PREFACE.

From many standpoints it seemed wise to inaugurate the custom of publishing an annual register for the Island of Porto Rico. It is proper that knowledge of the government, federal and insular, be made as public as possible, yet that such knowledge be had from some single concise publication covering the various forms and branches of the government, their functions, powers, and duties, including brief historical data. The usefulness of such a book to members of the Legislature and officials generally, is apparent. It is a manual containing rules of the several legislative bodies, sketches of the towns, post offices, statistics and other information.

No style is more suitable for such a record than an annual register giving the condition and nature of the government, its transactions and status at the close of each fiscal year.

It has been the aim to prepare this 'the first register with every regard to the range of information peculiarly necessary to be covered in Porto Rico, and at the same time to make plain and strictly correct statements only.

It is a pleasure to express the co-operation given by all called upon, and furthermore to add that the principal credit for the book is unreservedly given to the Assistant Secretary, Honorable James H. McLeary.

Respectfully,

SAN JUAN, PORTO RICO,

27th July 1901.

WILLIAM H. HUNT,

Secretary.