The president of the commission was for some months in personal charge of everything concerning the exhibit.  To his efforts the credit for the Porto Rico exhibit is due.  Mr. Annexy is an industrial engineer and occupies a prominent position in his native country.  Porto Rican coffee was considered the most extensive exhibit and was awarded the highest honors.  The coffee produced in Porto Rico is almost all exported to Europe.  In the year 1902 to 1903 coffee was exported to European countries to the value of $3,252,043, and the export to the United States was only $718,531.  The total exports of the same year to foreign countries was $3,956,893 and to the United States $10,909,147.  The exhibition of coffee was the most important aim of the Porto Rico commission, and it was distributed free in the Porto Rico Pagoda.  It was also given away green, roasted, and powdered, in bags of different sizes.

Sugar was the next most extensive display and was awarded a gold medal.  The export of sugar to the United States in the year 1902 to 1903 was $376,757 and to foreign countries $2,543.  Many millions of dollars have been spent to import the latest machinery for the manufacture of sugar and all modern improvements in transportation are rapidly being adopted.

Tobacco leaf and manufactured tobacco comprised an excellent display.  Different American concerns have undertaken in the last seven years the introduction of Porto Rican cigars and cigarettes into the United States, and there are few places in America where they can not be found.  Porto Rican cigars and cigarettes are said to rank with those of Cuba.

Porto Rican cotton was said to be of superior quality and attracted attention.  Cotton growers in Porto Rico are adopting the best machinery that is made in the United States.  The liquor exhibit also was noticeable.  Porto Rico received highest awards in straw hats, needlework, rice, beans, pharmaceutical products, etc.

In the Educational Building was the Porto Rican public school exhibit.  The development of this branch of the Porto Rico administration in the last seven years was remarkable.  The total number of schools is more than twice the number maintained under the Spanish Government, although it is said that the public schools are able to accommodate less than one-fourth of the pupils, in spite of the fact that more than 25 per cent of the revenues of the island, both insular and municipal, are expended for educational purposes.  In addition to the elementary schools there are now established four high schools.  Teachers are both natives and Americans.

An appropriation of $30,000 was made by the Porto Rican legislature for the purpose of representation at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition.  The Porto Rican Pagodo was designed by a native architect, Mr. Armando Morales, and cost $5,000.

RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS.