ANNUAL REPORTS - - - WAR DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE
CHIEF OF THE BUREAU OF
INSULAR AFFAIRS - 1931
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ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
War Department,
Bureau of Insular Affairs,
October 5, 1981.
The Secretary of War:
Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report of the Bureau
of Insular Affairs for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931.
While in Porto Rico the fiscal year corresponds to that of the
United States Government (July 1-June 30) the fiscal year in the
Philippine Islands is identical with the calendar year. The latest
annual report of the Governor General and the statistical data per-
taining thereto reflects, therefore, in general, the operations of the
Philippine Government for the year ending December 31, 1930. In
certain cases hereinafter indicated the bureau’s report regarding
Philippine affairs is, however, brought up to include June 30, 1931.
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Policy of the Governor General.—Governor General Dwight F. Davis,
in his annual report for the fiscal (calendar) year 1930, indicates some
of the results of the policy announced at the outset of his administra-
tion. From the beginning he has emphasized the necessity for
economic development, and the elimination of dishonest and incom-
petent public officials. The results attained up to the end of the
calendar year 1930 are noted under the appropriate headings. In
his message to the Ninth Philippine Legislature at the opening of its
first session the Governor General points out the difficulties of the
financial situation as reflected in the decreasing revenues and urges the
necessity for greatly decreased expenditures for current operations.
He took the position that “regardless of what happens, the budget
must be balanced.†The results of the efforts of the Government
against dishonest and incompetent public officials are noted later in
this report under the heading “Administrative investigations.â€
The council of state, an advisory body composed of the legislative
leaders and the department secretaries, was a valuable agency in
promoting an interchange of views between the executive and the
legislature and was particularly useful in budgetary problems.
Congressional consideration of Philippine questions.—Public Resolu-
tion 115, approved January 26, 1931, provides for the erection of a
memorial to William Howard Taft at Manila. (Appendix A.)
No other legislation directly affecting interests of the Philippine
Islands was enacted during the third and final session of the Seventy-
first Congress.
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REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
In Appendices B and C to this report are listed certain measures
which were presented for consideration during the third session of the
Seventy-first Congress, but which were not enacted into law.
The Philippine Legislature.—The third session of the eighth legis-
lature began on July 16 and ended on November 8, 1930. The
Governor General, in his annual report states that—
The largest number of bills in the history of the Philippine Government was
approved in this session. Much of this legislation was highly constructive and
indicated a high degree of leadership on the part of the responsible leaders of
the legislature.
Of 211 measures passed and submitted to the Governor General,
147 were approved and 1 was allowed to become law without action.
The Governor General comments on the procedure of the insular
legislature which permits the passage, without adequate consideration,
of a large number of bills on the last day of the session. Of the 67
measures passed during the first 99 days of the session, only 9 (13.4
per cent) were vetoed, while of the 140 bills passed in one or both
houses on the last day of the session 54 (37.5 per cent) were vetoed.
An act of the Philippine Legislature which the Governor General
thinks will go far toward correcting the necessity for numerous vetoes
was one creating a legislative service office to furnish technical
assistance to the legislature.
Among the important measures which received the approval of
the Governor General were the following:
Revision of the Penal Code, many of the provisions of which dated
back to Spanish times and were completely out of date; an appropria-
tion of $100,000 for the study of tuberculosis, which has as its aim
provisions for a definite program for the prevention, cure, and treat-
ment of this disease; two important bills were those amending the
law creating the textbook board and the board of directors of the
postal savings bank to make them comply with the opinion of the
Supreme Court of the United States in the board of control cases.
(Springer and Agoncillo against the government of the Philippine
Islands, 277 U. S. 189.)
Five measures passed which, under the provisions of the organic
act, required the approval of the President, were subsequently ap-
proved by him. These were:
Act No. 3818, approved January 22, 1931, exempting from wharf-
age charges refractory gold ores and sugar molasses shipped from
the Philippine Islands to the United States or possessions.
Act No. 3819, approved February 11, 1931, authorizing the Gover-
nor General to designate parts of the public domain as reservation
for airports.
Act No. 3820, approved February 11, 1931, providing for the
leasing of forest lands for special purposes.
Act No. 3821, approved February 24, 1931, providing for an in-
creased tariff on cement.
Act No. 3822, approved February 25, 1931, controlling the dis-
position of timber on mineral lands.
General conditions in the Philippines.—The Governor General's
annual report for 1930 (calendar and fiscal year) contains a summary
of general conditions throughout the year, quoted in part as follows:
The Philippine Islands naturally did not escape the economic depression which
the entire world is undergoing. However, it appears that the islands have not
suffered nearly as much as other countries. It is true that the prices of our prin-
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
3
cipal products have fallen, in some cases to the lowest level of 40 years, but in-
creased volume has to a certain extent made up for loss in price. Particularly
fortunate has been the production of an unusualty large rice crop, practically
sufficient for home consumption. This has saved to the islands the several
million pesos which have usually been spent abroad for the purchase of rice.
Government revenues necessarily decreased to a considerable extent, and it
can not be said that the general economic situation is good. In spite of this,
there has been little or no actual physical suffering, due to the comparatively
simple organization of society in the islands, to the climate, to the ease of living,
and to the splendid feeling of family responsibility which is traditional among
the Filipino people.
Despite these favorable factors, however, there is no question that the one
thing which saved the Philippine Islands from a major economic disaster was
the free access to the enormous American market * * *.
While the governmental revenues decreased, a balanced budget has been
maintained and private business seems to be in as sound a condition as could be
expected. There have been comparatively few bankruptcies and the country
has been fortunate in having a number of sound banks which appear to have been
excellently managed.
Taken as *a whole, it is evident that both the government and private business
are in a much better position to withstand a prolonged economic depression
than was the case in 1921, * * *.
Aside from the immediate economic situation, conditions as a whole have not
been unsatisfactory. Health conditions have been excellent with the exception
of a brief outbreak of cholera which was, however, brought under control by the
widespread use of vaccination. This prevented the terrible death tolls which
resulted from former outbreaks of this dread disease. Peace and order have been
good. As is to be expected during such times, there has been some unrest among
the laboring classes but nothing of a serious nature has developed * * *.
Public revenues.—The total receipts and expenditures for the fiscal
(calendar) year 1930 are shown in Appendix E. The revenues from
ordinary sources—customs, internal revenue, and miscellaneous re-
ceipts—as shown in the statement of the general fund contained in
the annual report of the insular secretary of finance for the year 1930
amount to $40,819,405.02, a decrease of $2,815,883.15 from the cor-
responding revenues for the preceding year. The ordinary expendi-
tures of the government amount to $39,939,396.77, being an increase
of $1,022,477.35 as compared with those of the previous year. The
unappropriated cash surplus at the end of the year 1930 was
$6,366,610.37. (Appendix E.)
Bonded indebtedness.—The Governor General in his report for the
fiscal (calendar) year 1930 shows a net decrease in the bonded indebt-
edness of $2,525,000. In Appendix E of this report the statement of
the bonded indebtedness is carried forward to June 30, 1931. The
amount of outstanding indebtedness is well within the limit provided
by law and sinking funds are fully maintained to cover all outstanding
bonds. The reduction in the bonded indebtedness, to which refer-
ence was made in last year’s report, contains an item of $5,580,000
Manila port works and improvement bonds, due 1950 but redeemable
in 1930, which were called for redemption on September 2, 1930.
(Appendix E.)
External trade.—The total external trade dropped from $311,607,117
in 1929 to $256,260,081 in 1930, a decrease of 17.8 per cent. The
value of imports was $123,092,953 and of exports $133,167,127, thus
showing a balance of trade in favor of the islands of $10,074,174.
(Appendix D.)
The total trade with the United States amounted to $183,525,090,
representing 72 per cent of the external trade as against 70 per cent
for the previous year. The shipments from the United States
amounted to $78,183,029, while the shipments to the United States
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REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
amounted to $105,342,061, leaving a trade balance of $27,159,032 in
favor of the islands. Comparing this figure with the total favorable
balance for 1930, it appears that there is a large increasing unfavorable
balance of the islands’ trade with other countries. This in 1930
amounted to over $17,000,000. A notable example in this unfavor-
able balance of trade is with Japan. In 1930 the Japanese shipments
to the islands registered an actual increase of about 8 per cent in
value ($12,000,000 to $13,000,000), while Japanese purchases from
the islands showed a very great falling off of about 40 per cent in
value (from $7,000,000 to about $4,000,000). With the exception of
silk and its manufactures and vegetable products and their manu-
factures, the United States occupied first place in the value of goods
shipped into the islands, and with the exception of knotted hemp
(abaca) and copra meal or cake, the United States occupied first
place in the purchase of Philippine products. In former years, the
United States ranked first in supplying silk and its manufactures, but
in 1930 Japan furnished 54 per cent of the silk imports while the
United States furnished only 24 per cent. The percentage of cotton
goods purchased from the United States decreased by approximately
12 per cent. This trade was lost to Japan which registered a large
increase in the percentage of cotton goods furnished to the islands.
The Governor General, in commenting on this subject, states:
It is significant that trade with the United States, which constituted 72 per
cent of the total trade as against 70 per cent of the total for the previous year,
decreased only about 15 per cent, while trade with all other countries decreased
23 per cent in the total and 32 per cent in the export trade. In other words,
without the benefit of free entry to the American market, it is evident that the
islands, with the increasingly unfavorable balance of trade with foreign countries,
would have been in a decidedly serious situation.
That this free trade is not without benefit to the United States may be seen
from the fact that the percentage of total imports furnished by the United States
has steadily increased over the last 10 years. Cotton goods, automotive supplies,
machinery, particularly electric machinery, canned milk, and wheat flour have,
over a period of years, been purchased in increasingly large quantities from the
United States. According to the annual report of the American trade commis-
sioner in Manila, the Philippine Islands contributed the largest market on the
absolute basis of dollar value for American cotton-piece goods and canned milk,
and among the largest for wheat flour, tinned fish, fruits, vegetables, and a
number of other articles.
According to the figures obtained from the United States Depart-
ment of Commerce, the external trade showed a considerable decrease
during the first half of year 1931 as compared with that for the
corresponding period of 1930.
Education.—The annual enrollment in public schools rose from
1,161,367 in 1929 to 1,212,946 in 1930. The insular government
allotted nearly $10,500,000 for school purposes in 1930, or over 25
per cent of the total revenues. There was also an increase in school
appropriations from all provincial and municipal sources and an
increase over the preceding year of over $200,000 from voluntary
contributions. The Governor General in his last report points out
that through appropriations provided by Act 3628, Philippine Legis-
lature, a notable increase in the primary classes was made possible
for 35,000 additional children. Seven hundred new primary classes
were opened during the year. There was a marked increase in health
education in the public schools through an increase in the supply of
health readers in the libraries, by improvement in diet through more
extensive supply of school garden products, and by increasing the
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
5
number of school nurses (57 in 1930 as compared with 18 in 1928).
The number of students enrolled in vocational education increased
from 14,130 in 1929 to 16,388 in 1930.
Private schools now take care of approximately one-third of the
school students of secondary grade, the total enrollment in private
schools in 1930 being 93,618. Due to thorough supervision by the
government, the results of instruction in these schools are approxi-
mately as good as in the public schools.
Health.—The Philippine health service continued the campaign
launched in 1929 to improve general sanitary conditions.
There was a slight rise in the general death rate over that of 1929,
the rate for 1930 being 23.08 per 1,000. The increase in 1930 death
rate was due to the appearance of both cholera and measles in epi-
demic form and to an increase in the number of deaths due to tubercu-
losis. Throughout the islands there were 5,094 cases of cholera with
3,074 deaths. A better understanding of sanitary measures and
prompt vaccination of masses of the population prevented this disease
from spreading as widely as in previous epidemics. The prompt and
effective measures of the quarantine service regarding interisland
vessels also contributed largely to keeping the cholera situation
under control. The mortality rate from typhoid showed a still further
reduction throughout the islands over that of the previous year.
Dysentery increased slightly in the Provinces during 1930, but
decreased in Manila. The malaria situation continued to improve.
Legislation was enacted during the year authorizing the expenditure
of $100,000 by a special tuberculosis commission, which has been
appointed and is now at work investigating the various aspects of the
disease as it occurs in the Philippines.
The opening, at Cebu, of a large modern station for the treatment
of leprosy was made possible by the generosity of Mr. Eversley
Childs through the Leonard Wood Memorial. A regional treatment
station was also opened at Legaspi, and a new station at Zamboanga
is 95 per cent completed. During the year, 1,201 lepers were de-
tected and segregated and 520 rendered negative and released on
parole. The World Conference of Leprologists, under the auspices
of the Leonard Wood Memorial, convened at Manila on January 9,
1931.
Quarantine service.—The report of the Governor General includes
the following:
Plague and smallpox, while not present in the islands, were present to some
extent in other parts of the Orient and required constant vigilance.
The Executive order of the United States Public Health Service concerning
meningitis, which was put into effect in 1929, required 14 days’ observation prior
to embarkation. This was continued to August 1, 1930, when it was reduced to
five days, and on October 6 to four days, as the threat of the disease seemed to
have disappeared.
Typhoons.—Several typhoons passed over the islands in the last
half of the year 1930, two of which occurred during the month of
September, causing considerable damage to coconuts and abaca in
Samar and the Bicol regions. It was estimated that the resulting
damages from these typhoons amounted to nearly $15,000,000.
On January 2, 1931, a destructive typhoon swept through Leyte,
northern Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Negros, Antique, Samar, and Surigao,
rendering over 30,000 families homeless. The American Red Cross
did splendid work in alleviating suffering in the stricken areas. The
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REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Philippine chapter of the Red Cross in Manila was authorized to
draw on the Washington headquarters to the amount of $10,000 for
relief work in the area of this typhoon.
Government-owned companies.—The Governor General reports that
despite adverse business conditions and low money rates the operating
results of the Philippine National Bank for the year 1930 were quite
satisfactory. During 1930 the bank has utilized its net income to
eliminate worthless loans carried on the books from the boom days of
the war and post-war periods and to create a substantial reserve
against future contingencies. Since the rehabilitation act of 1924,
the circulating notes of the bank have been reduced from $16,183,000
to $4,758,000. In the past year the long term and slow loans have
been decreased and the amount of bonds and liquid assets increased.
The Manila Railroad, Manila Hotel, and the Cebu Portland
Cement Co., although affected by the general depression, have made
money.
Provincial and municipal governments.—A general revision of the
system of assessment resulted in an increase in the total assessed
value of taxable property of the 40 regularly organized Provinces of
more than $26,500,000 and of $4,000,000 in the 9 specially organized
Provinces under the bureau of non-Christian tribes. As a result of
this action provincial revenues showed very little decrease as com-
pared with the previous year.
Public order in the nine specially organized Provinces was unusu-
ally good during the year.
Justice.—In the bureau’s last report reference was made to the
congestion in the courts of first instance. As a result of acts of the
Philippine Legislature which empowered the courts of first instance
to make declaratory judgments and authorized judges of first instance
to assign justices of the peace of provincial capitals to hear and deter-
mine noncontested cadastral cases, the congestion in the courts of
first instance has been somewhat relieved and the disposition of
cadastral cases shows encouraging improvement.
The public land title situation, probably the most serious problem
which confronts the government, showed improvement during the
year. The number of applications for public lands pending at the
close of the previous year was greatly reduced and the number of
applications acted upon during the year increased by 60 per cent.
Particularly encouraging was the fact that for the first time in several
years the number of homestead entries allowed exceeded the number
of applications.
Public works and communications.—During the fiscal (calendar)
year 1930 over $7,500,000 were expended on roads and bridge’s and
about $2,950,000 on public buildings. Construction was completed
on about 526 kilometers (328 miles) of first-class roads, and on 391
public buildings, such as schools, libraries, and hospitals. Seven
port works projects were accomplished, the most important being the
reinforced pier and marginal wharf at Cebu to accommodate vessels
of 30 feet draft and 700 meters of marginal wharf at Iloilo for vessels
of 18 to 30 feet draft. A number of new radio and telegraph offices
were established in isolated places.
Commenting on public works, the Governor General in his last
report says:
There is urgent need for the adoption of a definite plan for road and port con-
struction. The policy which has been followed in the past, particularly for the
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
7
construction of roads, has resulted in the improvement of isolated stretches of
roads in the construction of which political considerations had more weight than
the actual need. As is usual in such cases, the result has been that many impor-
tant roads which should have been improved have been neglected. * * *
Agricultural and natural resources.—With reference to agricultural
development in the islands, the Governor General in his report states:
The backbone of Philippine agriculture is the small farmer, and slowly changing
conditions on the small farms are likely to remain unnoticed. The planting
of 50,000 coconut trees on one plantation is a development that attracts general
attention, but during the relatively short period of 15 years our Philippine farmers
have planted more than 50,000,000 coconut trees.
The secretary of the department of agriculture and natural
resources estimates that the total area under cultivation for crops
of all kinds in the islands amounts to 3,757,530 hectares (9,284,856
acres). The total area under cultivation is now 65 per cent greater
than that under cultivation 20 years ago. The greatest increase in
acreage has been that devoted to the cultivation of rice, which in 20
years has shown an increase of over 600,000 hectares (1,482,000 acres).
Almost half of the land under cultivation is devoted to rice. The
Governor General states that—
The 1930 crop was practically sufficient for home consumption, and while it
resulted in lower prices, was an economic blessing to the great mass of consumers,
particularly in view of the general trade situation.
A campaign is now being carried on by the bureau of agriculture to
increase the production of poultry and eggs.
It has been demonstrated that pineapples can be grown in Mindanao
and a large packing plant has been established in the Province of
Bukidnon.
A noticeable improvement has been made in agriculture during
recent years, an increase being registered in the total value of staple
crops and in the average value of crop production per capita and per
hectare.
Aviation.—There has been a marked interest in the development of
commercial aviation throughout the islands. One commercial com-
pany has purchased airplanes and preliminary steps have been taken
toward working out a program of airway development. In this
development the United States Army authorities have shown a
great interest and have cooperated fully.
Governor General1 s trip to neighboring countries.—Early in the year
1930 the Governor General became convinced of the advisability of
having a mission composed of members of the Philippine Government
make a visit to the neighboring countries for the purpose of fostering
relations with these countries and observing the governmental activ-
ities 'therein. The Navy Department made available the cruiser
Pittsburgh for the transportation of the party. The State Department
made the customary arrangements for visits of this nature. The
Governor General and his party left Manila on March 1, 1931, and
returned on April 14, 1931. The itinerary included visits to Saigon,
Bangkok, Singapore, Belawan-Deli, Batavia, Soerabaya, Bali, Macas-
sar, and Sandakan. The information sought during this visit was
generally of an economic nature and embraced particularly matters
relating to agriculture and commerce.
Administrative investigations.—The policy of getting rid of dishonest
and incompetent public officials and employees was continued. A
considerable increase in the number of administrative cases against
80794—31---2
8
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
provincial and municipal officials and employees occurred during the
year. In most of these cases disciplinary action was taken. The
provincial governors of Iloilo and Davao were removed from office.
The director of the bureau of posts was required to resign for the
good of the service. The director of the bureau of prisons resigned
following rumors of serious irregularities. The investigation, con-
ducted in 1929, of the bureau of commerce and industry resulted in
the dismissal of a number of ranking officials of that bureau, which
was reorganized under a new director in 1930. A total of 150 civil
service employees were dismissed or were required to resign and
disciplinary action was taken against 1,173 others.
Change in official personnel.—The following change occurred during
the year among officials of the government of the Philippine Islands
appointed by the President:
The Hon. George C. Butte was nominated to be Vice Governor on
December 4, 1930, succeeding Hon. Eugene A. Gilmore. His appoint-
ment was confirmed by the Senate on December 9, and he took the
oath of office on December 31, 1930.
There were no changes in the membership of the Governor GeneraPs
cabinet with the exception of the secretary of public instruction,
which office is held ex officio by the Vice Governor.
PORTO RICO
Visit of the President to Porto Rico.—An event of the greatest
interest to the people of Porto Rico was the visit to the island of
President Hoover in March, 1931. The President was accompanied
on this visit by the Hon. Patrick J. Hurley, Secretary of War, and
the Hon. Ray Lyman Wilbur, Secretary of the Interior.
This is the second time the island has been visited by the President
since its acquisition by the United States. President Roosevelt
visited Porto Rico in November, 1906.
Policy of the governor.—In the bureau’s last annual report there was
outlined Governor Roosevelt’s program for economic rehabilitation
with the attendant social improvements, as expressed in his inaugural
address and message to the legislature. In his report for the year
ending June 30, 1931, the governor points out the results attained
along the lines indicated. In commenting upon the policies of his
administration, Governor Roosevelt stated:
Our policies have as their aim solutions, not merely palliatives. We are con-
vinced that if they can be maintained and developed they will lead to greater
happiness and comfort for our people, and will create of Porto Rico a community
where the average individual can, by his own efforts, obtain for himself and his
family those opportunities in life which we believe should be the portion of every
American citizen.
Legislative and administrative action has been taken looking to the
development of business and industry. Considerable attention is
being devoted to the encouragement of truck farming, with the three-
fold object of producing more food for local consumption, providing
more employment, and supplying the continental United States mar-
kets. Workmen are being encouraged and aided to cultivate small
farms; practical agricultural information is being disseminated by
means of farm bureaus, demonstration farms, and the schools, espec-
ially the secondary rural schools; cooperative associations and govern-
ment markets have been organized; and free seeds distributed. Vege-
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
9
table shipments to the continental United States greatly increased
during the year. A number of new industrial establishments were
opened during the year. An increase of 11 per cent in the sale of
hydroelectric or water power represents increased industrial use.
Funds supplied by charitable associations of the continental United
States were available to aid in the support of milk-feeding stations for
infants, school lunches, and health units. The results of these efforts
were reflected in improved health conditions.
Congressional consideration oj Porto Rican affairs.—In Appendix A
of this report is listed certain legislation of interest to Porto Rico
enacted by Congress during the period to which this report pertains.
Important measures enacted during the third session of the Seventy-
first Congress are:
Public Resolution No. 129, approved March 3, 1931, which extends
to Porto Rico the provisions of the United States law for the protec-
tion of forest lands, for the reforestation of denuded areas and for the
extension of national forests, etc., approved June 7, 1924.
Public No. 791, approved March 3, 1931, which extends to Porto
Rico the benefits of the United States vocational act of February 23,
1917.
Public No. 846, approved March 4, 1931, which extends to Porto
Rico the benefits of certain acts of Congress relating to agricultural
work in colleges.
All three of the foregoing measures contemplate annual appropria-
tions for Porto Rico on the same terms and conditions as similar
appropriations for the various States. These appropriations will
amount to substantial sums annually.
Public No. 677, approved February 18, 1931, amends section 13 of
the organic act of Porto Rico, approved March 2, 1917, by creating a
separate department of labor and changing the department of agri-
culture and labor to the department of agriculture and commerce.
Public No. 720, approved February 23, 1931, appropriates, for dis-
bursement by the Porto Rican Hurricane Relief Commission, the
second $1,000,000 authorized in Public Resolution No. 33, approved
January 22, 1930.
In Appendices B and C are listed certain measures which were
considered by the Seventy-first Congress but not enacted into law.
The Porto Rican Legislature.—The third regular session of the
twelfth insular legislature began on February 9, 1931, and ended on
April 15, 1931.
Several acts were passed by the Porto Rican Legislature in order
to make effective congressional legislation extending to Porto Rico
the benefits of the Federal laws noted in the preceding paragraph.
Among the important measures enacted are:
Joint Resolution No. 6, approved April 8, 1931, accepts the terms
prescribed by Congress in Public No. 529, Seventy-first Congress,
July 3, 1930, which reduces the amount to be paid by Porto Rico for
dredging San Juan Harbor to $150,000.
Act 77, approved May 5, 1931, passed by the legislature under
authority of section 319, United States tariff act of 1930, imposes a
duty of 15 cents per pound on coffee imported into Porto Rico.
Act 88, approved May 11, 1931. A civil service law of which
Governor Roosevelt says, “B}^ its adoption, Porto Rico will have a
10
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
civil service law comparable to the best modern civil service systems
in any of the State governments.â€
Act 98, approved May 15, 1931, providing for thegeneral reorganiza-
tion of the municipalities. (Discussed under the heading “ Munici-
palities.â€)
Act 99, approved May 15, 1931, creating a commission form of
government for the city of San Juan to continue for six years. (Dis-
cussed under the heading “Municipalities.â€)
General conditions.—The governor in his annual report for the period
ending June 30, 1931, referring to conditions in Porto Rico, states:
So far as general conditions go, they are better. That does not mean, however *
that by any stretch of the imagination they can be called good. They are not
good but very bad, and need attention and aid or we will soon slip back to where
we were. For example, though the statistics indicate that from the health stand-
ard we have improved, this improvement does not mean that we even approxi-
mate conditions in the continental United States. The same will hold true
economically, in education, etc. Though unemployment has decreased, we still
show a greater proportion of people without work than is the case on the con-
tinent.
The last two annual reports of this bureau have referred to the
effects of the hurricane of September 13-14, 1928, and pointed out that
the consequences of this catastrophe will naturally be felt for some
time to come. The general world-wide depression of 1929 and 1930
has also had its effect. However, according to the statistical records
the effects of the general depression appear less pronounced in Porto
Rico than in areas more highly industrialized. Although commodity
prices have fallen off there has been an increase in the volume of
many products of export, which has partially compensated for the
lower prices. The total value of the external trade has accordingly
had a relatively small falling off.
Financial conditions.—The general fund, commonly termed insular
revenues, represents the collection of taxes and other receivables
which, according to law, are available for current operations of the
insular government. The transactions pertaining to the floating
debt created in 1924 also constitute part of the operations of the
general fund.
Cash receipts and disbursements, under the general fund, for the
fiscal year 1930-31 are summarized as follows in the annual report of
the auditor of Porto Rico.
Balance on hand July 1, 1930__________________________________
Revenue receipts_____________________________ $11, 054, 197. 56
Repayments to appropriations_________________ 1, 899, 901. 63
Received from municipalities for bond redemp-
tion__________________________________________ 33, 000. 00
Transfer from various trust funds____________ 118, 818. 61
Sale of bonds, proportion deposited in insular
revenues__________________________________ 3, 394, 601. 54*
Premium on workmen’s relief bonds____________ 10, 780. 00
$401, 877. 91
Total receipts into general funds____________________________ 16, 511, 299. 34
Total general fund resources for the year_____________ 16, 913, 177. 25
Disbursements against appropriations_________ 15, 705, 197. 05
Redemption of municipal bonds________________ 33, 000. 00
Transfers to various trust funds_____________ 621, 953. 35
16, 360, 150. 40
Total disbursements and transfers.
Balance on hand June 30, 1931___
553, 026. 85
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
11
Current assets payable to general fund:
Balance in coffee fund June 30, 1931, trans-
ferable to insular revenues per Act 39 of
1931___________________________________ $72,476.50
Advance to Isabela irrigation fund________ 105, 000. 00
Advances to municipalities._i_____________ 27, 127. 58
Total_________________________________________________ $204, 604. 08
Total current assets_____________________________________ 757, 630. 93
Total of appropriations unexpended June 30,
1931________________________________________ 629, 861. 72
Less that part of an appropriation set up in
1930-31, but applicable to fiscal year 1931-32 76, 200. 00
----------------- 553, 661. 72
Excess of total current assets over appro-
priation liabilities_______________________________ 203, 969. 21
At the end of the previous fiscal year the appropriation liabilities
exceeded the cash on hand by $88,546.83. In addition to the improve-
ment of the relation between current assets and appropriation lia-
bilities, the floating debt of $1,671,915.90 was wiped out. The total
improvement in the status of the general fund during the year was
$1,964,431.94.
“Reserve for contingencies in special fund,†as provided in Act
No. 5, of 1930, was created during the year, and on June 30, 1931,
there was a balance of $551,098.06. While this is not part of the
general fund, it is a cash asset to be considered in determining the
financial progress of the government for the year.
“Notes payable,†not a part of the floating debt, were paid off
during the year to the extent of $1,844,800, but temporary loans were
contracted to the extent of $548,494.54. The improvement in the
unfunded debt was thus $1,296,305.46.
Bonded indebtedness.—The bonded indebtedness of the govern-
ment of Porto Rico amounted to $29,097,000 on June 30, 1931
compared with $25,353,000 on June 30, 1930, or an increase of $3,744,-
000. Sinking funds for redemption of bonds were $1,458,577.14 on
June 30, 1931, as compared with $1,573,211.05 on June 30, 1930, or a
decrease of $114,633.91. Taking into consideration both bonds
outstanding and sinking funds, the net change in the bonded indebted-
ness was an increase of $3,858,633.91.
For further data regarding the revenues and financial condition of
the insular government see Appendix G.
Municipalities.—The unsatisfactory condition of municipal finances
was noted in the last report of this bureau. This was an important
subject of legislation by the twelfth insular legislature during its third
session.
Act 98 of the Porto Rican Legislature, approved May 15, 1931,
provides for the general reorganization of the municipalities. In
commenting on the financial condition of the municipalities, the
governor, in his annual report, says:
During the third decade of this century great quantities of bonds were issued
by these governmental entities. To be accurate, their outstanding indebtedness
rose from $4,132,177.56 in 1922 to $18,123,652.66 net in 1930. Matters went
from bad to worse, until the cyclone in 1928 precipitated a crisis. The condi-
tions became so that in certain instances the insular government had had to carry
these debt charges. Out of 77 municipalities, 71 showed deficits in operation
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1930.
12
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
This matter was made the subject of very careful consideration. The legisla-
tive leaders held numerous conferences thereon, and the mayors and members
of the local assemblies were summoned to joint conferences. No agreement was
reached in the session of the legislature terminating in 1930, but in the session
which terminated this spring a general reorganization was passed. Even though
it does not go as far as it should and contains 'some provisions of which I do not
approve, it is markedly better than what we had. By it municipal governments
are simplified, certain positions are abolished and others made honorary, and
closer check is arranged on financial expenditures. I confidently expect that
through this departure the condition of the municipalities will be greatly im-
proved.
It will be noted that 71 municipalities show a deficit in current
operation. The auditor’s report for the period ending June 30,
1931, shows that only 42 have a further margin within the authorized
limits for incurring* indebtedness. The measure referred to above
ought to be helpful in furthering a policy of strict economy in munici-
pal administration which will have to be carried out for some time
to come.
Act No. 99 of the Porto Rican Legislature, approved May 15, 1931,
created a commission form of government for San Juan to continue
for six years. It provides that five commissioners nominated by
the governor and confirmed by the senate shall select the adminis-
trative officer and auditor of the city and shall supervise the activi-
ties and plans of both. Of this act, Governor Roosevelt says:
San Juan, our capital, should be one of the important cities of this hemisphere.
It has grown greatly in population during the last decade, increasing from 48,716
in 1910 to 114,715 in 1930. Because of its size, the problem of its finances is by
far the most acute among the municipalities. During the last jmars the situa-
tion has become desperate. It had run a deficit in 1928-29 of $36,020.63, in
1929-30 of $114,363.77, and in the past year, 1930-31 of $140,000. The deficits
will eventually be larger, because in assets are carried uncollected tax^es of which
a considerable percentage will not be realized. Municipal employees had gone
unpaid for many months, and matters were in such shape that it was unable
even to sell its securities on the open market.
Realizing this, as an emergency measure, the legislature passed a law creating
a commission form of government to continue for six years.
External trade.—The total trade with the United States and foreign
countries for the year ending June 30, 1931, amounted to $175,824,244
as compared with $183,489,034 for the previous year, a decrease of
about $7,664,790, or 4.2 per cent. The greater part of the decrease
in external trade represents a falling off in the imports, there being
only about 1.1 per cent falling off in exports. The favorable trade
balance regained last year after the adverse balance during the hur-
ricane year of 1928-29 continues to be maintained, the excess of
exports over imports being $21,149,424, or 12 per cent of the total
trade.
The trade with the continental United States represented about
93.1 per cent of the total external trade.
Shipments to the United States comprise 96.3 per cent of the total
exports and shipments from the United States amounted to 88.9
per cent of the total imports from all outside sources.
Coffee shipments, although still only a relatively small fraction of
these shipments prior to 1928, increased from 433,901 pounds in 1930
to 1,978,239 pounds in 1931, or about 356 per cent. This is an en-
couraging growth and shows real progress toward the rehabilitation
of part of the coffee lands. However, it will require several years
more before coffee production can be expected to approximate normal
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS 13
conditions. Work of rehabilitation has not yet been begun on large
areas formerly devoted to coffee.
Sugar and tobacco also registered substantial increases over 1930.
Further detailed data will be found in Appendix F.
Public works.—During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1931, con-
struction on only a few new buildings was started, the most impor-
tant of these being the science building for the university at Rio
Piedras, the insular telegraph building at Aguadilla, and several new
cottages for tubercular patients at the insular sanatorium. Several
buildings begun during the previous year were completed among
which are the new penitentiary at Rio Piedras, the school of arts
and trades at the university, the high school at Fajardo, and the
reconstruction of the Historical Archives Building.
By arrangements with the Navy Department, preparation of a
topographical map of the island by means of aerial photography
began in November, 1930. The work of the aerial detachment sent
by the Navy Department was completed on March 10, 1931. This
map will be of great convenience to the Porto Rican government
and to commercial and industrial enterprises.
During the year ending June 30, 1931, insular funds amounting to
$413,438.02 were spent for the regular maintenance of roads and
bridges. The sum of $1,000,000 was appropriated by Congress
(second deficiency act, 1930) to the Porto Rican Hurricane Relief
Commission for road work in Porto Rico. The total expenditures by
the commmission from this appropriation up to June 30, amounted
to $629,918.26. Governor Roosevelt states with reference to this
fund:
Coming at this time, it has been a Godsend, for it has allowed us to spend in
health units, rural schools, etc., money that would otherwise have had io be
spent for road maintenance. It has helped in our unemployment problem.
With the completion of our program at the end of this coming year, we will
have almost finished asphalting all our insular roads.
Agriculture.—In his report for the period ending June 30, 1931, the
governor points out that three of the principal crops—fruit, tobacco,
and coffee—have had bad years. A considerable part of both the
fruit and tobacco crops remains unsold, and last year’s coffee crop
was only about 25 per cent of normal production prior to the hurri-
cane of 1928. Relatively few of the coffee farms are being rehabil-
itated to their former size.
Improvements in farming methods are being encouraged through
four farm bureaus organized during the last year with four more
being formed. Efforts are being specially directed toward diversi-
fication of crops.
Fresh vegetable shipments to the United States have made very
satisfactory growth as shown by the following figures:
Fresh vegetables shipped to the continental United States (year ending June 30)
Year Quantity (pounds) Value
1928 - 791, 021 308,103 1, 074, 007 1, 078, 458 $45, 579 20,484 07, 111 110, 582
1929
1930—
1931 —
14
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
The formation of cooperatives by the farmers is being encouraged
and the tobacco farmers have federated into one strong organization
capable of taking full advantage of the Federal aid which has been
extended to Porto Rico by the Congress.
The production of forests and reforestation is being given serious
consideration. The provisions of the Federal act approved June 7,
1924, has been extended to the island, and the last insular legislature
passed laws which practically exempt forest land from taxation. One
million eight hundred thousand seedlings were distributed from the
nurseries during 1930.
With reference to the land problem in the island, Governor Roose-
velt in his report says:
We feeJ that one of the basic troubles in Porto Rico lies in the fact that so
much of the land, especially on the coastal plain, has gravitated into the hands
of a comparatively small number of large landholders. We regard as basic the
principle that the country is happiest which is populated by farmers living on
and cultivating the land which they own. Our policies, therefore, have been
specifically directed toward the building up of the small farmers. Wherever
possible we have directed governmental machinery to this end. Part of this
work has been carried on through the schools, where we are turning our attention
to the training of the children, and where we hope to be able to extend the work
in certain phases to the surrounding adults; part through the department of
agriculture, wherein we are directing our policy toward the pushing of education
in such crops as lend themselves most readily to profitable cultivation on small
properties.
In addition, during the past year we have worked out an arrangement with
certain of the larger companies whereby plots of ground are lent to their working
people for the purpose of raising food crops. This serves a double purpose. It
ameliorates the condition of hunger and distress from which the workers of the
sugar plantations suffer during the slack season, and at the same time trains
those workers in farming.
The homestead commission.—Reference was made to this agency in
the bureau's last report. In commenting upon the activities of this
commission, the governor in his last report makes the following state-
ment relative to its accomplishments and future aims:
The main endeavor toward the reestablishment of the small farmer, however, is
centered in our homestead commission. This commission originally had two
functions—
(a) providing houses for working men.
(b) homesteading small farmers on government property.
As the government had but little land available, this second feature became
inoperative quickly. For this reason we broadened the commission’s scope by
providing money which we have been using as in the nature of a revolving fund.
With the money we have bought land. On the land we have established small
farmers, who by an instalment plan of payment over a number of years purchase
outright their farms.
Our general plan is as follows: We purchase a considerable tract of property.
We then divide it according to its fertility into farms ranging, roughly speaking,
from 2y2 to 30 acres. On each one of these is put a landless man with his family.
The group of farms together constitute a colony. We have among each group a
small government demonstration farm run by a government employee. It is his
mission to aid the farmers in every way possible. He advises them as to the
products most profitable to cultivate, the best methods of cultivation, where the
seed may be obtained. He aids them in marketing their products and in the
formation of small cooperatives. He always stands ready to advise on any
problem that may occur. In addition, the departments of the government co-
operate in making the undertaking a success, in such questions as the establish-
ment of schools, adequate roads, etc. We believe that this endeavor represents
one of the most important of our governmental activities.
In my last report I advised that $500,000, in bonds authorized by the legislature
of 1930, be used to continue this work. Unfortunately, due to a technicality,
this issue of bonds was judged to be illegal. This greatly impeded the work of
this body. Realizing that the error was purely a technical one, after consultation
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
15
with the legislative leaders, we anticipated so far as possible these moneys. We
bought the El Duque tract of 4,000 acres, and, as a result, will have established
thereon 700 small farmers, owning their own property, rather than tenants.
Through the operations of this commission during the past year we have put back
on the soil, on farms they will ultimately own themselves, 850 small farmers, and
established in homes which they will own in like fashion 230 working families.
We have under contract 10,208 acres which we will buy as soon as our money
becomes available. We estimate that on these tracts we will establish during the
coming year 1,276 small farmers.
This commission has the ability to do the most valuable type of work for the
island. It is money alone that is holding us back. I know of no place where
federal aid could bring greater results in health, happiness, and character building.
Labor.—Act of Congress, No. 677, approved February 18, 1931,
amended the organic act of Porto Rico, approved March 2, 1917, and
added a new section 18 (a) thereto. By this amendment the depart-
ment of agriculture and labor ceased to exist, its new designation
being the department of agriculture and commerce, and a sepaiate
department of labor was authorized. The existence of the old
division of labor with the old department of agriculture and labor was
legalized by the Porto Rican Legislature up to June 30, 1931, and the
new department of labor did not start to function as a department
until July 1, 1931.
Education.—According to the governor’s report and the report of
the commissioner of education, the program for education as outlined
in last year’s report has been followed, particular emphasis being
placed on practical education. During the past year the number of
secondary rural schools has been nearly tripled bringing the total to
36. These are built on farms of 5 to 15 acres. Practical training is
given to the boys in farming and manual training. The girls are
taught home economics. During the past year $133,005.97 has been
received through contributions from the continental United States
and spent for lunchroom purposes. (American Relief Association
Childrens Fund (Inc.), $15,474.47, and Porto Rico Child Health
Committee (Inc.), $117,531.50.) That amount, together with the sum
appropriated by the insular government and the help of the com-
munities, has fed a daily average of approximately 50,000 children.
Social workers, who are especially trained at a summer course in
the University of Porto Rico, are provided for these secondary rural
schools and also visit the homes of the children advising the parents
on sanitation, diet, etc.
Approximately $120,000 has been provided Porto Rico through the
extension to the island of the Smith-Hughes vocational training act
by the Federal Congress. This amount is matched by the insular
government and is devoted to vocational training along such lines as
agriculture, home economics, trades, and industries.
The total enrollment in all public schools of Porto Rico for the
year 1930-31, as given in the annual report of the Governor of Porto
Rico, is 226,215. There are 3,786 schools in operation in Porto Rico,
2,028 of which can be classed as rural. The total expenditures for
educational purposes from all sources was $5,554,543.96.
During the past school year there were 37 private schools accredited
by the department of education, with a total enrollment of 6,994
children and 303 teachers. In addition to these there were 45 private
schools not accredited by the department of education, with an enroll-
ment of 2,933 children and 100 teachers. Diplomas and certificates
80794—31-----3
16
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
granted by the accredited private schools are accepted by the depart-
ment of education on a par with those of the public schools.
Under the direction of the chancellor of the University of Porto
Rico, who was elected during the last year, plans are being developed
for extending the university work which embraces such matters as the
school of arts and trades.
Health.—In the last report of this bureau the policy and aims of
the governor in meeting problems of health were stated at length. In
his report for the period ending June 30, 1931, Governor Roosevelt
sums up the accomplishments of the insular government to date as
follows:
As far as our department of health is concerned, we have, in accordance with
the plans outlined in the last annual report, devoted our attention to the estab-
lishment and expansion of health units, for we feel that they, more than anything
else, can aid toward the solution of our problems. In their organization we
have followed the plan outlined a year ago. Each unit has a full-time doctor as
its head, with a staff of nurses, social workers, and inspectors.
The program for the last year called for the organization of 10 of
these units, but due to strict economy and coordinated effort arrange-
ments were completed for expanding and increasing the number to
16. Of the efforts of the health department in this direction, the
governor states:
The efforts of the department this year will be directed toward developing
these 16 units and the establishment of as many others as possible, with a
view to reaching the goal of 20 units, serving the whole island.
Furthermore, we have found that these health units serve most admirably as
nuclei around which can be grouped all the health efforts of the community,
not merely insular, but municipal and private as well.
The following statistical statement is included in the Governor's
report:
The direct result of the work of the department of health and such specific
endeavors of the school lunchrooms and of the efforts of the bureau of commerce
and industry to provide for new industries and for increased employment is
clearly evident in the vital statistics for the island.
We are basing these now on the calendar year, not the fiscal year, in order
to conform to accepted practice in the world. The statistics based on the fiscal
year, though not quite so striking, confirm the same conclusions. During the
calendar year 1930 the death rate fell to 18.6, the lowest for any calendar year in
the history of the island of Porto Rico. This snould be compared with the rate
for the calendar year 1929, of 25.3.
Our malaria rate has fallen from 137.9 to 121.8.
Our tuberculosis rate has fallen from 301.4 to 263.2. Our deaths from this
latter disease were 4,080 as compared with 4,600.
The infant mortality rate has fallen from 161 to 126, the lowest in any calendar
year in the history of the island.
These statistics show a very satisfactory progress, due to the splendid efforts of
the health department and the individuals and organizations whose cooperation
and aid it has secured.
The reader, however, must not judge these statistics as representing a good con-
dition so far as disease is concerned.
For example, though our death rate has fallen to 18.6, the death rate in the con-
tinental United States is only approximately 12.
Though our tuberculosis rate has fallen to 263, the tuberculosis rate in the con-
tinental United States is not more than 25 per cent of that figure.
Though our infant mortality rate has fallen to 126, the infant mortality rate in
the continental United States is 68.7. In other words, we are merely making a
beginning on the great task that lies before us.
With funds raised from the continental United States amounting to
$63,000, and additional aid contributed by the insular department of
health amounting to $24,424.-14, and aid from the localities, 93 milk
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS 17
stations have been opened and maintained during the year. An
average of 1,100 children under 2 were fed milk, daily.
Porto Rican Hurricane Relief Commission.—During the fiscal year
1931 Federal appropriations totaling $2,000,000 were made available
for the Porto Rican Hurricane Relief Commission. Of that amount,
$1,000,000 for the purpose of making loans to agriculturists, was
appropriated by the independent offices act, 1930, and became avail-
able January 1, 1931. One million dollars for repairing and con-
structing insular roads, to be disbursed by the Porto Rican Hurricane
Relief Commission with the approval of the Governor of Porto Rico,
was appropriated by the second deficiency act, 1930, and became
available for expenditure during the fiscal year 1931. In addition to
the above amounts there was appropriated by Congress (independent
offices appropriation act, 1932) the sum of $1,000,000 for road work
in Porto Rico, to become available during fiscal year 1932.
During the fiscal year 1931 the expenditure of the commission in
connection with hurricane relief and rehabilitation work totaled
$3,180,444.
DOMINICAN CUSTOMS RECEIVERSHIP
The annual inspection of the receivership was made by Lieut. Col.
Creed F. Cox, assistant to the chief of bureau, in November, 1930,
just two months after the disastrous typhoon of September 3. At the
time of this inspection conditions in the city were still bad, damages to
the port had not been repaired, and the customs facilities were still
greatly handicapped; only emergency repairs of a temporary nature
had been made. The receivership, however, was operating efficiently
in spite of the difficulties of the situation.
The customs receipts for the calendar year 1930 amounted to
$3,594,567.92, as against $4,989,527.06 for the calendar year 1929,
or a decrease of 27.94 per cent. The service of the outstanding bonds,
due to the increased amounts called for in the sinking fund payments
beginning with August, 1930, and subsequent payments, required for
the year a total of $2,345,119.86, or about 65.24 per cent of the entire
receipts. After deducting the expenses of the receivership and the
cost of the service of the bonds outstanding, there remained only
$848,870.86 to be transferred to the Dominican Government as com-
pared with $3,461,814.92 for 1929. (Appendix H.)
For the first time since 1922 the expenses of operation of the re-
ceivership exceeded the 5 per cent allowance of the customs receipts
as provided in article 1 of the convention of 1924. As a result con-
siderable retrenchment was necessary, and the budget for the fiscal
(calendar) year 1930 was reduced by some $52,000 and the receiver-
ship force was reduced by 58 employees.
On September 12, 1930, upon request of the President of the
Dominican Republic, the receivership took over (in addition to the
collection of customs duties) the collection of the internal revenue
at the customhouses. The tentative agreement under which this
work was undertaken authorizes the general receiver to retain 4 per
cent of the internal revenue collections for operating expenses of the
receivership in connection with this service. The amount of internal
revenue collected from September 12, 1930, to the close of the fiscal
(calendar) year 1930 was $557,307.72, of which $535,015.41 was
transmitted to the Dominican Government.
18 REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
The auditor of the receivership, Mr. Arthur Jones, died on Novem-
ber 5, 1930, as a result of injuries received in an automobile accident
which occurred in Santo Domingo on October 3, 1930. Mr. Jones was
sent to the United States for treatment and died in Brooklyn, N. Y.
His successor, Mr. Thomas F. Norris, a former auditor of the receiver-
ship who had resigned to accept a business position, was reappointed
and assumed office on January 2, 1931.
On September 3, 1930, the city of Santo Domingo and a relatively
restricted area of the surrounding territory was visited by a typhoon
of unprecedented violence which resulted in the death of some 2,000
people and injuries to about 6,000 and in an enormous destruction of
property in the city and immediate surroundings. The destruction
included extensive damage (estimated at $250,000) to the custom-
houses and wharves, the central office of the receivership, and the
residences of the general receiver and the deputy general receiver.
The American Red Cross rendered prompt and generous assistance
in relief work following this typhoon. The first assistance arrived
from Porto Rico through the prompt action of Gov. Theodore Roose-
velt and the Porto Rican chapter of the Red Cross. The allotments
of funds and supplies for relief work in Santo Domingo following this
disaster amounted to about $225,000.
PERSONNEL, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Visit of Chief of Bureau of Insular Affairs to the Philippine Is-
lands.—The undersigned left Washington on May 20 on a visit to the
Philippine Islands, arriving in Manila on June 18, 1931, and remaining
in the Islands until September 26, 1931.
F. LeJ. Parker,
Brigadier General, United States Army, Chief of Bureau.
By C. F. C.
Appendix A
LAWS OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS AND
PORTO RICO, ENACTED DURING THE THIRD SESSION OF THE
SEVENTY-FIRST CONGRESS
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Public Resolution No. 115, Seventy-first Congress (S. J. Res. 177),
approved January 26, 1931: To provide for the erection of a memorial
to William Howard Taft at Manila, P. I.
Authorizes and directs the Secretary of War to select a site at
Manila and provide for the erection of a suitable memorial, the plans
to be approved by the National Commission on Fine Arts.
PORTO RICO
Public No. 677, Seventy-first Congress (S. 5138), approved Febru-
ary 18, 1931: An act to amend the organic act of Porto Rico, approved
March 2, 1917.
Creates a separate department of labor and changes the department
of agriculture and labor to the department of agriculture and com-
merce.
Public No. 720, Seventy-first Congress (H. R. 16415), approved
February 23, 1931: Independent offices appropriation act, 1932.
Appropriates, for disbursement by the Porto Rican Hurricane Re-
lief Commission, the second $1,000,000 of the $3,000,000 authorized
in Public Resolution No. 33, approved January 22, 1930, for the pur-
pose of continuing the repair and construction of roads in Porto Rico.
Public No. 745, Seventy-first Congress (H. R. 16969), approved
February 28, 1931: Navy Department appropriation act.
Changes the number of midshipmen from Porto Rico to be ap-
pointed for admission to the Naval Academy, on nomination of the
Resident Commissioner, from four to three.
Public No. 791, Seventy-first Congress (S. 5139), approved March
3, 1931: An act to extend the provisions of certain laws relating to
vocational education and civilian rehabilitation to Porto Rico.
Extends to Porto Rico the United States vocational education act
of February 23, 1917, with an annual appropriation of $105,000, and
the vocational rehabilitation act of June 2, 1920, with an annual ap-
propriation of $15,000, for a period of two years commencing July 1,
1931.
Public No. 846, Seventy-first Congress (S. 5524), approved March
4, 1931: An act to coordinate the agricultural experiment station work
and to extend the benefits of certain acts of Congress to the Territory
of Porto Rico.
Extends certain designated United States acts of Congress relating
to agricultural work in colleges to Porto Rico, under the college of
agriculture of the University of Porto Rico, and authorizes appro-
priations, beginning in 1933, and increasing annually until the total
19
20 REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
to which Porto Rico is entitled under the provisions of the act is
reached.
Public Resolution No. 129, Seventy-first Congress (H. J. Res. 192),
approved March 3, 1931.
Extends to Porto Rico the provisions of sections 1, 2, 6, and 7 of
the act of Congress entitled “An act to provide for the protection of
forest lands, for the reforestation of denuded areas, for the extension
of national forests, and for other purposes, in order to promote the
continuous production of timber on lands chiefly suitable therefor, â€
approved June 7, 1924.
Appendix B
LIST OF PRINCIPAL MEASURES AFFECTING THE PHILIPPINE
ISLANDS AND PORTO RICO, INTRODUCED DURING THE THIRD
SESSION OF THE SEVENTY-FIRST CONGRESS, BUT WHICH WERE
NOT ENACTED
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS AND PORTO RICO
H. R. 13553: To promote travel to and in the United States and its
possessions, thereby promoting American business, and to encourage
foreign travel in the United States.
Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to create a travel division
to “study, encourage, promote, and develop the travel of foreigners
and of citizens of the United States in the United States and its
possessions.â€
(Introduced December 1, 1930, and referred to House Committee
on Interstate and Foreign Commerce.)
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
S. 5515: To amend the organic act of the Philippine Islands, ap-
proved August 29, 1916, by increasing the salaries of certain officials
of the Philippine Government appointed by the President.
(Reported by Senate Committee on Territories and Insular Affairs
January 21, 1931; Senate Report No. 1333. Debated and passed over
several times in Senate.)
S. J. Res. 207; H. J. Res. 410, 427, 439, 473, 504, 507; H. R. 13535,
all relating to the suspension, for varying periods of years, of general
immigration into the United States, and affecting immigration of
Filipinos.
(Hearings were held on S. J. Res. 207 before the Senate Committee
on Immigration in December, 1930.)
H. J. Res. 473 (substituted for H. J. Res. 439) was reported by the
House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization January 27,
1931, House Report No. 2405, and referred to the Committee of the
Whole House.
H. J. Res. 507 was reported by the House Committee on Immigra-
tion and Naturalization February 20, 1931, House Report No. 2801,
and referred to the Committee of the Whole House.
H. J. Res. 500 (which omitted mention of Filipinos) passed House
March 2.
All measures affecting Philippine immigration to the United States
failed of passage.
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
21
H. J. Res. 400: Authorizing the restoration of a limitation on the
importation, free of duty, of Philippine sugar and the placing of a
limitation on the importation, free of duty, of Philippine coconut oil.
Limited the amount of sugar admitted free of duty from the Philip-
pine Islands to 600,000 long tons in any fiscal year; coconut oil to
400,000,000 pounds.
(Introduced December 1, 1930, by Mr. Timberlake; referred to
House Committee on Ways and Means.)
S. 6094: Giving preference to honorably discharged members of
the Philippine Constabulary in making civil appointments.
Provides that such members, or their wives or widows, shall be
preferred to the same extent as honorably discharged soldiers, sailors,
and marines, or their wives or widows.
(Introduced February 9, 1931; referred to the Senate Committee
on Civil Service.)
PORTO RICO
S. 5285; H. R. 14559: To amend the organic act for Porto Rico,
approved March 2, 1917.
Provides for the election of two Resident Commissioners from
Porto Rico to the United States, instead of one.
(H. R. 14559 was referred to the House Committee on Insular
Affairs December 5, 1930. S. 5285 was reported by Senate Com-
mittee on Territories and Insular Affairs January 14, 1931. Senate
Report No. 1296, passed over several times on Senate Calendar.)
S. 5416; H. R. 15360: To provide for the filling of certain vacancies
in the Senate and House of Representatives of Porto Rico.
(H. R. 15360 reported by House Committee on Insular Affairs
February 10, 1931, House Report No. 2567; referred to House Cal-
endar. S. 5416 reported by Senate Committee on Territories and
Insular Affairs January 14, 1931; Senate Report No. 1297, passed
over several times on Senate Calendar.)
S. 4820, 5025; H. R. 15357: To amend section 126 of the Judicial
Code.
Provides for holding a term annually by the circuit court of ap-
peals “in the first circuit, in Boston, and, when in its judgment the
public interests require * * * a sitting at San Juan, P. R. â€
(Referred to Senate and House Committees on the Judiciary.
S. 5025 reported February 17, 1931; Senate Report No. 1639, passed
over a number of times on Senate Calendar.)
S. 5961, 6227; H. R. 16837, 17031, 17240: To provide for coopera-
tion'with the several States and Territories in the physical rehabilita-
tion, education, vocational guidance, and vocational education of
physically handicapped children and their placement and follow-up
in employment, and other purposes.
Provide that Porto Rico shall share the benefits of the act upon
the same terms and conditions as any of the several States.
(Senate bills referred to Senate Committee on Education and Labor;
House bills referred to House Committee on Education.)
H. R. 15769: To authorize appropriations for construction, alter-
ation, and remodeling of buildings and installations at San Juan and
Henry Barracks, P. R., and for other purposes.
(Introduced January 6, 1931, and referred to the Committee on
Military Affairs.)
22
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Appendix C
LIST OF PRINCIPAL MEASURES AFFECTING THE PHILIPPINE
ISLANDS AND PORTO RICO, INTRODUCED DURING THE FIRST
OR SECOND SESSIONS OF THE SEVENTY-FIRST CONGRESS,
WHICH WERE RECONSIDERED IN THE THIRD SESSION, BUT
FAILED OF ENACTMENT
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS AND PORTO RICO
S. J. Res. 120; H. J. Res. 215 (71st Cong., 2d sess.): Authorizing
the President to reorganize the administration of the insular posses-
sions.
Provides that whenever the President finds it is in the public
interest, he is authorized by Executive order to transfer to the juris-
diction of such executive department as he shall designate the whole
or any part of the functions of the Secretary of War and the Bureau
of Insular Affairs of the War Department with respect to matters
pertaining to the administration and civil government of the Philip-
pine Islands and Porto Rico, for the appointment of a director of
insular affairs to be appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, etc.
(S. J. Res. 120 reported by the Senate Committee on Territories
and Insular Affairs January 15, 1931, Senate Report No. 1303; passed
over a number of times on Senate Calendar.)
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
S. 3822; H. R. 5182 (71st Cong., 2d sess.): Providing for the inde-
pendence of the Philippine Islands.
In May, 1930, hearings were held on H. R. 5182 before the House
Committee on Insular Affairs.
During the second session of the Seventy-first Congress hearings
were also held on S. 3822 and other bills relating to Philippine inde-
pendence. S. 3822, introduced by Senators Hawes and Cutting, “To
provide for the withdrawal of the sovereignty of the United States
over the Philippine Islands and for the recognition of their inde-
pendence,n etc., was favorably reported to the Senate on June 2, 1930.
(Rept. No. 781, pts. 1 and 2.) In the third session this bill came up
on the Senate Calendar for consideration a number of times but was
passed over.
S. 168 (71st Cong., 1st sess.): Providing for the biennial appoint-
ment of a board of visitors to inspect and report upon the government
and conditions in the Philippine Islands.
(Passed over a number of times on Senate Calendar; amended by
striking out the word “ biennial †and restored to Senate Calendar;
passed over March 3, 1931.)
PORTO RICO
S. J. Res. 193 (71st Cong., 2d sess.): To change the name of the
island of Porto Rico to “Puerto Rico.â€
(Passed Senate June 30, 1930. Reported by House Committee on
Insular Affairs January 10, 1931, House Report No. 2230; passed
over several times on House Calendar “without prejudice.â€)
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS 23
S. 255; H. R. 12995 (71st Cong., 2d sess.): For the promotion of the
health and welfare of mothers and infants, and for other purposes.
Provides that Porto Rico shall be entitled to share the benefits of
the act upon the same terms and conditions as any of the States.
(S. 255 passed by Senate January 10, 1931. Amended by House
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce by substituting
H. R. 12995; reported February 4, 1931, House Report No. 2485;
passed House, amended, February 27, 1931. House agreed to con-
ference report March 2, 1931.)
Appendix D
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Total foreign trade
12 months ending Dec. 31— Consignments Shipments
From United States From other countries Total To United States To other . countries Total
1921 1922 1923 i 1924 i 1925 1926-.- 1927 1928 1929. 1930... $74,130 015 47, 738, 326 50, 352, 535 60, 398, 603 69, 297, 583 71, 575, 618 71, 478, 297 83, 858,068 92, 592, 959 7S, 183,029 $41, 708, 559 32,459,319 37,147, 212 47, 612, 292 50,435, 251 47, 723, 374 44, 373,175 50, 798, 830 54, 567, 316 44,909,925 $115, 838, 574 80.197, 645 87. 499, 747 108, 010, 895 119, 732, 834 119, 298, 992 115, 851,472 134, 656, 898 147,160, 275 123, 092, 954 $50, 356, 793 64, 111, 601 85,047, 023 97, 313, 903 • 109, 044, 942 100, 003, 215 116, 03S, 250 115, 585, 876 124,465. 473 105, 342; 061 $37, 758, 530 31, 471, 697 35, 705, 967 38, 030, 760 39,832, 263 36, 881,105 39, 535, 835 39, 468, 670 39, 981, 370 27, 825,067 $88, 115, 323 95, 583, 298 120, 752, 990 135, 344, 663 148,877,205 136, 884, 320 155, 574, 085 155, 054, 546 164, 446,843 133,167,128
1 Corrected figures under consignments.
Manila-hemp shipments
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending Dec. 31— Quantity Value Value per ton Quantity Value Value per ton
1921 Long tons 98,815 $12, 984, 693 $131 Long tons 34, 012 $5,457, 059 $160
1922 169,309 19, 540, 915 115 82, 225 10, 331, 776 126
1923 187,433 24, 951, 575 133 81,167 12,635, 311 156
1924 174, 510 . 29,950, 458 172 75,999 15, 267, 238 201
1925 148, 638 ' 35, 521, 646 239 58, 976 18, 200, 649 309
1926 151, 609 32,142, 038 212 60, 881 16, 301,101 268
1927 146,474 172,140 29, 687,129 26, 593,606 203 47, 779 12, 261,975 257
1928 154 50, 304 9, 527,045 189
1929 186, 431 28,420, 550 152 66, 830 12, 276, 363 184
1930 166, 616 18, 426, 676 111 57,782 7, 638, 029 133.
24
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Coconut-oil shipments
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending Dec. 31— Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
1921 Long tons 88,866 $16,051, 518 Cents 8.06 Long tons 79,233 $13,953,690 Cents 7. 86
1922 105. 514 15, 734, 486 6. 66 104,960 15, 644,253 6.65
1923. 87', 774 109,865 14,066, 582 7.15 83,409 13, 375, 397 7.16
1924 18, 811,031 7.64 108, 810 18, 628,406 18, 428,482 7. 64
1925— 102, 482 115,438 19, 820,189 8.63 94, 851 8. 67
1926 22, 345, 217 S. 64 113,116 21,926, 024 24, 284, 361 8. 65
1927 142, 515 139,996 24, 840, 683 7. 78 139,352 7.78
1928 23,489,173 7. 49 138, 608 23, 239, 521 28,900, 587 7.49
1929 187, 509 29,184, 942 6.95 185, 707 6. 95
1930 145, 036 19,155, 382 5. 89 143, 796 18, 961, 827 5. 89
Copra shipments
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending Dec. 31— Quantity Value Value per ton Quantity Value Value per ion
1921.... Long tons 147,960 $13,073,457 $88 Long tons 52,093 $4, 332, 777 $83
1922. 170,318 14,103,073 83 87,946 7, 247, 507 82
1923 203,859 19,246, 999 94 127, 217 11,989,932 94
1924. 154,285 15,351,882 99 105,828 10,498,165 99
1925.... — - 144, 391 15,868,703 18, 586, 733 110 114, 323 12, 581, 550 110
1926 — . 171,272 109 127,042 13,816, 396 109
1927. 196,170 230,713 19,155,741 98 154, 350 15,238,157 98
1928 22, 542,341 98 179, 701 127, 570 17, 603,832 98
1929 170,830 171, 546 15, 565,821 91 11,440, 898 90
1930 13, 433,438 78 138,931 10, 654, 348 77
Desiccated-coconut shipments
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending Dec. 31— Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
19221 Pounds 2,117,273 $209,674 Cents 9.90 Pounds 2,115, 697 $209, 521 Cents 9.90
1923 9, 588,140 903,123 9.42 9, 583, 262 902, 576 9.42
1924 17, 932,108 1, 598, 559 8.92 17,916,418 1, 597,413 8. 92
1925 27,608, 670 2, 608,873 2, 757, 657 9.45 27,574,475 2, 605,611 9.45
1926 31, 587,047 8.73 31,526,986 2, 751, 964 8.73
1927 33, 472, 877 2, 850,060 8.51 33,370,655 2, 840,286 8.51
1928 1 2. 44,895, 711 3, 723, 586 8.29 44, 838, 722 3, 718, 269 8. 29
1929 49,130. 664 3, 540,124 7.20 49,094,777 3, 537,004 7.20
1930.. I 43,943,820 1 2,962, 845 6.74 43,886, 901 2,958, 710 6.74
1 Not separately reported prior to Jan. 1, 1922.
2 Includes revision of preliminary figures.
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
25
Sugar shipments
12 months ending Dec. 31— Total Shipments to United States
Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
Long tons Cents Long tons Cents
1921. — 285, 280 $25, 515, 242 3.99 148,101 $16,876,179 5.08
1922 351, 552 25,013,310 3.18 236,184 19,441,013 ‘3. 67
1923-.- 266, 847 34, 380, 570 5. 75 226,088 30,241,487 5. 97
1924- '- 347, 718 41,170, 813 5. 29 291, 657 36, 793,856 5.63
1925 — — 534,132 44, 973, 685 3. 76 452, 618 40, 879,461 4.03
1926 - 402,955 32, 003, 561 3. 54 334,137 28,936,777 3. 87
1927- 542, 773 50, 076, 777 4.12 498,496 47, 670, 564 4.27
1928 - 553,015 46, 587, 205 3. 76 517,928 44, 743, 288 3. 86
1929 - 677, 973 52,419,826 3. 45 653, 518 51,336,983 3. 51
1930 705, 286 49,617,407 3.14 698, 620 49,317, 037 3.15
1 Refined sugar, annual average 1926-1930 approximately 9,000 long tons, not included.
Leaj-tobacco shipments
12 months ending Dec. 31— Total Shipments to United States
Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
Pounds Cents Pounds Cents
1921 48,351,062 $4,761,406 9.84 81,166 $26,943 33.19
1922,_ 33,354,915 2,273,117 6. 81 21,746 6,152 28.29
1923 53, 528,374 3,636, 710 6.79 286,064 52,852 18.48
1924 47,803, 706 4,034,466 8.44 66, 369 10, 572 15. 93
1925 —. 36, 559,164 3, 065, 007 8.38 6,332 912 14.40
1926 31, 576, 755 2, 679, 630 8.49 9,370 3,820 40.76
1927 52,004,303 3, 918, 749 7.54 157,175 28,898 18.39
1928- 44, 571,470 3, 029, 633 6.80 124,617 15, 896 12.76
1929 60, 800, 643 4,392,435 7.22 104,009 12, 604 12.12
1930 - 45, 790,900 3, 725, 879 8.13 422, 525 48, 695 11. 52
Cigar shipments
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending Dec 31— Quantity Value Value per thousand Quantity Value Value per thousand
1921... Thousands 154,400 300,485: $3,213,226 $20.81 Thousands 67,737 $1,966,035 $29.02
1922 5,801,110 19.31 173,317 4,259, 788 24.58
1923 280,755 6,169,944 21.98 219,898 5,149,115 23.42
1924 218, 599 5,404,662 24.72 175, 762 4,419,782 25.15
1925 252, 553 6, 043, 976 23. 93 207,080 5,025,596 24.25
1926 — 247,726 5,663,420 22.86 195,327 4, 569,218 23. 39
1927 207,578 4,652, 258 22.41 167,300 3,768, 916 22.53
1928 220,884 4,765,140 21. 57 179,570 3,855,672 21.47
1929 188,333 - 3,824,649 20.31 150,945 3,013,355 19. 96
1930 178, 561 ' 3,545,223 19. 85 144,767 2,810,279 19. 41
26
REPORT OP CHIEF, BUREAU OP INSULAR AFFAIRS
Embroidery shipments
12 months ending Dec. 31— Total value Value of shipments to United States 12 months ending Dec. 31— Total value Value of shipments to United States
1921 - $5, 348,104 3, 261, 572 6, 375, 645 4,698,001 4, 571, 675 $5, 338,666 3,253,693 6, 365, 585 4, 686,680 4, 550,154 1926 $5, 992, 389 4,003, 476 4, 523, 968 6, 011,532 3,591, 737 $5, 976,464 3,976,126 4,483, 513 5,962,093 3, 544,036
1922 1927
1923 1928
1924-/ 1929
1925 1930-
All other shipments
12 months ending Dec. 31— Total value Value of shipments to United States 12 months ending Dec. 31— Total value Value of shipments to United States
1921 $7,167,677 9,646, 041 11,021, 842 14, 324, 791 16, 403,451 $2,405,444 3,717,898 4,334, 768 5, 411,791 6, 772, 527 1926 $14,713,675 16,389, 212 19, 799, 894 21,086,964 18,808, 541 $5,721,451 5,968,967 8,398, 840 7, 985, 586 9,409,100
1922 1927
1923 — 19281
1924 . 1929
1925 1930
1 Includes revision of preliminary figures.
Appendix E
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
Under an act of Congress approved August 29, 1916, as amended
by an act approved May 31, 1922, it is provided that the entire indebt-
edness of the Philippine government, exclusive of those obligations
known as friar-land bonds and of bonds not to exceed $10,000,000 in
amount, issued by that government and secured by an equivalent
amount of bonds issued by the Provinces and municipalities thereof,
shall not exceed at any one time 10 per cent of the aggregate tax
valuation of its property.
It is further provided that the entire indebtedness of the city of
Manila shall not exceed 10 per cent of the aggregate tax valuation
of its property, nor that of any Province or municipality a sum in
excess of 7 per cent of the aggregate tax valuation of its property
at any one time.
The assessed value of taxable real property of the Philippine Is-
lands as at December 31, 1930, was $951,694,669; that of the city of
Manila as at December 31, 1930, was $134,295,068.
No Philippine bonds were issued and sold under the auspices of
the Bureau of Insular Affairs during the past year. However, pur-
suant to authority contained in Act No. 3711 of the Legislature of
the Philippine Islands, approved November 20, 1930, there were
issued by direction of the Governor General bonds with a face value
of $250,000, dated April 1, 1931. Bids were opened for these bonds
by the insular treasurer at Manila on April 20, 1931, and the entire
amount was awarded to the teachers’ pension and investment board,
the highest bidder, at 103.3532 and accrued interest. These bonds
are a part of an entire amount of $3,000,000 authorized in Act No.
3255 of the Legislature of the Philippine Islands, approved December
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS 27
3, 1925, $1,500,000 of which have previously been issued and sold
through this bureau. The proceeds of the bonds are to be devoted
to the purchase of an equivalent par amount of bonds of the metro-
politan water district, which will use the funds received for its bonds
in completing the extension of the water supply and sewerage systems
of said district.
Funds were duly transmitted to the Treasurer of the United States
for the payment on September 2, 1930, of interest on and principal
of all outstanding bonds of an original issue of $6,000,000 entitled
“Manila port works and improvements/7 bearing interest at the rate
of per cent per annum, payable quarterly, said bonds having been
called for redemption on that date.
The following statements show the bonded indebtedness of the
Philippine Islands and of its Provinces and municipalities, respec-
tively, on June 30, 1931:
Insular government
Title of loan
Included in 10 per cent limitation:
Public improvement................
Do.............................
Do.............................
Do_____________________________
Gold bonds of 1916________________
General bonds.....................
Do.............................
Irrigation and permanent public works..
Metropolitan water district.......
Do.............................
Do.............................
Cebu port works...................
Do.............................
Do..............................
Iloilo port works..................
Do..............................
Do..............................
Total .
Not included in 10 per cent limitation:
Friar-land purchase................
Collateral bonds:
Of 1922 (Manila)...............
Of 1926 (Iloilo)...............
Of 1926 (Pangasinan)...........
Of 1926 (Occidental Negros)____
Of 1926 (Marinduque)...........
Of 1926 (Ilocos Norte).........
Of 1927 (Laguna)...............
Of 1927 (Provincial)...........
Of 1927 (Camarines Sur)......
Of 1928 (La Union)------------
Of 1928 (Manila)..............
Total........
Grand total.
Rate
Per cent
4
4
4
5H
4
5
4^
4H
5
4 L
4M
*A
VA
4 X
4 H
VA
4K
4M
4 K
4H
43^
4 x
4 H
4 K
4 M
4M
4 H
4 H
Amount
Issued
$2,600.000
1,000, 000
1, 600, 000
10, 000,000
4, 000, 000
5, 000,000
23.000, 000
11,800, 000
3,000,000
1, 500, 000
250, 000
750.000
750.000
500.000
750.000
500.000
925.000
67, 725,000
7, 000,000
2, 750, 000
976, 500
428, 500
400.000
55, 500
274.000
98,000
1, 405, 000
111, 000
110, 000
500, 000
14,108, 500
Outstand-
ing June
30, 1931
Dated
$1,678,000
418.000
675.000
9.110.000
2, 745, 000
4.425.000
19, 636,000
9.778.000
2.903.000
1, 600,000
250, 000
736, 000
750.000
500.000
736, 000
500.000
925.000
57,165,000
4.494.000
2.412.000
976, 500
428, 500
400.000
55, 500
274.000
98, 000
1,383, 000
110. 000
110, 000
494, 000
11, 235,500
81, 833, 500 68,400, 500
1905
1906
1909
1921
1916
1922
1922
1922
1925
1929
1931
1928
1929
1930
1928
1929
1930
1904
1922
1926
1926
1926
1926
1926
1927
1927
1927
1928
1928
Re-
deem-
able
1916
1916
1919
1926
1935
"l94l"
1914
1936
1937
Due
1935
1936
1939
1941
1946
1952
1952
1952
1955
1959
1961
1958
1959
1960
1958
1959-
1960
1934
1950
1956
1956
1956
1956
1956
1967
1957
1957
1958
1958
PROVINCES AND MUNICIPALITIES
City of Manila: Sewer and waterworks 4 $1,000,000 $461,000 1905 1915 1935
Do 4 2, 000, 000 932,000 1907 1917 1937
Do 4 1, 000, 000 646,000 1908 1918 1938
Public improvements 5 M 2, 750,000 2, 412, 000 1920 1930 1950
Do 500,000 494, 000 1928 1968
Do 4M 500,000 500,000 1929 1959
28 REPORT OP CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Insular government—Continued
PROVINCES AND MUNICIPALITIES—Continued
Amount Re- deem- able'
Title of loan Rate Issued Outstand- ing June 30, 1931 Dated Due
City of Cebu: Sewer and waterworks Per cent 4 $125,000 $91,000 1911 1921 1941
Bangued, Abra Province: Water supply 5 20,000 20,000 1919 1929 1949
Mayjayjay, Laguna Province: Public im- provements 5 20,000 20,000 1919 1929 1949
Santa Cruz, Laguna Province: Public im- provements 5 45,000 45,000 1919 1929 1949
Province of Iloilo and 9 municipaltiies (Ca- batuan, Dingle, Iloilo, Jaro, La Paz, Maasin, Pavia, Pototan, and Santa Barbara): Public improvements 4H 976, 500 976,500 1926 1936 1956
Province of Occidental Negros: Public im- provements __ 4 ^ 400, 000 428, 500 400,000 428, 500 1926 1956
Province of Pangasinan: Public improvements. 4 M 1926 1956
Province of Marinduque: Public improve- ments 43^ 4K 4y2 55, 500 274, 000 98,000 55,500 274, 000 98, 000 1926 1956
Province of Ilocos Norte and 3 municipalities (Bacarra, Laoag, and Pasuquin): Public im- provements.. 1926 1956
Province of Laguna: Public improvements 1927 1957
Province of Ilocos Sur and municipality of Vigan: Public imurovements 4 y2 175, 000 171, 000 477, 000 173, 000 169, 000 469, 000 1927 1957
Province of Tarlac: Public improvements 4 y2 1927 1957
Province of Pampanga: Public improvements. VA 1927 1957
Province of Nueva Ecija: Public improve- • ments 4 K 4 M 345, 000 237,000 339, 000 233, 000 1927 1957
Province of Bulacan: Public improvements.._ 1927 1957
Province of Camarines Sur and 4 municipali- ties (Naga, Magarao, Canaman, and Cama- ligan): Public improvements 4H 111, 000 110, 000 1927 1937 1957
Province of La Union: Public improvements.. 4H 110, 000 110, 000 1928 1958
Total 11,818, 500 9,456, 500
SINKING AND TRUST FUNDS
Under the provisions of Act No. 3014 of the Philippine Legislature,
approved March 8, 1922, sinking funds for the retirement of bonds
issued by the Philippine government are to be invested only in securi-
ties of the government of the Philippine Islands or the Government
of the United States after the approval of this act.
Since the passage of this act the treasurer of the Philippine Islands
transferred the following amounts to this bureau for investment:
Prior years Year ending June 30— Total
1930 1931
Sinking funds $17,073,141.40 1,400,179.89 $2,489, 600. 00 86,689. 00 $3,805,732. 68 198,000. 00 $23,368,474.08 1,684,868.89
Trust funds
Total
18,473, 321. 29 2,576,289. 00 4,003, 732. 68 25,053,342.97
At a cost of $23,253,164.36, bonds of the face value of $22,956,000
were purchased from the above funds and are included in the follow-
ing statement of securities, either purchased by this bureau for ac-
count of the Government of the Philippine Islands or deposited with
the bureau by the insular treasurer, to be held for his account in the
United States, pending cancellation or other disposition.
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Sinking and trust fund investments
29
Year ending June 30-
Bonds
Prior years
Total
1930
1931
Philippine government:
Collateral bonds—
4H’s, due 1950 (Manila)...........
4^’s, due 1956 (Iloilo)...........
4^’s, due 1956 (Occidental Negros).
4^’s, due 1956 (Pangasinan)......
4^’s, due 1956 (Ilocos Norte).....
4^’s, due 1957 (Provincial).......
4J^'s, due 1957 (Camarines Sur)___
43^’s, due 1958 (Manila)........
General—
$478,000
976,600
400, 000
428,500
464.000
63,000
500.000
$52,000
8,000
274, 000
21,000
$568,000
976, 500
400.000
428, 500
274.000
485.000
63,000
500.000
4^’s, due 1952...............................
5’s, due 1952...............................
5’s, due 1955. metropolitan water district__
4J^’s, due 1959, metropolitan water district.
Land purchase—
4’s, due 1934................................
Manila Railroad Co. purchase—
4’s, due 1946-...............................
Public improvement-
's, due 1935....................................
4’s, due 1936...............................
4’s, due 1939_______________________________
5^’s, due 1941............................
4H’s, due 1950, Manila port works and improve-
ments_______________________________________
4H’s, due 1952, irrigation and permanent public
works_____________________________________
4^’s, due 1958, Cebu port works.............
43^’s, due 1958, Iloilo port works-.........
Municipal:
City of Cebu 4’s, due 1941......................
City of Manila 4’s, due 1935____________________
City of Manila, 4’s, due 1937___________________
City of Manila 4’s, due 1938....................
City of Manila 5^’s, due 1950___________________
City of Manila 4J#s, due 1959...................
Railroad:
3,791,000
525.000
552.000
2.394.000
1, 291,000
887.000
644.000
820.000
639.000
618.000
5,174, 000
515, 000
201, 000
40,000
541.000
1,138, 000
503.000
2.750.000
318,000
120, 000
65, 000
417,000
348, 000
69,000
100, 000
176,000
94,000
104,000
101,000
49, 000
6,000
14, 000
356, 000
29, 000
9,000
22,000
614, 000
302,000
186,000
133, 000
10, 000
17,000
5.000
35.000
4.000
19.000
8,000
15,000
2,000
299,000
4.626.000
993.000
686.000
100,000
2.664.000
1.496.000
965.000
659.000
856.000
1, 609, 000
920.000
5.493.000
525.000
218.000
45,000
584.000
1.157.000
524.000
2.750.000
299.000
Manila R. R. Co. 7’s, due 1937_______
Philippine Ry. Co. 4’s, due 1937........
United States Government: Fourth Liberty loan.
Total-................................
547,000
1, 273,000
75,000
78,000
62,000
687,000
1, 273,000
75,000
28, 228,000
1,889,000
2, 682,000
32,799,000
Under the provisions of section 2 of Act No. 3014, the following
bonds, included in the preceding list of bonds purchased, have been
canceled:
Collateral bonds:
4^’s, due 1950 (Manila)__________________________________________ $338, 000
4J4's, due 1957. (Provincial)____________________________________ 22, 000
4H,s, due 1957 (Camarines Sur)_________________________________________ 1, 000
4}/2,s, due 1958 (Manila)______________________________________________ 6, 000
General bonds:
4}£’s, due 1952__________________________________________________ 3, 364, 000
5’s, due 1952__________________________________________________ 575, 000
5’s, due 1955, metropolitan water district_______________________ 97, 000
Land purchase: 4’s, due 1934__________________________________________ 2, 506, 000
Manila Railroad Co. purchase: 4’s, due 1946___________________________ 1, 255, 000
Public improvement:
4’s, due 1935__________________________________________________ 922, 000
4’s, due 1936__________________________________________________ 582, 000
4’s, due 1939__________________________________________________ 825, 000
5J/2’s, due 1941_________________________________________________ 890,000
5J4’s, due 1950, Manila port works and improvement_______________ 920, 000
4}4’s, due 1952, irrigation and permanent public works___________ 2, 022, 000
4V2’s, due 1958, Cebu port works______________________________________ 14, 000
4}i’s, due 1958, Iloilo port works____________________________________ 14, 000
30 REPORT OP CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Municipal:
City of Cebu 4’s, due 1941_______________________________ $34, 000
City of Manila 4’s, due 1935_____________________________ 539, 000
City of Manila 4’s, due 1937_____________________________ 1, 068, 000
City of Manila 4’s, due 1938_____________________________ 354, 000
Total____________________________________________________ 16, 348, 000
All canceled bonds have been shipped to the auditor of the Phil-
ippine Islands. This leaves $16,451,000 in securities actually held in
this bureau for account of the Philippine government on June 30,1931.
HAILWAY BONDS
The bonds of railroads, guaranteed as to interest by the Philippine
government, outstanding, are:
Manila R. R. Co. (southern lines) 4 per cent bonds, due 1939___________$11, 051, 000
Manila R. R. Co. (southern lines) 4 per cent bonds, due 1959____________ 1, 069, 000
Manila R. R. Co. 7 per cent sinking fund bonds, due 1937 1______________ 1, 500, 000
Philippine Ry. Co. first-mortgage 4 per cent bonds, due 1937____________ 8, 549, 000
Total_____________________________________________________ 22, 169, 000
During the past year bonds of the Manila Railroad Co., due in 1939,
with a par value of $282,000, and due in 1959, with a par value of
$53,000, respectively, were purchased from moneys in the sinking
funds and were delivered to the trustee under the mortgage.
Pursuant to instructions received from the Manila Railroad Co.,
there were canceled by the trustee, under date of January 16, 1931,
bonds due in 1939 with a par value of $1,282,000 and due in 1959 with
a par value of $18,000.
The par value of the bonds held in safekeeping by the trustee on
June 30, 1931, amounted to $240,000; of these, $205,000 bonds were
due in 1939 and $35,000 bonds were due in 1959.
COINAGE
The new coin received during the year 1930, including recoinage, *
consisted of ^145,259.10 of the 5-centavo denomination and jP55,770
of the 1-centavo denomination. On December 31, 1930, the total
amount in circulation and available therefor was ^40,323,694.08,
consisting of the following:
Pesos 2____________________
50 centavos________________
20 centavos________________
10 centavos________________
5 centavos_________________
1 centavo__________________
y2 centavo (no longer coined)
P21, 889, 679. 00
6, 272, 494. 50
5, 465, 753. 00
3, 893, 671. 00
1, 239, 854. 80
1, 510, 582. 14
51, 659. 64
40, 323, 694. 08
INSULAR RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
The following is a statement of insular receipts and disbursements
of the Philippine Islands, exclusive of all items of a refundable char-
acter, expressed in United States currency, for fiscal (calendar) years
1927, 1928, 1929, and 1930:
1 The payment of the principal of this issue of bonds is also guaranteed by the Philippine government.
J The Philippine peso equals 50 cents United States currency.
REPORT OP CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
31
Year ending Dec. 31—
1927 1928 1929 1930
CREDITS Balance from prior years Revenues: Customs „ $32, 247, 695.49 $31,904,140. 64 $34,673,756.00 $39,918, 081.40
9,907,266.67 20,004, 348. 03 9, 931,368.13 1,908,611.25 11,561,648.74 20,835,745.77 1,426,742.34 10,232,475.03 3,868,663.59 12,829,104.78 21,962,415.98 1,086, 515.15 10, 513, 550.94 679,000. 00 11,243,783.50 19,855,614.53 1,318,560.09 11,463,416.82 3,610,840.02
Internal
Repayment of Philippine National Bank losses, act 3174 __ Miscellaneous
Proceeds from sale of bonds Total revenues Total credits., DEBITS Expenditures: Bureaus and offices Revenue service Fixed charges Public works and equipment Miscellaneous.
41, 751,594. 08 47,925,275. 47 47,070, 586. 85 47,492,214. 96
73,999,289. 57 79.829,416.11 81,744,342.85 87,410. 296.36
17, 237,832. 26 4,540,888. 68 5, 042,808.03 2,963,453.92 128,373. 24 8, 326, 728.65 3,825, 074.15 29,990. 00 17,693,928.45 4,814,456. 92 5, 087,157.11 4,210,655. 38 103,080. 65 8,522,573.73 4,723,807.87 18,470,937.99 4,916, 536. 01 5,040, 792. 47 2,119,502.16 114,404. 29 9,809,466.85 1,354,621.68 19, 083,146.61 4,863, 625.25 9, 747, 870. 63 4,133,415. 28 131,985. 55 9, 562, 536. 32 3,053, 200. 80
Aid to Provinces, cities, and munic- ipalities Purchase of investments and secur- ities Contingent losses for the rehabili- tation of the Philippine National Bank _ _
Deferred credits to income of prior years 306,229.89 36, 528, 286.03
Surplus Total debits 31,904,140. 64 34,673,756.00 39,918,081.40
73,999,289.57 79,829,416.11 81,744, 342. 85 87,410, 296. 36
Appendix F
PORTO RICO
Total foreign trade
12 months ending June 30— Consignments Shipments
From United States From foreign countries Total To United States To foreign countries Total
1922 $57,400,028 64,419,462 80,586, 699 79,198,565 83,056,553 87,049,962 79,701,911 85,078,596 . 73,078,779 68,018,167 $6,775,121 7, 525,043 8, 782,925 11, 306,036 12,201,711 11, 760,788 12,640,418 12, 782,164 10,844,050 9,319,243 $64,175,149 71,944, 505 $66,229, 771 $5,942,800 $72,172,671
1923 77,007, 257 6, 285,793 82,293,050
1924 89,369, 624 90, 504, 601 95,258,264 98,810,750 92,342,329 97,860,760 83,922,829 77,337,410 80,754, 975 7, 525, 565 88, 280, 540
1925 84,411,792 10, 407,152 94, 818, 944
1926 88,106, 570 10,618,281 98,724, 851
1927 99,223,164 8,844,280 108,067,434
1928 96,662,619 76,471,829 95,097,640 6,872,120 103,534,739
1929 5,251, 041 4,468, 565 81,722,870
1930 99.566,206
1931 94,876,997 3,609,837 98,486,834
32
REPORT OP CHIEF, BUREAU OP INSULAR AFFAIRS
Sugar shipments
12 months ending June 30— Total Shipments to United States
Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
Long tons Cents Long tons Cents
1922 419,544 $40,820, 333 4.34 419,203 $40,784,886 4.34
1923 317, 342 46, 207,276 6.50 317,134 46,176,202 6.60
1924 332,180 47,838,687 6.43 331,921 47,792, 602 6.43
1925 5.10,321 53, 261,895 4.66 510,166 53,240, 480 4.66
1926 516, 795 48,223,258 4.17 516,612 48,201, 883 4.17
1927 513,276 54,756, 984 4. 76 513,169 54,743,032 4.76
1928— 540,732 54, 579,020 4. 51 540,586 54, 569, 764 4.61
1929 421, 814 35, 224,038 3. 73 421,792 35, 222,144 3.73
1930 643,944 53,670,038 3. 72 643, 901 53, 667, 063 3.72
1931 720, 380 54, 366, 952 3.37 720,369 54, 366,133 3.37
Note—Includes refined sugar, separately shown 1929-1931, as follows:
Total Shipments to United States
Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
Long tons 38.073 53,741 75,033 $3,892, 522 6,142,744 7,427,887 Cents 4. 56 5.10 4. 42 Long tons 38,051 53,698 75,021 $3,890,628 6,139,769 7,427,068 Cents 4.66 5.10 4.42
Cofee shipments
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending June 30— Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
1922 Pounds 23,402,127 $4,316,859 Cents 18.44 Pounds 65,622 $12,793 Cents 19.64
1923 16,821,939 3,188,002 18.96 70,915 14,181 20.00
1924 21,859,215 4,595,811 21.03 318,086 71,158 22.37
1925 23,782,996 6, 575,635 27.65 261,155 66,862 26.60
1926 — 26,332,766 7,071,407 26.85 624,045 170,201 27.27
1927 19,356,904 5, 748,877 29.70 178,082 52,059 29.23
1928 7,837,800 2,596,872 33.13 52,221 13, 276 25.42
1929 1,278,615 456,831 35. 73 579,732 208,954 36.04
1930 433,901 151,550 34.92 i 262,849 95,250 36.24
1931 1,978,239 546, 573 27.63 i 1,751,593 488,846 27.91
1 Includes coffee for transshipment to foreign countries amounting to 259,683 pounds, valued at $94,150
in 1930 and 1,535,284 pounds valued at $428,613 in 1931.
Leaf-tobacco shipments
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending June 30— Quantity Value Value per pound Quantity Value Value per pound
1922 Pounds 17,489,105 14,937, 530 19,944, 653 18,002,340 20, 513, 594 26,027,239 26,782,084 19,342,009 18,952, 270 19,928,796 $8,154,504 Cents 46.62 Pounds 17,438,679 $8,148,636 Cents 46.71
1923 8,489,984 12, 578,448 9,156,480 56.85 14,904,723 19,834,151 17,766,033 20, 513, 594 8,487,349 56.94
1924 —. 63.07 12,557,349 63.31
1925 50.86 9,123,995 51.36
1926 13,124,643 19,496,508 15,479,820 63.98 13,124, 643 19,489,311 63.98
1927 74.91 25, 975,321 75. OS
1928 57.80 26,654,458 15,466,781 58.03
1929 11,220,264 10,602,458 12, 053,863 58. 01 19, 314,160 18,928,381 11,216, 640 58.07
1930 55.90 10, 599, 552 56.00
1931 60.48 19,918,034 12,052,331 60.51
REPORT OP CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Cigar shipments
33
Total Shipments to United States
12 months ending June 30— Quantity Value Value per thousand Quantity Value Value per thousand
1922 Thousands 140,504 $6,279,054 $44. 68 Thousands 140,457 $6,277,832 $44.69
1923 192,105 6,911,510 35.98 192,069 6,910,735 35.98
1924 175,289 5,460,119 31.15 175,251 196,553 5,458,880 31.15
1925 196, 560 7,105, 508 36.15 7,105,313 36.15
1926 214, 546 7,196,365 33.54 214,546 7,196, 365 33.54
1927 160,804 4,227, 576 26. 29 160,804 4,227, 576 26.29
1928 144, 378 3,625, 561 25.11 144,378 3,625, 561 25.11
1929 158, 656 3,847,797 24.26 158,656 3,847, 797 24.26
1930 145,566 3,408,721 23.42 145, 566 3,408, 721 23.42
1931 166,986 3,899,556 23. 35 166,986 3,899, 556 23. 35
Fruit shipments
12 months ending June 30— Total value Value of shipments to United States 12 months ending June 30— Total value Value of shipments to United States
1922 $2,857,086 4, 570, 359 3,807, 567 4, 202, 840 6,009,840 $2,853,431 4, 565,324 3, 791,735 4,187,788 5,994,464 1927 $5,823,751 6,824,802 2,850, 722 7,671,617 4,884,799 $5,792,433 6,811,908 2,843, 213 7,480,222 4, 547,806
1923 1928
1924 1929
1925 1930
1926 1931
Coconut shipments
12 months ending June 30— Total value Value of shipments to United States 12 months ending June 30— Total value Value of shipments to United States
1922 $489,657 583,931 616,484 720,189 625, 989 $478,095 567,061 605,129 709,853 611,977 1927 $628,196 713,992 264, 778 233,084 232, 388 $612,684 697,972 249,665 218,787 232, 388
1923 1928_ -
1924 1929
1925 1930
1926 1931
All other shipments
12 months ending June 30— Total value Value of shipments to United States 12 months ending June 30— Total value Value of shipments to United States
1922 $9,255,078 12,341,988 13,383,424 13. 796,397 16,473,349 $7,674,098 10,286,405 10,478,122 9,977,501 12,807,037 1927 $17,385, 542 19,714,672 27,858,440 23,828, 737 22, 502,703 $14,306,059 15,477,357 22,883,416 19,628,045 19,289,937
1923 1928
1924 _ 1929
1925 1930
1926 1931
34
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
Appendix G
PORTO RICO
BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
Under an act of Congress approved March 4, 1927, the insular gov-
ernment of Porto Rico and the municipal ties of San Juan and Ponce
are authorized to incur public indebtedness up to 10 per cent of the
aggregate tax valuation of their respective properties; other munic-
ipalities are limited to a public indebtedness not in excess of 5 per cent
of their respective taxable properties. Bonds of Porto Rico, which are
secured by an equivalent par value of bonds of municipal corporations
or school boards of Porto Rico, are not to be counted within the 10
per cent limitation, but bonds issued by municipalities or any sub-
division thereof after March 4,1927, to the payment of which the good
faith of the people of Porto Rico is pledged, are to be counted therein.
During the year additional bonds of the insular government of
Porto Rico were issued with a par value of $4,650,000, the proceeds
from which are to be used to fund the floating debt of Porto Rico,
for workmen’s relief, and to continue the Isabela irrigation project.
On June 30, 1931, the aggregate assessed valuation of the real
and personal property in the island of Porto Rico amounted to
$331,205,535.
The following is a statement of the bonded indebtedness of the in-
sular government of Porto Rico as of June 30, 1931:
Amount
Title of loan Rate Issued Outstand- ing June 30, 1931 Maturing
Included in 10 per cent limi- tation:
Irrigation— 1909 Per cent 4 $3,000,000 $300,000 $150,000 on Jan..l of each year.
1913 4 1,000,000 1,000,000 Jan. 1,1943; redeemable after Jan. 1,1933.
1913 4 700,000 700,000 $100,000 annually beginning Jan. 1,1944.
1914 4 400, 000 400, 000 $100,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1951.
1915 4 400,000 400, 000 $100,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1955.
1916 4 200,000 200,000 $100,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1959.
1918 4 200,000 200,000 $100,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1958.
1922 5 250,000 250,000 $150,000 Jan. 1, 1961; $100,000 Jan. 1, 1962.
1923 m 975,000 750, 000 $75,000 on Jan. 1 of each year beginning
1924 m 600,000 600,000 Jan. 1, 1929; outstanding series re- deemable Jan. 1, 1939. $75,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1942;
1925 w 125,000 125, 000 redeemable Jan. 1,1939. Jan. 1, 1963.
1925 750,000 750,000 $75,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1950;
1927.. 525,000 525,000 redeemable Jan. 1,1939. $75,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1960;
1927 475,000 475, 000 redeemable Jan. 1,1939. $75,000 annually Jan. 1, 1967, to Jan 1,
1927 4K 500,000 500,000 1972; $25,000 Jan. 1, 1973; redeemable Jan. 1,1939. $100,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1959.
1929 4tf 750,000 750,000 Serially July 1, 1952, to July 1, 1970.
1931 150,000 150,000 $90,000 July 1, 1970; $60,000 July 1,1971.
San Juan Harbor im- provement—
1917 4 100,000 30, 000 Jan. 1,1942; redeemable after Jan. 1,1927.
1929:. 4Yl 320,000 320,000 Jan. 1, 1954; redeemable Jan. 1, 1939.
Public improvements—
1914 4 1,000,000 988,000 Jan. 1,1939; redeemable after Jan. 1, 1925.
1919 4M 1,000,000 800, 000 $200,000 Jan. 1, 1932; $300,000 Jan. 1, 1933- 34. $250,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1937;
1920 4 y2 1,000,000 1,000,000
1922 5 1,000,000 1,000,000 redeemable Jan. 1, 1936. $250,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1941.
REPORT OP CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
35
Amount
Title of loan
Rate
Issued
Outstand-
ing June
30, 1931
Maturing
Included in 10 per cent limi-
tation— C on tinued.
Public improvements—
Continued.
1923...............
1923-
1926-
1927..
Per cent
5
$1,000,000
6,000,000
2,000,000
2,000, 000
High school (1920)_______
House construction (1920) _
Workingmen’s house con-
struction (1920).
Munoz Rivera Park(1924)
4 M
4M
300.000
250.000
500.000
200.000
$1,000,000
6,000,000
2,000,000
2,000,000
300.000
250.000
500.000
140, 000
$250,000 annually beginning Jan. 1, 1945;
redeemable Jan. 1, 1944.
$500,000 annually beginning July 1, 1944;
redeemable July 1, 1943.
$500,000 annually beginning July 1, 1956;
redeemable Jan. 1, 1956.
$500,000 annually beginning July 1, 1960;
redeemable Jan. 1, 1960.
Jan. 1, 1945; redeemable Jan. 1,1930,
Do.
$250,000 Jan. 1, 1941-42; redeemable Jan.
1, 1940.
$20,000 annually on Jan. 1 of each year;
outstanding series. redeemable Jan. 1,
1934.
Target range and avia-
tion field (1925).
Funding (1930)........
Workmen’s relief (1930)_
4 K
4 H
â– 4H
200,000
4,000,000
500,000
Total
32,370,000
200,000
3,600,000
475,000
28, 678,000
Contingent liability—
Ponce (1927).....
Do___________
Villalba (1927)__
Guaynabo (1928)
4K 650,000 620,000
4 H 600,000 600, 000
6 35,000 34,000
5 76, 500 76,500
Total...............
Not included in 10 per cent
limitation:
1,361, 500
1, 330, 500
Refunding (collateral)—
1914 .........
1915 .........
Total.......
Grand total.
4 655,000
4 300,000
955,000
34, 686, 500
370,000
49,000
419,000
30,427, 500
$50,000 annually beginning July 1, 1945;
redeemable July 1, 1935.
$400,000 annually beginning July 1, 1931.
$25,000 annually beginning July 1,1931.
Serially July 1, 1930, to July 1, 1959.
Serially July 1, 1932, to July 1, 1961.
Serially July 1, 1931, to July 1, 1956.
Serially July 1, 1933, to July 1, 1965.
Serially July 1, 1923, to July 1, 1953.
Serially July 1, 1919, to July 1, 1935.
In preparing the above statement, bonds to the face value of
$461,000, which were due and payable on July 1, 1931, have been
deducted, funds therefor having been transferred to the fiscal agents
during June, 1931.
Bonds issued through Bureau of Insular Affairs, during year ending June 30, 1931
Title of loan Authority for issue Rate Amount Price re- ceived Dated Due
Funding, Series A P. R. Act No. 5, Per cent i'A $4,000,000 101. 34999 July 1,1930 $400,000 annually,
to J.i Workmen's relief, Apr. 9, 1930. J. R. No. 60, 4 M 500,000 102.156 do July 1, 1931, to July 1, 1940. $25,000 annually,
Series A to T. Isabela irrigation, May 5, 1930. J. R. No. 12, 4 M 150,000 103. 81 Jan. 1,1931 July 1, 1931, to July 1, 1950. $90,000 (Series S)
Series S to T. July 3, 1929. July 1, 1970; $60,000 (Series T) July 1, 1971.
i $4,000,000 sold under authority of Act No. 5, Apr. 9, 1930, were carried in the bureau’s report for 1930
as issued during the fiscal year 1930, but were not included in the list of bonds outstanding June 30, 1930,
as delivery of bonds was not made until July 1, 1930.
36
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
MUNICIPAL BONDED INDEBTEDNESS
At the close of the fiscal year 1930-31 the outstanding municipal
bonded indebtedness, distributed among 76 municipalities of Porto
Rico, was $17,297,600, against the payment of which there had been
accumulated in their respective sinking funds the sum of $2,396,720.33.
No municipal bonds were issued during the year, but municipal bonds
aggregating $548,600 were redeemed, thus reducing the municipal
bonded indebtedness of the island by this amount.
RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
Comparative statement of receipts and disbursements of Porto Rico, fiscal years
1929, 1930, and 1931
Fiscal year ending June 30—
1929
1930
1931
Balance from prior years.............
Revenues:
Customs.............................
Internal____________________________
United States internal revenues.....
Miscellaneous.......................
Total revenues____________________
Other receipts:
Repayment of loans..................
Repayment, bureau of supplies.......
Other repayments....................
Transfers from trust funds..........
Temporary loans, account of hurricane.
$758.797.88 $816,555.38 $401,877.91
1,459,797.60 8, 679,822.79 400, 250.76 464,267.37 1,520,000.00 7,324,315.59 366,679.13 403,351.92 1,110,000.00 9,070,829.79 421,404.87 451,962.90
11,004,138. 52 9,614,246.64 11,054,197.56
i 36,195.00
2,352,180.17
408,645.59
87,778. 00
1,002,950.00
l 34,500.00
2, 020,181.69
163,479.99
451,382.34
1,000, 000.00
1 33,000.00
1,748,695.21
151,206.42
118,818.61
Bond issue............__
Total other receipts.
Total________________
3, S87,748.76 3.669,644.02
15,650,685.16 14,100,346.04
3,405,381.54
5,457,101.78
16,913,177.25
Expenditures:
Legislative.........
Executive—
Governor.......
Secretary .....
Attorney general.
Treasurer______
Interior-
263,087.96
39,498.18
2,454, 074.45
397,985.68
685, 213.75
171,607.55
51,873.17
2, 032,061.07
463,443.23
619,372.60
206,472.59
1,909,579.60
(2)
450,694.48
624,741.02
Roads and bridges.
Public buildings...
Insular telegraph..
Other expenses...
Education—
1,151,082. 22
143,260.21
218, 755. 32
330,267.29
791,693.72
144,697.90
205,213.89
411,552.66
490,121.87
77,679.96
214,380.63
257,032.61
Public schools............
Other expenses............
Agriculture and labor......
Health_______________________
Auditor______________________
Insular police_______________
Public-service commission....
Civil-service commission_____
Other expenses...............
Judicial__________________________
Total expenses.................
Other payments:
Transfers to trust funds_________
Municipal and school-board bonds.
Total other payments..........
Cash balance....................
Total..........................
3,996,763. 09
124,454.45
488,133.79
1,355, 986. 75
133, 352.14
880,095.35
40,584.33
15, 498.73
679,107. 21
687,983.64
14,085,184. 54
716,445.24
32, 500.00
748,945.24
816, 555.38
15,650,685.16
3,901,720.92
110,443. 73
453,386.98
1,371, 612.32
132,650.63
885,340.24
40,640.23
16,121.72
712,740.31
716,124.42
13,232,297. 29
431,670.84
34, 600. 00
466,170.84
401,877.91
14,100,346.04
4,045,517.09
111, 930.06
502,362.70
1,271,750.54
167,909.22
919,145.09
42, 401.95
15,773.00
3,653,710.84
743,993.80
15,705,197.05
621,953.35
33,000.00
654,953.35
653,026.86
16,913,177.25
i Includes earthquake-mortgage loans to municipalities and school boards,
* Included in expenditures of governor.
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
37
REVENUE RECEIPTS
(Data taken from Annual Report of the Auditor of Porto Rico, 1930-31]
The following tabulation shows the revenue receipts for the year
classified according to the sources from which they were derived:
Customs______________________________________________________ $1, 110, 000. 00
United States internal revenue__________________________________ 421, 404. 87
Property taxes, insular proportion______________________________ 402, 541. 34
Property taxes, proportion of the universit}7 tax_________________ 6, 183. 56
Excise taxes_________________________________________________ 6, 594, 693. 12
Inheritance taxes________________________________________________ 73, 383. 04
Telephone and telegraph receipts_________________________•___ 130, 590. 64
Court fees and fines_____________________________________________ 24, 785. 98
Harbor and dock fees_____________________________________________ 38, 594. 87
Interest________________________________________________________ 205, 294. 55
Income tax___________________________________________________ 1, 994, 028. 73
Miscellaneous____________________________________________________ 52, 696. 86
Miscellaneous:
Part of proceeds of $4,000,000 bond issue_______________ 3, 394, 601. 54
Premium on workmen’s relief bond fund of 1930___________ 10, 780. 00
Total_____________________________________________ 14, 459, 579. 10
Cash on hand July 1, 1930________________________________ 401, 877. 91
Total cash resources_____________________________________ 14, 861, 457. 01
CASH REQUIREMENTS AND RESOURCES FOR SAID REQUIREMENTS,
FISCAL YEAR 1930-31
[Data taken from Annual Report of the Auditor of Porto Ricol
Cash requirements:
Appropriation liabilities at July 1, 1930_______________$15, 076, 252. 86
Less surplus fund warrants (lapses) and proportion of ap-
propriation pertaining to the next fiscal year at June 30,
1931__________________________________________________ 173,678.12
Total cash required for appropriations__________________ 14, 902, 574. 74
Total cash resources 1_______________________^__________________ 14, 969, 933. 51
Excess of cash resources over appropriations___________ 67, 358. 77
STATEMENT OF INSULAR REVENUE RECEIPTS FOR CERTAIN YEARS
[Data taken from Annual Reports of Treasurer of Porto Rico]
For purposes of comparison, there are set forth below the amounts
of insular revenue received for the first full year of American occu-
pancy, 1900-1901, and for each of the last 10 years:
Fiscal year:
1900-1901
1921- 22._
1922- 23._
1923- 24._
1924- 25..
1925- 26..
Receipts
$2, 357, 232. 36
9, 577, 759. 03
8, 071, 202. 78
9, 198, 385. 83
8, 532, 741. 27
11, 773, 953. 87
Fiscal year—Contd. Receipts
1926- 27_______$11,358,824.50
1927- 28_______ 12, 446, 219. 13
1928- 29_______ 11, 004, 138. 52
1929- 30_______ 9, 614, 246. 64
1930- 31_______ 11, 054, 197. 56
It will be noted that the receipts for past fiscal year showed a
marked increase over the previous fiscal year which had been small
owing to the disastrous effects of the hurricane of September 13, 1928.
1 Includes accrued income, balance in coffee fund on June 30, 1931, transferable, but not transferred,
amount, $72,470.50; securities refunding bonds, amount, $36,000; aggregating $108,476.60. Actual receipts
were $14,459,679.10.
38
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
THE BUDGET
The figures shown by the annual budgets for each of the last 13
years are as follows:
1919- 20________________$7, 174, 000
1920- 21________________ 8, 247, 000
1921- 22________________ 9, 971, 000
1922- 23________________ 9, 053, 000
1923- 24_________________ 11,841,000
1924- 25_________________ 11,735,000
1925- 26________________ 10,417,000
1926- 27______________$10,450,000
1927- 28_______________ 10, 440, 000
1928- 29_______________ 10, 968, 000
1929- 30_______________ 10, 499, 000
1930- 31_______________ 10, 174, 154
1931- 32______________ 11,285,245
Note.—Above figures, except for 1930-31 and 1931-32, obtained from gover-
nor’s report for 1928-29, page 35. Figures for 1930-31 and 1931-32 budgets
obtained from Laws of Porto Rico, 1930, page 554; 1931, page 880.
ASSESSED VALUATION OF PROPERTY
fData taken from Annual Report of Treasurer of Porto Rico, 1930-31]
The following statement shows the total assessed valuation of real
and personal property in Porto Rico, for taxable purposes, for the
years stated:
1901-02_______________ $96, 428, 306
1925- 26______________ 321,833,473
1926- 27_______________ 338,089,889
1927- 28............. 341,370,654
1928- 29______________ $344, 865, 104
1929- 30______________ 1 330, 274, 020
1930- 31______________ 1 331, 205, 535
Schedules of assets and liabilities as of June SO, 19S1
[Data taken from Exhibit 1-A, Annual Report of Auditor of Porto Rico, 1930-31]
ASSETS
Land and equipment_____________
Cash.............................
Sinking funds__________________
Trust fund reserves____________
Notes receivable...............
Accounts receivable............
Loans to municipalities..........
Other deferred assets__________
Deferred debits................
University of Porto Rico_______
Total___________________
LIABILITIES
Notes payable........................
Accounts payable.....................
Trust fund liabilities...............
Deferred liabilities.................
Deferred credits.......................
Bonded indebtedness__________________
Surplus, Isabela irrigation service..
Surplus, hydroelectric projects______
Trustees, University of Porto Rico..
Surplus, Guayama irrigation service.
The people of Porto Rico.............
Total.........................
Current year (1930-31) Previous year (1929-30) Difference
$49,691,062. 59 10,495, 263. 62 1,458,577.14 2,041,286. 80 1, 576. 88 7,396,143. 50 600.00 139,124.42 146,481. 46 1,669,132. 54 $48,351,687.05 10, 312,594. 68 1, 573,211.05 2,591,597.54 $1,339,375.54 182,668.94 « 114,633.91 « 550,310.74 1,576.88 1,588,798.46 «1,660.00 15,156.00 «15,685.19 35,090.07
5,807,345.04 2,260.00 123,968.42 162,166.65 1,634,042.47
73,039, 248.95 70, 558,872.90 2,480,376.05
730,494. 54 3,733,851.94 12,127,188.01 1,593.75 3,326,800.00 3,739,000.63 11,465,557.75 « 2, 596,305.46 « 5,148.69 661,630. 26 1,593. 75 46,538.13 3,744,000.00 a 57,701. 26 286,817.71 35,090.07 137,009.67 226,851.87
1,832,073.08 29,097,000.00 (368,484.45) 1,768,924.39 1,669,132. 54 2,617,657.27 19,829,817.88 1,785, 543.95 25,353,000.00 (310,783.19) 1,482,106. 68 1,634,042.47 2,480,647.60 19,602,966. 01
73,039,248. 95 70, 558,872. 90 2,480,376.05
« Decrease in fiscal year, 1930-31.
h The Annual Report of the Treasurer of Porto Rico for 1929-30 states (p. 5) the total of the “floating
debt†of Porto Rico as of June 30,1930, as $3,394,601.54.
1 The reduction in the assessed valuation for the past two fiscal years resulted largely from the reassess-
ment of coffee plantations, for taxation purposes—22,476 plantations were reassessed. The total valuation
of these properties, consisting of 144,890 acres, was reduced by $6,151,115. (Treasurer’s Report, p. 47.)
REPORT OF CHIEF, BUREAU OF INSULAR AFFAIRS
39
Appendix H
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
DOMINICAN CUSTOMS RECEIVERSHIP t
The following table shows the financial transactions of the receiver-
ship during the fiscal (calendar) year ended December 31, 1930:
Statement of the customs service, Dominican Republic, year ended December 81, 1930
RECEIPTS
Balance from Dec. 31, 1929_____________________________________ $117, 563. 58
Gross collections______________________________________________ 3, 594, 567. 92
Miscellaneous receipts_________________________________________ 5, 048. 21
Provisional receipts, pending cancellation as of Dec. 31, 1930_ 64, 675. 00
Total__________________________________________________ 3, 781, 854, 71
EXPENDITURES
Customs expense________________________________________________ 190, 552. 06
Sinking fund payments________________________________________ 1, 351, 642. 24
Interest on bonds____________________________________:------- 1, 082, 619. 96
Dominican Government___________________________________________ 848, 870. 86
Paid account Dominican Government_______________________________ 34, 189. 59
Exchange_______________________________________________________ 9, 161. 88
Accrued liability fund----------------------------------------- 3, 321. 45
Refunds of duties collected______________________________________ 3, 560. 53
Personal fees refunded__________________________________________ 12, 780. 00
Provisional receipts, pending cancellation on Dec. 31, 1929 and
canceled during 1930_________________________________________ 73,731.00
Balance on hand Dec. 31, 1930:
. Sinking fund accounts_____________________________________ 120, 425. 70
Accrued liability fund______________________________________ 3, 678. 55
In transit from deputy receivers------------------------- 47, 320. 89
Total.__________________________________________________ 3, 781, 854. 71
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