ variety of tropical products. There are cul-
tivated besides the sugar-cane, coflfee, rice and tobacco, various cere-
als, lentils, small vegetables, and fruits. There are several roads in
the way of construction. A hospital and firemen's park have recently
been built and a new slaughter-house as well as other improvements
are projected. Hygienic conditions are fair and improving. Public
education has of late received a very strong impetus. There are six
graded schools in the town, one of which is provided with an English
teacher. Barceloneta ward has two graded schools, one of which
occupies a large brick building; there are, besides, ten rural schools
throughout the district. A music instructor who is paid by the town
has a large class of poor children.

MARICAO

This town was established in 1874. It is situated East of MayagUez
and Northeast of San German, 450 meters above the sea level, and
is surrounded by hills which rise like an amphitheatre and stretch
South to the ** Cain'* Sierra. The total population is 8,312 inhabi-
tants. The climate is tolerably humid in the rainy season, but health-
ful, and the average temperature throughout the year is relatively
cool, even during the elsewhere sultry dog-days.

It is eminently an agiicultural region, and coffee is the principal
product. Five years ago, Maricao had become one of the most fiour-
ishing towns in the Island. Its plentiful coffee crops, whose quality
ranked with the best, fetched great profits. Then came the hurricane
of **San Ciriaco," which laid the farms low, and in its wake, the de-
preciation of the product. So the prosperity of the district is a thing
of the past and of the near future. As if to remove traces of its former
good fortune, the town itself was ravaged by fire in 1898. And now
it wistfully looks forward to better times, hoping that the rare climate,
situation, proximity to Mayagiiez, excellent sanitary conditions, tem-
perature and cleanliness will make it the magnificent resort that it
should be for those who seek a cool and pleasant place in the summer
months.

There is an abundant supply of water and the high peak "Mon-
toso" is an attraction for tourists. There are several important business
concerns, seven public schools and a Catholic church, and a hospital.
Its roads leading to the interior of the district and to San German
and Mayag^ez are sure to promote the revival of its agriculture, trades
and industries, as soon as they are substantially repaired.

191

MAYAGtEZ.

In 1763 Mayagtlez (?ame into existence under the advocation of
"Nuestra Seflora de la Candelaria de MayagUez" (Our Lady of Candle-
mas of Mayagtlez), within the jurisdiction of San Germdn, on the
Western coast of the Island. It was built where a hamlet stood since
1680, on a slope of " Las Mesas '* mountains, next to the river Yagtlez,
upon six '*cuerdas" of land (almost six acres) donated by several
neighbors to the community. In 1836, at the request of all the inhab-
itants of the place, then grown considerably in size and population,
its secession from the mimicipality of San Germdn was granted by
the Government at Madrid, and so Mayagtlez became a "Villa" (large
village or lesser town), with its own council of aldermen, in its own
municipality.

In that same year, its dock and public wai'ehouse were built by
the council, with municipal resources supplemented by private ones
furaished by a board of merchants, and at a cost of over $19,000.00.
In the succeeding years, the expense of maintenance and repair of
these harbor improvements was defrayed by the municipality, even
after 1886, when the Board of Harbor Works took charge of them.
After having been redelivered to the municipality in 1898, the Amer-
ican Government, in 1901, took possession of the said structures.

In 1841, a conflagration almost destroyed the town. It is referred
to as the big fire, **el fuego grande." More than six hundred houses
were reduced to cinders, only ten or twelve being left unbumed. Yet
such was the state of prosperity then enjoyed by the inhabitants that
in two years the whole town was rebuilt and every trace of the havoc
had disappeared ; the new town being superior to the former one in
the straightness and width of its neatly paved streets, whose sidewalks
are spacious and in good condition, and in the generally beautiful
aspect of its dwellings. Likewise another large fire in 1852 and several
smaller ones thereafter have been conducive to this improvement by
re-edification and enlargement.

Upon the occasion of the great fire. General Mendez Vigo do-
nated to the municipality, out of the Insular funds, 20,000 pesos,
to succor the poor who were burned out of their homes. The Mu-
nicipal Council then, as a token of gratitude for the generous gift,
conferred the name of that Governor General upon the principal
street, which still bears it, and continues to be the largest and most
frequented thoroughfare of the town, where elegant residences of the
elite of the cultured society of MayagUez have been reared, alongside
of splendid public edifices.

In 1845 was finished the construction of the city's fine city hall,
one of the best in the Island. In it are located the municipal offices,
the Public Library, the Emergency Hospital and the Firemen's Park,
and there the Justice of the Peace, the Municipal Judge, the local
Board of Health and the local Board of Education have their offices.

In 1848, the reservoir and distributing pipes began to furnish their
supply of water from the river, to nearly all the buildings in the town.
In 1849, the jail and the military barracks were inaugurated. Both

192

are brick and mortar buildings of large size. The latter can lodge
1,000 men, and has comfortable quarters for the staff and for all
the offices and dependencies of such a force. In 1860, the Spanish
philanthropist Mr. Antonio Blanes, donated the Civil Hospital to the
municipality. It was named " de San Antonio " to honor the memory
of the donor. In that same year, the market place, a large and com-
modious iron-frame and masonry structure, and the public slaughter-
house, also a masonry building, were erected. In 1870, the cemetery,
a fine one, was opened to the public. In it magnificent tombs have
been raised. It is on the outskirts of the town, almost contiguous to
the high-road leading to San Germdn. In 1872, the public library was
established by private gifts, with more than 1,500 volumes. Its founder
was Mr. Kafael Bofill Correa, who donated it to the municipality. It
now contains 6,000 volumes. In 1873, MayagUez, till then a "Villa,'*
was raised to the category of a city by a Decree of the Spanish Na-
tional Congress. In 1895, the asylum for the poor was opened for the
public. It is a vast masonry building, where at present more than one
hundred sick poor find shelter. From 1896 to 1897, the town of Hor-
migueros and its jurisdiction were annexed to this municipality.

Mayagtiez owes a debt of gratitude, and takes every occasion to
acknowledge it, to the public spirited Mr. Salvador Suau, who was
alcalde of the city in Spanish times, for many of its important build-
ings and institutions ; not only is the Asylum for the Poor, already
noticed, due to his influence and exertions, but also two handsome
iron bridges across the Yagdez river; a fine square, appropriately
known as Flower square; another beautiful one called Columbus
square, adorned with elegant statues, and having that of the immortal
discoverer in its center ; a third square, facing the jail ; the enlargement
and completion of the city hall ; the spacious theatre, and several other
improvements, are all due to his untiring zeal in procuring their ac-
quisition by the city ; whence his name is affectionately remembered
by its citizens.

Besides the noticeable attractions mentioned, there is another
square, also in excellent condition ; the municipal police headquarters;
a Catholic church ; a Presbyterian mission ; and two Catholic chapels,
one in San Antonio Hospital, and the other at the Asylum for the
Poor. There is a station of the Ameri(;an Kailroad in this town, and
a horse-car line in the city, running through the principal streets
and connecting it with the port or playa.

MayagUez is also the location of the United States Agilcultural
Station.

The city now descends as far as the shore. Its spacious harbor,
which affords a safe anchorage to large vessels, is frequently visited
by steamers coming from all parts of the w^orld.

The real estate, including the agricultural property, is estimated to
be worth $5,000,000. The jurisdiction has a number of sugar estates,
coffee plantations, and fruit groves. There are few industries, the
principal ones being the manufacture of sugar, tobacco and chocolate.
It has forty-two public schools. The total population of the jurisdic-
tion is about 39,000 ; that of the town itself about 15,000.

W
O

l-H

193

MOROVIS.

Morovis i8 situated in tlie interior and towards the Northern side
of the Island. It is bounded on the East by Corozal; on the North
by Vega Baja and Manatf ; on the South by Barros ; and on the West
by Ciales.

The town is distant about 52 kilometers from San Juan. It is
composed of 14 barrios, (wards) namely :— Pueblo, Monte Llano,
Unibon, Cuehillas, Morovis-Sud, San Lorenzo, Perchas, Rio Grande,
Panto, Vaga, Torreeillas, Jranque, Barahona, and Morovis-Norte.
The town is situated on an area of sixty-one acres donated by the
philanthropic Don Evangelisto Rivera. It was founded in 1818 and
bears an Indian name.

Most of the houses are finely constructed with native wood and
shingles, and with zinc roofing. The jurisdiction has a population of
11,309 inhabitants according to the last census, of which 5,672 are
males and 5,639 are females. There are 537 rural estates over an area
of 24,250 acres, of which 6,026 are cultivated, 972 are woodland, and
1,868 are forests. There are 1,765 habitations and 516 cisterns in the
town.

The budget for the present fiscal year amounts to $6,083.92. In
judicial matters Morovis depends from the District couit of Arecibo.
There are three public offices : The Mayor's office, which has under
its charge the administrative matters; the Municipal court for the
trial of civil cases; and a Justice's court to try petty criminal cases.
The only church is of the Catholic creed as all the inhabitants are
Catholics. There is a resident priest and a Catholic cemetery.

Several rivers irrigate the country, among them the Rio Grande,
which has its source between the jurisdiction of Barranquitas and
Barros, through which it runs from South to West, and after taking
the name of Rio Manati, empties itself out on the North in the Atlan-
tic Ocean. This river's affluents are Barrancas, Canabo, Barros, Pe-
Uejas, and Mana, and for this reason it is considered as one of the
most important of the Island.

The wards of Perchas, Pasto, and Vagas are contained in one of
the ranges of the mountains which divide the Island from North to
South, and which, for the heights of its slopes, is considered the most
rugged of the jurisdiction. The soil is very fertile.

In the properties actually owned by Don C^ndido Corrada and
Don Pedro Jos^ Rivera, Jr., in Unibon, there are to be seen two stone
caves of some importance, one of which is in the form of a parallelo-
gram and looks like a church. It is very possible at some past period
it was the abode of the original inhabitants of the Island. The other
cave lengthens out and inclines on one side until it descends to a
small brook which runs across it. Many extraordinary and remark-
able stalactites and stalagmites are to be seen in these caves. In
the barrio of Perchas, on the estate of Don Francisco Guerrero, a
beautiful pictur*^ is presented by the cascades flowing from the small
river **Sana-Muertos" with a fall of over twenty meters.

The principal source of wealth in Morovis is coffee, which, although
it was destroyed by the hunicane in 1899, is again thriving in many

194

plantations. There are also tobacco plantations and a sugar estate,
while many kinds of fruits are produced and there is also some stock
raising. The sanitary condition is very good, the constant breezes
which blow from the East and Southeast keeping the air cool and
pleasant. The waters are excellent, excepting those from Moravis-
Norte, Jranque, and Barahona, which are brackish, owing to the
condition of the soil.

The poor people suffer mainly from anaemia, on account of bad
nourishment and the scanty shelter in their huts. There is a pharmacy,
and a health inspector ; and there are ten schools, namely : — three graded
in the town, and seven in the country, which are well attended by many
children of both sexes. The industries of Morovis include a still for dis-
tilling rum, three bakeries, numerous stores, a public slaughter-house,
a meat-market, and a husking and polishing machine. There are two
squares, one of which has four gardens and is well lighted at night.
The town is surrounded by a small river named Morovis, which runs
from North to South at a distance of about fifty meters, and from
which the town gets its water supply.

NAGUABO.

This town, bearing an Indian name, was founded in 1794. It has
extensive plains, irrigated by the Rivera Blanco, Daguao and Santiago,
and a great many rivulets and ravines. It is situated in the Eastern
part of Porto Rico between the towns of Fajardo and Humacao.

Its soil ranks with the best on the Island, its heights as well as its
plains being very fertile and equally adapted for the cultivation of
sugar-cane, coffee, rice, and other kinds of fruit.

Several experiments made in the planting of tobacco, tend to show
that this precious leaf could be successfully cultivated in this region.

It has a convenient and sheltered port and owing to its natiu^
conditions, it is reputed to be one of the first ports in the Island.
This port, with a very little dredging, could be made accessible to large
draft vessels.

Notwithstanding these excellent and natural conditions it is to be
greatly deplored that the means of communication are so poor, espec-
ially in regard to the opening and construction of a roadway which
beginning at this town would traverse the fertile regions of the wards
of Rio Blanco, Jiuisdiction of Piedras, reaching the town of Juncos,
and making a junction there with the Military road, putting this town
in communication with several other towns, expecially with the city
of San Juan, with which place the commercial interests of Naguabo
are intimately connected.

The population of the municipality is, according to the last census,
10,873 inhabitants, and besides those in the town proper, the others are
scattered in the following wards :— Rio Blanco ( village) XJcares (vil-
lage) Daguao (village) Santiago y Lima, Rio, Maizales, Pefla Pobre,
Daguao, Mariana, Duque.

The municipality has the following schools:— In Pueblo, two
graded schools, one in English ; in Ucares, two rural schools ; in Ba-
rrio Mariana, one rural school ; in Daguao, one rural school ; in Mai-

195

zales, one rural school ; in Rio Blanco, two rural schools ; in Pefia Po-
bre, one rural school.

PATILLAS.

Patillas, meaning '* Watermelons/* was founded in 1878. It is
situated in the South-eastern portion of the Island, very near the sea-
coast, and has a population of 11,163 inhabitants. The jurisdiction
covers an area of 40,000 acres, divided into seventeen wards. The
climate is propitious though subject to occasional droughts. There is
no permanent, effectual plant for extensive irrigation for the protection
of agriculture, the principal source of wealth. The Patillas river, which
flows through fields, where grass is parched in certain years, but
sparingly remedies the evil. ' Against such odds, however, the sugar-
cane industry thrives as is shown by an important "central'* factory
and two other large plantations and annexed sugar mills, one of which
is also about to be developed into a "central."

Vast coffee crops of great value were ruined by the hurricane of
August 8th, 1898. They are slowly and laboriously being raised again,
though hindered by the subsequent discouraging fall in the price of
this berry throughout the world, and the lack of active demand, such
as it once enjoyed, of the Island's fine quality of this product, which
was considered second only to Mocha coffee.

In the town there is a small reservoir, which keeps the inhabitants
supplied with drinking water that otherwise would have to be brought
from a great distance. There is a Catholic church here, as in all the
other towns of the Island. The town hall belongs to the municipality
and also the houses where the schools of the urban wards are located.
The number of public schools in the jurisdiction has been increased
to nine in the last year. The project is under way to have more of
them established, of such types as shall be most adequate, and the
schools transferred to special buildings constructed by the Depart-
ment of Education. The sanitary condition of the district is good.

The development of the local resources is obstructed by the lack
of communication. An advance in this respect is that $10,000 have
been appropriated by the Insular government for the construction of
a much needed road leading to the near town of Arroyo, under the
direction of the Bureau of Public Works.

On account of the losses inflicted by the hurric<ane alluded to*
municipal taxes were remitted to an extent incompatible with the im-
mediate solvency of this municipality. However, its indebtedness is
being gradually paid off, so that, if all its outstanding credits could
be collected, its deficiency for the present fiscal year would only
amount t<^) two dollars and ninety-nine cents.

PONCE.

According to the most authorized opinions, this municipality,
(named after Ponce do Leon) was founded in 1752, although since
1692 a parish had been established there, subject to the Vicarship of
Coamo. That the first settlers proceeded from San German and
Aguadais the prevalent version. Among those by whose endeavors

196

the foundation of Ponce was accomplished, Captains Enrique Salazar
and Miguel del Toro were conspicuous by their strenuous assistance.

From being a ** Pueblo'* (village) it was raised in 1848 to the con-
dition of ** Villa" (town) when the Spanish general, Juan Prim, Count
of Reus, was governor of the Island. In 1878 it was made a city. Its
first school for boys was founded in 1820, and in that year the village
was extensively ravaged by fire.

In 1846, Ponce was the head of the district bearing the same name.
It has had a municipal council since 1812. In 1821, a Court of First
Instance was instituted, but it was abolished in 1823. In 1828 the
Military Commander of the Department was appointed Deputy High
Justice of the same. (Teniente Justicia Mayor) In 1831 an alcalde
(mayor) was appointed to substitute the Deputy High Justice, and
since 1836 the office of the Judge of First Instance, which like all such
in the Island, had been suppressed in 1823, was re-established along
with the others.

In 1764, when the corps of trained Insular militiamen was created
in the Island, a Post-commander was assigned to Ponce as head-
quarters of that department. This office was continued until 1816,
when the station was superseded by the creation of the office of the
local Military Commander. Later on, in 1823, that of Military Com-
mander of the Department was established, having its headquarters
in the same place. In 1813, the office of Collector of Customs was
instituted. A post-office existed in Ponce in 1822 and 1823 ; it was then
suppressed and was not re-established until 1841. In 1852 the first
newspaper edited in the town was issued, being named the " Ponceiio."

The public schools of the district are attended by 3,823 children, or
about 50 per cent, of the 7,714 within the municipality, which ai'e
estimated to be of school age. The municipality comprises seven
urban wards, of which four lie within the city, and the three remaining
are :— Playa, PefLuelas, and Guayanilla. The last two were formerly
municipalities by themselves, but were annexed to it in July, 1902.
The city is situated on the Southern coast of the Island, nearly half a
league inland ; but it comprises another town adjoining the harbor
and considered now as an extension of the city proper.

The municipality as it is now constituted, is bounded by Yauco,
Adjuntas, Juana Diaz, Barros, and Utuado. In 1824 it had 9,868
inhabitants. In 1828 they were 14,927. Now it has about 78,000, of
which 25,000 reside within the city. Its wealth was estimated, in the
year 1828, at 1,275,959 pesos, and its products at 438,018 pesos. (Later
valuations state its wealth as having increased to $12,021,115.00.) The
total amount of its taxes in 1828 was 18,658 pesos.

There are within this municipality, at a quarter of a league from
the city proper, some thermal springs known as the **Quintana
Baths." The rural wards of Ponce are :--Portugues, Maruefio, Ma-
gOeyes, Maraguez, Vayas, San Anton, Capitanejo, Machuelo Arriba,
Machuelo Aba jo, Montes Llanos, Coto, Real, Cerrillos, Quebrada
Lim6n, Bucand, Sabanetas, An6n, Tibes, Guaraguaos, Tallaboa 8a-
liente, Rucio, Encarnaci6n, Jagua; (de Peiiuelas), Macan^, Santo
Domingo, Coto, Quebrada Ceiba, Tallaboa Poniente, Cue vas Tallaboa-

197

Alta, Barreal, Playa, Magas, Indies, Boca, Jagud; (de GuayaniUa)
Quebradas, CJonsejo, Llano, Macan^, Barrero, Sierra-baja, Pasto,
Quebrada-Honda, and Jagua Pasto.

It has the following squares :— "Principal," "de las Delicias," (of
Delights) ** del Mercado,*' (Market) "del Cuartel," (Barracks) "de la
Aboliei6n," "de laPlaya," (Beach) "de Pefluelas," and "de GuayaniUa."
Its public buildings are :— The town hall, the jail, seven cemeteries,
the roofed market place, the slaughter-house, the Arab kiosk, the
firemen's park, the "Tricoche" asylum, the civil hospital, the aque-
duct, the military barracks, the office of the Captain of the Port, the
Custom house, the theatre, the "Cr6dito" bank, four Catholic churches,
(including those of PefLuelas and GuayaniUa) several Protestant
churches, the railway station, the electric car station, the electric light
plant, a gasometer, (now useless) the insane asylum and the school
house at Vives street. There are also a charitable institution known
as the Ladies' Asylum, and a home for the indigent and the aged.
Two newspapers, "The Puerto Rico Eagle" and "The Catholic Ideal"
are published in this city.

On July 26th, 1898, the news came to Ponce that the American
squadron had cast anchor at Gudnica bay, in the jurisdiction of
Yauco. Very soon the shriU clarions' alarm and the stir and flurry
among the regular troops which garrisoned the city as well as among
the Spanish volunteers, and all who cherished the wish for the con-
tinuance of tlje Spanish domination, heralded the tidings so moment-
ous for Ponce. Naturally enough, all the people of this community
took the liveliest interest in the impending outcome ; some, because
they regretted the loss of what they had retained during four cen-
turies, but which now they felt slipping from their hands ; others, be-
cause they impatiently expected a change that meant a most glad-
dening future of prosperity for Porto Rico. Some troops went out
towards Gudnica in a preposterous effort to stop the invading forces.
The remaining inhabitants prepared themselves for the change,
dreaded by some, eagerly anticipated by others. On the afternoon
of the 27th of July, 1898, the same American squadron anchored in
the harbor of Ponce, bringing numerous troops which landed on the
morning of the 28th, and which were most cordially and enthusias-
ticaUy welcomed by Ponce. They took possession of the city after
having entered into an agreement with the Spanish forces, piu*suant
to which truce the latter withdrew in the direction of Aibonito.

On August 8th, 1899, Ponce and vicinity were visited by a disas-
trous hurricane, destructive floods supervening. There were hundreds
of victims, most of whose corpses were recovered and buried in the
municipal cemeteries. This cyclone ruined many families and dealt
an almost deadly blow to agriculture, especially to coffee plantations,
which have not yet rallied from the shock.

RIO GRANDE.

Rio Grande means "Big River." This town is situated in the
Northern part of the Island at some distance from the coast, in a very
fertile region producing principally sugar-cane and coffee.

198

The founding of the town dates from 1840, at which time Field
Marshal Don Miguel Lopez Bafios was Governor General of the
Island, and was effected by its separation from the municipality of
Loiza at the request of several citizens, by condemning property
owned by Don Juan Cesdreo Rodriguez. The authority to found the
town was given to Don Antonio Granados by the following:— Don Ma-
* nuel Matos, Lucas Correa, Carlos Bamires, Antonio Quiflones, Jose
Dolores Matos, Francisco Matos, Antonio CoiTea, Pedro Correa, Jose
£ncarnaci6n Correa, Pedro Quifiones, Antonio Estrella, Ildefonso
Quiflones, Marcos Vazquez, Felipe Ortiz and Miguel Arroyo. The
River Herrera was established as a boundary line, between the old
municipality of Loiza, and the new one of Rio Grande, and the town
constituted itself with four *' barrios** named Rio Grande, Cienega,
Zarzal, and Mameyes.

In 1842, Don Santiago de Mendez Vigo, Governor General, ap-
proved plans for the construction of the church, the jail, the parish
house, and the cemetery, and the works were finished in 1846, the Cap-
tain Founder being Don Jose Tomas Sarraga and the Governor of the
Island, the Count de Mirasol. The first Captain Founder was Don
Pedro Correa, and about the end of the year 1846, Don Alonso Delgado
was appointed first War Officer of the town, the position of Captain
Founder being abolished.

In 1898 Rio Grande was the last town taken possession of by the
American Government.

During the Spanish rule this- town remained stationary for many
years with no one specially looking after its organization or its im-
provement and material and moral progress ; to day, the roadways are
improved, the streets have been repaired, the square, of which the
town was in great need, is being constructed ; a system of sewage has
been established and slaughter-houses and meat-markets built ; and
there is at present in course of construction a stone school-house of
two stories. Soon the telegraph station will be again established, and
a new town hall is being contemplated.

Through the consolidation of municipal districts, the municipality
of Loiza forms an integral part of this town, and this makes Rio
Grande one of the most extensive jurisdictions of the Island, and with
a population of 25,00() inhabitants.

RIO PIEDRAS.

Although the foundation of this town dates from the year 1714,
Rio Piedras ( Stony River ) led a latent existence until 1824, when the
site necessary for its growth was acquired and provided by the Ayun-
tamiento. In 1876, the six wards of the suppressed municipality of
Guainabo were annexed to it. The municipality of Rio Piedras is
bounded by those of San Juan, Caguas, Carolina, Aguas Buenas and
Bayamon. Through its jurisdiction flows the River "Piedras,** from
which, passing though a reservoir, ( the aqueduct ) water is piped to
supply the Capital and its suburbs.

The town is traversed by the Island's central highway, from which

199

another road leads to Fajardo. It produces sugar-cane, coffee and all
the minor fruits of the tropics.

The circumstances of this town being so immediate to and so easy
of access from the Capital wanants the expectation of its attaining
great progress in the near future. By reason of its advantageous site
and healthful climate the most important educational institutions in
the Island have been established there, and in it will be erected the
University of Porto Rico, of which the Normal School is now the
nucleus.

SABANA GRANDE.

This town is situated on the South side of the Island. It was
established in the year 1814, and is one of the healthiest places in the
Island, owing to its advantageous geographical situation and delight-
ful climate. It is an eminently agricultural community, where coffee,
sugar-cane, tobacco and all the principal products of the Island are
raised. Its main industry is the manufacture of petates, a sort of
straw, mattress. Th«re are 13 public schools attended by nearly 600
children, four-fifths of the children of school age in the district. The
municipal corporation occupies a building of its own, in which are
also located the jail, the offices of the judge, the civil registry, the
police court and municipal treasiu*y. One of the prominent buildings
of the town is the Masonic temple. There is a Catholic church, a
public slaughter-house, a meat-market, a small hospital, and two cem-
eteries, one of which belongs to the Masonic fraternity "Igualdad."
The city has presented the People of Porto Rico with an acre of land
for a school of agriculture. There are 1,000 farmers who delight in
the fact that they own their farms. The working class has organized
a society called "Circulo de Obreros y Trabaj adores." The popula-
tion of Sabana Grande is approximately 11,000. The name Sabana
Grande means " big meadow " or ** large plain.'*

SAN GERMAN.

Although no official data is found in the records of this munic-
ipality as to the exact date of the founding of this town, various his-
torians agree that it is the second town of the Island and its establish-
ment dates from the year 1517. It was attacked and destroyed by the
French in 1528, but was rebuilt. It was attacked again by the
English in 1748, who landed by the magnificent port of Gudnica ; but
they were repulsed and forced to re-embark at the same port.

There is an ancient church of the Barefooted Dominican Friars
<?alled "Convento de Portacelis," which was built in the year 1538.
This convent vouchsafes the antiquity of the town.

San German at one time occupied a vast and rich extent of land,
and it is said that in the past it was bounded on the North by Arecibo,
and on the East by Ponce. By a Royal Order of June 15th, 1877, it
was raised to the rank of city.

More for political reasons than for convenience the villages of Sa-
bana Grande, Maricao, Hormigueros and the wards of Rio Prieto, In-
•dieras, and Gudnica were set apart, and about 1883, the village of Lajas

200

was also saparated, there remaining but 20,246 inliabitants in the town,
according to the last census, with 18 rural divisions, with an urban
population divided into three districts, Eastern, Central and Western.
It has good stone buildings, among which are the town hall with two
stories, where all the municipal departments are established, court-
houses, emergency hospital, deposit for prisoners, and a regular public
municipal library.

Another building constructed by the Insular Treasury, called
'* Longfellow," is situated on lands which were ceded by the munic-
ipality ; it has two stories in which are located five schools. Another
two-storied building bequeathed to the municipality by the deceased
Dofla Antonia Martinez, for schools, is occupied by eight educational
institutions ; another one-storied building for the accommodation of
troops is the property of the municipality ; another building used as a
meat-market, and another one on the outside of the town for a
slaughter-house. The town has a good charity hospital and three
Catholic churches, in addition to which there are a large number of fine
looking buildings belonging to private individuals. The commerce of
Han Germdn is very prosperous and with the termination of the rail-
road a brilliant future is in store for this town.

SAN JUAN

The municipality of San Juan is nearly four centuries old. In
November, 1511, the Royal Charter, or the letters patent, arrived, con-
stitutive of the '* Ayuntamiento " (council) of San Juan, giving the
name of *'City " to the place which theretofore had been denominated
the ** Villa" (town) of Caparra. This was at that time a small town,
built by the Spanish settlers on the South shore of the bay, and the
site of whose ruins is discussed, it being thought by some that no
trace of them remains after the lapse of almost four centuries.

The charter designated the corporation that was to administer the
city's affairs as^Concejo regimiento "( council management ) and it
created eight officers which constituted the latter, as follows :- Presi-
dent, Alcalde, Treasurer, Inspector, ( Veedor) Comptroller, (Contador )
Commissary, ( Factor) and two Aldermen, ( Regidores ) the latter to be
chosen from among the citizens of San Juan.

Together with the charter there came the concession of a coat of
arms for Porto Rico, and its detailed description. This coat of arms,
representing, on a field of vert, bearing on either side the letters F. I.
(for their Catholic majesties, Ferdinand and Isabella) a lamb (argent)
couchant upon a closed book ( gules ) with seals unopened, said lamb
bearing the banner emblematic of St. John the Baptist. Said blazon
was hardly ever correctly reproduced, and its spurious substitution by
a lamb standing on a rock surrounded by the sea has been prevalent,
until the present new coat of arms was adopted by the government.

The only functions intrusted to the "Concejo Regimiento" were
those of information and petition, but it had no initiative. Such in-
formation and petitions were to be made to the Governor of the "Es-
paiiola Island, or to the Crown, through the Attorney, who was Mr.
Pedro Moreno when the said **Conceio Regimiento" was constituted.

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201

The admiiiistratiou of justice was committeci to Cristobal de 8oto-
mayor. Juan Pence de Leon, who, for the time being, was at the head
of everything in the Island, was appointed alderman for life, and his
heirs were entitled to inherit said prerogative **for two lifetimes."

Endemic diseases, difficulties of transportation, and the ant-
plague, which proved a dire calamity, all eventuated against the
Caparra settlement so unfavorably that the council determined to
remove the site of the city across the harbor, to the islet lying North
of them.

This project was opposed by the **Adelantado,** Juan Ponce de Leon,
who exerted all his efforts and influence to thwart it, either for the
reason that he had built his own stone dwelling house at Caparra, and
the mining establishments were kxrated there, or else for the sake of not
having to go farther away from his fields, or perhaps because in his
old age he had a fancy for that settlement, and doted on having his
name perpetuated in it as the scenes of his endeavors and hazards.

However, the council and the men of ascendency, supported by
the Jerome fiiars, and also by the important report rendered by
Licentiate Sancho Velazquez, upon Royal request, obtained, in the
year 1520, the resolution of having the city of San Juan transferred
from its site at Caparra, to the islet where it now stands as the Capital
of Porto Rico. Now, when three hundred and eighty-three years
have passed after that transfer, the wisdom of the change is still fully
demonstrated, San Juan being the center of industnal undertakings,
progress, and culture. In it are 12 educational institutions, a fine
theatre, 7 hospitals, 11 Catholic churches, 10 churches of other denom-
inations, (i asylums, 2 historical monuments and statues, 2 memorial
slabs, 6 squares, and 2 public walks. Among its public buildings of
note, there are some showing architectural good taste. The city
streets are straight, and mostly well paved. It has an aqueduct,
owned by the municipality, but located at Rio Piedras ; two electric
light plants, and an electric railway ; and it is connected by a superb
highway with an important and picturesque suburb called Santurce,
where the well-to-do enjoy the delightful climate and the comfort of
the best American summer resorts.

The population of the municipal district is 32,000 inhabitants.
The wealth of its buildings is estimated at $16,000,000.00, and its
schools are attended by nearly 2,500 children. By the next fiscal
year there will be four more schools instituted.

The history of the forts of San Juan is full of interest. The first
castle built in the capital was the Santa Catalina fort, the construction
of which was begun in 1533. It was a platform with 1\ye bronze can-
non. Governor La Mota, in 1639, transformed the fort into a mansion
for government use and it then (teased to be called the stronghold
and was termed the fortress (la Forteleza) de Santa Catalina. (St. Cath-
erine) By a Royal Order of November 22nd, 1822, it became the
exclusive residencje of the Captain-General and Governors of the
Island. This explicit Royal Order was obtained by Commander Jose
NavaiTo, who lodged at the said fortress as the Military Chief of the
Island, and thus the claim of Mr. Francisco Gonzalez de Linares, the

1606—14

202

first "Political Chief*' (Civil Governor) who wanted to occupy the
building, was settled, there having taken place at the time a division
of authority, between a civil and a military commander ; and hence
the predicament, decided in favor of the military.

Where the **Morro" Castle (morro means proboscis, snout) is
now situated, there was at first a cubical battery and a bastion termed
the "Morrillo." (the small nozzle) In 1584, the chief engineer, Juan
H61i, who came accompanying the Governor of Cuba, Mr. Ferdinand
Tejada, traced the plan or project of the "Morro," then called "San
Felipe del Morro." In 1599 the construction was going on, when
Governor Alonso del Mercado had a "Cavalier" constructed and
ornamented with the coat-of-arms which he had received from King
Felipe II, and which was an arm with a sword jutting out of a ravelin.
In the ensuing years more works of fortification were added.

In 1608, the small "Boqueron" (large mouth) fort was built, and
the fortlet of "San Antonio." The latter, a glorious memento of the
brilliant defense of the same achieved by the Porto Bican Captain,
Ma>scar6, against the Biitish in 1797, was destroyed in 1897 to make
room for the iron bridge now on that site. The " Boqueron" fort is
now called the Castle of San Geronimo (San Gerome.) At about
the same time was built the "Torreon del Cafiuelo," (tower of the
vsmall channel) under the name of "San Juan de la Cruz" (St. John of
the Cross) fronting the entrance to the river Bayam6n. The walls
around the Capital began to be built in 1631, and were finished in 1635.
The St. Christopher castle, (Castillo de San Cristobal) was begun at
the same time as the walls. It was reconstructed in 1775, and finished
with the building of the "Fuerte del Abanico," (the Fan Fortress)
in 1771.

Among the oldest buildings of the Capital are the convent of
*' Santo Domingo" (1523); "Casa Blanca" (1525); church of "San
Jos^" (1523), formerly called of " Santo Tomds de Aquino ;" the Cathe-
dral (1540); the convent of "San Francisco" (1642); the Episcopal
Palace (1738); the convent of Carmelite nuns (1646); and the City
hall (1796). The other public buildings belong to the nineteenth
century.

The remains of Ponce de Leon ai'e kept in the convent of Santo
Domingo.

SAN LOBENZO.

The town of San Lorenzo of Hato Grande was founded in 1811, and
stands upon an area of about 40 acres of land, being situated in a fine
topographical position. The town is surrounded by the stream Loiza,
looking towards the South, East, and North, and is bounded on the
East by a range of rugged mountains, while to the North and part
of the West there is a splendid valley. The town is much refreshed
by continuous breezes; has a very fertile soil and healthy climate ;
and is one of the most extensive jurisdictions of the Island. To the
East, lie Piedras and Humacao ; to the West, Caguas and Cayey ; to the
North, Juncos and Gurabo ; and to the South, Patillas and Yabucoa.
The town is divided into twelve barrios (wards) named town "N,"

203

and town **8," Huto, Quemado, Jagual, Caya^uez, Quebmda Honda,
Kspino, Quebrada Arenas, Cerro Gordo, Florida and Quebnvda.

The total population is estimated at 14,000. Very near to the town
in the ward of Quebrada and on the property of Don Ulpiano Vald^s
there are to be found medicinal waters and thermo-rainerals, and
minerals are found in the grounds of Don Joaquin Ramos. In the
barrio ( ward i of Florida and in the property of Don Francisco Rodri-
guez there are layers of sulphate of (topper and quarries of slate.
Iron veins are seen in the rural properties of Don Francisco Sdnchez
and Don Jose Buxo y Banart.

The town hall is the property of the municipality, as are the Cath-
olic church, the meat-market and slaughter-house, all stone-built.
There is also a very large hospital for the poor, constructed with
native timber.

At present Han Lorenzo has no means of communication. For
many years Road No. 5 has been in the course of construction, lead-
ing from Caguas to Humacao, and passing through this town. Another
road is contemplated which will connect San Lorenzo with Patillas,
and should the government decide to construct it, it would be the
means of raising the agricultiu*al industry which owed its downfall
to the want of means of transportation.

Last year was annexed to this municipality that of Juncos, which
is an imiK)rtant place with a population of 8,400 inhabitants, divided
in ten wards.

SAN SEBASTIAN.

This town according to the geography of Porto Rico was founded
in 1752; its first name was **Pepino" (the Cucumber) and it was so
known until January 15th, 1869, when it was changed to San Sebas-
tian in honor of its patron Saint, by concession made by the Spanish
Minister of Foreign Affairs at that time. The first church was built
in 1759.

According to the last census, taken in 1899, this municipality had
16,412 inhabitants distributed as follows :— Its urban population, the
town proper, was composed of two wards with 1,700 inhabitants, and
its rural population of 23 wards with 14,712 inhabitants.

In 1898 it depended upon Aguadilla for military and judicial mat-
ters, and upon the Vicarage of Aguada concerning religious affairs.
Its jurisdiction contains all the wards of Bajo, Mamey, Salto, Aibonito,
Roble, Guajataca, Hoya Mala, Enea, Cibao, Piedras, Blancas, Jun-
cal, Magos, Cidral, Calabazas, Culebrinas, Sonador, Perehas, Gua-
cio, Alto Sana, Mirabales, Guatemala, Pozas, and Hato Arriba.

The most important means of communication is Road No. 8,
connecting with the towns of Moca and Aguadilla. There is also
another road in process of construction leading to Lares, and several
small cart roads, one of which leads to Moca, and the other to Aflasco.

There is a narrow gauge railway from Alto Sano to Afiasco. The
sanitary condition of the town is very good. There are seven publi<*
schools and a Catholic church. Coffee and sugar-cane are the main
products raised here, although all kinds of fruits and vegetables are

204

cultivated to a great extent. The town is supplied with water from the
Culebrinas river, but some private families have cisterns in their
residences where they gather rain water for drinking and other pur-
poses.

SANTA ISABEL.

This town was established in 1842, and its first municipality was
formed on the 15th of October of the same year, when, by order of
General Don Santiago Mendez Vigo, Governor of the Island at that
time, it was separated from the mimicipality of Coamo to which it
belonged. By the same act the first municipal council was duly
constituted and formed by citizens Don Jos6 Maria Col6n, Don Vi-
cente Col6n Pacheco, Don Jos6 Placido Ramon CJolon, Don Juan Jose
Cabrera, Don Gaspar Alomar, and Don Francisco Famania.

Santa Isabel is a neat little town situated in the Southern part of
Porto Rico, with fine flower gardens overlooking the beautiful Cath-
olic church. It has a population of 4,858 inhabitants, and a superficial
area of 22,000 acres. The soil of this region is very rich and well irri-
gated by means of a canal which takes the water from the Coamo
river. There are spacious meadows used for pasturages where large
herds of cattle graze. All the tropical fruits, besides sugar-cane and
tobacco, are grown in large quantities. There are three public
schools, one of which is a kindergarten.

TOA ALTA.

The town of Toa Alto was established as a village in 1757. In 1902
the municipal districts of Corozal and Dorado were annexed to its
jurisdiction, the aggi*egate being now a municipality having a popu-
lation of 23,220 inhabitants. Its many ample pastiuages along the
**Plata'* (silver) river, which flows through it, bountifully enriching
the soil, are chiefly api)lied to cattle raising, the predominating in-
dustry. Sugar-cane is cultivated to some extent in the upper lands,
and quite abundantly in the Dorado plains below. While coffee is
the most important cultivation in the highlands of Corozal, choice
tobacco is raised in the original Toa Alta section, and there are
indications that cotton growing is about to be diligently carried on
there. Minor fruits, such as are usually grown in the tropics, are also
plentiful. The placers of Corozal are widely known for the gold sands
and even small nuggets, carried by the Corozal river and found in the
low grounds bordering its rich bed. The total wealth of the Toa Alta
section is put at $330,653.00 and that of the Corozal section at
$358,312.00. The value of the land is estimated thus :— Toa Alta section,
$213,516.00; Corozal section, $233,452.00; Dorado section, $269,619.00;
Total, $716,587.00.

UTUADO.

Situated in the center of the Island, this municipality has an area
of 142 square miles, and a population of 43,860 inhabitants. There are
in all twenty-four public schools, eleven of which are scattered
through the rural districts. It has a municipal hospital, a Catholic
church, and an aqueduct for the city's water supply. There are two

205

good macadam roads traversing this jurisdiction. The principal pro-
duct is coffee, for the preparation of which there is a large mill in the
town. The raising and manufactture of tobacco constitutes the prin-
cipal industry. Utuado was founded in 1739.

VEGA BAJA.

The town of Vega Baja was founded in 1776 as Naranjal, or
**Orange Grove," and its jurisdiction was divided into fourteen barrios
(wards) with a total of 9,780 inhabitants. On September 20th, 1812, the
first municipality was established ; the first war official of the town
being Don Manuel Negr6n. In the elections which took place the
following gentlemen were elected :— Mayor, Don Manuel Joaquin de
Navedo; Ist Alderman, Don Manuel de Jesus Torres; 2nd Alderman,
Don Juan Antonio Negr6n; Recorder, Don Victoriano Santana;
Treasurer, Don Juan de Acevedo ; Secretary, Don Jos6 Lorenzo de
Navedo.

In February, 1853, the building now occupied as a town hall was
erected; in 1861 a wooden bridge called **Las Infantas'' was built
across the River "Cibuco;*' in 1862 the Catholic church was erected;
in 1866 the old cemetery, now abandoned, was constructed ; a telegraph
station was established in 1871, of which valuable adjunct the town is
now deprived ; in 1876 a new cemetery with stone walls was constructed,
but it is no longer used; a depository for the dead was built in
this cemetery in 1884 ; in 1887 a new iron bridge was built across the
River **Cibuco,*' known by the name of **La Vega." In the same
year a masonry building was erected for use as a slaughter-house.
On August 5th, 1888, two courts were established, "The Court of First
Instance" and the ** Examining Court," the presiding judge being Don
Miguel Monreal ; Prosecuting Attorney, Don Victoriano Laguna ; and
as Clerk, Don Jos6 Maria Sanjuan. The first case tried was that
against Jesiis Lopez for the murder of Jose Canales.

ISLAND OF VIEQUES.

The town of Isabel II, Island of Vieques, was founded in 1843.

The administration of the town is vested in a mayor and munic-
ipal council, and the judicial affairs are in charge of a Justice of the
Peace. In the interim between the years 1617 and 1752 the Island
was invaded by foreigners, who were repulsed by the Porto Ricans.

The first Spaniard who visited the Island was the Governor of
Porto Rico, Don Cristobal de Mendoza, in the year 1524.

Vieques has four sugar factories (centrals) and good land for
stock raising, and is endowed with an over-abundant vegetation,
which is to be wondered at, when one considers the fact that it has
no rivers, but only a permanent ravine called "Mulas."

There is in the principal square a large cistern, the property of
the municipality, and from which many citizens get their supply of
water. A pretty stone building has recently been built, which is to
be used as a slaughter-house. Vieques will also shortly have a stone
school building, the cost of which, $11,000.00, is to be defrayed in equal
parts, by the Department of Education and the municipality of

206

Vieques; and repairs are to be begun at onoe on the town hall, the
expense of which is to be paid from municipal funds.

YABUOOA.

This town was founded in 1792, and is situated on the Southeast
side of the Island. It is six kilometers from its port, ten kilometers from
the town of Maunabo, and sixteen from the town of Humacao, on a hill
overlooking one of the prettiest valleys of the Island. The township
is crossed by the Grayanes, Limones, and Ingenio rivers, and has
besides several other streams and brooks. It has a healthful climate,
the temperature ordinarily being very agreeable. The town itself has
a population of 1,838 inhabitants. The total number of inhabitants
of the district is 13,905. There are four public schools, namely :— one
graded, and three primary. Instruction in English is given by a pro-
fessor in all the afore- mentioned schools. There are also four rural
schools, and a Catholic church. The j>oor are furnished free medic^il
attendance and are supplied with medicines by the town. The water
generally used for drinking purposes is brought in barrels from the
Guayanes river and from the brook named Inca. Some houses collect
rain water in cisterns and stand-pipes. The principal products are
sugar, cattle, and a small quantity of rum. Fruits are raised through-
out the district. The town is connected with Humacao by a narrow
cart road. It was totally destroyed during the last cyclone, but has
been almost entirely rebuilt.

YAUCX3.

The town of Yauco, founded in 1756, has today according to the last
official census a population of 27,129 inhabitants, and contains a super-
ficial area of 65,000 acres.

Its principal sources of wealth are derived from the sugar-cane
and coffee plantations. The coflfee which grows in the mountainous
regions, is in a very languishing condition on account of its extreme
depreciation in value, the necessary market for the sale thereof not
having yet been established, and which is required in order for it to
attain its former power. On the other hand the state of the sugar-
cane is very flattering not only for the actual conditions of cultivation
but for the present value of sugar in all the markets.

The tobacco, maize, rice, beans, oranges, plantains, bananas, and
an indefinite quantity of farinaceous roots, which grow in large quan-
tities, are the means which contribute in a powerful manner to sustain
industi-y and commerce, helping at the same time the wants of the
poor people.

There is in the barrio Guanica a large sugai* "central" which
assists materially the development of the agriculture, and furnishes
the livelihood of the working classes, as it gives employment to many
families of Yauco and of neighboring towns.

At a distance of ten kilometers from the center of the town is the
picturesque port of Guanica, equally renowned for its beautiful and
excellent topographical position and for its glorious history on account
of having given a willing and affectionate access to the American

207

troops, under the command of General Miles, on the 25th day of July,
1898, a date ever to be remembered with great rejoicing by the Porto
Bican people.

At present there are many tradesmen and merchants in Yauco,
who have entered successfully into the business of exporting oranges
to the United States. The cultivation of this luscious fruit has in-
creased enormously.

There still exists the practice of cutting down the forests, the
wood being used for mechanical and fancy arts, as well as for fire-
wood and charcoal for domestic (consumption, though there is very
small profit in this business. Should it be extended, however, it
would be highly detrimental to the agricultural interests, already
oppressed by the continuous droughts, one cause of which is the des-
truction of the woodlands. The result of this is that instead of the
country presenting in certain regions the beautiful view of fertile and
green mountains, it only exhibits the desolate appearance of a rocky
and barren waste.

There is at present a station of the American Railway at Pom;e.
Through the extension of this railroad Yauco has been put in com-
munication with San German and MayagQez. A splendid roadway is
being built l)etween Yauco and Sabana Grande, the use of which will
result in an impetus to commerce and industry, and a great many
advantages and commodities to the people.

This district has a fine school building of four departments, and
another is in course of construction for the village of Guanica. There
are twelve schools in the town, and fifteen in the rural districts. There
is a hospital directed by four Sisters of Charity under the supervision
of the Health oflBcer and two assistant physicians, with a helper and
municipal pharmacist, and sulHcient funds for this important branch
of the administration.

Steps are now being taken to carry into effect a loan of $100,000.00,
which has already been approved by the Executive Council. This
loan will be applied to the construction of an aqueduct, an iron mar-
ket-place, and an elect ri(^ plant, works which will no doubt be a source
of large income to the municipality, thus facilitating in the coming
fiscal year the successful administration of municipal affairs. The
budget for the present fiscal year amounts to $46,663.06.

208

ROLL OF MAYORS IN PORTO RICO.

City.

Adjuntas,

Aguada,

Aguadilla,

Aguas Buenas,

Aibonito,

Aiiasco,

Arecibo,

Barros,

Bayam6n,

Cabo Rojo,

Caguas,

Camuy,

Carolina,

Cayey,

Ciales,

Coamo,

Comerio,

Fajardo,

Guayama,

Hato Grande,

Humacao,

Isabela,

Juana Diaz,

Lajas,

Lares,

Las Marias,

Manati,

Maricao,

Mayagiiez,

Morovis,

Naguabo,

Patillas,

Ponce,

Mayors.

Manuel Garastegui Fener.
Jose Ramon Badilla.
Jose M. Deliz.
Buenaventura Diaz.
Ger6nimo Martinez Ortiz,
Augustin Pesante y Paz.
Bernardo Huici y Morin.
Pedro Arroyo Santana.
Juan Mateu Garcia.
Ulises Pabon.
Gervasio Garcia y Diaz.
Laurentino Estrella.
Ramon H. Delgado.
Francisco Candelas.
Gregorio Duran.
Manuel Betances.
Juan Santiago.
Juan B. Blanco.
Fernando Lugo Villas.
Francisco Sanchez.
Octavio Ramirez y Gonzalez.
Osvaldo E. de la Rosa.
Ramon Tossas.
Eustaquio Balzac.
Justo Mendez Martinez.
Juan E. Rivera Estrada.
Virgilio Ramos Velez.
Jose Pietri Rodriguez.
Leopoldo Cabassa.
Pedro Jose Rivera Melendez.
Pablo Maldonado.
Jose Sicart y Massary.
Antonio Arias Suri.

209
City. Mayors.

Rio Grande, Jose G. Calderon.

Rio Piedras, Joaquin L. Solis.

Sabana Grande, Jose Angel Busigo.

San German, Jose Antonio Vivoni.

San Juan, Robert H. Todd.

San Lorenzo, Francisco Sanchez.

San Sebastian, Jose Gonzalez Hernandez.

Santa Isabel, Manuel R. Rodriguez.

Toa Alta, Ricardo Roca.

Utuado, Pedro Rivera Collazo.

Vega Baja, Jose Francisco Nater Gonzalez.

Vieques, Luis Amedee Bonnet.

Yabucoa, Mariano Martorell.

Yauco, Tomas Olivari Santoni.

UNITED STATE8 CIVIL SERVICE.

(by PAUL BOISSONNEAU, JR., SECRETARY U. S. CIVIL
SERVICE BOARD, SAN JUAN.)

All Federal positions in Porto Rico, that is, those
belonging to the executive civil service of the United
States, are classified under the Civil Service Act of
1883, and are subject to its provisions and the civil ser-
vice rules. These positions are, in the main, those at-
tached to the Customs Service, Postoffices having free
delivery. Railway Mail Service, Postoffice Inspection,
Light-house, Marine Hospital, Weather Bureau Ser-
vices, the Experimental Station of the Department of
Agriculture, the San Juan Naval Station, and the several
field branches of the War Department. It is only with
these Federal positions in Porto Rico that the United
States Civil Service Commission deals. Their number
is approximately 301, of which 152 are subject to com-
petitive examinations which include educational tests;
81 are trades positions subject to competitive registra-
tion tests; 15 are excepted from the requirements of

210

competitive examination by Civil Service Rule VI; 5 are
excluded in part from the operations of the Civil Service
rules by section 8 of Rule III, and 48 are unclassified.

When it became possible for the United States Civil
Service Commission to apply a civil service system to
these Federal positions, Dr. George W. Leadley, Chief
of the Service Record Division of the Commission, was
selected for this duty. Dr. Leadley arrived in San
Juan in March, 1902, and proceeded to investigate the
status and requirements of all the Federal positions
and the general needs of the service in Porto Rico, in
order that the Commission might be enabled to apply
the civil service system in the Island on the same gen-
eral principles as apply to the Federal service in the
United States.

Upon recommendation of its representative, the Com-
mission organized and appointed a Board of Civil Ser-
vice Examiners, composed of seven members with head-
quarters at San Juan, and with two auxiliary members
at Ponce and Mayagiiez. All the members of this
Board are Federal employees. All examinations held
in Porto Rico are conducted under the supervision of
this Board.

Examinations for the Postoffice service are held at
San Juan, Ponce, and Mayagiiez, and examinations for
all other branches of the service are held at San Juan
and Ponce. With but few exceptions, the examina-
tions held in Porto Rico are given in both the English
and Spanish languages.

All citizens of the United States and Porto Rico pos-
sessing the necessary qualifications and who comply
with the requirements, as provided by the civil service
rules, are eligible for examination. All examinations
are competitive, and competitors are rated without re-
gard to any consideration other than the qualifications
shown in their examination papers, and eligibles are

211

certified strictly in accordance with the civil service
law and rules.

Public announcement, through the newspapers and
otherwise, is made of all examinations to be held.
These examinations offer splendid opportunities for
ingress into the United States Civil Service, and ap-
pointments to lucrative positions therein. Full infor-
mation regarding examinations and all civil service
matters is furnished at any time upon application
to the Secretary of the Board of Civil Service Ex-
aminers, San Juan, Porto Rico.

The following is a list of the approximate number of
residents of Porto Rico who have received appointments
to Federal positions as a result of examinations held
since the inauguration of the civil service system in
the Island:

EDUCATIONAL.

NUMBB&OF
AFPOIMTinniTS.

Treasury Department- Washington, D. C 3

Treasury Department- Public Health and Marine Hos-
pital Service 6

Treasury Department- -CustomH Service 7

War Department— Washington, D. C 2

War Department—Quaiterma.ster's Department at Large

in Porto Rico 4

Navy Department- San Juan Naval Station 2

Navy Department— Guam Naval Station 1

Interior Department— Washington, D. C, Land OIHce. . 1
Interior Department- Washington, D. C, Pension Bu-
reau 3

Postoflftce Department— Washington, D. C 2

Government Pilnting OIHce, Washington, D. 2

Civil Service Commission, Washington, D. (' 1

PostolHce Service, San Juan, P. R 10

Postoffice Service, Ponce, P. R 2

Postofflce Service, MayagVlez, P. R 1

Total 47

NON-EDUCATIONAL.

NUMBB& OF
APPOIMTimfTS.

Treasury Department— Public Health and Marine Hos-
pital Service 16

212

NUMBEB OF
APPOINTMKNTS.

Treasury Department— Light House Service 15

Treasury Department— Customs Service 2

War Department— Quartermaster's De|>artment at Large

in Porto Rico 8

War Department— Ordnance Department at Large in

Porto Rico 3

Total 43

ROLL OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

Charles Hartzell, Secretary of Porto Rico, President.
Willis Sweet, Jos6 C. Barbosa,

Attorney GeneraL San Juan.

Regis H. Post, Jos6 Guzman Benitez,

Auditor. San Juan.

William F. Willoughby, Jont (iomez Brioso,

Treasurer. San Juan.

William H. Elliott, Rosendo Matienzo Cintron.

Commissioner of the Interior. San Juan.

Samuel McC. Lindsay, Andres Crosas,

Commissioner of Education. San Juan.

employees.
Charles H. Magee, Chief Clerk.
W. R. Bennett, Assistant Clerk.
Calixto Romero, Interpreter.
Elmer Z. Crow, Stenographer.
Severo Marrero, Messenger.

ROLL OF HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

(Elected November 4th, 1902, to serve two years from
January 1st, 1903.)

Manuel F. Rossy, Speaker.

NAME. RESIDINCE.

Aponte, Jose R. Huma^ao.

Cabrera, Carlos Ponce.

213

NAME.

Camunas, Manuel
Carrion, Tomas
Coira, Francisco
Col6n, Ulpiano
Cornwell, Federick
Diaz Navarro, Herminio
Diaz, Aristides Diaz*
Diego Martinez, Jose de
Domenech, Manuel V.
Fajardo, Pascasio
Fishback, George W.
Garcia Salgado, Octavio
Gimenez, Jose
Gomez, Jose R.
Gordils, Jose
Guzman Benitez, Juan de
Hernandez Lopez, Juan
Larrinaga, Tulio
Mattel, Juan

Montalvo, Loreto de Jesiis
Nadal Santa Coloma, Ramon
Nunez, Fernando
Palmer, Santiago R.
Perez Aviles, Manuel
Quinones, Francisco Mariano
Ramos, Juan R.
Rola, Dario J.
Rossy, Manuel F.
Sanchez Morales, Luis
Timothee, Pedro C.
Torregrosa, Luis A.
Veve, Santiago
Vivoni, Pedro S.

RESIDENCE.

San Juan.

Juana Diaz.

Ciales.

Ponce.

Mayagiiez.

San Juan.

Ponce.

Mayagiiez.

Ponce.

Mayagiiez.

San Juan.

Rio Piedras.

Adjuntas.

Mayagiiez.

San Juan.

Santurce.

Yauco.

Mayagiiez.

Arecibo.

San Juan.

Arecibo.

San German.

San Juan.

Aguadilla.

San Juan.

Aguadilla.

Fajardo.

Lajas.

* Deceased.

BKMiRAPHlCAL NOTES.

THE GOVERNOR.

William H. Hunt, born Nov. 5th, 1857, at New Orleans, La. ;
entered Yale university, 1878 ; left eolleKe because of ill health, but
received honorary degree of M. A. from Yale in 1896; studied law in
University of Louisiana; was admitted to bar of Montana in 1878;
lived at Fort Benton, Montana, and had a general practice through-
out the Territory ; in March 1881 was appointed Collector of Customs
of District of Montana and Idaho by President Garfield, and held that
office in connection with his professional practice until 1885 ; in 1882
was married to Miss Gertrude Upshur, daughter of Rear Admiral
Upshur, United States Navy; in 1883 was elected a delegate to the
Constitutional Convention to frame a constitution for proposed state of
Montana, serving on the Judiciary Committee of the Convention ; in
1884 was elected Attorney-General of Montana ; removed to Helena, Mon-
tana, in 1886, and practiced his profession ; in 1888 was elected a mem-
ber of the Legislature of the Territory of Montana, and was Chairman
of the Judiciary Committee. In November, 1889, the Territory of
Montana, being admitted as a State, was unanimously nominated as
Judge of the District Court of the First Judicial District and his election
followed. In 1892 was again unanimously nominated by acclamation
and re-elected as District Judge for four years. In 1896 was nominat-
ed as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Montana, and was
elected for six years ; on account of the extreme cold was obliged to
leave the rigorous climate of Montana, and after nearly six years of
service on the Supreme Bench, was appointed Counsel of the United
States before the Chilian Claims Commission in Washington in May
1900, but before entering upon the duties of that position was appoint-
ed by the President as Secretary for Porto Rico under the new civil
government; was elected first President of the Executive Council of
Porto Rico in June, 1900; appointed Governor, to succeed Governor
Charles H. Allen, on Sept. 15th, 1901.

THE SECRETARY.

Charles Hartzell, Secretary of Porto Rico, was born in Canton,
Ohio, on July 15th, 1861. He was educated in the common schools of
Canton and in the University of Michigan, being graduated from the
latter institution in 1880, after a three years' course. In 1881 he went
to Colorado, w^here he was admitted in 1883 to practice law. He lived
in Denver, Colorado, from 1884 to 1901. He was a member of the Colo-

215

rado State Senate* fi\>ui 1891 to 1896. In 1898 he was the Republican
candidate for Congi-ess in the Denver district. In 1900-01 he was
Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Colorado. He
was appointed Secretary of Porto Rico by President Roosevelt in
October, 1901, and assumed his duties as such a few weeks later.

THE ATTORNEY- GENERAL.

Hon. Willis Sweet, of Moscow, Idaho, born at Alburg Springs,
Vermont, January 1st. 1856; wns educated in the common schools and
attended the Nebraska State University three years; learned the
printer's trade at Lincoln, Nebraska ; located at Moscow, Idaho, in
September, 1881, where he engaged in law practice ; was appointed
United States Attorney for Idaho in May, 1888; was appointed As-
sociate Justice of the Supreme court of Idaho, November 26th, 1899,
which position he held until the admission of Idaho into the Union ;
was elected to the unexpired term of the Fifty-first, and re-elected to
the Fifty-second and Fifty-third Congresses as a Republican, defeating
the Democratic, Populist, and Prohibition candidates; was appointed
Attorney-General of Porto Rico to succeed Hon. James S. Harlan in
May, 1901, and assumed his present duties a month later.

THE TREASURER.

William Franklin Willoughby, born at Alexandria, Va., July
20th, 1867; was graduated from Johns Hopkins University 1888; was
special agent on Education and Social Economy, United States Com-
mission to Paris Exposition, 1900; was member of the class, group and
iiuperior juries for granting awards; received Cross of the Legion of
Honor from French Government; was lecturer in Economics, Johns
Hopkins University ; has several times represented the Department
of Labor at International Congresses, and to make labor investiga-
tions in Europe ; is a member of the American Economic Society, Fel-
low of the Royal Statistical Society of London, and American Statis-
tical Society ; was appointed expert in the United States Department
of Labor, 1890; succeeded Hon. Jacob Hollander as Treasurer of Porto
llico, November 16th, 1901.

THE AUDITOR.

R^is Henri Post, was born January 28th, 1870, in the city of
New York. He was educated at St. Mark's School in Southboro,
Mass., and entered Harvard College at the age of 17. He was
graduated with the degree of B. A. in 1891. In 1890 Mr. Post set-
tled in Bayport, Long Island, where he has resided ever since.
In 1898 Mr. Post was elected a member of the Assembly, New
York State Legislature, representing the Second District of Suffolk
County, as a Republican. He served in the session of 1899, and was
re-elected and served a second term in 1900. He was appointed by
President Roosevelt to succeed Mr. John K Garrison as Auditor of
Porto Rico, and qualitted for the office on May Ist, 1903. Mr. Post is
an officer or director of several corporations and was Vestryman and
Treasurer of St. Anns Church, Sayville, N. Y. For several years he
was President of the Board of Education of his home district and chief

21()

of the local volunteer fire department. He is a member <>f the Repub-
lican County Committee of Suffolk County.

THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INTERIOR.

William H. Elliott, born at New Castle, Indiana, July 4th, 1844 ;
graduated from the Naval Academy in 1865, but resigned as Lieuten-
ant in the Navy in 1870, to take up the study and practice of law with
his father, Hon. J. T. Elliott, ex- Judge of the Supreme Court of
Indiana, imtil 1877, when he purchased a newspaper, and devoted
himself to journalism until 1898; upon the breaking out of the Span-
ish-American war he volunteered, was commissioned, as Lieutenant,,
and served as Executive officer of the "Leonidas.'* After the war he
was appointed Director-General of Posts of Porto Rico, and organized
the service in the Island ; on June 11th, 1900, he was appointed by the
President Commissioner of the Interior for Porto Rico, which office-
he has since filled.

THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Adam Stierle, born in Creuznach, Rhenish-Prussia, Germany,.
August 24th, 1844; received his elementary education in the public
.schools and the Real-Gymnasium of his native town and his technical
education at Frankfurt am Main ; went to England when 20 years old
and foun<l employment as draughtsman in London; came to the
United States in 186(), ^oing directly to Florida, where he engaged in
railroad construction and land surveying; went North in 1869 on
account of his health, and soon thereafter entered the Government
service at Buffalo, N. Y. Excepting a period of about one year, when
he acted on leave of absence as chief engineer for a railroad company,.
Mr. Stierle has served continuously since 1869 with some of the most
distinguished officers of the United States Engineer Corps, stationed
at Buffalo, N. Y., Philadelphia. Pa., Washington, D. C, Wilmington,,
Del., and New York City ; he thus attained a broad general knowledge of
departmental organization and business and of miscellaneous en-
gineering, particularly such as refers to light-house construction, river
and harbor improvements, fortifications and municipal engineering.
Mr. Stierle was a competitor for the designs for the centennial build-
ings in Philadelphia in 1876, and for the project for elevated railroads-
in New York City in 1877 ; and has invented an automatic gauge for
registering the rise and fall of water surfaces which is now in use in
several departments of the Government and in public works depait-
ments of nearly all the large cities. He came to Porto Rico in
Januai'y, 1900, upon the solicitation of Captain W. V. Judson, who
was then President of the Board of Public Works. Was appointed
successor to Captain Judson, April 30th, 1900, by General Geo. W.
Davis, at the time the Military government ceased, and wa& re-
appointed by the Commissioner of the Interior as superintendent of
the Bureau of Public Works of Porto Rico when the abolishment of
the former Board of Public Works, which had been advocated by Mr.
Stierle, took effect, on March 1st, 1902. How busy he has been since he-
came to the Island is shown by the fact that the 176 miles of first-«lass.

H
H

o
o

52;

217

roads built by the Spaniftrds have since been extended more than 90
miles, not including 70 miles of repaired roads which were formerly
under municipal jurtsdiction. The amount of money disbursed
annually by the Bureau of Public Works on roads, bridges, and public
buildings, is now nearly $1,000,000.00.

THE (X)MMI88IONER OF EDUCATION.

Samuel McCune Lindsay, born in Pittsburg, Pa., May 10th, 1869;
was graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with degi-ee of
Ph. B., in 1889; took post-graduate course at Universities of Pennsyl-
vania, Halle, Berlin, Vienna, Rome, and Paris, 1889-94 ; received degree
of Ph. D. from University of Halle, 1892 ; has a brilliant record as a
writer on sociology ; was special agent of the United States Senate
Finance Committee to report on wholesale prices in Europe in 1892,
and expert agent of the United States Industrial Commission to
report on railroad labor, 1899-1900; was appointed Commissioner of
Education of Porto Rico by President Roosevelt in December, 1900,
and at once assumed his duties, succeeding Martin G. Brumbaugh ;
is President and Chancellor of the University of Porto Rico.

THE DIRECTOR OF CHARITIES.

Adam C. Haeselbarth, born May 18th, 1861, at Nyack, N. Y.;
entered journalism in New York city, in 1879, and has since been con-
nected with many influential newspapers in the Unitt^d States in
various capacities ; he first visited Porto Rico as a war correspondent
on the U. S. ciniiser **St. Louis'* in 1898; in January, 1901, he returned
to the Island under appointment as compiling clerk in the office of the
Secretary, which duties he resigned on October 31st, 1903, to become
Director of Charities by appointment of Governor William H. Hunt.

THE DIRECTOR OF PRISONS.

Maximino Luzinaris, born Januai*y 11th, 1861, at Guayama,
P. R. ; emigrated to the United States in 1878, where he attended
school at Escoharia, Penn., and subsequently engaged in business In
New York City, for five years ; on returning to Poito Rico, in 1884, he
became editor of *' El Seminaiio Commercial,'* a Guayama newspaper ;
followed journalism until 1896, when he retured to the United States,
and declared his Intention of becoming a citizen ; a year later he
returned t-o the Island ; upon the det^laration of war between Spain
and the United States, the Spanish authorities placed him under strict
surveillance, despite which he managed to obtain very valuable in-
formation of the movements of the Spanish troops, their wliere-abouts,
and the number of their forcH\s; after nmny vain attempts to leave
the Island, being always thwarted by the authoiities, he learned of
the arrival «t Ponce of the American army of Invasion and imme-
diately started to join the forces there ; he left Guayama, and after a
hazardous trip, arnved at the American encampment, where he .served
as interpreter and guide to General Brooke ; upon the <*lose of the war
he was appointed warden of the Penitentiary by General Brooke;
when General Davis assumed command he retaliunl him in that posi-

1«06— 15

218

tion, from which he was subsequently elevated by Governor Allen to
the position of Director of Prisons of Porto Rico.

THE RESIDENT CJOMMISSIONER AT WASHINGTON.

Frederic Deoetau, born at Ponce, P. R., and was graduated as a
Bachelor of Science and Arts at Barcelona, Spain, and as a Bachelor
of Laws at Madrid ; was one of the four Commissioners sent by Porto
Rico to ask Spain for Autonomy, and the District of Ponce elected
him a Deputy to the Cortes of 1898 ; General Henry appointed him
Secretary of the Interior of the first American Cabinet formed in
Porto Rico ; later was a member of the Insular Board of Charities ; in
1899, was elected first Vice-President of the Municipal Council of San
Juan, and later President of the Board of Education of that city ; was
elected Resident Commissioner from Porto Rico to the United States,
as a Republican, on Nov. 6th, 1900, and was re-elected in November,
1902; was admitted to practice before the Bar of the Supreme court
of the United States, on April 30th, 1901 ; since his election, he has re-
sided in the city of Washington, caring for the interests of the Island
at the seat of the National government.

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

JosA C. Barbosa, born at Bayam6n, P. R., July 12th, 1857 ; studied
medicine at the University of Michigan, being graduated in 1880;
was an active member of the **Assimilist" party, urged the self-gov-
ernment of Porto Rico as a necessity and in the Assembly of 1897
unfurled the fiag of ** Orthodox autonomy" against the followers of
Sagasta; was a Councilman of San Juan and has been a recognized
leader of the Republican party since 1900. He has been a member of
the Executive Council since its organization.

JosA DE Guzman Benitez, born at Fajardo, P. R., October 1st, 1856;
studied law at Barcelona, Spain, where he was admitted to the bar;
declared himself an Autonomist in 1883 ; was made Register of Deeds at
Ponce by General Wilson, and helped found the Republican party of
Porto Rico ; he was elected alcalde of Ponce, but resigned the position
to become a member of the Executive Council.

JosA Gomez Brioso, born at San Juan, P. R., September 27th, 1854;
studied in Spain for the Spanish Navy, but later studied medicine and
was graduated at Madrid as a physician ; returned to Porto Rico in
1882 and was made Secretary of the local Liberal party ; in 1887 was
arrested and imprisoned at Cayey, under suspicion of disloyalty to
Spain ; in 1894 was elected a leader of the Autonomist party ; refused
honors offered by Spain and after American occupation was selected
for a seat in the Executive Council.

Matienzo Cintron, born in 1855, at Luquillo, P. R. ; was educated in
the Jesuit college at San Juan, P. R., and at Barcelona, Spain, being
graduated as an Attorney-at-Law in 1884 ; was an Assimilist and later
helped to form the Autonomist party ; General Wilson appointed him
judge and president of the court at Ponce; Mr. Cintron helped to
organize the Republican party and was appointed by President McKin-
ley as a member of the Executive Council.

219

Andr^ 0ro8ah« born in San Juan, P. R., in 1837; was educated in
New London, and Cheshire, Conn., and has always followed mercantile
pursuits; in April, 1861, he volunteered in the Union Army for the
defense of Washington ; later he was in business in Mexico and served
in the Patriotic Army; he returned in 1873 to Porto Rico, where his
pronounced American sympathies nearly cost him his life through
Spain's enmity ; he was very helpful in establishing American govern-
ment in Porto Rico and was appointed as the independent native
member of the Executive Council when that body was formed.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES.

Jos^ R. Aponte, born, 1874; educated at the University of Zara-
goza, Spain, from which he was graduated as Attorney-at-Law in
1898 ; on his return to Porto Rico he was appointed secretary of the
District court of Ponce ; on August 10th, 1899, he was transferred to
the District coiu-t of Humacao, as its secretary ; he resigned on May
7th, 1902, and since then has practiced his profession.

Manuel L. Camu^^as, born at San Juan, Porto Rico; studied in
the public schools and entered the Jesuits* college, from which he
was graduated as Bachelor of Arts ; studied law with his father, a
notary public at San Juan, and with his uncle in Fajardo ; worked for
several years in export and commission houses ; engaged in journalism
in 1884 and became chief editor of ** La Voz del Oriente,** published
at Fajardo, also wrote in several other political and financial journals
of the Island; under the Spanish regime was member of the school
board of Fajardo and a member of the town council, of which he
was the legal adviser; founded the lodge **Estrella de Luquillo,"
and his Masonic work caused his imprisonment with several other
prominent citizens of Fajardo ; was secretary of Celis Aguilera, a
famous champion of the liberties of Porto Rico, and became later a
member of the Autonomist party, founded in 1887, having been
appointed vice-president of the committee in Fajardo; was elected
representative for Humacao to the Insular House of Delegates, of
which he was made the secretary by election ; was appointed as-
sistant secretary of finance, but did not accept the appointment;
was appointed assistant secretary of state by Gen. Brooke, and act-
ing secretary of state by Gen. Henry, in 1899; Gen. Davis appointed
him chief of the state bureau, which ofllce he held until the organi-
zation of the office of the secretary of Porto Rico ; was appointed by
the President of the United States member of the Executive Council
of Porto Rico, which office he resigned ; is a member of the board of
directors of the American Federal party ; is a member of the board
of directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Porto Rico; is a delegate
for the district of Humacao.

ToMAS Cakrion, born at Juana Diaz, Porto Rico, in 1872 ; is self-
educated and has some literary reputation ; since 1887 has been active
in political affairs ; was frequently arrested for political offenses under
the Spanish regime and was exiled by the Spanish government to Cuba,
Venezuela, and Santo Domingo ; co-operated in Cuba with Gualberto
Gomez; serve<l in first House of Delegates, from Guayumn district.

220

Francisco Coira, born at Barros, Porto Rico, on June 8th, 1856 ; is
a coffee planter ; has been alcalde of dales in which town he owns a
coffee plantation, and was elected to the House of Delegates for the
district of Humacao ; is a member of the Board of Directors of the
American Federal party of Porto Rico.

R. XJlpiano Colom, was bom at Ponce, Porto Rico, April 3rd, 1861 ;
is a lawyer and notary-public ; was formerly alcalde of Ponce, a mem-
ber of the House of Delegates of Porto Rico, several times a council-
man of the municipality of Ponce, an officer and assistant chief of
the fire department of Ponce, a director and vice-president of the
** Cr^dito y Ahorro Ponceflo" bank, municipal judge and city attorney,
member of the board of assessment, court clerk, solicitor, advisory
member of various (charitable, mercantile, and industrial societies,
etc. ; he is also correspondent of several foreign magazines and re-
views.

Frederick Leander Corn well, born February 13th, 1875, at St.
Louis, Missouri ; served in the first House of Delegates, being then
the only American enrolled; was elected from Mayagdez district to
the present House; is a lawyer by profession.

Jos* DE Diego, born at Aguadilia, Porto Rico, in 1867 ; pursued his
preparatory studies at Logrofio (Spain) ; was graduate of law in the
University of Barcelona and took the degree of Doctor-in -Law in the
University of Havana, and is a notable writer and journalist. Is the
author of **Los Grandes Infames** a collection of political sonnets, of
**Sor Anna,*' a poem in two cantos, and of several other poetical works ;
his compositions have been laureated both in Porto Rico and in Spain ;
has published a number of legal works, as ''La Ck)difieaci6n Adminis-
trativa" and "Notes on Delinquency and Penality," which came out in
1890 and 1891, respectively ; was editor of **La Repiiblica" of Arecibo,
in 1894, and of the "El Liberal" of San Juan in 1897; has been public
prosecutor in the court of First Instance of Arecibo during 1896-1896 ;
assistant secretary of justice and assistant secretary of state in the
Insular cabinet in 1897, and a member of the Insular House of Dele-
gates inaugurated in the same year ; has also held several offices under
the American government, as Justice of the first Supreme court
established by General Brooke; presiding justice of the Criminal
court of Mayagilez and prosecuting attorney of the District court of
Mayagiiez during the Government of Generals Heni-y and Davis, and
during the first period of the Civil government; has also been a
member of the Executive Council and is at present a member of the
minority of the House of Delegates; has always been a member of
the most advanced political parties ; has been tried and imprisoned in
Spain for the publication of anti-monarchical articles in the press;
belonged to the Liberal-Autonomist paity, and is now a member of the
American Federal party.

Manuel V. Domenech, born at Isabela, Porto Rico, March 23rd,
1869; educated in the United States, where he resided from 1880 to
1890, and took the degree of Civil Engineer at Lehigh University, in
June, 1888 ; engaged after graduation in railroading and engineering

221

with the Lehigli Valley Railroad Compauy ; returned to Porto Rico in
1890 when he was appointed assistant engineer of ** La Compafifa de
los Ferrocarriles de Puerto Rico" and had charge of the building of
the sections of railroad from Arecibo to Camuy, and from Rincon to
Afiaseo; was municipal architect of the city of Ponce, Porto Rico,
from October, 1892 to December, 1898, and was engineer of the board
of harbor improvements of Ponce from August, 1898 until the Board
was discontinued in 1899; appointed by General Henry on January
9th, 1899, engineer of the board of public works for the Southern dis-
trict, and held this position until he resigned on November 30th, 1899 ;
has since practiced engineering and architecture in Ponce, Porto Rico ;
was member of the House of Delegates, Porto Rico Legislature, from
the district of Aguadilla from November 6th, 1900, till December 31st,
1902; appointed by Governor Hunt justice of the peace at Ponce,
Porto Rico, in July, 1902, which position he resigned in December
of the same year ; was re-elected on November 4th, 1902, a member
of the House of Delegates from the district of Ponce.

Major George W. Fishback, came to Porto Rico as a paymaster
of volunteers, with the American army of invasion ; was secretary of
the commission appointed to revise the laws of Porto Rico ; was Com-
missioner from Porto Rico to the Pan-American Exposition at Buffalo,
N. Y., in 1900, and Commissioner to the Charleston, S. C, Exposition
in 1901 ; was elected to the House of Delegates in 1902.

Jo86 R. Gomez is a native of Mayagiiez, Porto Rico, and a tailor by
trade. He removed to Arroyo while still young and was appointed
justice of the peace of Arroyo under the Spanish government; return-
ing to Mayagtlez, he resumed business ; he was appointed councilman
of Mayagtlez by General Davis ; was elected a member of the House
of Delegates on the Republican ticket.

Santiago Rosendo Palmer Irizarri, was born in San Germdn,
Porto Rico, February 25th, 1844 ; first public office was that of secre-
tary to the alcaide of Ad juntas; was later appointed secretary to the
alcalde of Sabana Grande which office he resigned in 1865 to enter
tlie office of Mr. Jose D. Quifiones y Ramos, "Escribano" of San Ger-
nian, who left hi?n in charge in 1869 to go to Spain; he bought an
"Escribania" in Coauio in 1871, and afterwards purchased one in
Mayagiiez; gave up work as an **Escribano,'' and engaged in no-
tarial work until 1892, in which year he resigned his office in favor
of Mr. Mariano Rlera Palmer, and went to join his family in the
United States, from which he returned in 1896 ; subsequently worked
as a notary at Afiasco and at San Juan ; founded the Masonic asso-
ciation of the Island, and re-organized several lodges, among them the-
Great Sovereign Lodge and the Provincial Lodge; his work in the
Masonic field attracted the suspicion and ill will of the Spanish gov-
ernment, which confined him and several friends in one of the dun-
geons in Morro Castle, where he remained for two months ; was one
of the founders of the Liberal-Reformist party; was a member of the
*' Economic Society of Friends of the Country,'* of the *' Children's
Protective Association," of the ** Society for the Protection of the

222

Intelligent Youths/' etc. ; founded the ** Mayagilez Instructive Asso-
ciation,'* and the ** Mayagttez Casino ;" owned the " Propagador," '* La
Propaganda," and **La Tarde," which papers advocated autonomous
ideas ; was member of the first Insular House of Delegates under the
Spanish government; was elected by plebiscite alcalde of Mayagtiez
during the military occupation of Mayagilez by the American troops ;
was appointed a member of the Advisory Board established by General
Davis ; has been honored by the Republic of Venezuela with the bust
of the Liberator, for valuable services rendered the Republic; is a
member of the House of Delegates for the district of Humacao and
president of the i)oard of directors of the American Federal party of
Porto Rico.

Juan Mattei, born at Yauco, Porto Rico, April 24th, 1861 ; in 1869
was sent to France to be educated; entere<l the ''Liceo" of the
government at Marseilles where he remained for seven years ; the tw(»
years following were spent in the ** Colegio de los Escoseses" at Paris.
Finally, on the 23rd of July, 1880, La Sorbonne, as is known the Fac-
ulty of Arts and Sciences of the Academia de Pans (U. of F.) con-
ferred upon him the degree of "Bachelier es Lettres;*' he studied law
at the law school of the University of France from which he received
at the expiration of four years the title of *' Licencie en Droit," on
November 24th, 1885 ; was for some years secretary of a large bank-
ing house in Paris ; in 1895 he returned to Porto Rico, and has since
devoted himself to agriculture; three days after the landing of the
troops at Gudnica, in 1898, General Wilson appointed him secretary to
the Criminal court at Ponce ; in 1899 he was chosen by the people as
municipal judge at Yauco, and in the elections of 1902 was elected
one of the delegates to the Legislature of Porto Rico, for the district
of Aguadilla.

LoRETo Jesus Montalvo, born in Sabana Grande, Porto Rico, Df-
cember lOth, 1834; admitted as member of the "Economic Society of
Friends of the Country" in March, 1858 ; appointed numerator of census
of Porto Rico in 1860 ; postmaster of Cabo Rojo, May 1861 ; keeper of
standard weights and measures, August, 1864; assistant numerator
slave census, September, 1867 ; numerator census of the Island De-
cember, 1868; postmaster Cabo Rojo, February, 1869; proposed for
award as school teacher by Royal Order October 12th, 1871 ; acting
municipal secretary of Cabo Rojo, July, 1879 ; treasurer of Cabo Rojo,
December, 1879; taught school fifteen years; president Ponce library,
1884 ; member of city council of Cabo Rojo, 1887 ; president San Ger-
man Casino, 1890 ; vice-president Red Cross Association, Lares, 1897 ;
president Patriotic Association, Lares, 1897 ; is a member of several
charitable and labor societies ; delegate for Mayagtiez, November 1902 ;
president Cabo Rojo Republican committee, 1873; several times presi-
dent of Republican committees within the new government; president
of the Republican convention held in San Juan, 1902.

Luis Sanchez Morales, born in San Juan, Porto Rico, November
27th, 1867. This is his second term as a member of the House of Dele-
gates, in which he is chairman of the ways and means committee.

223

He served several times as a municipal council man by appointment
of the Governor; was mayor of San Juan, 1899, appointed by the Mil-
itary government; assistant treasurer of Porto Rico (secretario de
hacienda) during the Autonomist government, 1898, under the Span-
ish rule ; is at the head of a branch of a life insurance company ; re-
presents the San Juan district in the House of Delegates ; is a a Lieut-
enant-Colonel on the military staff of the Governor of Porto Rico ; in-
troduced in the House of Delegates, July, 1901, the resolution asking
the President of the United States to abolish all tariff duties between
the United States and Porto Rico; was secretary of the executive
committee of the Autonomist party, composed by nearly all the Port^)
Ricans in the last years of the Spanish sovereignty ; was a member
of the commission appointed by said party to consult with Generals
Brooke and Wilson ; was one of the founders of the Republican party,
having been for a long time one of its directors ; in January 1900 he
was commissioned by the Republican party to go to Washington
during the time the Foraker bill was under discussion in CJongress ;
was one of the organizers of the Red Cross Asociation, (1896 to 1900)
and of the **Sociedad de Educ4ici6n Popular '* and is a member of
various other societies.

Pedro Carlos Timothbe Morales, born at Naguabo, Porto Rico,
June 29th, 1864; under Spanish rule served as teacher in the jail of
San Juan ; clerk in the department of finance ; teacher in the munic-
ipal schools of this city ; member of the superior board of public edu-
cation ; under American rule, as :— principal of the graded schools
"Ponce de Le6n '* and ** Lincoln*' in San Juan; member of the
board for appointing teachers; member of the first board ap-
pointed for examination of teachers; translator and head of the
department of "Fomento" in the municipality of San Juan ; is by
occupation a teacher, and agent of a life insurance company;
was graduated A. B. from the *' Instituto Civil" and superior (prin-
cipal) teacher from the Spanish normal school ; was a teacher of
mathematics and other subjects during ten years in a private boarding
school, where many hundreds of pupils have been educated ; teacher
of Latin in the Central college in Ponce ; contributor, translator and
editor of several important papers, both political and professional ; se-
cretary and librarian of the Atheneum ; president and organizer of the
**Federaci6n Regional;" teacher and lecturer in many free institutions
for working people ; in politics has been a member of several com-
mitees and conventions of the Autonomist and Republican parties,
and holds now the position of member of the executive board of the
Republican party as a representative of the district of Arecibo, and a
member of the House, elected by the Republican voters of the district
of Guayama.

Herminio Diaz Navarro, born at San Juan, Porto Rico, Decem-
ber 27th, 1860. His father, Mr. Emiliano J. Diaz, a school teacher,
gave him his early education at the age of twelve ; he was among the
first young men admitted in the first Civil Institute, which was estab-
lished in 1873, where he commenced a course of arts ; when this school

224

was closed by General Sans, in 1874, he entered the Jesuits' college,
from which he was graduated with honors as Bachelor of Philosophy
and Arts at the age of eighteen ; in 1882 he entered the Barcelona
university in the department of law, and studied two years, and
then entered the Madrid Central university, upon the advice of the
eminent jurist, Rafael Maria de Labra, in whose law oflQce he prac-
ticed three years. He obtained his diploma from the Madrid univer-
sity with high honors in 1886, and returned to Porto Rico, opening a
law office in Ponce, in 1887; has held the offices of municipal judge
and judge of insti-uction, the latter ad interim; his first experience
in politics was at **La Perla*' theatre, of Ponce, where a Magna Con-
vention of Porto Rican patriots was held. His maiden speech on
progress and liberty was a triumph and won for him his nomination
as secretary of the Autoiiomous Directory founded at this convention.
He and the eminent patriot, Mr. R<^)mdn Baldorioty de Castro, made a
tour of the Island, preaching autonomy for Porto Rico under the
Spanish flag in all the towns where they stopped. This tour resulted
in his imprisonment a couple of times, in one of which he was taken
from his parents' home at Yauco and sent to Ponce between two civil
guards. Was elected member of the Provincial Deputation, for the
district of Mayagtiez, in 1896; and representative for Yauco to the
Insular House ^)f Delegates, duiing the autonomous regime, in 1898,
being appointed its chairman. Served the portfolio of justice under
Gen. Henry and is now a delegate for the district of Humacao.
He went to Washington last year and entered the Washington uni-
versity, from which he was gi-aduated as Doctor-in-Law.

Dario J. RoLA Y QuiSoNEs, bom in Loiza, Porto Rico, October 25th,
1864; practiced as a '*procurator" before the Court of First Instance of
Aguadilla until August, 1899, when such courts were abolished by Gen-
eral Order 118, 1899 ; practiced as a notary public in the same town ; was
appointed secretary of the Municipal court of Aguadilla and was after-
wards elected judge of the same court, which office he held until his
election to the H(Mise of Delegates for the district of Aguadilla, in
November, 1902.

Francisco Mariano Quinones, born in San German, Porto Rico,
February 15th, 1830 ; traveled and studied in Europe and North Amer-
ica ; in 1841 was sent to Bremen, Germany, and was in the school of
commerce there until 1847, when he went to New York ; soon returned
to Porto Rico and showed such deep interest in the welfare of the Island,
that his name attained prominence in the black list of those whom the
Spaniards considered **suspicious" of disloyalty; he served his native
country in many ways ; notwithstanding such adverse circumstances
was one of the commissioners at a conference called in Madrid in 1866,
at which he strongly urged the abolition of slavery, which result was
consumated in 1873 ; was elected by the Liberals as a member of the
Spanish Cortes, and was afterwards president of the Provisional Auto-
nomist government ; since the occupation of the Island by the Amer-
icans, was elected alcalde of San Germdn, and member of the first and
second Legislative Assemblies ; in the first session of the second

o
a

225

Legislative Assembly, he was elected unanimously by both houses
historian of Porto Rico ; at present he, like Mr. Julidn Blanco y Sosa,
stands as a representative survivor of the struggles of Porto Rico
through the tribulations of the period 1860-1898 ; and this "gi^and old
man** recalls the venerable figures of Acosta, Baldorioty de Castro,
Betances, Cells Aguilera, Goico, Padial, Roraero Togores, Ruiz Belvis,
^nd many others, who, during that troublous gloom, kept alive in their
hearts the light of faith in the future of Porto Rico, and worked for it,
in spite of exile, imprisonment, and threatened death.

JosiS Jimenez Renaud, was born at Adjimtas, Porto Rico, January
28th, 1873; during the Spanish regime he was a member of the local
school board, the only office he ever filled during that period on ac-
•count of his connection with that wing of the Autonomist party of most
radical ideas, then known as "Separatists;** during the American Mil-
itary government he was a member of the school board, secretary of
the board of health, and a councilman, at the same time performing
the duties of tax-collector without compensation. He was appointed
■alcalde of Ad juntas by Governor Charles H. Allen, which office he
held until the election of 1902, when he was elected a delegate to the
House for the district of Aguadilla. He resigned early in the session
to accept the office of justice of the peace of Adjuntas to which he was
-appointed by Governor William H. Hunt.

Manuel F. Rossy, born at San German, Porto Rico, February
22nd, 1862. Studied law in Spain ; returned to Porto Rico and prac-
ticed law and journalism ; during Spanish regime was judge of First
Instance, and secretary of public education; member of judicial
board of Porto Rico, 1898; also member board of prison control;
member and Speaker of House of Delegates, 1901-02, 1903- ; is secretary
of Athenaeum, and of the Porto Rican Bar Association.

OcTAvio Garcia Salgado, born in Rio Piedras, Porto Rico, May 18th,
1849 ; is owner of real estate in Rio Piedras, Toa Alta and Loiza ; be-
came a member of the Liberal party of Porto Rico in 1872, and in 1874
executed an important commission which was confided to him by the
directors of his party with the approbation of the government; became
•councilman and official advisor of the municipalities of Rio Piedras
and Loiza by election ; he was also municipal judge of Toa Altti and a
member of the board of health and charity of Loiza; was a delegate
of Autonomist party to the conventions held at Ponce in 1887 and at
SsLU Juan in 1897, and a member of the delegation of directors, having
also been president of committees of said party in Rio Piedras and
Toa Alta and a member of same in Loiza; he is also a member of the
board of directors of the Federal party, and was elected to the House
of Delegates in 1902.

TuLio Larrinaga y Torres, representing Arecibo district, was born
.at Trujillo Alto, Porto Rico, January 15th, 1847 ; is a civil engineer ; from
1879 to 1890 was chief engineer of the provincial works ; 1878, city
architect; 1884, member of commission of mineralogical exhibition
^t Madrid ; 1892, chief engineer works for celebration of centennial of

226

the discovery of the Island; 1890-1892, engineer representing **Ija
Society des Fonts et Travaiix en fer de Paris,** for the construction of
the railroad bridges from San Juan to Ponce; 1897, assistant sec-
retary of the interior (formento); chief engineer of harbor works
for San Juan; 1903, engineeer of the superior boanl of health of
Porto Rico.

Luis A. Torreorosa, born at Humacao, Porto Rico, in August,
1854 ; holds the degree of Doctor in Pharmacy ; has held many public
offices, having been a member of the city council and acting mayor of
Aguadilla ; president of the Republican National Committee, and of the
Board of Charity, and representative for Las Marfas in the year 1891 ;
was also appointed by the American government inspector of the
census for the third department ; is the author of several literary com-
positions; is a corresponding member of the ** Writers and Literary
Association of Madrid;" was editor of **La Regi6n;'* and has con-
tributed with his pen to nearly all the newspapers of the Island ; suflfer-
ed imprisonment for political offenses during the Spanish domination ;
was elected to the House of Delegates from the distiict of Aguadila in
1900, and re-elected in 1902, and is a member of six permanent com-
mittees of said body.

Santiago Veve, born at Fajardo, Porto Rico, in 1858 ; was educated
in Barcelona, Spain, and in 1873 was graduated as Bachelor of Arta
and Sciences; graduated as Doctor of Medicine and Surgery in
1880; on his return to Porto Rico he engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession until the year 1890, when he dedicated himself to farming, being
today, through his labor, the owner of a sugar-cane plantation in Lu-
quillo and of a cattle ranch in Fajardo. As a reward for his disinter-
ested services during the yellow fever epidemic in 1884, King Alfonso
honored him with the Cross of Beneficence. From 1887 until the oc-
cupation of the Island by the American forces, he was president of
the old Autonomic organization at Fajardo, which elected him its re-
presentative to the Insular Delegation as the spokesman in political
matters ; during Spanish domination was member of the town council
of Fajardo, and also senior second lieutenant of the same munic-
ipality. When the American fleet was sighted off the coast of Fajar-
do, he boarded the ** Amphitrite,** and lent his co-operation in the
bombardment of the **Cabezas de San Juan *' light-house as well as in
the other naval operations which took place around that coast; was
member of the commission that, in the name of the Historical Auto-
nomous party, was sent to hold a council with the officers of the Amer-
ican army to inform them of the country's aspirations ; under United
States Military government was appointed member of the town
council of Fajardo ; is an ardent Republican and one of the party's
leaders and orators ; was a member of the first House of Delegates^
representing the district of San Juan.

Pedro Santos Vivoni, born at Corcega, France, May 1st, 1840;
while a young man he settled in Porto Rico, and married here ; during
the municipal elections in 1899, he swore allegiance to the United
States, and the Republican party elected him on January 6th alcalde

227

of Lajas ; on account of his liberal ideas, he has always been popular
with the masses, whose cause he always championed in the Spanish
days ; he represented the district of Aguadilla in the First House of
Delegates, and was re-elected in November, 1902.

THE SUPREME <X)URT.

Jost Seveeo QuiSones, Chief Justice, born at San Juan, P. R., Nov.
6th, 1839; studied law in Universities of Seville and Madrid, being
graduated in 1860; returned to Porto Rico and was chief of the section
of Civil administration on the Island ; was later secretary of agricul-
ture, industry and commerce; in 1898 General Brooke made him
President of the Territorial court; on June 6th, 1900, President
McKinley named him as Chief Justice of the Supreme court of Porto
Rico.

Louis SuLZBACHER, bom in Germany, where he was educated and
studied civil law ; became a United States citizen and practiced law in
the Territory of New Mexico for thirty years. When appointed on
June 4th, 1900, as an Associate Justice of the Supremo court of Porto
Rico, he was the only American on the bench.

James Harvey MacLeaby, born in Smith Country, Tenn., July 27th,
1845 ; entered Soule university, Texas, in 1859, but left it in June, 1861,
to volunteer in the Fifth Texas Cavalry of the Confederate Army ; par-
ticipated in many battles and was four times wounded ; while disabled
by the.se wounds he studied law and after the war resumed studies at
Soule university, and, a year later at Washington college, (now
Washington and Lee university) Virginia; was graduated as Bachelor
of Arts, 1869, and Bachelor of Laws, 1869; practised at Columbus
and Antonio, Texas; served in Texas House of Representatives,
1873-75 and Texas State Senate 1879-80; wa.s then elected Attorney-
General of Texas by 100,000 majority; was Elector-at-Large on Cleve-
land ticket in 1880; Associate Justice of Supreme court of Montana
1886-88, when he resigned because of rigor of climate; was a Presi-
dential Elector from Texas on second Cleveland ticket, being Chair-
man of his Electoral College ; in third Cleveland contest was a delegate
to National Convention and one of committee to notify Cleveland and
Stevenson of their nominations ; volunteered for Spanish-American war
and on May 19th, 1898, was appointed Major and Inspector-General;
was at the battle of San Juan Hill and the surrender of Santiago ; was
Inspector-General on the staff of Gen. Wood, and later alcalde of San-
tiago, by appointment of Gen. Lawton ; returned to the United States
in July, 1899, and opened a law office in Washington, D. C. ; Gen.
Wood recalled him to Santiago as Inspector of Charities and he re-
mained such until February', 1901, when he was appointed assistant
secretary of Porto Rico ; on October 22nd, 1901, President Roosevelt
appointed him as Associate Justice of the Supreme court of Porto

Note:— A few biogrraphical sketches of members of the House of Delegates are
omitted because the data requested for the same was not furnished for pub-
lication in this Register.

228

Rico. Judge MacLeary is a Mason of high standing, and in 1880 was
Grand Master of the Masonic fraternity of Texas.

Jos^ CoNRADO Hernandez, born Feb. lOtli, 1849, at Aibonito, P. R.,
was graduated from the Jesuits' college at San Juan in 1865 as A. B.,
and later with degi-ees of LL. M. and D. D., from Salamanca univer-
sity and Salamanca Central college, respectivel}' ; he held many high
judicial offices in Porto Rico, Cuba, and the Philippines, under Spanish
government ; was made Judge of the Circuit court at San Juan in
1898, but was soon promoted to be Presiding Judge of the Supreme
court of Porto Rico ; in 1899 he was made an Associate Justice of the
last named court by General Davis, and upon the establishment of
Civil government was appointed by President McKinley to the posi-
tion which he now holds.

Jost Maria Figueras, born in 1852 at San Juan, P. R. ; studied in
Spain and was graduated from the University of Galicia as Bachelor
of Laws; practiced law in Porto Rico and held judicial positions in
Porto Rico, Cuba and the Philippines ; was Associate Judge of the
court at Mayaguez, P. R., at the time of the American invasion ; Gen.
Wilson made him Prosecuting Attorney of the Mayaguez court and
he continued as such until appointed to his present position.

THE U. S. DISTRICT COURT.

William H. Holt, Judge, born Nov. 29th, 1842, in Kentucky ; was
educated in Ohio and New York, being graduated from Albany Law
University in 1862, with degree of LL. B. ; practiced law in Kentucky ;
served nine years on the Apellate Bench of that State, part of the
time as Chief Justice ; has been a Presidential elector and Delegate to
Presidential Convention ; was appointed by President McKinley with-
out solicitation as Judge of the United States District Court of Porto
Rico, and was confirmed by the Senate in June, 1900.

Noah Brooks Kent Pettingill, United States District Attorney,
born at Augusta, Me., Dec. 23rd, 1862; was graduated from Boston
University law school in 1888 and removed to Tampa, Fla., where he
practised law until 1898, when he came to Porto Rico ; was Law Judge
of the United States Provisional court and acting secretary of Porto
Rico ; in June, 1900, he was appointed to his present position.

Captain Edward S. Wilson, United States Marshal, born at Newark,
Ohio, in 1842; when a boy he removed to Ironton, O., where he aban-
doned law studies to enter the Union Army ; served until 1865, rising from
private to lieutenant, and being wounded ; was a newspaper editor and
publisher for many years, and held several state offices in Ohio ; was
appointed by President McKinley, without solicitation, as United States
Marshal for the District of Porto Rico, and assumed his duties on
August 4th, 1900.

FORMER AMERICAN GOVERNORS.

General John R. Brooke, born in Pennsylvania, July 21st, 1^38, and
appointed an officer of the United States Army on the 20th of April,

229

1861, serving during the Civil War in the Army of the Potomac and
the Army of the Shenandoah; was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel
Thirty-seventh Infantry, July 28th, 1866 ; promoted to Colonel Third
Infantry, March 20th, 1879 ; Brigadier-General U. S. Army, April 6th,
1888 ; Major General, May 22nd, 1897. During the War with Spain he was
in command of the camp of mobilization at Chlckamauga, Georgia, un-
til the 23rd of July, 1898, when the First Army Corps, of which he was
the actual commander, was prepared for service In Porto Rico. He
proceeded there reaching Ponce on the 31st of July, with part of the
Corps, proceeding from thence to Arroyo, where he landed with a
part of the First Division. The signing of the Protocol prevented
any conflict with the Spaniards In his immediate vicinity. He
was appointed senior member of the Commission for the Evacua-
tion of Porto Rico, the other members being Rear Admiral Schley,
U. S. Navy, Brigadier General William H. Gordon, U. S. Volunteers,
and Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Hunter, Judge Advocate, U. S. Army,
Secretary of the Commission. At that time the Department of Porto
Rico was created and General Brooke was assigned to its command.
On the 18th of October, 1898, the Spanish Captain-General relinquished
to the United States the sovereignty of the Island, and In accordance
with the directions of the President, General Brooke assumed the
duties of Military Governor, continuing in such position until the 5th
of December, 1898, when, in pursuance to the orders of the President,
he proceeded to Washington, and was then appointed Military Gov-
ernor of Cuba and Commander of the Military Division of Cuba. He
was relieved as Military Governor of Cuba on December 13th, 1899,
and appointed to command the Department of the East, April 30th, 1900.

General Guy V. Henry, bom at Fort Smith, Ark., March 9th, 1839;
was graduated from West Point Military Academy in 1866 and made a
brilliant military record during the Civil War ; was the second MUltary
Governor of Porto Rico, after American occupation, showing conspic-
uous ability ; was relieved at his own request because of failing health,
and returned to the United States, on May 18th, 1899; he died on
October 27th, following, in New York City.

General George W. Davis, born July 26th, 1839, at Thompson,
Connecticut; moved to Georgia, In 1860, but returned North, to enlist
in the Union Army, with the Eleventh Connecticut Volunteer Infantry ;
served throughout the war, and was commissioned captain In the
regular army; as an engineer he did much important government
work and, in 1890, by special Act of Congress was permitted to become
vice-president of the Nicaragua Canal Company; at the out-break of
the Spanish-American war he was first placed In charge of the muster-
ing In of New York troops and was appointed Brigadier-General of
Volunteers ; was next assigned to the command of the Second Division
of the Second Army Corps; in November, 1898, he was ordered to
Cuba, as Military Governor of the Province of Pinar del Rio; was
made Military Governor of Porto Rleo on May 18th, 1899, which posi-
tion he held until the establishment of Civil Government on May
1st, 1900.

230

CHiiBLES Hebbebt Allen, bom at Lowell, Mass., April 15th, 1848;
wiis graduated from Amherst college ; early entered political life and
served in Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate ; was
elected to the 49th and 50th Congress ; on May 7th, 1898, he succeeded
Hon. Theodore Roosevelt, as Assistant Secretary of the U. S. Navy
and held the position until April 18th, 1900, when President McKinley
made him the first Civil Governor of Porto Rico ; was inaugurated on
May 1st, with elaborate ceremonies, and served as Chief Executive,
with eminent success, until September 15th, 1901, when Hon. William
H. Hunt, then Secretary of Porto Rico, qualified as his successor.

Santiago R. Palmer, San Juan, November 19th, 1898.
Tomds Valdejulis, Bayamdn, June 26th, 1891.
Jose A. Cajas, Caguas, March 7th, 1899.
Luis Munoz Morales, Cayey, November 14th, 1895.

Juan Z. Rodriguez, Arecibo, .

Juan Mereader, Aguadilla, May 18th, 1899.
Perfecto Bures, Adjuntas, April 12th, 1884.
Mariano Riera Palmer, Mayaguez, July 9th, 1892.
Jose R. Nazario de Figueroa, San German, July
15th, 1899.

Alfredo Arnaldo, Mayaguez, .

Matiuel Solis Commins, Yauco, February 15th, 1898.

Rosendo Matienzo Cintron, Ponce, — .

Felipe Rodriguez, Coamo, November 26th, 1873.

Jose Mariano Capo, Guayama, April 1874.

Antonio de Aldrey, Humacao, November 19th, 1898.

Jose C. Schroder, Fajardo, July 12th, 1899.

Rafael Toro Vendrell, Ponce, March 1st, 1901.

Juan Morera Martinez, San Juan, March 1st, 1901.

Dr. Ramon Roara, Mayaguez, March-4th, 1901.

Francisco Parra, Ponce, March 5th, 1901.

Luis Campillo y Abrams, Mayaguez, March 6th, 19^1.

Herminio Diaz Navarro, San Juan, March 11th, 1901.

Jose de Diego, Mayaguez, April 3rd, 1901.

Juan F. Vias Ochoteco, Humacao, April 10th, 1901.

Felipe Casulduc Goicochea, Ponce, April 13th, 1901.

231

Jose M. Cuadra Rosa, Humacao, April 22nd, 1901.

Ram6n Nadal Santa Coloma, Arecibo, April 26th, 1901.

Francisco Vallecillo Mandry, Yabucoa, May 9th, 1901.

Juan Quintero Gonzalez, Mayaguez, May 16th, 1901.

Tomas Bernardini de la Huerta, Humacao, June
3rd, 1901.

Ram6n Quiiiones y Quinones, Mayaguez, June 4th,
1901.

Luis Mendez Vaz, Mayaguez, June 5th, 1901.

Angel Acosta Quintero, Ponce, June 18th, 1901.

Francisco Prado Morales, Manati, June 29th, 1901.

Juan de Guzman Benitez, San Juan, July 6th, 1901.

Joaquin Nazario de Figueroa, San German, July
10th, 1901.

Rafael Palacios Rodriguez, San Juan, July 29th, 1901.

Santiago B. Palmer, San Juan, October 4th, 1901.

Salvador Picornell Cardona, Lares, October 30th, 1901.

Manuel Oscar Figueroa, Arecibo, November 11th, 1901.

Jacinto Texidor y Alcala del Olmo, Guayama, Novem-
ber 19th, 1901

Julio M. Padilla, Ponce, December 31st, 1901.

Damian Monserrat Sim6, San Juan, January 17th, 1902.

Eduardo Acuna Ay bar, San Juan, March 25th, 1902.

Angel Garcia Veve, San Juan, April 1st, 1902.

F. L. Cornwell, San Juan, April 19th, 1902.

Geronimo Calzada Hernandez, Fajardo, May 29th, 1902.

Charles E. Foote, Yauco, April 14th, 1902.

R. Ulpiano Colon y Ferrer, Ponce, June 25th, 1902.

Rafael Arce Rollet, Caguas, July 3rd, 1902.

Benito Fores, San German, July 10th, 1902.

Miguel Juan Llanezas, San German, July 10th, 1902.

Lorenzo Gimenez y Garcia, Caguas, July 10th, 1902.

Luis A. Becerra Lacot, Ponce, July 24th, 1902.

Fernando Vazquez, Mayaguez, July 7th, 1902.

Miguel Zavaleta, Guayama, October 16th, 1902.

Henrv F. Hord, San Juan, November 3rd, 1902.

232

Julio Cesar Gonzalez, San Juan, November 12th, 1902.
Juan Hernandez Lopez, San Juan, November 21st, 1902.
Rafael Lopez Landron, San Juan, November 21st, 1902.
Jose E. Benedicto Geigel, San Juan, January 29th, 1903.
Gabriel Guerra Aeosta, San Juan, January 31st, 1903.
Ulpiano Valdes Cajas, Humacao, February 7th, 1903.
Rodolfo Ramirez Vigo, Mayagilez, February 16th, 1903.
Luis L. Yordan Davila, Ponce, February 25th, 1903.
Jose E. Martinez Quintero, Vega Baja, March 3rd, 1903.
Eduardo Aeosta Quintero, Lares, April 1st, 1903.
Manuel A. Salicrup Col6n, Ponce, April 6th, 1903.
Rafael Tirado Verrier, Humacao, April 9th, 1903.
Rafael Cobian Romeu, Bayamon, April 16th, 1903.
Juan M. Kearney, Humacao, May 19th, 1903.
Cruz Castro, San Juan, July 3rd, 1903.
Eugenio G. Lopez Gastambide, San Juan, September

15th, 1903.
Horacio Sastrano Belaval, Ponce, September 16th, 1903.

REGISTRARS OF PROPERTIES.

Aguadilla, Jose Miguel Marquez.

Arecibo, Jose Marcial L6pez .

Caguas, Severo Abella Baston.

Guayama, Miguel Planellas.

Humacao, Jose Toro Rios.

Mayagilez, Juan Irizarry.

Ponce, Jose Sastraiio Belaval.

San German, Joaquin Servera Silva.

San Juan, Jose Benedicto Geigel.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.

Ad juntas, Jose Gimenez.

Aguada, Luis Vadi Santoni.

Aguadilla, Ramon Martinez Sapia*

Ph
O

233

Aguas Buenas,

Aibonito,

Aflasco,

Arecibo,

Bayam6n,

Barros,

Cabo Rojo,

Caguas,

Camay,

Carolina,

Cayey,

Ciales,

Coamo,

Comerio,

Pajardo,

Guayama,

Hato Grande,

Humacao,

Isabela,

Juana Diaz,

LajaB,

Lares,

Las Marias,

Manati,

Maricao,

Mayagttez,

More vis,

Naguabo,

Patillas,

Ponce, (Este)

Ponce, (Oeste)

Rio Grande,

Rio Piedras,

San Juan, (Cathedral)

San Juan, (San Francisco)

San German,

Roman C. Diaz.
Teodoro Gonzalez.
Demetrio Rodriguez.
Fernando Caballero.
Emilio Lopez.
Jose Rojas Cortes.
Rodrigo Ramirez.
Raimundo Faura.
Julio A. Echeandia.
Fortunato Vizcarrondo.
Angel Maria Rodriguez.
Jose P. Santiago.
Manuel A, Rivera.
Carlos E. de Le6n.
Jose Veve Calzada.
Florencio Salinas.
J. Cruz ManguaL
Francisco L6pez Cepero-
Josd L. Rafols.
Pedro Monclova Gallardo.
Juan Antonio Rodriguez.
Enrique Plumey.
Geraldo Gonzalez.
Severo Valdes.
J. Andres Massari.
Salvador Castello.
Pedro J. Rivera V\
Joaquin L. Miro.
Antonio Capella Oliver.
Luis Caballer.
Emilio Cortada.
Manuel Mellado.
Pedro Serra Soto.
Abraham Kopel.
Jose Bazan.
Sebastian Quintana.

l«06— 16

234

San Sebastian,
Sabana Grande,
Santa Isabel,
Toa Alta,
Utuado,
Vieques,
Vega Baja,
Yabucoa,
Yauco,

Artagerges CeboUeroi
Guillermo Velazco.
Juan Vals Descartes.
Nicolas Castro.
Jose Ramon Roig.
Eugenio O'Neill.
Manuel Munoz Sauri.
Leandro Aponte.
Juan Roig.

MUNICIPAL JUDGES.

Ad juntas,

Aguada,

Aguadilla,

Aguas Buenas,

Aibonito,

Anasco,

Arecibo,

Barros.

Bayamon,

Cabo Rojo,

Caguas,

Ciales,

Camuy,

Carolina,

Cayey,

Coamo,

Comerio,

Fajardo,

Guayama,

Hato Grande,

Humacao,

Isabela,

Juana Diaz,

Las Marias,

Juan Cruz Bosch Garcia.
Eulogio Gimenez.
Ernesto Echevarria.
Apolinar Diaz.
Sebastian Rivera.
Pablo Guasch Rivera.
Jose Ynes Gomez y Padilla.
Severiano Arroyo y Alicea,
Jose Oiler Diaz.
Tomas V. del Toro.
Jose Molina Munoz,
Osvaldo Nieves.
Jesiis Gonzalez.
Francisco Gimenez Sicardo.
Juan Romero.
Guillermo Dros.
Jose A. Santiago.
Prisco Viscarrondo.
Guillermo Alvarez Sanchez.
Leocadio Torres.
Antonio Aguilar Mora.
Sebastian Banuchi.
Jose Zambrana.
Antonio Guillote.

235

Lajas,

Manati,

Maricao,

Mayagilez,

Morovis,

Naguabo,

Patillas,

Ponce,

Rio Grande,

Rio Piedras,

Sabana Grande,

San German,

San Juan, (San Francisco)

San Juan, (Cathedral)

Santa Isabel,

San Sebastian,

Toa Alta,

Utuado,

Vega Baja,

Vieques,

Yabucoa,

Yauco,

Jose Ramon Ponce.

Juan Ramos Casellas.

Rafael Quinones.

Lorenzo Martinez Ohuvifles.

Juan Laureano.

Juan Perez.

Juan Latallade.

Isidoro Uriarte.

Manuel Benitez San tana.

Ram6n Llovet.

Manuel Irizarry.

Ernesto Forestier.

Miguel Caflellas Vergara.

Francisco Soriano.

Angel B. Torrez.

Narciso Rabell Cabrero.

Juan Quintero.

Luis Pio Toro.

Pedro Gimenez Santiago.

Jose de Santiago.

Alejo Ramirez.

Francisco Pieraldi.

ROSTER OF EMPLOYEES

OF THE

INSULAR GOVERNMENT OF PORTO RICO

BEVI8ED TO NOVEMBER 1st. 1903

239

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

William H. Hunt, Govebnob.
Francis Lynch, Private Secretary.
Maynard K. Yoakam, Stenographer.
Edward J. Saldana, Messenger.

SECRETARY'S OFFICE.

Charles Habtzell, Secretary.
William H. Gale, Assistant Secretary.
James C. Preston, Chief Clerk.
R. Siaca Pacheco, Law Clerk.
Giles Christiansen, File Clerk.
George Walton Roberts, Stenographer.
Edward Grindrod, Stenographer,
Mario S. Geigel, Translator.
Enrique Domenech, Translator.
Sidney H. Hardon, Actuary.
Sainuel M. Hyde, Mail and Pardon Clerk.
George A. O'Donnoghue, Property Clerk.
Herminio Padial, Record Clerk.
Eugene Field, Record Clerk.
W. Sheridan Lee, Assistant File Clerk.
Fernando Cortez, Typewriter.
Federico Martinez, Messenger.
Ram6n Battle, Messenger.

department OF JUSTICE.

Willis Sweet, Attorney- General.

Frank Feuille, Assistant Attorney -General.

Francisco Acosta, Chief Clerk and Disbursing Officer.

Francisco del Valle, Jr., Law Clerk.

Jose Hernandez Usera, Health Attorney.

Miguel Olmedo, Interpreter.

Henry L. Lyons, Secretary to the Attorney -General.

Joseph M. Young, Stenographer.

James E. McGovern, Stenographer.

Martin Ergui, Stenographer.

240

Eduardo Marin, Clerk.
Arturo Mufiiz, Clerk.
Antonio Laloma, Clerk.
Fernando del Toro, Clerk.
George Morgan, Clerk.
Pedro Fach6, Janitor.
Luis P6rez, Messenger.
Joaquin Solana, Messenger.

SUPREME COURT OF JUSTICE.

Jose Severo Quifiones, Chief Justice.

Jose Conrado Hernandez, Associate Justice.

Jose Maria Figueras, Associate Justice.

Louis Sulzbacher, Associate Justice.

James H. MacLeary, Associate Justice.

Emilio del Toro, Fiscal.

Antonio F. Castro, Secretary.

Samuel C. Bothwell, Marshal.

Ernesto Jaenecke, Interpreter.

C. R. Newton, Stenographer.

DISTRICT COURT OF SAN JUAN.

Juan Morera Martinez, Presiding Judge.

Frank H. Richmond, Associate Judge.

Jose Tons Soto, Associate Judge.

Angel Garcia Veve, Substitute Associate Judge.

Jesiis Maria Rossy, Fiscal.

Luis Mendez Vaz, Secretary.

Isidoro D. Delgado, Interpreter.

DISTRICT COURT OF PONCE.

Isidore Soto Nussa, Presiding Judge.
Rafael Sanchez Montalvo, Associate Judge.
E. B. Wilcox, Associate Judge.
Francisco Parra Capo, Fiscal.
Luis Gauthier, Secretary.
William Oppenheimer, Interpreter.

241

DISTRICT COURT OF MAYAGUEZ.

Arturo Aponte, Presiding Judge.
James A. Erwin, Associate Judge.
Enrique Gonzalez Darder, Associate Judge.
Libertad Torres Grau, Fiscal.
Juan Arroyo Mestre, Secretary.
William Falbe, Interpreter.

DISTRICT COURT OF ARECIBO.

Felipe Cuchi, Presiding Judge.
Otto Schoenrich, Associate Judge.
Carlos Franco Soto, Associate Judge.
Ricardo La Costa, Fiscal.
Jose E. Figueras, Secretary.
J. J. Ferran, Interpreter.

DISTRICT COURT OF HUMACAO.

Salvador FuUadosa, Presiding Judge.
Ram6n Quiiiones, Associate Judge.
Charles E. Foote, Associate Judge.
Luis Campillo, Fiscal.
Enrique Lloreda, Secretary.
Genaro Marquez, Interpreter.

OFFICE OF THE "PUBLICATION OF THE DECISIONS OF THE

SUPREME COURT OF PORTO RICO AND THE UNITED

STATES DISTRICT COURT,"

James H. MacLeary, Associate Justice.
Arturo Aponte, Jr., Recorder.
Manuel Maria Sama, Typewriter.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.

William F. Willoughby, Treasurer.

Benjamin R. Dix, Assistant Treasurer.

F. Elmore Jones, Secretary and Stenographer.

J. Fred Appleby, Financial and Receiving Clerk.

Paul A. English, Mail Clerk.

Domingo Aponte, Janitor.

Arthur Gimenez, Messenger,

242

BUBEAU OF ACCOUNTS.

Louis D. Harry, Chief Clerk.

Felipe J. Toste, Clerk.

Ransom P. Nichols, Clerk.

James E. Kent, Clerk.

L. C. Hessler, Clerk.

H. M. Pruden, Clerk.

J. W. Swift, Clerk.

Manuel Montoto, Clerk.

Julio Power, Clerk.

Celestino Iriarte, Clerk.

Luis Cerra, Clerk,

Rosendo E. Bas, Clerk.

Juan J. Iglesias, Clerk.

Rafael Power, Clerk.

Antonio Vizcarrondo, Messenger and Copyist.

John P. Waldrop, Traveling Inspector.

Edwin A. Thayer, Traveling Inspector.

INTEBNAL BEVENUE FOB THE DISTBICT OF SAN JUAN.

Salomdn Dones, Collector.
Ignacio Arturo Iglesias, Clerk.
Antonio Porrata, Clerk.
Rafael Villafafla, Messenger.
A. Moreno 8anti, Deputy Collector.
Jaime Alsina Gonzalez, Deputy Collector,
J. C. Sicardo, Deputy Collector,
Vicente Andino, Deputy Collector.
Jose V. Toste, Deputy Collector.

E. Ramos Tulier, Deputy Collector.
A. Laugier, Deputy Collector.
Jose Marrero, Deputy Collector.

F. del Valle, Deputy Collector.
Pio Fernandez, Deputy Collector.
Manuel Cuebas Grappe, Deputy Collector.
Francisco Barreras Cabrera, Deputy Collector.
M. Vassallo, Deputy Collector,

243

INTERNAL REVENUE FOB T5E DISTRICT OF CAGUAB.

Rafael T. Ponte, Collector.

J. Muiioz Aponte, Clerk.

Santiago Jimenez, Messenger.

Gabriel Cap6, Deputy Collector.

Andres Otero, Deputy Collector.

Enrique Cuebas y Grappe, Deputy Collector.

Juan Isern Gimenez, Deputy Collector.

Isidoro H. Rivera, Deputy Collector.

J. Sergio Mangual, Deputy Collector.

T. Delfaus, Deputy Collector.

INTERNAL REVENUE FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARECIBO.

A. Mattel, Collector.
Oscar Bithorn, Clerk.
Francisco Echegaray, Clerk.
Celestino Bint, Messenger.
F. Zeppenfeldt, Deputy Collector.
Santiago Simonet, Deputy Collector.
Antonio Serbia, Deputy Collector.
A. Babilonia, Deputy Collector.
Francisco Julia, Deputy Collector.
Felix Banuchi, Deputy Collector.
Pedro Jos6 Deliz, Deputy Collector.

INTERNAL REVENUE FOR THE DISTRICT OF MAYAQtJEZ.

Eliseo Font y Guillott, Collector.

Manuel R. Balsac, Clerk.

Miguel Rodriguez, Clerk.

Emilio Ramirez, Messenger.

F. J. Montilla, Deputy Collector.

Jose Varela, Messenger.

Juan C. Martinez, Deputy Collector.

Lisandro Ramirez, Deputy Collector.

Juan Vidal Ropero, Deputy Collector.

Francisco J. O'Neill, Deputy Collector.

Pedro Van Derdys, Deputy Collector.

Jorge Marxuach, Deputy Collector.

244

Fermin Brau, Deputy Collector.
Luis Veray, Deputy Collector.

INTERNAL REVENUE FOR THE DISTRICT OF PONCE.

B. Esteva y Palmer, Collector.

Rafael Col6n, Clerk.

F. Vizcarrondo y Valdivieso, Clerk.

Luis Cuebas Colon, Clerk.

Alberto Gilot, Messenger.

Carlos R. Aguiar, Deputy Collector.

M. H. Aguiar, Deputy Collector.

Pedro R. Acosta, Clerk.

J. N. Purcell, Deputy Collector.

Santiago Purcell, Deputy Collector.

Carlos Oppenheimer, Deputy Collector.

Eugenic Pagan, Deputy Collector.

Luis A. Esparolini, Deputy Collector.

M. de J. Canino, Deputy Collector.

Rafael Morales, Deputy Collector.

INTERNAL REVENUE FOR THE DISTRICT OF GUAYAMA.

Vicente Belgodere, Collector.
S. Paonesa y Alvarez, Messenger.
Ramon Iglesia, Deputy Collector.
Octavio Rivera, Deputy Collector.

INTERNAL REVENUE FOR THE DISTRICT OF HUMACAO.

Enrique Miro, Collector.
Joaquin Porrata, Clerk.
Lorenzo Lafont, Clerk.
Manuel Miro, Messenger.
Aurelio Ortiz, Deputy Collector.
Francisco Valldejuli, Deputy Collector.
Juan Martinez, Deputy Collector.
Mariano Casanova, Deputy Collector.

INTERNAL REVENUE FOR THE DISTRICT OF VIEQUES.

Adolfo Rieckehoff, Collector.
Santiago Acosta, Messenger.

245

BUKEAU OF MUNICIPAL FINANCE.

Alfred Solomon, Chief Clerk.

Manuel Gorbea, Clerk

Artiiro A. Blanco, Clerk.

Angel Pla y Vila, Clerk.

Federico F. Toste, Clerk.

Andrew Hoist, Traveling Examiner.

E. W. Congdon, Traveling Examiner.

BUREAU OF INH^ERNAI. REVENUE.

Max West, Chief Clerk.
C. I. Dawson, Clerk.
A. Podesta, Clerk.
Luis Coy, Clerk.
Francisco Iriarte, Clerk.
Jose A. Vera, Clerk.

E. Marin, Messenger.
A. C. Hansard, Agent.
Edward Lee, Agent.

H. T. Hillebrand, Agent.
Reade L. Waters, Agent.
John B. Hart, Agent.
George W. Gibbs, Agent.
Charles F. Javaux, Agent.
Stanley Warzala, Agent.
James W. Chapman, Agent.
Samuel Friedman, Agent.
Albert Vandiver, Agent.
Luis Gorbea, Agent.
W. B. Crawford, Agent.

F. H. Bunker, Agent.
W. H. Hill, Agent.
Walter J. Cox, Agent.
Ralph C. Seddon, Agent.
Charles A. Beatley, Agent.
George D. Buckley, Agent.
Charles E. Berry, Agent.

24()

Ernest Keeler, Agent.
R. D. Remsberg, Agent.
C. H. Pierce, Agent.
Charles K. Osgood, Agent.

AUDITOR'S DEPARTMENT.

R^Gis H. Post, Auditor.

Erastus 8, Rockwell, Assistant Auditor.

Lonis T. Zbinden, Chief of Division of Bookkeeping,

Warrants and Requisitions.
James R. Noble, Chief of Division of Internal Revenue

Accounts,
Frederick D. GriflSth, Chief of Division of Customs

Revenue Accounts.
William J. Houghtaling, Chief of Division of Printing,

Stationery and Supplies.
Thomas L. Jett, Clerk.
Hayden L. Moore, Clerk ( stenographer, typewriter and

mail clerk.)
Frank P. McCurdy, Clerk.
Carlos Hjalmarson, Clerk.
Charles B. Morton, Clerk.
Charles F. Hill, Clerk.
John E. Heinzman, Clerk.
Juan Suarez, Clerk.
Edw. Saindoux, Clerk.
Ricardo Caparros, Clerk.
Eustaquio Villalon, Clerk.
Carlos Rodriguez, Clerk.
Mary 0. Carpenter, Clerk (stenographer, typewriter

and clerk.)
Alfred E. Gorton, Clerk.
Pedro Ramirez, Messenger.
Francisco Ruiz, Janitor.

PRINTING AND SUPPLY DIVISION.

Thomas Green, Foreman.

247

George L. Hiscoek, Printer.
Angel Rengel, Printer's Assistant.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.

W. H. Elliot, Commissioner.

Manuel Rodriguez Serra, Secretary and Stenographer.

Jose Ruiz Soler, Clerk.

Antonio M. de Aldrey, Clerk.

Jose Antonio Daubon, Clerk.

Jose L6pez Zarate, Clerk.

A. E. Arrastia, Clerk.

J. Abino Perez, Clerk.

Francisco L. Sanchez, Clerk.

Jose Otero Melendez, Clerk.

Carlos Lavezzari, Warden.

Julidn Vega, Janitor.

Aurelio Torres, Messenger.

BUREAU OF PUBLIC WORKS.

A. Stierle, Superintendent of Public Works.

P. F. Fernandez, Assistant Superintendent of Public

Works.
J. J. Jimenez, General Inspector.
W. C. Smith, Disbursing Officer.
Ed. H. Jones, Chief Clerk.

F. Montilla, District Engineer, San Juan District.
J. C. Besosa, Acting District Engineer, Ponce District.
R. Skerrett, District Engineer, Mayagtiez District.
A. Morales, Surveyor of Public Lands.
Guy S. Boyce, Overseer of Public Buildings.
J. F. Callejo, Chief Draughtsman.
F. Vall-Spinosa, Clerk, Office of the Superintendent.
F. Fano, Clerk, Office of the Superintendent.
F. W. Penniman, Clerk, Disbursing Office.
W. 0. Johnson, Clerk, Disbursing Office.
J. M. Canals, Clerk, Office of Chief Clerk.

248

H. Siraonnet, Property Clerk.

A. Contreras, Clerk, Disbursing Office.

E. Guillen, Draughtsman.

A. G. Brioso, Draughtsman.

A. Margenat, Draughtsman.

Ch. G. Borch, Clerk, Maintenance Division.

E. D. Delgado, Clerk, Section of Public Buildings.
Scott Truxtun, Special Clerk.

F. Gutierrez, Clerk Archives Division.
P. Amador, Storekeeper.

R. Matos Bernier, Storekeeper.

G. Rivera, Watchman.
J. Cintron, Watchman.
A. Smith, Messenger.

H. Rodriguez, Messenger.
R. Margary, Janitor.
Pedro Cifredo, Janitor.

FIELD FORCE.

Overseers, 20.
Capataces, 40.
Camineros, 180.
Assistant Engineers, 4.
Instrument Men, 8.
Cross-section Men, 10.

SUPERIOR BOARD OF HEALTH.

R. M. Hernandez, M. D., Director of Health.
William Fawcett Smith, M. D., Secretary and Dis-
bursing OflScer.
Ruiz Arnau, M. D., Member.
Geronimo, Carreras, M. D., Member.
Jacinto Texidor, Member.
Fidel Guillermety, Member.
L. Rosenberg, Bookkeeper.
William N. Berkeley, Ph. D., Chemist.
Rafael Del Valle, Assistant Chemist.

249

L. Garfinkle, Stenographer.

F. E. Vernon, Clerk.

Gustavo Lopez, Clerk.

Francisco Nogueras, Clerk.

George Spaven, Plumbing Inspector.

J. J. Rooney, Assistant Plumbing Inspector.

E. Schirmer, D. V. S., Veterinary Inspector.

J. M. Saldafla, M. D., Inspector, Northern District.

P. J. Salicrup, M. D., Inspector, Southern District.

Julio Maturana, Inspector.

Jose Maymo, Inspector.

Lorenzo Barrante, Inspector.

E. Urrutia, Inspector.

A. Stahl, M. D., Superintendent, Vaccine Station.

Marcelino Vazquez, Janitor, Laboratory.

Jose Gutierrez, Janitor, OflSce Superior Board of Health,

Luciano Trinidad, Peon, Vaccine Station.

BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND MINES.

Juan Bautista Rodriguez, Assistant Commissioner.
A. Fernandez Umpierre, Clerk and Translator.
Luis Cuevas Zequeira, Clerk.
Antonio Bazan, Clerk.
Francisco Acufia, Clerk.
Antonio Perez, Messenger.

BUREAU OF PUBLIC LANDS.

Jose Suarez Cuenca, Register and Chief of Bureau.
Manuel Martinez Mora, Inspector of Public Lands.
Manuel Badrena, Clerk.

BUREAU OF INSULAR TELEGRAPH.

L. G. McGuigan, Superintendent.
John McGlone, Disbursing Officer.
William Amy, Clerk.
J. 0. Jimenez, Clerk.

SAN JUAN TELEGBAPH OFFICE,

John J. Dore, Manager.

250

A. J. Plard, Operator.
H. L. Biascoechea, Operator.
Juan Palacio, Operator.
Arturo Montequin, Operator.
J. M. Oiler, Operator.
A. H. Biascoechea, Operator.
Francisco J. Cobos, Operator.
Emilia Gonzalez, Clerk.
Juan Edo. Vigo, Lineman.
Maximino Cintron, Lineman.
Andres Elvira, Messenger.
Gregorio Guadelupe, Messenger.
Pablo Elvira, Messenger.
Enrique Matos Oiler, Messenger.

PONGE TELEGRAPH OFFICE.

C. P. Marshall, Manager.
R. C. Lewis, Operator.
J. A. Biascoechea, Operator.
Josefa Girau, Operator.
Elna Finlay, Clerk.
Francisco Volmar, Linemen.
Ramon Gonzalez, Lineman.
Jose Pedrogo, Messenger.
Pablo G. Lopez, Messenger.
Maximo Gomez, Messenger.

MAYAGt^EZ TELEGKAPH OFFICE.

Frank L. Cole, Manager.
Enrique Palacio, Operator.
Gerardo Venegas, Operator.
Segundo Dupra, Lineman.
Francisco Miret, Messenger.
Francisco Miret, Jr., Messenger.

PLAYA PONCE TELEGRAPH OFFICE.

Rafael Garcia, Manager.
L. Burguet, Messenger,

251

HUMACAO TELEGRAPH OFFICE.

James F. Brennan, Manager.
Juanito Rosa, Messenger.

AOUADILLA TELEGRAPH OFFICE.

Ramon M^ Marti, Manager.
Alfonso Lausell, Messenger.

ARECIBO TELEGRAPH OFFICE.

Manuel Lanuza, Manager.
Salvador Barrios, Lineman.

MISCELLANEOUS TELEGRAPH OFFICES.

Ramon Lizardi, Manager, Aibonito.

Manuel Rodriguez, Manager, Cayey.

Adolfo Y. Gimenez, Manager, Fajardo.

Vicente Lloverol, Manager, Caguas.

Andres Sotomayor, Lineman, Caguas.

Manuela Perez, Manager, Manati.

A. S. Bissell, Manager, Arroyo.

Juan F. Rivera, Manager, Coamo.

Arturo G. Molina, Manager, Guayama.

Isabel Mangual, Manager, San German.

Florentino Cruz, Manager, Yauco.

Rafael Castejon, Manager, Juana Diaz.

Jaime Marti y Cuyar, Manager, Juneos.

Pedro Guzman, Manager, Naguabo.

Consuelo Vazquez, Manager, Bayam6n.

Pablo Ibaflez, Manager, Guayanilla.

Gaspar Palmer, Manager, Utuado.

Eloisa M. Calderon, Manager, Rio Piedras.

Richard Henry, Manager, Vieques. (Heliograph) .

Ramon Gonzalez, Manager, Carolina.

Amelia Ayala, Manager, Adjuntas.

Geo. W. Higgs, Manager, La Fortuna. (Heliograph)

Domingo Lopez, Manager, San Sebastian.

Antonio Budet, Manager, Lares. /r> i

Prudencia Pardo, Manager, Rio Grande. i v;H

252

BUREAU OF DOCKS AND HABB0R8.

Tom. M. Cooke, Chief of Bureau.

Augusto G. de Quevedo, Clerk.

James P. Stevenson, Captain of Port, San Juan.

Salvador L6pez Nussa, Clerk.

Jose Mulet Ramirez, Messenger.

Juan Virriel, Coxwain of launch "Hermes."

Domingo Anglada, Engineer of launch " Hermes."

Catalino Ramos, Deck-hand of launch " Hermes."

Mariano Rosario, Deck-hand of launch "Hermes."

P. Edelmiro Martinez, Captain of Port, Ponce.

Ram6n Brandes, Captain of Port, Mayagtiez.

Jose Silva, Watchman of the Dredge.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.

Samuel McCune Lindsay, Commissioneh.
Everett William Lord, Assistant Commissioner.
Gail Sebastian Nice, Secretary and Stenographer.
Wilhelmina Lois Test, Stenographer.
Juan Francisco Gallardo, Librarian.
Gualberto Gallardo, Messenger.
Amancio Perez, Janitor.

DIVISION OF RECORDS.

Albert Frank Martinez, Chief of Division.
Enrique Contreras, Stenographer.
Antonio Lopez Tizol, Clerk.
Genaro Caparros, Clerk.

DIVISION OF DISBURSEMENTS AND ACCOUNTS.

John Raymond Wildman, Chief of Division.

John Carleton Schutz, Stenographer.

Abelardo Gonzalez Font, Clerk.

Percy F. Allen, Clerk.

John Joseph Fitzgerald, Clerk.

Guillermo Gonzalez, Clerk.

DIVISION OF SUPERVISION AND STATISTICS.

LeRoy Robinson Sawyer, Chief of Division.

Enrique Carlos Hernandez, Examining Superintendent.

253

Harriet Elizabeth Hewitt, Stenographer.
Edward N. Clopper, Superintendent San Juan District.
Marion Austin Ducout, Superintendent Fajardo District.
Carlos Augusto Reichard, Superintendent Humacao

District.
Leonard Porter Ay res, Superintendent Caguas District.
John William Zimmerman, Superintendent Guayama

District.
George Langdon Spaulding, Superintendent Aibonito

District.
Samuel W. Eckman, Superintendent Coamo District.
Rufus RoUa Lutz, Superintendent Ponce District.
Frank Schuyler Roberts, Superintendent Yauco

District.
A. Fourcaut, Superintendent San German District.
John Mellowes, Superintendent Mayagilez District.
Daniel Francis Kelly, Superintendent Aguadilla

District.
Eugene Walter Hutchinson, Superintendent Camuy

District.
Enrique Landron, Superintendent Arecibo District.
James Whittemore Smith, Superintendent Utuado

District.
Edgar Louis Hill, Superintendent Manati District.
Andres Rodriguez y Diaz, Superintendent Toa Alta

District.
Roger Lewis Conant, Superintendent Bay amon District.

DIVISION OF SCHOOL EXTENSION.

Arthur Maitland Lyons, Building Inspector and Act-
ing Chief of Division.
Katherine B. Heller, Stenographer.
Angel Adolf o Bugella, Clerk.
Arthur M. French, Building Inspector.
R. B. Riggs, Building Inspector.
John Nihill, Building Inspector.
George W. Jones, Building Inspector.

254

DIVISION OF PROPERTY AND SUPPLIES.

Charles Otis Lord, Chief of Division.
Harry James Tucker, Clerk.

DEPARTMENT OF CHARITIES.

A. C. Haeselbarth, Director.
R. I. Hayden, Disbursing Officer.
H. F. Dottin, Translator.
M. Van Eps, Purchasing Agent.
Carlos Goenaga, Clerk.
C. A. Richardson, Clerk.
Rufino Goenaga, Clerk.
Jose J. Figueroa, Messenger.

BOYS' CHARITY SCHOOL.

C. Coll y Teste, Superintendent.
Carlos L. Miro, Clerk.
A. Lope Acin, Teacher.
A. Ramos Tulier, Teacher.
Richard J, Biggs, Jr., Teacher.
Gabriel Oiler, Teacher.
A. Miro Mester, Teacher.
Anna H. Davis, Teacher.
Juan Yifiola Saez, Bandmaster.
Dr. R. Ruiz Arnau, Physician.
Antonio Lopez, Master Carpenter.
Jose Ortiz Rivera, Master Tailor.
Jose A. C6rdova, Master Shoemaker.
Domingo D. Flores, Master Baker.
Felicita May mi. Matron.
Twenty-two domestics.

GIRLS' CHARITY SCHOOL.

Cecilia Kain, Superintendent.
Dr. Ruiz Arnau, Physician.
Edward Costa, Clerk
Elena ^JezzQ, Teacher.

255

Mercedes Infante, Teacher.
M. C. Monne, Teacher.
Maria Rivera, Teacher.
Belen Acevedo, Matron.
Seventeen domestics.

INSANE ASYLUM.

Dr. Francisco R. Goenaga, Superintendent.
Leop. R. Carmona, Clerk.
Jose M. Salgado, Practicante.
Vicente F. Sanjurjo, Storekeeper.
Ricarda P. Gambaro, Matron.
Prime Viftas, Head Nurse.
Thirty-seven domestics.

LEPER COLONY. CABRAS ISLAND. SAN JUAN HARBOR.

Dr. Manuel Quevedo Baez, Physician.
Enrique Martin Tizol, Practicante.
Eight domestics.

OFFICE OF DIRECTOR OF PRISONS.

Maximino Luzunaris, Director of Prisons.

George W. Hale, Chief Clerk and Disbursing Officer.

Nicolas Rodriguez, Clerk and Translator.

Juan Pagan, Clerk.

Juan Cruz Velez, Messenger.

penitentiary.

Jose Urrutia, Warden.
Vicente Guillot Jorda, Deputy Warden.
Alvaro Padial Quinones, Storekeeper.
Juan Balseiro, Bookkeeper.
Geronimo Carreras, Physician.
Damian A. Diaz, Practicante.
Esteban Rivera, Master Shoemaker.
Rafael Barbosa, Master Tailor.
Francisco Aguilar, Master Carpenter.
Francisco Conde, Chief Turnkey.

256

Juan Arrufat, Turnkey.
Marcelino Gonzalez, Turnkey.

SAN JUAN JAU..

Jose V. Berrios, Jailer.
Fernando Montilla, Assistant Jailer.
Jose Carbonell, Physician.
Agustin Otero Davila, Praetieante.
Guadalupe Capblanco, Turnkey.
Jose M. Santana, Turnkey.
Joaquin Gimenez, Turnkey.

mayagCez jail.
Marcelo Rios Rivera, Jailer.
Benito Guadier, Physician.
Fernando Gaudier, Praetieante.
Adolfo Gonzalez, Turnkey.
Jose Angel Brugman, Turnkey.

HUMACAO JAIL.

Rosendo Miro, Jailer.
Isidro A. Vidal Physician.
Genaro Guerrero, Praetieante.
Pelegrin Busquets, Turnkey.
Laureano Silva, Turnkey.

ARECIBO JAIL.

Jose S. Rossello, Jailer.
Manuel M. Rossello, Physician.

PONCE JAIL.

Jose V. Quinones, Jailer.
Luis Aguerrevere, Physician.
Demetrio Vazquez, Praetieante.
Santos Olmo, Turnkey.
Ramon Renta, Turnkey.

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