A fair degree of progress is being made in Porto Rico.  Its agricultural products are increasing; its treasury position, which has given much concern, shows improvement.  I am advised by the governor that educational facilities are still lacking.  Roads are being constructed, which he represents are the first requisite for building schoolhouses.  The loyalty of the island to the United States is exceedingly gratifying.  A memorial will be presented to you requesting authority to have the governor elected by the people of Porto Rico.  This was never done in the case of our own Territories.  It is admitted that education outside of the towns is as yet very deficient.  Until it has progressed further the efficiency of the government and the happiness of the people may need the guiding hand of an appointed governor.  As it is not contemplated that any change should be made immediately, the general subject may well have the thoughtful study of the Congress.

PANAMA CANAL

The number of commercial ships passing through the Panama Canal has increased from 3,967 in 1923 to 5,475 in 1927.  The total amount of tolls turned into the Treasury is over $166,000,000, while all the operations of the canal have yielded a surplus of about $80,000,000.  In order to provide additional storage of water and give some control over the floods of the Chagres River, it is proposed to erect a dam to cost about $12,000,000 at Alhajuela.  It will take some five years to complete this work.

AGRICULTURE

The past year has seen a marked improvement in the general condition of agriculture.  Production is better balanced and without acute shortage or heavy surplus.  Costs have been reduced and the average output of the worker increased.  The level of farm prices has risen while others have fallen, so that the purchasing power of the farmer is approaching a normal figure.  The individual farmer is entitled to great credit for the progress made since 1921.  He has adjusted his production and through cooperative organizations and other methods improved his marketing.  He is using authenticated facts and employing sound methods which other industries are obliged to use to secure stability and prosperity.  The old-fashioned haphazard system is being abandoned, economics are being applied to ascertain the best adapted unit of land, diversification is being promoted, and scientific methods are being used in production, and business principles in marketing.

Agriculture has not fully recovered from postwar depression.  The fact is that economic progress never marches forward in a straight line.  It goes in waves.  One part goes ahead, while another halts and another recedes.  Everybody wishes agriculture to prosper.  Any sound and workable proposal to help the farmer will have the earnest support of the Government.  Their interests are not all identical.  Legislation should assist as many producers in as many regions as possible.  It should be the aim to assist the farmer to work out his own salvation socially and economically.  No plan will be of any permanent value to him which does not leave him standing on his own foundation.