[Annual Report of the Department of the Interior 1938]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

BRARY OF
WELLESLEY COLLEGE
PRESENTED BY
13 TITS'

L . . ..


ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF
THE INTERIOR J93Q
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ALASKA • HAWAII • VIRGIN
ISLANDS • PUERTO RICO
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING
OFFICE* WASHINGTON : 1939

R£Po^
OF THE
SECRETARY
OF THE INTERIOR
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
1938
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1938
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Harold L. Ickes, Secretary
For sale by the
Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C.
Price 50 cents
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CONTENTS
REPORT BY BUREAUS AND DIVISIONS
Page
Letter of Transmittal................................................................. v
The National Park Service..................................................... 1
Bureau of Reclamation............................................................. 51
The Bonneville Project............................................................. 84
General Land Office................................................................. 87
Division of Grazing..................................................................... 107
Director of Forests..................................................................... 122
Geological Survey......................................................................... 125
Bureau of Mines......................................................................... 173
Office of Indian Affairs............................................................. 209
Office of the Solicitor................................................................. 264
War Minerals Relief Commission.............................................. 270
Division of Territories and Island Possessions....................... 273
Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration........................... 281
Office of Education..................................................................... 294
Division of Investigations......................................................... 357
Petroleum Conservation Division.............................................. 360
Division of Information............................................................. 366
Division of Motion Pictures...................................................... 367
Office of Exhibits......................................................................... 368
Office of the Adviser on Negro Affairs ................................... 369
Board on Geographical Names.................................................. 371
St. Elizabeths Hospital............................................................. 373
Howard University..................................................................... 395
Freedmen’s Hospital................................................................. 415
Columbia Institution for the Deaf.......................................... 417
ILLUSTRATIONS
Frontispiece, Olympic National Park, Washington.................................................................
facing page v
Kings River, California, a proposed national park . facing page 1
Onions harvested on Owyhee reclamation project,
Oregon......................................................... facing page 51
Lettuce grown on Salt River reclamation project . facing page 51
The All-American Canal...................................facing page 56
Air view of Bonneville Dam........................... facing page 84
A chart of the Bonneville project......................................page 85
in
Measuring cable over the Columbia River. ... facing page 125
Potash mine near Carlsbad, N. Mex........................ facing page 125
Helium tank car.....................................................facing page 173
New Bureau of Mines buildings, Oklahoma, Maryland,
and Alabama......................................... facing page 194
Pueblo bowl makers................................................. facing page 209
New and old in Indian housing..............................facing page 231
Puerto Rico, low cost housing..................................facing page 281
A cement plant built by P. R. R. A.........................facing page 281
IV

View of th e New ly Establ ish ed Olym pic Nat iona l pa r k in
THE STATE OF WASHINGTON.
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
WASHINGTON
My Dear Mr . Presi dent :
Encouraging progress in our campaign of the past 5 years to conserve
the vast store of the natural resources of the United States is
the keynote of the reports of the bureaus and agencies of the
Department of the Interior for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938,
which are transmitted herewith.
I said last year that our citizens were in agreement with the principle
that prudently managed national resources could be made to
produce a far higher standard of living for the Nation over a longer
period. They have also shown their willingness to support intelligent
and energetic action on the part of the Government to this end.
I am gratified to be able to report that, with the passing of another
year, it is becoming more evident that the people are demonstrating
a greater interest in conservation; are beginning to heed our warnings
that, although our resources are bountiful, they are not limitless.
From the accompanying reports of the bureaus and divisions of the
Department, most of which deal with some important phase of conservation,
and as a result of my own first-hand observations and
information, I believe that a great advance in sentiment for conservation
has been made during the past year.
A court victory for the Government in the Elk Hills oil case wherein
the United States sought to be declared the owner of valuable mineral
lands; the establishment of the Olympic National Park in Washington
as the result of legislation passed during the closing hours of
the Seventy-fifth Congress; the salvage of the old Chesapeake and
Ohio Canal between Washington, D. C., and Cumberland, Md.,
for recreational purposes; and the pending purchase by the Government
of important sugar-pine groves adjacent to the Yosemite
National Park in California stand out as major triumphs on the side
of true conservation.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS DURING THE YEAR
It is not possible for me in a letter of transmittal to touch upon
all of the many activities and accomplishments of the Department
during the past fiscal year, but I shall mention some of them.
The construction program of the Bureau of Reclamation, with
work in progress on 32 projects in 12 States, was the largest in
history.
The base of the massive Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia
River was completed on March 21, 1938, a year ahead of schedule,
and, at the close of the fiscal year, work was about to commence on
Shasta Dam, the second largest concrete dam in the world and one
of the key structures of the Central Valley of California project.
v
VI LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
An act of Congress, approved August 20, 1937, set up a Bonneville
Authority for the purpose of supervising and selling the electric
energy generated at Bonneville Dam on the Columbia River. Mr.
J. D. Ross was appointed Administrator under this act, and for the
first time the Administrator’s report is included in the annual report
of the Secretary of the Interior.
In addition to the creation of the Olympic National Park and the
successful fight to save in California one of the finest remaining sugar
pine stands in the world, progress was made in the development of
the Isle Roy ale National Park project in Michigan and in the Blue
Ridge and Natchez Trace Parkway projects. An appropriate of
nearly $750,000 made possible the purchase of lands to be included
within the boundaries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Three new national monuments were added to the parks and monuments
and additions were made to several of our national parks.
Visitors to the units of the national park system mounted to
16,233,688—a new all-time record.
For the second successive year the operations of the General Land
Office resulted in a return to the Federal Treasury of 5 dollars for
each dollar expended for administration. For the first time, all of
the principal regulations, based upon more than 5,000 laws, have
been brought together in up-to-date form and made available for
general use.
The control of grazing and the regulated use of the public range
has been carried forward with a harmony of purpose between the
stockmen and the administration. Advancement of this sound conservation
policy is shown by the fact that during the coming year,
preliminary work will have been completed and temporary 1-year
licenses replaced by term permits of not more than 10 years’ duration
in 1 grazing district in each of the 10 States affected.
From 130,000,000 acres in 1887, Indian lands were reduced , to
49,000,000 acres in 1933. At the close of the last fiscal year Indian
lands increased to approximately 51,540,307 acres of which 67 percent
were tribally owned and 33 percent in trust allotments.
Taking advantage of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, which
gave to the Indians, at their own option, larger responsibilities of self
government, there were 82 tribes operating under constitutions and
bylaws. Of this number 57 tribes had become incorporated under
Federal charters.
Because the Department is charged by law with the conservation
and management of large forest areas there was created, on May 18,
1938, the Office of Director of Forests for the purpose of promoting
a unified and coordinated conservation policy with respect to these
lands. .
There was also set up within the Office of the Secretary a Division
of Information, similar to organizations already existing in other
Federal departments and agencies, for the purpose of disseminating
to the public official information concerning the work and policies of
the Department.
The Office of Education reported more than 6,000,000 students
now enrolled in the 4 years of the public high schools and approximately
1,500,000 persons in night and part-time schools. . Gratifying
progress was reported by schools, colleges, and universities in the
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL VII
teaching of conservation in its broadest meaning. Educational radio
and forum demonstration projects were continued and extended.
In spite of liberal allotments of loans and grants from Public Works
Administration and other emergency funds for new school construction,
a survey made by the Office of Education showed a continuing
shortage of school building construction.
THE ELK HILLS OIL CASE
Regulations were issued to protect from private exploitation the
Nation’s petroleum resources in the Teapot Dome, Wyo.; the Elk
Hills, Calif., and all other portions of the approximately 70,000 acres
of naval petroleum and Government helium reserves.
This was part of the Department’s intensive program which has
been carried on during the past 5 years to preserve these valuable
deposits of oil and helium for the Nation’s use and followed closely
upon the finding of a Federal district court declaring section 36 in
the Elk Hills to be Government property. This court decree upheld
the original decision made by the Secretary of the Interior on January
24, 1935, declaring the title to these valuable mineral lands in the
United States. The Department has made a similar finding with
respect to section 16 in the same area.
The Solicitor of the Department of the Interior and his staff advised
and conferred with special counsel for the Government in the
Elk Hills oil case (U. /S'. v. Standard Oil Co. of California, et al.).
The Solicitor’s Office also was engaged in the preparation and trial
of the Government’s case against the city and county of San Francisco
to enjoin the continued violation of section 6 of the Raker Act.
This suit likewise was decided in favor of the United States by the
district court of the United States.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
The creation of the Olympic National Park in the State of Washington,
assures the preservation of a fragment of the Pacific coast
rain forest with its magnificent Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, western
hemlock, and giant cedar. The largest remaining herds of the rare
Roosevelt elk are also finding a refuge in this park.
On the Olympic peninsula cedar trees are standing that are 45 feet
in circumference, trees from which Indian women stripped inner
bark for clothing a hundred years before Columbus discovered
America. In this new park there are Douglas fir 40 feet in circumference
and a thousand years old.
The reservation of this area is not exclusive of or inconsistent with
the right of the lumber industry to a proper and legitimate exploitation
of the timber resources of this area. The manufacture of lumber
is necessary to our prosperity and well being as a Nation. There is
room on the Olympic Peninsula for forests for both the people and
the sawmill. Assuming that the self-interest of the lumbermen is an
intelligent one, we have a right to look forward to the end that this
wonderful section may be put to the wisest and best use for all
concerned.
Selfishness and commercialism at any cost met defeat in the closing
days of the last Congress when the President was empowered to deVIII
LETTER OE TRANSMITTAL
termine the final boundaries of this new national park. The President’s
approval of the measure on June 29, 1938, fulfilled the dream
of conservationists for a third of a century. It is interesting to note
that the effort to create this great national park dates from the administration
of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was personally
interested in this area.
MORE SUGAR PINES ARE SAVED
Several years ago John D. Rockefeller, Jr., happened to be visiting
the Yosemite National Park when the lumbermen’s ax was being
sharpened to destroy a magnificent grove of sugar pines. Mr.
Rockefeller contributed $1,644,927.12 for the purchase of this grove,
his donation being matched by Federal funds. This grove is now one
of the outstanding features of Yosemite. Additional thousands of
acres of the dwindling supply of this rare giant will be saved from
destruction under the authority conferred upon the Secretary of the
Interior by H. R. 5394; S. 1791. . This act authorizes the Secretary
of the Interior, through the National Park Service, to acquire the
Carl Inn tract of 7,730 acres of sugar pines bordering the western
boundary of Yosemite National Park, Calif., as an addition to the
park. The Deficiency Act of August 25, 1937, carried an appropriation
of $2,005,000 for the purchase of these trees; $5,000 was for
administration costs.
This is one of the finest sugar pine stands in the world. The act of
Congress came just in time to stop the lumbermen at the edge of this
grove, thus saving these exceptional trees for future generations.
Sugar-pine trees, which are rare and becoming rarer because of
their value for lumber, are among the finest manifestations of Nature
and rank in a class with the spectacular western redwoods. The
sugar pine is a giant among trees, growing as it does to a height of 240
feet and measuring 8 or 9 feet in diameterIt grows.only in California
and Oregon in majestic groves and of straight, towering trees that give
the impression of trying to reach to the sky.
The Department of the Interior will avail itself to the fullest possible
extent of the powers granted under this legislation, which, to our way
of thinking, represents a generous spirit and a cultivated imagination
on the part of Congress. We are delighted at this opportunity to assist
the Congress and the President in giving the country a valuable object
lesson in conservation by saving these trees from the destruction that
threatened them. . .
To my mind, it would have been little short of a crime for the
country to have permitted these forest giants to be felled. So many
such treasures of the Nation have already been despoiled that m
years to come those who will follow us will rejoice that these sugar
pines have been preserved for them.
Of the 7,730 acres to be acquired under the act of Congress, 7,172
are owned by a private lumber company which was preparing to
turn the two and three centuries old trees into lumber, leaving only
the desolate, sheared-off stumps and broken tops as a memorial to an
outraged Nature despoiled of its beauty. This privately owned area
will be acquired through condemnation proceedings if the negotiations
that are now under way fail to arrive at a price which seems reasonable
to the Government. Approximately 500 acres are in a national forest
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL IX
and under the terms of the act will automatically become a part of
the park when the private holdings are acquired.
The Department of the Interior for many years has sought to
preserve this forest, in conformity with the policy of the National
Park Service to save for future generations outstanding examples of
America’s flora, scenic and recreational areas by protecting them from
commercial exploitation.
ADDITIONS TO THE PARK SYSTEM
Three new national monuments were added to the park system.
They are the Capitol Reef National Monument in Utah, Pipestone
National Monument in Minnesota, and the Channel Islands National
Monument in California.
The boundaries of Hawaii National Park were extended and the
Hot Springs National Park was enlarged. The Salem Maritime
National Historic Site was established.
The Senate Committee on Public Lands was authorized to investigate
the suitability and feasibility of extending the Grand Teton
National Park in Wyoming by including the Jackson Hole country
and an area in the Teton National Forest which surrounds Jackson
Lake. The Senate also directed an inquiry to determine the suitability
of enlarging the Petrified Forest National Monument in Arizona into
a national park.
During the year the Park Service investigated 24 new areas for
possible inclusion in the Federal park system.
Additions to the Nation’s parks during the year brought the
number of areas to 144 and the total acreage to 19,187,933.
As a result of the continued Historic American Buildings Survey,
information is now available on more than 7,000 early American
buildings.
Winter sports enjoyed a phenomenal growth and popularity
throughout the national parks during the winter of 1937-38 and
advisory committees on camping, hiking, and skiing were appointed.
Serious thought has been given to the problem of providing recreation
for the heavy Negro population of the deep South.
The number of forest fires reported in the western national parks
was the lowest since 1930.
With a total staff of 125 naturalists, the Park Service contacted
4,500,000 visitors through lectures and nature trips in the parks
during the year. Dioramas, photographs, paintings, and models were
displayed at 15 expositions.
Over 3,000,000 seedlings, obtained from the Soil Conservation
Service, were planted in recreational demonstration areas for the
purpose of assist ng in erosion control or to reforest cut-over or burnedover
lands.
A comparison of the concession service in the national parks during
the last year with 10 years ago shows an interesting trend. Before
the 1929 depression substantially all the profits of the park operators
were earned from sightseeing transportation and first-class Americanplan
hotel accommodations. Today the profit-producing facilities
are the low-priced cabin accommodations, cafeterias, coffee shops,
and grills. Although the transportation and first-class hotel accommodations
still furnish the greater portion of the operator’s revenues,
X LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
they are not so self-supporting as the newer types of accommodations.
As of June 30, 1938, there were 140 corporations, firms, and individuals
under contract or permit to furnish accommodations to the
public as compared with 131 as of the beginning of that fiscal year
and 89 as of 10 years earlier.
The furnishing of accommodations to park visitors through private
corporations and individuals in many instances has not worked out
satisfactorily. There is an element of inconsistency in permitting
concessionaires to operate on Government property. It is hoped that
the Congress will give serious consideration to this problem with a
view to adopting a policy that will be for the best interest of the
Government and of the public.
The Federal Park System now comprises 27 national parks, 73
national monuments, 11 national military parks, 11 national cemeteries,
8 national battlefield sites, 8 national memorials, 1 national
recreational area, 1 national historical site, 1 national parkway, 3
national parkway projects, 2 national historic parks, and the National
Capital Parks unit. The net increase in the Nation’s park and
monument system through the adjustment of the boundaries of
existing areas and through lands acquired amounted to 1,846,377.363
acres.
At the close of the fiscal year the National Park Service was
responsible for the maintenance and operation of 21,122,615 square
feet of floor space in the District of Columbia. Of this total 18,303,567
square feet were in 46 Government-owned buildings and 2,891,048
square feet in 64 privately owned buildings.
RECLAMATION
Demand from many sources, including those of refugees from
drought areas, for farmsteads on Federal reclamation projects continued
very high during the year. For 69 farm units opened for
homestead on the Klamath project in northern California, 1,280
formal applications were filed.
On 35 operating projects in 16 semiarid Western States water was
provided by federally constructed works for the irrigation of 3,034,769
acres of former desert lands. The crops harvested from these areas
had an average value of $39.09 per acre. The water supply for the
projects was ample, with one exception during the 1937 irrigation
year, and at the outset of the 1938 season the prospects were bright
for a very good water year.
During the year the Repayment Commission, created by the act of
August 21, 1937, recommended and the Secretary granted an extension
of time in the payment by project water users of $300,331 due under
repayment contracts. This sum represented approximately _ onetenth
of that due during the year. The Repayment Commission
also drafted its report on Federal and Indian reclamation projects,
and this was transmitted to the Congress.
The appropriation act for the Department for 1939 marked a step
forward in the matter of new support for the Reclamation fund. This
act provided for an immediate increase in the Reclamation fund and
carried a clause setting up a new source of accretions to the fund which
will, in part, replace the dwindling revenues from the sale of public
lands.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL XI
Work was in progress on 32 projects in 12 States under the largest
Reclamation construction program in history. Thirteen major dams
were being built in western stream beds, two having been started
during the year. Six dams were completed during the year, bringing
to a grand total of 147 the number of dams constructed by the Bureau
of Reclamation since it began operations.
The base of Grand Coulee Dam was completed, and a new contract
was awarded for the completion of the dam to its full height of 550
feet. This contract alone involves the placing of 5,809,500 cubic
yards of concrete.
Large-scale construction was started on the Central Valley project
in California. Problems preliminary to the commencement of work
in most branches of this wide-flung undertaking were solved. Bids
were opened before the close of the year for the building of Shasta
Dam, the key structure of the project.
Additional generating units were installed in the Boulder Dam
power plant. Energy was delivered continuously throughout the
year to Los Angeles and other municipalities from the Boulder powerhouse.
A total of 1,427,928,442 kilowatt-hours of energy was sold
for a gross revenue of $1,888,132.84. Work progressed rapidly on
the All-American Canal, where all the principal structures were under
construction.
The President approved, on December 21, 1937, the finding of
feasibility, and thereby cleared the way for the commencement of
construction of the Colorado-Big Thompson project in Colorado, the
most important of the new projects.
BUREAU OF MINES
Too often sight is lost of the achievements of our purely scientific
organizations—the Bureau of Mines and the Geological Survey.
The Bureau of Mines has continued its dual program of mineral
and human conservation.
The accident rate in mining has been much lower during the past
5 years than in any other period for which statistics are available.
The excellent safety records of numerous mining companies working
under hazardous conditions show definitely that mine accidents in this
country can be reduced at least 75 percent if proven practices are
followed strictly.
By the beginning of the new fiscal year the Bureau of Mines had
trained 1,146,854 persons in safety courses.
The Bureau has devised and patented a process for producing 99.7
percent pure manganese metal from low-grade domestic ores and has
conducted tests on a variety of American clays to determine whether
they can be used for wares as attractive and sturdy as expensive,
imported ceramics.
The Bureau of Mines also has pioneered in conducting tests on coal
hydrogenation, a process already applied in England, Germany, and
Japan for obtaining oil from coal. By the time that our oil fields
approach depletion (and I have been insisting for years that unless
our oil producers are more careful this day is rapidly approaching),
it is hoped that motor fuel from other sources can be supplied so
efficiently and cheaply that the transfer can be made without drastic
economic adjustment.
XII LETTER OE TRANSMITTAL
Experts in the Bureau have been giving their special attention to
the strategic minerals that are vital to industry and indispensable in
war.
The Director of the Bureau of Mines reports that a factor which
contributes to the waste of our mineral resources is unrestrained production
that results in stock piles that frequently deteriorate before
they are used. A way would be open to enable the Government to
check this overproduction if we could determine the Nation’s requirements
of the principal minerals. I am in favor of legislation which
will permit this Department to make this determination in the
interests of national defense as well as in the interests of conservation
of natural resources.
Through funds made available by the Public Works Administration
the Bureau of Mines has increased its facilities by the construction of
the southern experiment station at Tuscaloosa, Ala., the eastern experiment
station at College Park, Md., and a new laboratory at the
petroleum station at Bartlesville, Okla.
HELIUM
The Government’s helium plant at Amarillo, Tex., produced
6,100,000 cubic feet of helium during the fiscal year of 1938, an
increase of 1,300,000 cubic feet over the previous year, mainly for
the use by the Army and N avy in nonrigid airships. This production
was only about one-third of the quantity which a foreign nation
desired under the terms of the amended helium act permitting export
under certain conditions. No helium was exported because the
Secretary of the Interior was not persuaded that the supply sought
was not of military importance under the provisions of the act.
The Government acquired during the year certain private heliumbearing
lands in accordance with the amended helium act. This
gives to the United States a virtual monopoly of the world’s helium
supply. Helium was supplied to the United States Public Health
Service for medical studies, the Bureau of Standards for research and
the Weather Bureau for the inflation of small meteorological balloons.
The Weather Bureau has requested 450,000 cubic feet of helium for
this purpose during the next fiscal year. Approximately 70,000 cubic
feet of the gas were delivered during the year for medicinal and
scientific purposes, and helium-qxygen mixtures for the treatment of
respiratory diseases are now available in all parts of the country.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
The Geological Survey sent out 63 geologic parties in 35 States and
Alaska during the year. Flood studies were continued and measurements
of stream flow were maintained at 3,831 stream-gaging stations.
Mineral production from public and Indian lands and the naval oil
petroleum reserves under the supervision of the Survey had an estimated
value of $88,500,000. The revenues accruing therefrom
amounted to about $9,750,000.
The piercing eye of the X-ray machine was used more than ever
before by Survey scientists last year to reveal secrets which might
lead to the advancement of the conservation of natural resources.
The Director of the Survey reports that it is now possible to show that
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL XIII
the physical properties of a mineral depend not only upon the kinds
of atoms composing it, but also upon their role and arrangement in
the crystal—features that can be determined by X-rays. The densities
of strata, rocks, and minerals likewise, in the final analysis, are
determined in the same way. It seems reasonable to expect that
further study of the associations and conditions of the formation of
minerals will yield illuminating correlations with both their chemical
composition and physical structure.
The work of the Geological Survey during the year was basically
important in the general program of conservation and there is included
in the Director’s report a State-by-State recital of its operations.
Special investigations included a study of the base exchange properties
of river clays, which are expected to afford a correction of the
previously calculated age of the ocean.
A temperature survey was made of a 7,000-foot well near Washington,
Pa.
Of the total area of the United States, 45 percent has been covered
by topographic maps, the year’s increment amounting to 0.02 percent.
The reduced percentage, as compared with 47.4 percent reported in
1937, is due to the fact that during the year maps of 79,668 square
miles, based on reconnaissance surveys prior to 1896 and considered
inadequate, have been withdrawn from distribution and the areas
declared to be unmapped.
The production of petroleum from public lands in 1938 was substantially
greater than in other recent years; the production of gas
was approximately the same as in 1937; the production of natural
gasoline was substantially less than in other recent years. The production
from 519 wells on naval petroleum reserves No. 1 and No. 2
in California and No. 3 in Wyoming aggregated 4,238,533.36 barrels
of petroleum, 2,395,996,000 cubic feet of natural gas, and 10,581,504
gallons of natural gasoline and had an aggregate royalty value of
$1,020,444.84.
INDIAHS
Indians are now increasing at twice the rate of the population as a
whole.
In 1887 the Indian had left only 130,000,000 acres. In 1933 these
had been reduced to only 49,000,000 acres, most of it waste and desert
land. At the end of the last fiscal year the Indian land area had been
increased to approximately 51,540,307 acres; 67 percent of this was
tribally owned and 33 percent was in trust allotments. During the
last fiscal year 64,354.85 acres costing $1,216,725.14 were purchased
for. Indian land. In addition, 38,279 acres of former Indian land
which had been opened up to sale or entry were restored to tribal
ownership or a reservation status.
From 1935 through the fiscal year 1938, 30 purchase projects have
been conducted by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in cooperation
with the governmental agencies now merged in the Farm Security
Administration. Options in the amount of $3,521,057, covering
1,207,916 acres in 11 States, have been accepted, and purchases were
completed to the extent of 94 percent. By Executive order, on January
18 and April 15, 1938, the President transferred jurisdiction of
approximately 791,405 acres of these lands from the Department of
Agriculture to the Department of the Interior.
XIV LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
The act of May 31, 1938, authorized the Secretary of the Interior
to withdraw and reserve permanently tracts of land not to exceed 640
acres each of the Alaska public domain for schools, hospitals, and other
purposes necessary to aid the Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts.
Conservation, for the benefit not only of the Indian, but of the whole
Nation, is, of course, the controlling policy in the administration of
Indian grazing and forest lands. In no other field does the Government
have such an opportunity to prove what can be done in the way
of conservation and the proper land use as it does in the supervision
by the Indian Service of the Indian domain. The Indian Service, by
virtue of its position as guardian of Indian lands, can apply a concentrated
knowledge and action directed to the problem. In the
management of the Indian’s forest resources, as in the management
of the range lands, conservation is the watchword. Depletion of the
timber supply is geared down to the rate of tree reproduction so that
the Indians may enjoy their forest resources in perpetuity. It is
estimated that 426,000,000 feet of timber were cut during the fiscal
year 1938 from the 33,000,000,000 feet of timber on Indian lands.
The gross income to the Indians from the sale of this timber was
$1,175,000. . p i
The average Indian family of four had an income lor the year 1937
amounting to approximately $600. This figure includes earned and
unearned income as well as nonmoney and money income.,
During the past year the Indians Arts and Crafts Boara initiated a
number of policies, including a system of marking to prove the authenticity
and quality of Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo silver products and of
Navajo textiles; the development of a home spinning industry m
eastern Oklahoma with an organization of 75 spinners; and the formation
of arts and crafts groups on three Dakota reservations. Survey
work in Indian arts and crafts looking toward improved production
has been carried on in North Dakota, Alaska, and North Carolina.
Indian boarding schools have decreased in number and day schools
have greatly increased. In 10 years, the Indian day school population
has risen from 4,532 to 14,087. Moreover,, day schools have
become popular in many instances with adult Indians, and there are
cases where a larger number of adults than children have used the
day school rooms. Improved practice in hygiene, sanitation, and soil
conservation are being taught adults and accepted by the Indians.
Community discussions of tribal affairs, extension demonstrations, and
other community activities for the adult Indians are being developed
through the day schools. .
Under the Indian Reorganization Act since 1934, 82 tribes totaling
93,520 Indians were operating under constitutions and bylaws; and
of these 57 tribes with a membership of 64,000 Indians have become
incorporated under Federal charters. Under these constitutions and
charters the Indians have an increasingly large sphere of self-governmeOnnt.
July 1, 1937, there were authorized m the Indian fieldn serv•i ce anJd
Alaska 6,933 permanent year-round positions. On April 30, 1938,
there were 3,916 Indians employed in the Indian Service, of whom
3,627 were in regular year-round positions. Approximately one-half
of the regular employees of the Indian Service are Indians. Slightly
more than 40 percent of the Indians employed are full-bloods.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL XV
DIRECTOR OF FORESTS
The Office of Director of Forests was established May 18, 1938, to
promote a unified policy of forest conservation on all of the lands under
the jurisdiction of the Department of the Interior.
By law the Department of the Interior is charged with the conservation
of a variety of forests and forest lands. These forests range from
the primeval growths in the national parks, which are preserved for
the inspiration and enjoyment of our own and future generations, to
the intensive commercial development of the revested and reconveyed
forest lands in Oregon.
Under the act of August 28, 1937, the Department of the Interior
was given new and widened responsibilities for forest conservation
over these Oregon lands. A basis was laid for a new type of cooperative
conservation which, if successfully carried out, will provide a new
approach to the practice of forestry in this country. It is my hope
that this new approach shall be successful and for this and other
reasons I have established the Office of the Director of Forests.
Not only did the act of August 28, 1937, provide this new approach,
but for the first time in our history a plan of sustained-yield management
for a specific Federal forest property was authorized and outlined
in American forest law. The experience of the Department with
the forests on Indian lands, from which 92 percent of the gross receipts
are returned to the Indians, has shown that planned, sustained-yield
management of forests cannot only be successful but that it can be
carried out with low administrative costs.
In addition to the national park, Oregon, and Indian forests, the
Department of the Interior has jurisdiction over lands in the United
States and Alaska where forests are principally administered for
watershed protection. While it is obvious that the uses of these
different forest lands vary, it is also clear that there are certain fundamental
forest principles and techniques, such as fire protection and
insect control, as well as the basic policy of the Department, conservation,
which apply to all of these areas.
The establishment of the Office of the Director of Forests in this
Department will not only make possible the coordination, unification,
and promotion of sound basic techniques, principles, and policies for
the conservation of all the forest resources under the Department, it
also marks a progressive step forward, in accord with the best principles
of modern administration, in carrying on the conservation work of the
Department.
GRAZING PROGRAM
Progress in the program of range use control is indicated by the fact
that, with the completion of preliminary surveys and classification
work, temporary 1-year licenses will be replaced during the coming
year by term permits of not more than 10 years’ duration in 1 grazing
district in each of the 10 States affected, namely, Arizona, California,
Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and
Wyoming. Installation of the term permit system in all of the 50
Federal grazing districts will be undertaken as rapidly as survey and
classification of the 120,000,000-acre Federal range can be completed.
Grazing licenses were issued to 18,752 stockmen owning 9,050,771
head of livestock in 48 grazing districts during the year.
XVI LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Twelve grazing districts established in 1937 were placed under regulation
for the first time in 1938. The amount of Federal range
involved in these 12 districts in Idaho, Montana Oregon, Wyoming,
and Nevada, was 30,086,579 acres. The increase in licenses resulting
from the addition of these districts was 3,685 and the increase in the
number of livestock using grazing districts under regulation was
3,476,148. . , .
The entire public range of about 120,000,000 acres is being surveyed
and classified for its proper use and rehabilitation, and more than
20,000 private properties dependent thereon are likewise being
appraised. . .
Forty-five C. C. C. camps operated by the Division carried on a
range improvement program which not only relieved present range
conditions but also furnished future means for the conservation and
protection of the 120,000,000 acres of range land. Under this program
more than 1,401,378 acres of the Federal range have been treated
for control of ground squirrels, gophers, prairie dogs, kangaroo rats,
and jack rabbits, and 98,798 acres were treated for the eradication of
poisonous weeds. Protection of wild animals and game birds on the
Federal range was assured through the reservation of approximate y
8,000,000 acres of land within the boundaries of grazing districts for
their use. In addition, more than 3,500,000 acres have been set aside
on the public land in three game ranges to be administered jointly by the
Division of Grazing and the Biological Survey of the Department of
Agriculture. Sixteen wildlife refuges, aggregating in area approximately
4,000,000 acres of public land, have been withdrawn from other
uses by Executive order and placed under the Department of Agriculture
for the sole purpose of propagating and protecting wildlife.
C. C. C. activities included the transplanting of beaver m small
streams in Idaho. An increase in the beaver population has resulted
in arresting stream bed erosion and the consequent loss of soil, and in
increasing the water supply and stock-watering facilities.
Although 20,752 applications for grazing licenses were filed, satisfaction
of stockmen with Division of Grazing operations is indicated
by the fact that appeals from decisions were made in only 420 cases.
In Oregon about 500 unclaimed wild horses were removed from
grazing districts after being rounded up on the range by airplane and
disposed of in accordance with State law and rules of the range. A
comprehensive system of fire prevention and control on the public
lands in Arizona was established by agreement between the Division
of Grazing, the Indian Office of the Department of the Interior, and
the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture. The elimination
of 50,000 sheep and 10,000 cattle from the public range in Wyoming
was accomplished without any of the affected. stock growers
requesting a hearing. In this practically new Division of Grazing
region, violations of range rules were exceptionally few, only six being
reported.
ADVANCES IN EDUCATION
More than 6,000,000 pupils are now enrolled in the 4 years of the
public high schools, which, with the addition of private school enrollment,
brings the total high-school enrollment to more than six and
one-half million. Enrollment in night and part-time schools amounted
to approximately one and one-half million persons. Of the 300,000
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL XVII
enrollees in the Civilian Conservation Corps camps, 90 percent participated
in the educational program.
Pennsylvania was the third State to provide a parent-education
program by legislative action. The other States with such programs
are New York and California. Parent-education programs were
sponsored through the public school systems in 36 cities.
The President’s Advisory Committee on Education submitted its
report to the President on February 18, 1938. The committee recommended
continuing the present Federal grants and inaugurating a
program of new grants to the States for educational purposes with
Federal appropriations beginning at $70,000,000 in 1939-40, and
increasing to $199,000,000 in 1944-45.
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Despite the fact that from December 1933 to December 1936, the
Public Works Administration allotted more than $244,000,000 in
grants and loans for public school buildings, the total estimated cost
being more than $469,000,000, a survey showed that in 62 percent of
cities with 10,000 population or more, an additional $496,000,000 were
needed for school construction. The principal reason given for this
need was the lag in school building construction during the World
War.
RADIO, FORUMS, AND LIBRARY
Through the educational radio project three major programs were
produced during the past fiscal year. Brave New World, a program
based on the good neighbor policy and dealing with Latin America,
won first prize as an educational dramatic radio series from the Ninth
Annual Institute of Education by Radio. The program, The World
Is Yours, produced in cooperation with the Smithsonian Institution,
ran for 51 weeks. Education In The News was also broadcast.
Forum demonstration projects were conducted under the sponsorship
of the Office of Education in 18 areas of the country during the
fiscal year.
For the first time in its 70 years, library facilities have been adequate
for the Office of Education in the new quarters of the consolidated
library in the Department of the Interior building. A Library Service
Division was organized.
College art was given encouragment by the establishment of a college
arts section in the Fine Arts Gallery of the Department.
C. C. C. AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
During the past fiscal year 3,517 C. C. C. enrollees received elementary
school diplomas, 634 received high-school diplomas, and 13
were awarded college diplomas or degrees. More than 8,800 iliterate
enrollees were taught to read and write during the year. The War
Department is responsible for the administration of the C. C. C. program,
but the professional direction of the educational program is a
function of the Office of Education acting in an advisory capacity
to the War Department.
The Office of Education continued to carry on activities in the
field of vocational education and vocational rehabilitation under the
authority of eight separate acts of Congress. Under these acts the
104366—38------2
XVIII LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
Office of Education cooperates with the States in promoting vocational
education in agriculture, the trades and industries, home economics,
business education, and in rehabilitating for employment persons
disabled through accident, illness, or congenital causes.
TERRITORIES AND ISLAND POSSESSIONS
Canton and Enderbury Islands in the Pacific Ocean were placed
under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of the
Interior by Executive order of March 3, 1938. Colonists from
Hawaii were landed, the American flag was raised, radio facilities
were established, and lighthouses and living quarters were built.
The Matanuska Valley colonization project in Alaska also has been
placed under the jurisdiction of the Department, but since the transfer
was made by the Works Progress Administration after the close of
the last fiscal year a report on its operations is not included herein.
The Territory of Hawaii reported an increase in business and a
favorable trade balance. The value of pineapple products increased
by $4,000,000, while the value of sugar exports decreased by approximately
the same amount.
The finances of Puerto Rico were in excellent condition last year,
receipts being $43,298,448 while expenditures were $41,666,329.
The Virgin Islands suffered from a severe drought which did considerable
damage to its sugar crop.
REHABILITATION IN PUERTO RICO
The fundamental economic problem in Puerto Rico is due to the
fact that while the island is essentially agricultural, having little or
no industry, its important crops—sugar, coffee, and tobacco—because
of existing legislation or lack of markets, will not support the
dense population.
As a consequence, efforts to encourage the production of diversified
crops, and utilization of the yield of the land in the manufacture of
byproducts, formed an outstanding feature of the Puerto Rico Reconstruction
Administration program during the past fiscal year.
Arrangements have been made for the construction of a mill for
the manufacture of butyl alcohol and acetone as byproducts of
molasses obtained from sugarcane which is the principal crop of the
island. Financed by a Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration
loan to the Asociacion Azucarera Cooperativa Lafayette, this plant,
having a capacity of 5,000,000 pounds of these solvents annually, is
expected to be in operation by January 1, 1939.
Although the Central Lafayette, the island’s first cooperative
enterprise, had the fourth largest sugar crop in its history, the seriousness
of the sugar situation is more readily understood when it is made
known that more than 100,000 acres of good cane land, capable of
employing more than 25,000 laborers, is now lying idle as a result of
the marketing quotas fixed by the Congress. The development of
byproducts has been undertaken by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction
Administration to find an escape from this, dilemma.
A wider use of its agricultural lands, which may make Puerto Rico
a strong competitor with foreign countries in the production and
marketing of vanilla, is included among our plans for conservation
and economic rehabilitation. A pilot plant to cure the vanilla bean
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL XIX
will soon be completed and by 1942 it is expected that Puerto Rico
will be in competition in the mainland markets with foreign countries
which now produce vanilla oils.
Meantime the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration carried
forward other phases of its program including rural rehabilitation,
electrification, health and recreation projects.
Since the appointment of the Secretary of the Interior as Administrator
of the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration the average
overhead has been reduced from $140,000 to about $65,000 a month.
The rehabilitation program has also been sharply cut to keep within
the reduced appropriation.
PRESIDENT APPOINTS TWO NEW AIDS
The Honorable Ebert K. Burlew, of Pennsylvania, was sworn in as
First Assistant Secretary of the Interior on April 8, 1938, and the Honorable
Harry Slattery took the oath of office as Under Secretary of the
Interior on June 17, 1938. Both Mr. Slattery and Mr. Burlew have
been valued members of my staff and I wish to express to you, Mr.
President, my appreciation of their appointment to ranking positions
in this Department.
Mr. Slattery served in the Department under the administration
of the late Franklin K. Lane and he returned to the Department in
1933 at the instance of the present Secretary of the Interior under
whom he served as personal assistant. The appointment of Mr.
Burlew is especially significant because he is a career man with almost
30 years of service in War, Post Office, and Interior. He was brought
to the Department of the Interior from the Post Office Department
by Secretary Work. He has been the chief administrative officer of
the Department under the present administration and has had general
supervision over personnel and budget matters.
In closing, I again renew my recommendation that the name of
the Department of the Interior be changed to that of the Department
of Conservation.
Legislation is now being prepared with the object of carrying forward
our program of conservation. From time to time drafts of these
bills will be submitted to you for your consideration.
Very respectfully,
Harold L. Ickes ,
Secretary of the Interior.
The Presi dent ,
The White House.


The Kings r iv er re gion in Calif or n ia , wh ic h Has Been Pr opos ed
FOR A NATIONAL PARK.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Arno B. Cammerer, Director
Th E conservation program of the National Park Service made steady
advances during the 1938 fiscal year. Changes in the administrative
set-up resulted in greater efficiency. Cooperation with State and
other local governments in park establishment and management
emphasized the leadership of the Service in this field. Developments
and improvements marked all phases of the Service’s conservation
program. New theories were tested, policies adjusted to changing
conditions, and where necessary new methods adopted.
The full regionalization of all National Park Service activities, put
into effect during the year, has functioned with marked success.
Land for Region Three headquarters at Santa Fe, N. Mex., was
donated to the United States by the Laboratory of Anthropology,
and the headquarters unit, of typical southwestern architecture, is
now under construction. The site of the headquarters adjoins the
laboratory grounds, making the rich resources of that institution
readily available to the research staff and other officials of the Service.
A conference of National Park Service executives, park operators,
and representatives of cooperating Government agencies was held in
Washington, January 17 to 22. During the last 2 days of the conference
joint sessions were held with the American Planning and
Civic Association, with conservation and recreation the principal
topics under consideration.
The President of the United States heads the list of American citizens
enjoying their Federal parks. He spoke at the ceremonies
incident to the observance of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the
Civil War battle at Antietam, and at Roanoke Island, within the
area of the proposed Cape Hatteras National Seashore, on the three
hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the “Lost Colony” Settlement.
The President also visited Yellowstone National Park, Mount Olympus
National Monument (now included in the new Olympic National
Park), and Fort Jefferson National Monument.
During the year ended September 30, 1937, total travel to the
various units of the Federal park system reached an all-time high of
15,133,432. The season ended September 30, 1938, saw 16,233,688
visitors to these areas; a new record.
1
2 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Early summer touring of the national parks has not kept up this
accelerated pace, although still above that for the corresponding
period last year. An interesting commentary in this connection is
that in several regions use of the Federal park areas held up well despite
generally poor economic and travel conditions. Historic areas
continued to draw increasing numbers of visitors.
The establishment of the Olympic National Park was achieved in
the closing hours of the Seventy-fifth Congress. This major conservation
achievement assures the preservation of an adequate representation
of the magnificent rain-forests of the Olympic Peninsula
and also protects the greater part of habitat necessary to maintain
the rare Roosevelt elk.
An item of $743,265.29, appropriated through the Second Deficiency
Act of 1938, makes possible the purchase of the lands still to
be included within the authorized boundaries of the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park. It is hoped that these lands and those
within boundaries approved for the Isle Royale and Olympic National
Park projects may be acquired in time to dedicate the areas formally
to public use within a year.
Through an appropriation of $2,005,000 made available in the
Third Deficiency Act of 1937, the Service is in process of acquiring
7,730 acres of majestic sugar-pine forest adjacent to Yosemite
National Park for addition thereto. This is one of the finest sugarpine
stands in the world, and its acquisition for addition to Yosemite
National Park is of particular importance because America’s acreage
of giant sugar pines is fast dwindling.
The Jackson Shrine—the little frame house in which General Stonewall
Jackson died after receiving a fatal wound at the Battle of
Chancellorsville—was donated to the United States by the Richmond,
Fredericksburg & Potomac Railroad Co., and added to the Fredericksburg
and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National
Military Park.
The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, established by designation
of the Secretary of the Interior, is the first area of its type to
be established under the national policy for historic preservation
embodied in the Historic Sites Act of 1935.
Changes in the Federal park system brought the number of areas
from 140 to 144 and the total acreage from 17,049,505.80 to
19,187,933 acres.
In addition to its administration of park areas, the Service maintained
and operated 110 Federally owned and rented buildings and
7 memorials and other special structures in Washington. Similar
service was rendered in 11 Government-owned buildings in 9 cities
other than Washington.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 3
The Service continued development of 46 recreational demonstration
areas; supervised plans and construction of the Blue Ridge and
Natchez Trace Parkways, and extended work on the George Washington
Memorial Parkway; supervised estimates and expenditures
for the Mount Rushmore Memorial in Custer State Park, the George
Rogers Clark Memorial in Indiana, and the Commission of Fine
Arts; and cooperated in the Public Works, Civilian Conservation
Corps, Works Progress, Emergency Relief, and other emergency
programs. As a result of extensive studies, a definite statement of
the major objectives involved in planning for the Jefferson National
Expansion Memorial at St. Louis was formulated and approved, and
extensive research is under way to determine the form the memorial
should take. The Service is also the executive agent of the Thomas
Jefferson Memorial Commission of Washington.
Plans were completed for the Government to acquire the historic
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, once a famous waterway between
Washington and Cumberland, Md. Plans include its restoration
for recreational purposes in addition to the restoration of some of the
historic lock houses, taverns, and other structures.
As a result of the Historic American Building Survey, information
is now available on more than 7,000 early American buildings. During
the past year 2,000 measured drawings and 1,800 architectural photographs
of historic structures were added to the Survey’s growing
collection in the Fine Arts Division of the Library of Congress.
The historic sites survey is being prosecuted under 15 broad themes
believed to be the most important and far-reaching phases in the
social, economic, cultural, and political development of the American
people. Groundwork was laid last year for a similar survey in the
field of archeological sites.
At the close of the year donations to the National Park Service
Trust Fund amounted to a total of $12,000. Cooperation with State
governments in making a study of park, parkway, and recreationalarea
needs was continued, advice and assistance furnished State and
local planning and conservancy agencies, and development of State
and other local park areas continued through the medium of the
Civilian Conservation Corps.
The United States Travel Bureau continued to function with
emergency funds. Offices were maintained in New York and Washington.
Legislation to establish the Travel Bureau on a permanent
basis unfortunately failed in the Seventy-fifth Congress, but its introduction
early in the Seventy-sixth Congress will be requested.
Conservation study programs initiated and conducted in connection
with the John Muir Centenary were widely acclaimed by conservationists
and educational institutions. A broad radio program also
was carried on in Washington and in the field. One weekly radio
4 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
series initiated by the Service was piped into the high schools of New
York City through the municipal station and also was used by a number
of colleges and universities throughout the country, as well as
by many commercial stations. The Easter sunrise national broadcast,
picked up from areas in each of the country’s time zones, was
unusually impressive.
The lecture series given in the Interior Department auditorium for
the purpose of stimulating an interest in the Federal parks was most
successful. Beginning October 13, 1937, 19 lectures were given,
attended by a total of 15,304 persons—an increase of more than 38
percent over the 1936-37 attendance record. In addition to capacity
audiences at a number of the talks, at times several hundred persons
had to be turned away.
Winter sports enjoyed a phenomenal growth in popularity throughout
the national parks during the winter of 1937-38.
Special advisory committees on camping, hiking, and skiing were
appointed by the Secretary of the Interior to assist the Service in
formulating policies and practices concerning these popular recreational
activities.
Serious thought has been given to the problem of providing recreation
for the heavy Negro population of the Deep South. As a direct
result of National Park Service activity in this regard, the public
has become aware of this need, and steps have been planned and in
some cases action consummated to provide for the leisure time of the
southern Negro population.
The forest protection record through the Federal parks was unusually
gratifying. The number of forest fires reported in the western
national parks was the lowest since 1930. Through an intensive
educational campaign, the cooperation of visitors was obtained in
forest protection.
The Safety Division, established last year to reduce fire losses and
accidents to visitors and employees, has proved a decided asset to
the Service.
Radio communication service in the national parks and monuments
proved invaluable in fire protection and other work. Outstanding
service was rendered in several flood and storm emergencies. Mount
McKinley National Park in Alaska was provided with radio communication
facilities for the first time.
The Director of the National Park Service continued to act as a
member of a wide range of commissions, in connection with his
Federal park administration. He is vice chairman and executive
officer of the National Capital Park and Planning Commission;
member of the District of Columbia Zoning Commission, the Washington-
Lincoln Memorial-Gettysburg Boulevard Commission, the
National Park Trust Fund Board, the Alley Dwelling Authority of
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 5
Washington, and ex officio of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania
County Battlefields Memorial National Park Commission, and the
Petersburg National Military Park Commission; and the representative
of the United States on the International Commission on Historic
Monuments.
The National Park Service reports with regret the death of Archibald
M. McCrea, member of the Advisory Board on National Parks,
Historic Sites, Buildings, and Monuments, and of Dr. George Bird
Grinnell, world-famous naturalist, who made outstanding contributions
to the cause of preservation of national parks.
REGIONALIZATION PROVES HIGHLY EFFECTIVE
The regionalization of all National Park Service activities approved
during the 1937 fiscal year went into effect August 1, 1937, and functioned
efficiently and effectively. Establishment of closer relationships
with executives charged with various administrative units of
the Federal park system and acceptance of a greater degree of responsibility
for regular and emergency programs in those areas were the
most marked results of the transition from the previously existing
emergency regionalization to the present national park regional
organization.
Roughly, Region One, with headquarters at Richmond, Va.,
covers the eastern seaboard and the Deep South. Region Two, with
headquarters at Omaha, Nebr., covers what are known as the Middle
Western States and extends west to Yellowstone National Park.
Region Three, headquarters, Santa Fe, N. Mex., covers the Southwest.
Region Four, headquarters in San Francisco, covers the
Pacific coast, extending eastward to include Glacier National Park.
A review of the first year of regionalization and an appraisal of its
value to the areas of the Federal park system and to the Washington
office indicate that the functioning of the four regions has wrought a
definite improvement in the methods of handling certain phases of
park work, particularly in the field of public contacts.
Personal contacts by regional officers with local public officials,
influential groups, and representatives of other Government agencies
engaged in allied work have been possible and continuous, resulting in
a better understanding of the objectives of the Servcie in the scheme
of Federal conservation. Regional contacts with the public generally
have led to a quickened interest in National Park Service affairs on
the part of the public and to a growing appreciation of the ideals
and objectives of the Service in matters dealing with the conservation
of our scenic, scientific, and recreational resources.
In addition to achieving better coordination of field activities as a
whole, regionalization greatly facilitates the investigation of the
many areas proposed for inclusion in the Federal park system.
6 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
COMMERCIAL DESPOLIATION OF YELLOWSTONE LAKE
AGAIN THREATENED
Yellowstone National Park, first of the national parks to be established,
model of parks in this country and abroad, again is threatened
with despoliation of its scenic beauty. (See Annual Report of 1920.)
Bills (S. 3925 and H. R. 10469) introduced in the last session of
Congress had for their purpose the diversion of the water of Yellowstone
Lake for commercial irrigation purposes. Construction of a
dam and tunnel within the park area is a part of the scheme.
This proposal, the latest in a series of attempted raids on the
Yellowstone involving the use of its waters for irrigation purposes since
1919, met instant resistance in the Department of the Interior and
aroused widespread alarm and indignation among conservationists.
In a period when the need for conservation of natural resources is
widely recognized and methods to achieve it are receiving serious
study and consideration, the idea of diverting the waters of the
Yellowstone for commercial purposes is a backward movement, and
one that, followed to its logical conclusion, would result in emasculation
of the entire national park system.
Use of the waters of the Yellowstone for commercial purposes
would be contrary to the basic laws and purposes of national park
creation. It would result in the eventual despoliation of that lake
and other lakes, and eventually of a large part of the park itself.
It also might disrupt geyser and hot spring activity. The precedent
thus established would undoubtedly lead to enormous pressure for
similar commercial concessions in other important areas of the Federal
park system.
Such abuse of the parks not only would ruin their scenic beauty,
but in the long-run would prove a boomerang to the communities
which would receive immediate benefit were the the park waters
tapped. A recent survey of business conditions in the State of
Wyoming, which, with the Department of the Interior, also is strongly
opposed to the diversion, indicates that visitors to the Yellowstone
and Grand Teton National Parks during the 1937 travel year spent
$14,221,713 of “out State” money in Wyoming. A Yellowstone used
for commercial purposes would mean loss of much of that revenue.
From a strictly ethical standpoint, to permit the diversion of the
waters of Yellowstone National Park for commercial purposes would
break faith with the men who by their vision and generosity made
possible its establishment.
It will be remembered that at the close of the 1870 exploration of
the Yellowstone country, the various members of the party had
plans for preempting certain sections of it for their own use, in accordance
with current land practices. At the suggestion of one of
their number, these men gave up all idea of personal profit that the
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 7
wonderland might be preserved for posterity as a public park. They
had the moral and legal right to claim the land and pass it on to their
heirs or sell it to others who would so devise it. Since they did not
do so, it should remain inviolate for the purposes for which they gave
it to the people.
SHORTAGE OF PRINTED INFORMATIONAL LITERATURE
The National Park Service is placed in the anomalous position of
supervising the most spectacular scenery and the outstanding historic
shrines of the country, of being besieged for information by many
millions of people, and of being totally unable to meet the demand
for such information through lack of adequate supplies of printed
literature.
Last year more than 15,000,000 persons visited the various units
of the Federal park system. Millions more—prospective visitors,
students of secondary and high schools and colleges, study groups,
and travel organizations—wrote to the National Park Service headquarters
in Washington, the regional offices, the parks themselves,
and the Travel Bureau in New York City, requesting printed
literature.
Unfortunately, the bulk of these requests had to be denied. With
approximately the same printing fund available as in 1932, but with
nearly three times the number of areas to administer and with more
than four times the number of annual visitors, increased printed
costs made it possible to issue only 576,000 information circulars in
1938, as against 869,000 in 1932—and this despite the reduction in
size of circulars. The raising of the ban on multilithing of informal
leaflets through the Department’s facilities gave a small degree of
relief, but in no way solved the problem.
In line with the policies of foreign governments, which recognize in
their travel trade a tremendous source of revenue, the National Park
Service should be in a position to issue sufficient free printed informational
circulars on the Federal park areas of the United States, and
of booklets grouping these areas by travel regions, to meet the demands
of all prospective and actual visitors.
Not only should larger quantities of information circulars be printed
for the older areas, for which scant supplies now are issued, but provision
should be made to print informational booklets concerning the
many areas transferred to the jurisdiction of the National Park Service
in 1933, and new areas created in recent years by Presidential proclamation
or act of Congress.
In this connection, it must be emphasized that adequate supplies
of printed information on the national parks and monuments are a
prime requisite of the Travel Bureau of this Service, if that new unit
is to function efficiently.
8 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The increasing observance of Conservation Week throughout the
country, especially in schools and by study-groups, has resulted in an
increased need for printed park material; and supplying such literature
should be a part of the Federal participation in every international
exposition. In 1931, at the Overseas Colonial Exposition held at
Paris, France, 100,000 copies of a national park booklet, prepared by
the Service, were made available through the financial cooperation of
the various transportation lines serving the parks. Efforts to secure
Federal or private funds for similar purposes since that time have
failed.
Printed literature is not the only printing need of the Service.
Posters should be available, comparable to those issued by foreign
governments to encourage tourist travel, for display and distribution
not only in the regional offices, Travel Bureau offices, and other units
of the National Park Service, but also through museums, educational
institutions, travel organizations and industrial concerns, and at international
expositions, in this country and abroad. The issuance of a
few posters under an emergency fund several years ago met with widespread
approval and use. Unfortunately, however, a demand was
created which the Service no longer is able to meet, as emergency funds
are not now available for this purpose.
Until provision is made for the printing of sufficient circulars and
posters to meet the popular demand, a large amount of time must
continue to be spent both in Washington and in the field answering
the protests of disappointed applicants for circulars, of members of
Congress whose constituents are unable to secure booklets, and of
cooperating travel-encouraging organizations such as local chambers
of commerce and automobile clubs.
RESEARCH AND EDUCATION
The wilderness areas of the national parks and monuments are
among America’s finest laboratories for the study of conservation.
Within the park system all forms of life are protected. The parks,
therefore, are more than mere refuges for certain selected species.
They are complete sanctuaries designed to perpetuate a complete
fauna and flora and to furnish evidence of the orderly way in which
nature maintains her domain. Species of animals and birds not found
in abundance elsewhere are tame and viewable in the parks. Examples
of earth-building forces are vividly present. More and more university
scientists are finding these national areas, with their unspoiled, superlative
lakes, forests, alnd mountains, to be the best possible places to
which to take their classes for study. In them questions and answers
and demonstration come together.
One of the most interesting educational features of the Service’s
year was its part in the Nation-wide celebration of the one-hundredth
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 9
anniversary of the birth of John Muir, great conservationist and
“father” of many national parks. Special programs including lectures
and pageants were given in the parks, and in the Washington office
a John Muir study program was prepared, providing important and
new material which stimulated commemorative ceremonies and
additional study in many schools and women’s clubs.
NEW KNOWLEDGE
Research studies carried on in the field by members of the National
Park Service and by cooperating public and private institutions provided
much new knowledge to be passed on to the visiting public.
Natural history discoveries and investigations made during the year
include:
Accumulation of data on many new species of birds, animals, and
plants.
Collection of information on the interrelations of various organisms.
Cataloging of biological material, showing what each park affords.
Compilation of a mimeographed Check List of Birds of the National
Parks, summarizing such information as now exists on the avifauna
of 23 park areas in answer to a growing demand for information made
by both administrators and visitors.
Collaboration with representatives of the Bureau of Biological
Survey, Forest Service, Office of Indian Affairs and Coast Guard in
the section on Wildlife Resources of the report Alaska, Its Resources
and Developments, prepared under the direction of the National
Resources Committee.
Continuation of range studies in Yellowstone, Zion, Hawaii, Wind
Cave, and Rocky Mountain National Parks and at Lava Beds and
Chaco Canyon National Monuments to determine the carrying
capacities for big game and other species.
Continuation of investigations of bighorn at Rocky Mountain and
Glacier National Parks, and conducting of field studies on mammals
at Crater Lake National Park, Lava Beds, and Black Canyon of the
Gunnison National Monuments, and in the proposed Big Bend
National Park.
Collection of plant specimens and floral studies at Rocky Mountain,
Mount Rainier, Great Smoky Mountains, Platt, Hawaii, Yosemite
and Crater Lake National Parks, and Death Valley National Monument.
Collection of botanical and ethnobotanical specimens at
Hawaii National Park and at six southwestern monuments. Improvement
in most parks in the status of scientific collections.
Initiation of a field study of evidence pointing to the origin of
Crater Lake, financed by the Carnegie Institution of Washington
and supervised by Dr. J. Howel Williams of the University of
California.
10 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Near completion of projects begun in Yosemite and Sequoia National
Parks by Francois E. Matthes of the United States Geological Survey,
including preparation of a series of illustrated albums with appropriate
text to tell the geologic story of Sequoia and text for the key labels
and statements designed to explain the geology of the Yosemite area
to visitors.
Preparation of a text on the story of granite to be placed on top of
Sentinel Dome in Yosemite National Park.
Inauguration of a study on the factors which control beach erosion
and deposition of sand at Cape Hatteras National Seashore Project.
Completion of a year’s field study of the coyote and its relationship
to other wildlife species in Yellowstone and Grand Teton National
Parks. As yet predation on game mammals and birds has not been
severe and no emergency has been found to exist. There is evidence,
from analysis of coyote food habits, of a favorable relationship of the
coyote with other species. Study of economic food habits of the
coyote in Lava Beds National Monument, in order to determine the
effect of this species on the game-bird population of the adjacent Tule
Lake Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, revealed that destruction of ducks
and eggs by coyotes during the nesting season was of slight importance
and did not warrant coyote control on the monument.
Continuation of studies of nesting Trumpeter Swans by park personnel
at Yellowstone National Park. The 1937 census of this rare
species revealed a total of 69 swans within the park. The number of
cygnets was 50 percent greater than the number successfully reared in
1936.
Fish research study in several parks. Studies on ecological and
historical factors involved in trout distribution in the Great Smoky
Mountains National Park culminated in a paper by a wildlife technician
published in the Journal of the Tennessee Academy of Science,
in October 1937. A temporary ranger naturalist carried on studies
of aquatic flora and fauna in Crater Lake, in connection with a survey
of fish food and growth rates in trout.
Refinement of the geological map and preparation of a guide book
of Mount Desert Island (Acadia National Park) based on field studies.
Discovery of fossils important to the interpretation of the geologic
history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in a limestone
hitherto thought to be barren.
Discovery of new fossil plants in Petrified Forest National
Monument.
Two discoveries of interesting prehistoric animals in Death Valley
National Monument, one by the park naturalist and one by a representative
of the Geological Survey. In addition to these discoveries,
much progress was made in unraveling the geologic history of the
monument.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 11
A study of the origin of the gypsum at White Sands National
Monument and preparation of an interpretative exhibit for the
monument museum.
Continuation of research at Boulder Dam and installation of
material previously collected in the museum space assigned in the
new administration building.
Completion of an areal geologic map covering the proposed Big
Bend National Park.
Establishment of a research plot at Shelby Forest, Tenn., for
study of the cycle of erosion in loess deposits.
Cooperation of park naturalists in five national parks with the
National Geophysical Committee in measuring the advance or
retreat of the ice front of critical glaciers.
Earthquake studies by the park naturalist at Lassen Volcanic
National Park in cooperation with the University of California.
Continuation of volcanological studies in Hawaii National Park.
Revision of the technical circular, The Construction of Relief
Models, so that it may be issued as a project training circular for the
c. c. c.
Several natural history associations have aided the Service by
publishing pamphlets and books containing information gained
through research in the national parks. Mammals of Zion-Bryce
and Cedar Breaks was issued by the Zion-Bryce Natural History
Association in January; Birds of Rocky Mountain National Park by
the park naturalist of that park was published by the Rocky Mountain
Nature Association in March; and Check List of Birds of Grand
Canyon National Park, by an assistant wildlife technician was issued
in July 1937 by the Grand Canyon Natural History Association.
In addition to these, the Government Printing Office published Fauna
Series No. 3, Birds and Mammals of Mount McKinley National
Park, by Joseph S. Dixon, Field Naturalist of the Service. About
20 other papers, covering distribution, food habits, and behavior of
mammals and birds and management of mammals and fish in National
and State parks, were published.
NATURALIST PROGRAM
The Service continued to expand its lecture, conducted trips and
museum programs. Public interest is attested by the very large
attendance records of the year, individual guided trips in some of the
larger parks averaging from 50 to 125 persons per trip and some of
the auto caravans including from 25 to 85 cars, making organization
and instruction difficult for the limited staffs. Microphones were
necessary at some campfire programs to enable large audiences to
hear the speakers. Only increased man-power will make it possible
to handle the public in smaller groups as should be done.
12 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
With a total staff of 125 naturalists, 33 of whom are on the permanent
staff and 92 on the temporary ranger-naturalist staff, the Service
contacted 4,500,000 visitors through lectures and guided trips during
the year. Sixty percent of all visitors to parks maintaining such
programs took part in the activities.
Recent surveys indicate that the public is most interested in trips
and lectures designed to orient them with reference to the area they
are visiting. Demands for trips of longer duration indicate a growing
desire for more specific knowledge and a greater appreciation of park
features. Wherever possible these longer trips have been added to
the park programs, and several new amphitheaters have been constructed
to facilitate campfire programs.
Two interesting new features are the rerouting of the famous Crater
Lake boat trip to allow a naturalist to explain the scientific features
in the walls of the crater as the boat passes, and the establishment of
a Junior Nature School for Children in Rocky Mountain National
Park. The school is designed for youngsters unable to take the more
strenuous nature hikes. Numerous natural history subjects and the
conservation of natural resources are taught.
A new type of self-guided trail known as the desert trail has been
arranged at Casa Grande National Monument, so that interested
visitors may see archeological and biological features not encountered
on the regular guided trips.
During the past year successful experiments have been made in the
use of natural color photography in the visual education programs
sponsored by the Service.
TRAINING OF NATURALISTS
Improvement has been made in service through the selection of
better trained and more mature men to serve as ranger-naturalists
during the summer season.
The Yosemite School of Field Natural History, a graduate school
with a college degree as entrance prerequisite, operated again the past
season, training prospective national park personnel qualified for
naturalist positions, both permanent and seasonal. The Secretary
of the Interior has designated this school and the Yosemite Junior
Nature School as nonprofit, scientific organizations engaged in a
training enterprise helpful to the Service. The 1938 session, the
fourteenth class of the school, began courses on June 20 with the
selection of 20 students (14 men and 6 women) from more than 100
applicants.
Yale University continued its cooperation, assisting in National
Park Service personnel training through awarding two graduate
fellowships to Service employees. The fellowships are open to those
interested in graduate studies bearing upon the educational or interTHE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 13
pretative program of the Service and may include wildlife, forestry,
geology, biology, history, archeology, physchology, and education.
MUSEUMS
Continuing a policy of portraying certain phases of the American
scene in a correlated story rather than by case after case of irrelevant
objects, the Service’s museum development program made great
progress in 1937-38. Laboratories at Berkeley, Calif., Washington,
D. C., and Fort Hunt, Va., assisted by P. W. A., E. R. A., and C. C. C.
funds, are responsible for museum improvements in 37 national
parks and monuments and in 5 State parks. In some instances, new
exhibits have been prepared, in others old ones revised, and in many,
new equipment and exhibit cases have been installed.
Fireproof housing for the priceless exhibits already accumulated in
field museums is a primary objective in museum development.
Perhaps the foremost accomplishment in the museum field was the
completion of the Department of the Interior Museum, which was
opened to the public on March 9 and which portrays the history,
organization, and functions of the various bureaus of the Department.
Noteworthy among the areas in the West which have been improved
are Scotts Bluff National Monument, where the geology wing of the
museum was completed for installation of a most interesting collection
of extinct animal fossils found in the cliff on which the monument
stands; Yosemite National Park, where exhibits for the Indian and
geology rooms of the museum were revised and many physical improvements
made including better housing for research collections;
Crater Lake National Park, where the Sinnott Memorial was made
waterproof and exhibits revised; and Tumacacori National Monument,
where a new museum was opened to the public with exhibits
telling the story of the coming of the Spanish to this region and the
incidents connected with the mission. Lack of funds prohibited the
completion of the museum at Morristown National Historical Park,
although the history room has been opened to the public.
Dioramas, photographs, paintings, and models were sent out for
display at 15 expositions, a large quantity of material having been
sent to Stockholm, Sweden, for the Swedish-American exhibit at
A. B. Nordiska Kompaniet.
High recognition of the value of the museum work the National
Park Service is doing was received in the award of Rockefeller fellowships
to two of the personnel for study with the Buffalo Museum of
Science.
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
Studies have been made in an effort to solve the troublesome
problems of deer and bear management in certain parks, and fishcultural
activities have been improved through cooperative projects.
104366—38------ 3
14 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Management of deer has received attention in parks where the
feeding of animals by tourists has tended to pauperize them and in
those parks where abnormal and unnatural concentrations of animals
have resulted in serious reduction of natural food supply. The
problem has been attacked at Yosemite and Sequoia through discouragement
of feeding and by moving deer to other portions of the
respective parks. Plans have been drafted for use of the same
methods at Zion with possible additional control by hunting outside
the park.
Improvements have been made in bear management in the larger
parks where serious problems have resulted from too close contact
between bears and the public. Bear shows in Yellowstone, Yosemite,
and Sequoia National Parks have been modified toward a less artificial
presentation. An educational campaign has been initiated to
inform the public that bears should be let alone to prevent possibility
of human injury. As nearly all injuries inflicted by bears are directly
or indirectly due to human interference, a new Service regulation,
approved by the Secretary, prohibits all feeding of bears by the public
and should aid in reducing injury hazard to a minimum.
In the past year, fish-cultural activities in the national parks have
shown notable improvement. Through the cooperation of the Service
with the Bureau of Fisheries and State game departments, 22,330,000
fish, principally trout, were planted in the waters of various national
parks and monuments. This is an all-time record for fish planted in
Federal park areas. Almost 41,000,000 black-spotted and rainbow
trout and grayling eggs were obtained last year from Yellowstone
Park waters—another record.
There is evidence of improved fishing conditions in many park
waters. As the continued increase in park travel has resulted in the
heavy utilization of fish resources, there is an increasing need for an
enlarged planting program. This need will be met in Glacier National
Park through the operation of the Jessup Mill Fish Hatchery,
soon to be constructed, and in Yosemite by a new spawn-taking
development at Lake Eleanor.
An agreement among the National Park Service, the Bureau of
Fisheries, Bureau of Biological Survey, Game Commissions of Nevada
and Arizona, and interested sportsmen’s organizations has been
reached, placing the control of fish planting in Lake Mead and other
waters of the Boulder Dam National Recreational Area in the hands
of the National Park Service, with cooperation from the other agencies.
Elk reduction was carried on in Yellowstone National Park and
vicinity in the winter of 1937-38, as in the past 3 years, in an effort
to limit the herd to the carrying capacity of the winter range. After
the herd reduction, a census showed 10,976 animals still on the
northern Yellowstone range.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 15
PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC SITES AND BUILDINGS
Just as the scenic areas provide unparalleled laboratories for the
study of natural sciences, so the historic and archeologic areas of the
National Park Service are ideal classrooms for students of American
history and prehistory.
Research and investigation designed to add new knowledge to its
records and actual working information for restorations and repairs
are among the principal duties of the staff. Important projects of
the year included:
Completion of a comprehensive study of the history of Fort Pulaski.
Near completion of a detailed study of the military operations
culminating in the Battle of the Wilderness.
Completion of research study of the Oglethorpe Trail from Savannah
to Augusta, Ga.
Compilation of a record of photographs taken by M. B. Brady
during the War Between the States, a record expected to be extremely
valuable in the development and interpretation of military areas of
that period.
Copying of important manuscripts, including records of La Purisin-
m Mission, which is being restored by the State of California with
the assistance of the Service, and an extensive collection of Revolutionary
manuscripts at Morristown National Historical Park. The
microcopying and projection equipment purchased last year was used
for this.
Formulation of a statement of the major objectives to be incorporated
in the planning and building of the Jefferson National Expansion
Memorial in St. Louis, Mo. The staff was assisted by the Advisory
Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings, and Monuments
and the statement has been approved by the Secretary of the Interior.
Extensive research is now being undertaken to determine the form
of memorial best suited to portray events in and the far-reaching
results of our national expansion. On January 10 the Secretary approved
the expenditure of $100,000 from funds allotted to the Jefferson
National Expansion Memorial for the preparation of illustrative
material concerning the project.
Preparation for inaugurating historical studies of the Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal, interesting old waterway from Georgetown, D. C., to
Cumberland, Md., as plans for its development are formulated. The
canal had close historical association with early movements sponsored
by George Washington to open communications between the frontier
and tidewater sections, and with the destinies of cities along the
Potomac.
Completion of the extensive and long-awaited Schneider report. In
the fall of 1934, Mr. J. Thomas Schneider began, at the request of the
Secretary of the Interior, a comprehensive study from funds furnished
16 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
by the Rockefeller foundation, international in scope, entitled “Report
on the Preservation of Historic Sites and Buildings.” During the
past year the Advisory Board approved its publication and copies will
soon be available for distribution to Federal and State agencies interested
in historical and archeological conservation. Part I reviews
Federal, State, local and private progress in this field in the United
States; part II discusses the legislative history and administrative
organization for the preservation of historic sites and buildings in
Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and other foreign
countries; part III is a detailed analysis of the Historic Sites legislation
enacted August 21, 1935, setting forth conclusions and recommendations
for effectuating the broad national policy of historical and
archeological conservation embodied in the legislation.
Accumulation of valuable data relating to the history of Fort Laramie,
Wyo., to the Derby Wharf area of Salem, Mass., and to Ackia
Battleground, Miss., in preparation for future development programs
of these three areas.
Collection of information needed for base sheets in master plans
showing physical aspects and historic points at the time of the greatest
historic significance of an area.
Other major studies in progress, some completed, during the year,
were concerned with the Battle of Manassas, Va.; the Vicksburg
Campaign, Miss.; the George Washington Birthplace National Monument,
Va.; Goliad Mission, Tex.; the route of the Death Valley
pioneers, 1849—1850; Mackinac Island State Park, Mich.; Civil War
guns and gun carriages; and eighteenth century Spanish ordnance.
During the past year, the desirability of increasing close cooperative
relations with learned institutions in the fields of history, archeology,
and architecture has become more than ever apparent as essential in
research and scientific survey designed properly to evaluate historic
sites. Accordingly, the National Park Service enlisted and secured the
cooperation of the following scientific institutions preeminent in the
fields of study with which the Service’s historical program is most
directly concerned:
The National Archives and the Library of Congress in the field of
history;
The Smithsonian Institution in the field of archeology;
The American Association of Museums in the museum field.
With the guidance of these institutions and the Advisory Board,
considerable progress has been made in a Nation-wide survey of historic
sites. A total of 620 sites have been inventoried; 200 proposed
areas have been investigated; and 600 sites have been classified as
eligible for further study under the 15 broad themes believed to be
the most important and far-reaching phases in the social, economic,
cultural, and political development of the American people. During
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 17
the past 6 months special studies have been made of sites classified
under Theme One, Spanish Exploration and Settlement, with particular
reference to the sixteenth century.
In actual preservation activities, the Service has greatly extended
the program for the development of Ocmulgee National Monument
with a view toward eventual centralization of southeastern archeological
studies at Macon, Ga. It is contemplating the construction
of a museum there to serve as a center of research activity.
Through its general program of State cooperation, the Service has
contributed to the preservation of many sites on areas of primary historical
or archeological interest throughout the country. Among the
more important are:
Fort Clinch State Park, Fla.; Fort Morgan State Park, Ala.;
Columbus-Belmont State Park, Ky.; Longfellow-Evangeline State
Park, La.; Fort Frederick State Park, Md.; Illinois-Michigan Canal,
New Salem, Lincoln Log Cabin and Pere Marquette State Parks in
Illinois; Spring Mill State Park, Ind.; Mackinac Island State Park,
Mich.; Fort Ridgely State Park, Minn.; Fort Lincoln State Park,
N. Dak.; Fort Sisseton and Custer State Parks, S. Dak.; Fort Parker
and Big Bend State Parks, Tex.; Fort Lowell State Park, Ariz.; Fort
Churchill State Park, Nev.; and La Purisima State Park, Calif.
The Service also continued to review projects covering restoration
of sites and structures under the W. P. A. and extended this cooperation
to other departments which supervise C. C. C. projects of the
same character.
ADVISORY AND TRUST FUND BOARDS
The Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings,
and Monuments suffered a grievous loss by the death of Mr. Archibald
M. McCrea.
The National Park Service Trust Fund Board accepted donations
of $3,000 from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and $1,000 from Twentieth
Century Fox moving picture corporations which took motion pictures
in Zion and Mount Rainier National Parks. These contributions
brought the donations credited to the national park trust fund account
to a total of $12,000. No expenditures were made from the fund
during the year.
FOREST PROTECTION AND FIRE PREVENTION
Not only are trees an essential element in nearly every park of
major scenic importance, but in themselves the magnificent virgin
forest stands are an irreplaceable asset—sometimes the principal
reason for park creation.
18 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Protection of the park forests, therefore, is a vital part of park
administration, and one to which increasing attention is being devoted.
Fire, the most serious enemy of the forest, is a two-headed foe.
Sometimes it strikes through lightning, but more often it is mancaused.
During the past year the Service was fortunate in having no
serious forest fires. The 1937 fire record, as shown on pages 42-45, is
indeed gratifying, especially when taken in conjunction with the fact
that of the approximately 19 million acres of land in the Federal park
system, more than 8 million acres require fire protection.
For the western parks the number of man-caused fires was the
lowest since 1930. Gratifying as this record is, the field personnel is
faced with a difficult task in combating the carelessness of visitors
when handling fire in the out-of-doors, for 67 percent of all the park
fires in 1937 were man-caused. A concerted effort was made to cut
down the number of man-caused fires by reduction of fire hazards and
through public contact and educational efforts.
It was possible to give more intensive training in fire protection to
park rangers, fire guards, and C. C. C. supervisory personnel and
enrollees than in the past. Participation by park protection personnel
in fire prevention training given by cooperating protection
agencies was also authorized by Congress.
The program for taking panoramic photographs from fire lookouts
and observation stations, as a means of improving fire detection and
fire dispatching within the national park system, was completed.
This program, initiated 4 years ago, envisioned the preparation of
panoramic photographs from all existing, proposed, and emergency
lookout points in all the national parks and monuments. Copies of
these panoramic photographs have now been placed in the hands of
the proper fire protection personnel throughout the entire Service
and cooperating agencies. Additional work will of necessity be done
in the future in new areas or where a review of present detection
facilities indicates a need for restudy through the means of such
photographs.
During the past year five 1%-ton fire trucks equipped with water
tanks and pumpers were distributed to Acadia, Great Smoky Mountains,
Mammoth Cave, Crater Lake, and Hot Springs National Parks
as welcome additions to the fire suppression equipment. Within the
limited available appropriations every effort is being made to place
adequate mobile fire apparatus in those areas where fire studies indicate
a need.
Insect control.—Extensive surveys of forest insect conditions in the
western national parks and monuments indicated an improvement
over the preceding year as a result of the control program under way
for a number of years. The epidemic of the Black Hills and Douglas
fir beetle in Bryce Canyon National Park made it necessary to conTHE
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 19
tinue control work, but on a greatly reduced scale, this year. A
serious epidemic of the Black Hills beetle in and adjacent to Rocky
Mountain National Park was controlled by joint action with other
Federal agencies. In cooperation with the Forest Service and W. P. A.
control operations for the Black Hills beetle on 70,000 acres of forest
in and around the Denver Mountain Parks were initiated during the
year. Serious mountain pine beetle and Engelmann spruce beetle
infestations exist in Yellowstone National Park, and the lodgepole
needle miner still continues to menace the lodgepole pine stands in
Yosemite National Park.
In the eastern national parks and monuments insect conditions
were for the most part endemic during the year. Shenandoah reported
an unusual outbreak of the walking stick, on which very close observations
will be maintained. Control operations against the Japanese
beetle at George Washington Birthplace National Monument were
initiated last summer by spraying 12 acres of ground with lead
arsenate. The beech scale insect infestation was found to be epidemic
in Acadia National Park and all beech trees were sprayed with lime
sulphur.
Blister rust control.—The white pine blister rust disease, which has
been moving from the Pacific Northwest southward into California,
became so menacing during the year to the five-needle pines in Lassen
Volcanic, Yosemite, General Grant, and Sequoia National Parks that
plans were made to initiate control operations this summer. Eradication
of Ribes (currants and gooseberries), the alternate host of the
white pine blister rust, was started in Yosemite National Park in
June, and similar work will be initiated soon in the other three parks.
This threat to the white pines of California, including the sugar pine,
the western white pine, and at the high elevations the white-bark
and the foxtail pines, must be controlled if these species are to be
conserved for posterity in the national parks of California. Prompt
and efficient control of the disease is without doubt one of the most
important conservation measures demanding the attention of this
Service at this time.
Blister rust control projects were continued in Mount Rainier,
Crater Lake, Acadia, and Shenandoah National Parks. Blister rust
reconnaissance surveys were started in Yellowstone National Park,
since the disease is known to be within a few miles northwest of the
park.
Tree preservation and repair.—The C. C. C. itinerant tree preservation
crew, which for 2% years has provided the care necessary for
the preservation and repair of important trees in the national cemeteries,
national battlefield sites, national historical parks, and national
military parks, was discontinued because of diminishing C. C. C.
appropriations.
20 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Type mapping.—The type mapping program for the purpose of
obtaining a detailed inventory and map of the vegetative cover of the
parks for use in planning protection, development, and use of the
areas was materially curtailed during the year. This work is now very
largely completed. The few exceptions are Acadia National Park
and the more recent extensions to existing areas. Approximately
6,913,000 acres have been mapped to date, and copies of the maps and
of the inventories are being placed in the hands of the park superintendents
for their use in protection and administration. Much
additional information has been provided by this work relating to the
flora of the parks, and a project is under way to assemble in printed
form a check list of the flora of the western national parks and
monuments.
Forest nurseries and planting.—Forest nurseries are operated in
Sequoia, Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, and
Platt National Parks for the purpose of raising planting stock for
reforestation of burns where natural reproduction is lacking, for landscape
planting, for planting for erosion control, and for replacements of
dying trees in and adjacent to public campgrounds and other developed
areas.
Over 3 million seedlings obtained from the Soil Conservation Service
were planted in recreational demonstration areas for the purpose of
assisting in erosion control or to reforest cut-over or burned-over lands.
Emergency appropriations make jorest protection possible.—As in the
3 preceding fiscal years, all forest protection improvements, insect and
tree disease control, type mapping, and tree preservation activities
were financed from the emergency appropriation. The meager allotment
for forest protection and fire prevention for the fiscal year 1938
under the regular appropriation provided funds only for the most
essential needs for fire protection personnel and equipment which
could not be supplied under the C. C. C. program. The above forest
protection accomplishments therefore are largely represented in the
report of the C. C. C. program.
PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION
The ever increasing number of visitors to national park areas is
making necessary the application of all the ability of the landscape
architect, the architect, and the engineer to retain the primitive qualities
of those areas while permitting intensive human use.
Apart from major road construction, approximately 600 job plans
involving new areas, new buildings, and practically all types of park
construction were studied.
A new edition of the comprehensive master plan for each national
park area has been prepared to enable the National Park Service to
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 21
program efficiently the necessary future development with as little
violation of natural beauty and qualities as possible. In addition,
some 6,000 job plans for similar work in State park, recreational
demonstration project, and work camp areas were reviewed, and
technical engineering and landscape advice and assistance rendered
to the State park authorities, especially on jobs involving major
and difficult design. Appropriations were considerably less than in
recent years with consequent postponement of development of some
individual areas.
A long-awaited building project in Alaska, the hotel at McKinley
Park Station and auxiliary buildings was started and practically completed
through a P. W. A. allocation of $350,000. Although the hotel
will be operated by the Alaska Railroad, planning and supervision of
construction were handled by the National Park Service. An attractive
structure was erected atTumacacori National Monument to serve
museum and administrative purposes adjoining the ruins of the interesting
Spanish mission. Other P. W. A. funds provided for the
restoration of historic buildings and wharf at the Salem Maritime National
Historic Site and for the preparation of plans for a fish hatchery
group to serve Glacier National Park. Public Works funds were
combined with C. C. C. labor for the reconstruction of a lodge at
Petrified Forest National Monument, which is rapidly nearing completion.
The C. C. C. made an important building contribution with
the completion of the cave elevator building at Wind Cave National
Park. A large and attractive development for the regional office at
Sante Fe, N. Mex., is being built by the C. C. C. and E. R. A.
The Statue of Liberty National Monument will be beautified and
its facilities greatly improved through the allotment of E. R. A. funds
for planning and redevelopment. Visitors to the New York Worlds
Fair in 1939 will find that famous area more attractive and better able
to care for them than ever before.
Through its engineering staff the Service coordinated with other
bureaus matters pertaining to technical collaboration in connection
with water utilization or control projects, both authorized and projected,
where those projects may have some effect on an existing or
proposed national park area.
Through the loan of its personnel and facilities, the Service cooperated
with other agencies as consultant, particularly in connection
with dam design and the soil mechanics work of the engineering
laboratory.
One of the more important accomplishments of the year was the
completion of a comprehensive road-maintenance study and report
covering all Service areas with a tabulation of all roads as to class,
type of construction, and maintenance estimates, including maintenance
equipment inventory and needed equipment to carry on the
22 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
recommended maintenance program. This is the first complete
composite record of all roads in the park system, and a step toward
more adequate maintenance and centralized control. As in the past,
the Bureau of Public Roads of the Department of Agriculture continued
major road building for the Service.
Under the roads and trails appropriation of $4,500,000 for the 1938
fiscal year a number of the larger road systems were improved, and the
first major road in the new Boulder Dam area was started. Construction
was begun on the Fresno-General Grant approach road and on
the Zion-Bryce Canyon approach road.
PARKWAY DEVELOPMENT
The Blue Ridge and Natchez Trace Parkway projects, pioneers in
their respective fields of national recreational and historical motor
travel, continued to develop under regular Federal appropriations.
The Blue Ridge project, with 115 miles graded and 50 miles additional
under grading contract, is rapidly approaching a useful stage
as far as the Roanoke-Asheville unit is concerned. Development of
recreational parks adjacent to the parkway continued, as well as construction
of bridges and overpasses.
On the Natchez Trace project, grading continued on three sections,
totaling 34 miles in Mississippi. Survey and location work was
carried on in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, in collaboration
with the Bureau of Public Roads.
The city of Washington saw another step forward m the extension
of the George Washington Memorial Parkway when work on the
Columbia Island development was placed under contract.
HISTORIC AMERICAN BUILDINGS SURVEY
Continuing its program of making a permanent graphic record of
all important existing monuments of the builders’ art erected in the
United States and possessions before the last quarter of the nineteenth
century, the survey of historic American buildings entered its
fifth year of continuous field work. Under the supervision of the
National Park Service a number of State W. P. A. projects and
several university collaborative programs were organized or continued,
adding more than 2,000 measured drawings and 1,800 architectural
photographs to the growing collection in the Fine Arts
Division of the Library of Congress. The master index of early
American buildings being made by the Survey was considerably
advanced during the year and now contains information on more
than 7,000 structures. All records deposited have been made
available for public use and reproduction.
Advancing the program of a national plan sponsored by the Department
of the Interior, through a three-party agreement between
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 23
the National Park Service, the Library of Congress, and the American
Institute of Architects, the Survey continued to function in the
conservational capacity of recording first those historic structures in
danger of destruction in the States where work relief projects for this
purpose could be organized.
SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC HEALTH
Working closely with the engineers of the National Park Service,
sanitary engineers of the Public Health Service of the Treasury
Department have assisted in protecting the health of the 15,000,000
park and monument visitors and that of the approximately 13,000
persons employed during the year by the National Park Service and
of the thousands more working for the operators of concessions in
the park supplying accommodations to visitors.
As always, great attention was given to providing adequate supplies
of pure water and to the proper disposal of sewage.
Notable among the accomplishments in this field were the handling
of the sanitation problem arising at the Gettysburg National Military
Park during the commemoration of the seventy-fifth anniversary
of the Battle of Gettysburg, and the installation of a new sewage
treatment plant at Mammoth Cave National Park.
Among the interesting plans submitted were those for sewage
treatment plants at Mount McKinley National Park and for a
general sewage disposal layout at the North Rim, Grand Canyon
National Park.
A special investigation was made of the distribution and use of the
reclaimed sewage water at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon,
with particular reference to safeguards adopted. Bacteriological
analyses of samples of reclaimed sewage-water at the South Rim used
for industrial purposes indicate that this water meets the Treasury
standards for drinking water. It is, however, never used for domestic
purposes.
The water supply problem at Colonial National Historical Park
continues to be urgent, through lack of funds to handle the situation
adequately.
ACCOMMODATIONS FURNISHED BY CONCESSIONAIRES
The long-established policy of granting concessions for the operation
of accommodations for the public in the Federal park areas was continued.
Additional study was given to the plan of housing some of
the smaller concession operations in Government-owned buildings.
The upward trend of the past three seasons was somewhat checked,
the 1938 revenue being slightly less, in most instances, than that for
1937. This was largely the effect of a lessening of business from
organized rail tours.
24 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Studies of the concession service of the past year compared with
that of 10 years ago show an interesting trend. Before the 1929
depression, substantially all profits of the park operators were earned
from furnishing sightseeing transportation and first-class American
plan hotel accommodations. Revenue from other sources was
immaterial, there being practically no cafeteria, coffee shop, or grill
services.
Today the profit-producing facilities are the low-priced cabin
accommodations, cafeteria, coffee shop, and grill services. Although
the transportation and first-class hotel accommodations still furnish
the greater portion of the operators’ revenues, they are less selfsupporting
than the newer types of accommodation.
Under present policies, such items as gasoline and food supplies
are sold at the same rate as in the nearest city to the park. Wherever
the volume of business made possible a reasonable profit, the same
ruling has been applied to purchases at soda fountains and light
lunch counters.
Although no unusual or especially large projects were undertaken
by the park operators, continued general improvements were under
way in all of the parks.
The Virginia Skyline Co., Inc., completed and put into operation
the first section of a large cabin development at Big Meadows and
opened a new roadside facility for meals and lodging at Dickey Ridge,
in the Shenandoah National Park. A lunchroom and gasoline station
also were opened at Elk Wallow.
The demands for additional housing accommodations at Mammoth
Cave National Park were so insistent that construction of 35 additional
cabins is under way.
The development by the Federal Government of the landing field
at the Boulder Dam recreational area was completed. Arrangements
were made by the park operator for the landing thereon of the
cross-country planes of Transcontinental W estern Air Lines.
Construction was started on the development, on an experimental
basis, of a facility to provide inexpensive overnight accommodations
in Sequoia National Park for groups of young people.
An interesting experiment in low-cost housing is under way in
Yosemite National Park, where the park operating company (whose
president is a member of the National Park Service Committee on
Auto Camps and Housekeeping Cabins) is erecting a few cabins each
of several types of minimum cost prefabricated housing units. If
satisfactory, this development should enable the park operators to
provide cabins at a moderate investment and with resultant low
charges and a fair rate of return earned.
Cooperation was continued with the Indian Arts and Crafts Board
in the promotion of the sale of Indian handicraft in the western
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 25
national parks and with the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild in
the sale of mountaineer products in the eastern national parks.
Short-term contracts were entered into for the furnishing of limited
transportation and saddle-horse services in Death Valley National
Monument.
Several of the park operators, w’ith the approval of the Department,
made application to the Reconstruction Finance Corporation for loans
for the construction of additional facilities. The Mesa Verde Park
Co. was successful in securing a loan, and the applications of other
park operators are still under consideration.
As of June 30, 1938, there were 140 corporations, firms, or individuals
in 49 national parks, national monuments, and other areas
under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service operating under
contract or permit to furnish accommodations to the public as compared
with 131 such concerns as of the beginning of the fiscal year
and 89 such concerns as of 10 years before.
Field studies of electric, telephone, water, and sanitation services
furnished to the park operators were made at Lassen Volcanic, Mesa
Verde, and Shenandoah National Parks and the Oregon Caves National
Monument. Rates to be charged for these services will result
in new or increased revenue to the United States of approximately
$3,600. These services are furnished to the park operators at a cost
which includes depreciation, maintenance, and operating charges.
Field inspections were made of both the park operators’ and the
Service’s buildings in the larger parks. As a result, the following
improvements have been made or are in process: the relocation of
large gas meters in the natural gas lines serving buildings at Hot
Springs National Park; safeguards for oil tanks at Yellows tone National
Park; and structural changes for the control of fire in the hotels at
Glacier National Park.
Employee safety activities included the preparation and distribution
of posters, the establishment of a park safety program which
provides a systematic procedure for the reduction of accidents and
for the investigation of serious accidents. Progress has been made in
the preparation of standards for safe practice to be followed by the
Service in construction projects.
NATIONAL CAPITAL PARKS
During the fiscal year 1938 numerous projects of great significance
in the development of the ultimate plan for the park system were
undertaken, and many events of national importance and interest
were held in the National Capital Parks.
Rawlins Square, one of the important small parks of the northwest
rectangle, redesigned along strictly formal lines, was completed under
P. W. A. authorization.
26 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Important progress was achieved on the roads and trails project for
the extension of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Memorial
Avenue to Key Bridge, including the construction of the permanent
bridge across Boundary Channel, the temporary bridge over Little
River, and the Lee Boulevard connection. Completion of the rough
grade over the entire area, with the exception of a small section on
Columbia Island, was recorded.
The W. P. A. project for the demolition of the old Brightwood
Reservoir and the conversion of the adjacent area in Rock Creek Park
into a major recreation center achieved important progress.
The road in the south grounds of the Executive Mansion was rerouted
and reconstructed and the low iron fence enclosing the south
grounds of the White House was replaced by a higher fence of copperbearing
steel, designed to harmonize with the colonial iron fence
enclosing the north grounds.
A permanent flood-control dike north of the Lincoln Memorial
Reflecting Pool and in the Washington Monument grounds was
constructed by the United States Engineer Office.
Work on the construction of a new modern four-lane steel and concrete
single arch bridge to replace the old two-lane bridge over Rock
Creek Park in section 4, Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, advanced
beyond the 50-percent completed stage. The equitation field in Rock
Creek Park was redesigned, completely regraded, and equipped with
new jumps. A bridle path underpass at the Tilden Street Bridge was
constructed to abolish the traffic hazard which existed previously at
that point. This project also involved the construction of minor
bridges over the adjacent mill race.
Events.—An event of principal importance during the year was
the National Boy Scout Jamboree, attended by more than 30,000
Scouts from each State of the Union and several foreign countries.
The Scouts were encamped in East and West Potomac Parks and the
Washington Monument grounds and along the Mount Vernon Memorial
Highway. Other events held in the park system during the
year included the inauguration of the National Celebration of the
Sesquicentennial of the Constitution, with President Roosevelt as
principal speaker; the encampment of the Workers Alliance in Vest
Potomac Park during August; the Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival;
the President’s Cup Regatta; and the National Conservation Rally
of the Campfire Girls.
Administration.—During the year 1938 the total appropriations
accounted for by National Capital Parks amounted to $2,555,456.72.
In addition, the following four C. C. C. camps were maintained:
NP-6—Fort Hunt, Mount Vernon Memorial Highway.
NP-7—Fort Dupont.
NP-8—Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Island.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 27
SP-6—Garrett Park, beginning April 15, 1938.
Attendance.—The total attendance in the National Capital Parks
during the fiscal year was estimated to be approximately 50 million.
CHANGES IN FEDERAL PARK SYSTEM
Establishment of new areas, boundary revisions, and changes in
status of existing areas marked continued growth and development of
the Federal park system during the 1938 fiscal year. The system
now comprises 27 national parks, 73 national monuments, 11 national
military parks, 11 national cemeteries, 8 national battlefield sites,
8 national memorials, 1 national recreational area, 1 national
historic site, 1 national parkway, 3 national parkway projects, 2
national historical parks, and the National Capital Parks unit, totaling
19,187,933 acres.
OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK ESTABLISHED
An act passed in the closing hours of the Seventy-fifth Congress
gave the Nation the new Olympic National Park of approximately
624,000 acres, including the former Mount Olympus National Monument,
Wash. The President’s approval of this measure (H. R.
10024 as amended) on June 29, 1938, fulfilled a 34-year dream of
conservationists. The measure authorizes the President to add to
the park a maximum of 262,292 acres so that the final boundaries
may include a total of 898,292 acres.
NEW NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Three new national monuments were added to the system: Capitol
Reef National Monument, Utah, established August 2, 1937, by
Presidential proclamation; Pipestone National Monument, Minn.,
established by act of Congress, August 25, 1937 (50 Stat. 804); and
Channel Islands National Monument, Calif., established by Presidential
proclamation April 26, 1938.
EXTENSION OF NATIONAL PARKS
Congress, by an act of June 20, 1938, extended the boundaries of
Hawaii National Park to include, in the Kilauea-Mauna Loa section,
an area to the southeast containing a shoreline and one of the few
remaining unspoiled native villages on the archipelago.
The boundaries of Hot Springs National Park, Ark., were extended
by an act of Congress approved June 23, 1938, making possible acquisition
of land to protect the watershed for the probable source of the
hot springs from the denudation regarded as inevitable if the West
Mountain-Sugar Loaf Mountain extension remains in private hands.
28 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
FIRST HISTORIC SITE ESTABLISHED
Salem Maritime National Historic Site, Mass., established March
18, 1938, by designation by the Secretary of the Interior, is the first
area of its type established under the important and far-reaching
national policy for historic preservation embodied in an act of August
21, 1935 (49 Stat. 666).
LANDS ADDED TO EXISTING FEDERAL PARK AREAS
Net increase to the Federal park and monument system through
adjustment of boundaries of existing areas and lands acquired for
authorized areas amounted to 1,846,377.363 acres, as follows:
Acadia National Park.—Donations of 706.137 acres increased the total area of the
park to 16,646.227 acres.
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument.—By proclamation of May 16,
1938, 100 acres were added to the monument, making a total of 11,197.76 acres.
Blue Ridge Parkway.—Donations of 1,469.69 acres of land, all in the State of
North Carolina, and an accurate compilation of the area heretofore acquired
resulted in a total area of 4,972.28 acres for this parkway.
Boulder Dam National Recreational Area.—By agreement with the Bureau of
Reclamation, approved by the Secretary of the Interior, the National Park Service
is charged with the development and supervision of the recreational facilities of
this area containing approximately 1,699,573 acres.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Project.—The War Department transferred 74
acres for this project.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.-—-Donation of 0.082 acre
brought the total of this park to 8,629.212 acres.
Chiricahua National Monument.—By proclamation of June 10, 1938, 6,407 acres
were added to the monument, making a total of 10,694.8 acres.
Colonial National Historical Park.—Acquisition of 23.805 acres through donation
and purchase resulted in a total of 6,325.765 acres for this national historical park.
Fort Donelson National Military Park.—Transfer of 9.18 acres from the War
Department brought the total area to 102.54 acres.
Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County Battlefields Memorial National Military
Park.—Donation of 42.811 acres resulted in a total area of 2,328.091 acres.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park.—Acquisition of 25,913.85 acres through
donation and purchase brought the total area to 437,602.65 acres; 26,064 acres
still to be acquired.
Hot Springs National Park.—Purchase of 5.815 acres increased the total area to
989.805 acres.
Isle Royale National Park project.—The purchase and donation of 73,605.04 acres
brought the total Federally owned area to 112,681.59 acres, 20,723 acres still to
be acquired.
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Site.—The acquisition of 477.93 acres
brought the total area to 648.03 acres.
Mammoth Cave National Park.—Acquisition of 3,984.85 acres through donation
and purchase resulted in a total park area of 38,545.164 acres; 6,764.836 acres
still to be acquired.
Petersburg National Military Park.—Purchase and donation of 88.734 acres increased
the total area to 1,938.834 acres.
Region III.—Acquisition of 8.04 acres as donation for headquarters site.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 29
Salem Maritime National Historic Site— Donation of 8.289 acres increased the
total area to 8.609 acres.
Statue of Liberty National Monument.—Transfer of 7.88 acres from the War
Department increased the total area to 10.38 acres.
Vicksburg National Cemetery.—Acquisition of 80.03 acres by purchase resulted
in a total area of 118.190 acres.
Wupatki National Monument.—By proclamation of July 9, 1937, 33,631.20 acres
were added to the monument, making a total of 35,865.30 acres.
Yosemite National Park.—Acquisition of 160 acres by purchase increased the
total area to 752,904.32 acres.
LEWIS AND CLARK CAVERNS NATIONAL MONUMENT ABOLISHED
Pursuant to an act of August 24, 1937 (50 Stat. 746), the Secretary
issued Patent No. 1096218, dated March 16, 1938, to the State of
Montana, embracing 1,438.36 acres. This patent includes the 160
acres of land formerly within Lewis and Clark Caverns National
Monument, now abolished.
PROPOSED EXTENSIONS OF EXISTING FEDERAL PARK AREAS
By resolution of June 7, 1938, the Senate authorized the Committee
on Public Lands and Surveys to investigate, in the summer of 1938, the
necessity, suitability, and feasibility of extending the boundaries of
Grand Teton National Park, Wyo., to include the Jackson Hole
country and an area within Teton National Forest which surrounds
Jackson Lake. This will be the second Senate investigation of the
project.
Senate resolution agreed to on June 7 authorized and directed the
Committee on Public Lands and Surveys of the Senate to conduct a
thorough investigation of all questions relating to the suitability and
feasibility of creating the Petrified Forest National Park of the area
now set apart as Petrified Forest National Monument in Arizona.
The investigation is to be conducted during July and August.
The Service has undertaken the acquisition, largely by condemnation,
of 7,730 acres of sugar-pine forest for inclusion in Yosemite
National Park, Calif., for which money was appropriated in June 1937.
STATUS OF FEDERAL PARK PROJECTS AUTHORIZED BY CONGRESS
Through allocation of $705,000 of Federal emergency funds and
appropriation of $100,000 by the State of Michigan, 102,567 acres
have been purchased for the Isle Royale National Park project at a
cost of $522,481. The remaining funds make possible acquisition of
7,974 acres now under contract for $150,098 and 10,098 acres in
course of condemnation. The act of June 20, 1938, authorizes the
addition to the park of lands acquired with emergency funds.
The boundaries of the Everglades National Park project were fixed
by the Secretary of the Interior to include a small portion of Key
104366—38------ 4
30 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Largo and a portion of Florida Bay. The project involves more than
a million acres, of which 759,520 acres are State-owned and the remainder
privately owned. The State of Florida is conducting a
campaign to raise funds for purchase of the private lands for donation
to the Federal Government.
A civic campaign is under way in Texas to raise funds for the purchase
of land necessary for establishment of Big Bend National Park,
authorized by Congress by act of June 20, 1935.
An act of August 17, 1937 authorized the establishment of Cape
Hatteras National Seashore when title to certain lands on the North
Carolina coast within an area of approximately 100 square miles becomes
vested in the United States. The Department has designated
the boundaries, and the State has undertaken through its department
of conservation and development to acquire privately owned lands
for transfer to the Federal Government.
Establishment of Saratoga National Historical Park, N. Y., when
lands necessary therefor are acquired by donation or with donated
funds, is authorized in an act of June 1, 1938. The park would include
that part of the Saratoga Battlefield now owned by the State of
New York and any additional lands which the Secretary of the
Interior may, within 6 months after approval of the act, designate as
necessary or desirable.
A joint resolution, approved June 15,1938, authorized the Secretary
of War to transfer to the Department of the Interior the Cape Henry
Memorial site in Fort Story Military Reservation, Cape Henry, Va.,
which commemorates the first landing on American soil, April 26,
1607, of the colonists who established the first permanent English
settlement at Jamestown. A formal request for the transfer is being
made to the Secretary of War. If the transfer is made the site will
be administered as part of Colonial National Historical Park.
The act of June 28, 1938 rerouted the Williamsburg-Jamestown
section of the Colonial parkway described in Presidential proclamation
of August 22, 1933 (48 Stat. 1708) in a more logical course to
connect Governor Markeley’s Green Springs Mansion, Carter’s
Grove Mansion, and the Roswell Mansion, which are proposed for
addition to the park. The exact location of the new route extending
south from the City of Williamsburg to the James River and along
the river and connecting waters to Jamestown Island, will be determined
by the Secretary of the Interior. The act also authorizes the
Secretary to acquire by donation, purchase, or otherwise, for addition
to the park, the Glass House Point area, The Hook, and an enlarged
Gloucester Point area.
The Service is acquiring by condemnation 49.15 acres for Ackia
Battleground National Monument, Miss., authorized by an act of
August 27, 1935 (49 Stat. 897).
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 31
It is expected that the establishment of Badlands National Monument,
S. Dak., authorized in 1929, will be consummated soon. Only
the exchange of State lands within the project for Federal lands outside
the area delays establishment.
Twenty-four thousand dollars authorized in 1936 for purchase of
lands for Homestead National Monument, Nebr., is being applied for
purchase of 160.82 acres.
With an offer made by the Whitman Centennial, Inc., and the Walla
Walla Foundation to donate land comprising the site of the Indian
Mission established in 1836 by Marcus Whitman, there remains only
formal acceptance of title by the Department for establishment of
Whitman National Monument, Wash., authorized by an act of June
29, 1936.
PROPOSED NATIONAL PARKS
A bill, H. R. 10435, was introduced in the Seventy-fifth Congress
to authorize the establishment of the Kings Canyon National Park.
The Kings River region north of Sequoia National Park in California
has been urged for inclusion in the national park system since 1890.
As a result of a careful study, the boundary lines have now been
drawn so as to eliminate important power and irrigation dam sites
without sacrificing the outstanding scenic features of the region.
Resolutions from more than 30 organizations and a great number
from private individuals were received favoring the proposed park.
Now that there is no conflict between the proposed park and the
power and irrigation advocates, it is hoped that a better understanding
of the proposal may result in the establishment of the park during
the next session of Congress.
A bill, H. R. 6599, was introduced by Congressman Brewster to
authorize the establishment of the Katahdin National Park in the
State of Maine. As a result of a very careful field investigation last
fall, a report was compiled on the Katahdin area. Further studies of
this region are now being made.
A bill, H. R. 10239, was introduced in Congress to establish the
Green Mountain National Park in Vermont. The proposed legislation,
which received the approval of the Department, would preserve a
section of typical New England landscape.
PROPOSED NATIONAL SEASHORES
The Service has continued its study of approximately 20 areas along
the Atlantic, Gulf, Pacific, and Great Lakes shores, which were given a
preliminary survey in 1935, as possible national seashores.
32 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
PROPOSED NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Negotiations were continued for establishment of a section of the
Escalante area along the Colorado River watershed in Utah as a
national monument.
Only formal acceptance of title to certain privately owned property
is delaying establishment of a national monument on the site of the
Tuzigoot ruins near Clarksdale, Ariz. Investigations by archeologists
who supervised excavation and restoration of the ruins indicate three
major southwestern cultures were present simultaneously in the prehistoric
past.
A long, narrow strip of exceedingly white sand on Santa Rosa Island
in Escambia County, Fla., which, in geologic terms, is illustrative of a
process of aggradation, has been approved for establishment as Santa
Rosa National Monument. The major portion of the island, now
owned by Escambia County, is in process of transfer to the Federal
Government.
The proposed Indian Mounds National Monument, Iowa, containing
extraordinary examples of Indian mounds, has been investigated
and approved for establishment when the land has been acquired and
donated to the Federal Government.
An area of approximately 27,450 acres in New Mexico and Arizona,,
containing archeological ruins of great scientific importance, has been
approved by the Department for establishment as Puerco National
Monument. The acquisition of certain necessary lands by local
people for donation to the Federal Government has been undertaken.
Areas Investigated During the Fiscal Year for Possible Inclusion in the
Federal Park System
1. Coast Redwoods National Park Area, Calif.
2. Columbia Gorge Recreational Area, Oreg.
3. Flathead National Park Area, Mont.
4. Fort Peck Recreational Area, Mont.
5. Gila National Park Area, N. Mex.
6. Glacial Grooves National Monument, Ohio.
7. Grand Coulee Recreational Area, Wash.
8. Grasslands National Monument, S. Dak.-Nebr.
9. Hart Mountain National Monument, Oreg.
10. Luquillo National Park, Puerto Rico.
11. Newberry Crater National Monument, Oreg.
12. Northern Cascades National Park Area, Wash.
13. Superior National Park, Minn.
14. Palmyra Island National Monument, Territory of Hawaii.
15. Palm Canyon National Monument, Calif.
16. Porcupine Mountains National Park, Mich.
17. Roosevelt Badlands National Monument, N. Dak.
18. San Juan National Park Area, Colo.
19. San Juan Islands National Monument, Wash.
20. San Juan National Monument, Puerto Rico.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 33
21. Ship Island National Monument, Miss.
22. Waimea Canyon National Park, Territory of Hawaii.
23. Wind River National Park, Wyo.
24. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Tenn.-Ky.-Va.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS ACTIVITIES
The fiscal year closed with 294 C. C. C. camps operating under
technical supervision of the Service, compared with 418 on July 1,
1937. Camps in operation at the close of the year included 78 on
continental national parks and 216 on State, county, and metropolitan
parks and recreation areas and recreational demonstration areas.
During the year the Corps carried on a general program of conservation
and recreational development involving construction of such
facilities as roads, trails, dams, cabins, and simple park structures,
water and sanitary systems, for both extended and day use of areas.
Of the 5,000 enrollees authorized by the Civilian Conservation
Corps Act of June 28,1937, for projects in the Territories and insular
possessions, 1,200 were allotted to the Department of the Interior.
In the Territory of Hawaii, 800 men are enrolled in the Corps, 200
of whom are at work in Hawaii National Park and 600 on lands of
the Territorial government. Wild sheep, goats, and boar, which
destroyed vegetation and prevented natural regeneration were materially
reduced in number, and important areas were fenced and
planted. At the end of the year, 10,725,000 trees had been planted
on 21,450 acres since the program was started.
In the Virgin Islands, 300 enrollees were authorized for St. Thomas
and 100 for St. Croix. Old roads were widened, realined, and put
in condition, and general conservation work was performed.
For the first time in the history of the C. C. C. enrollees were transported
from the States to a Territorial possession. Two hundred
men selected from Oregon and Washington were organized for 1938
summer work in a camp established in Mount McKinley National
Park, Alaska.
RECREATIONAL DEMONSTRATION AREAS
Development of 46 recreational demonstration projects on 62
areas in 24 States was continued with both E. R. A. and C. C. C.
labor employed. Forty-eight of sixty-four organized camps under
construction on 34 of these areas were scheduled to be completed and
in use for the summer of 1938. Thirty-one of these were finished
before the end of the fiscal year. These facilities, which received
100,000 camper-days use and provided recreation for 1,000,000 dayuse
visitors in 1937, include adequate systems of control roads, water
and sanitary systems, central administration and service groups,
facilities for centralized feeding, decentralized camping, and such
activities as swimming, boating, hiking, and picnicking. General
34 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
conservation treatment is also applied on each area, and in some
instances certain portions are set aside as wildlife refuges.
The recreational demonstration area program also includes the
laying out of 13 wayside parks contiguous to main highways in Virginia
and South Carolina for the use of travelers. These are being equipped
with picnic tables and benches, water, and sanitary facilities.
Developments under this program have been carried on by 8,000
relief workers and 2,300 C. C. C. enrollees. A total of 352,874
acres of land have been acquired for this purpose, title to 253,361
acres of which was cleared in the 1938 fiscal year.
EMERGENCY RELIEF ACT PROJECTS
E. R. A. Federal and non-Federal projects in operation by the
Service totaled 65 at the close of the fiscal year, compared with 84
at the end of the 1937 fiscal year. Curtailment of funds in the
period July 1 to December 31, 1937, necessitated termination of
operations on 34 non-Federal projects, and on June 30, 1938, only four
non-Federal E. R. A. projects remained under Service supervision.
The Service received funds from the Emergency Relief Appropriation
Act of 1937, and the Emergency Relief Supplementary Appropriation
Act, approved March 2, 1938, for land acquisition and development
and research projects in 9 national parks, 4 national military
parks, 9 national monuments, 1 national historical park, 44 recreational
demonstration areas, 2 parkways, 1 beach erosion control
project, 20 State, 3 county, and 12 municipal park areas. In addition,
there were 7 nonconstruction projects in 3 States and the District
of Columbia employing white-collar research workers. These appropriations
and projects gave employment to an average of 10,500
relief workers, of which 7,500 were local workers and 3,000 workers
quartered in subsistence camps operated by the Service. Relief
workers were also employed by contractors on some of these Service
projects.
UNITED STATES TRAVEL BUREAU
A bill to promote travel in the United States through the United
States Travel Bureau, H. R. 9212, failed to pass in the Seventyfifth
Congress. Passed by the Senate, the bill remained in the House
Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce at the hour of
adjournment.
The Bureau continued to function on an emergency basis and extended
its activities. During the year the name was changed from
Tourist to Travel Bureau.
Thirty-five hundred dollars donated by the American Express
Co. for the work of the Bureau was accepted by the Department in
July 1937.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 35
THE PARK, PARKWAY, AND RECREATIONAL-AREA STUDY
During the year arrangements were completed in 43 States for the
conduct of this study authorized under Public 770%, Seventy-fourth
Congress, in cooperation with established State recreation and planning
agencies. Tentative final State reports were completed by Virginia,
Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania.
These reports, containing preliminary plans and recommendations for
meeting the recreational needs of each State, were reviewed and
concurred in by the Service as the basis for further study and returned
to the States with detailed suggestions for their completion. Indiana
also submitted its tentative final report, which is being studied.
The completed reports will constitute comprehensive plans to serve
as a guide in coordinating all recreational areas and agencies as a
complementing and supplementing recreation system for each State.
Later, regional and national studies will be based on these State plans.
Information on Federal lands and facilities available for recreation
was received from other Federal agencies in response to this Department’s
requests.
COOPERATION WITH STATES EXTENDED
During the year the Service has cooperated with the United States
Corps of Engineers and State planning commissions and conservancy
districts in planning proper recreational use of lakes and pools created
by flood-control projects.
In addition to assisting in planning new parkway developments, the
Service also has given advice to several States on interstate compacts
relating to the establishment, development, and operation of interstate
parks and parkways.
Three publications bearing on State and local park development
work were issued by the Service in the 1938 fiscal year. Park and
Recreation Structures discusses and pictures by drawings and photographs
structural undertakings appropriate to natural park and
recreational area environments. This 600-page publication was issued
in three parts, subtitled “Administration and Basic Service Facilities,”
“Recreational and Cultural Facilities,” and “Overnight and Organized
Camp Facilities.” The 1937 Yearbook—Park and Recreation
Progress—contains a report on the progress of State cooperative
work in park and recreational development, and articles on various
allied subjects. Municipal and County Parks in the United States,
1935, was based upon an original study made by the Service in cooperation
with the National Recreation Association.
MAINTENANCE OF FEDERAL BUILDINGS
At the close of the fiscal year, the National Park Service was
responsible for the maintenance and operation of 21,122,615 square
36 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
feet of floor space in the District of Columbia, of which 18,303,567
square feet was in 46 Government-owned buildings, and 2,819,048
square feet in 64 privately owned buildings. Similar service was
rendered in 11 Government-owned office buildings, having a total
floor area of 1,267,561 square feet, located in 9 other cities. Seven
special structures are also maintained by the branch of the Service
engaged in building maintenance. The only noteworthy changes
during the year were the acquisition of the Federal Trade Commission
Building, transferred upon completion by the Treasury Department,
effective March 1; and the demolition of Temporary
Building F.
The White House continued to receive the most careful maintenance.
Personnel employed and funds expended incident to providing this
service were as follows:
i Includes 587 temporary.
a Includes 16 temporary.
Personnel
Expenditures
Gross Reimbursable
Net
Buildings in the District of Columbia------------------------------
Buildings outside the District of Columbia______________
Total - . - ____________ __________ -- -____
1 5, 388
2 315
$9, 687,071
585, 230
$2, 592, 582
3, 726
$7,094,489
581, 504
5, 703 10, 257, 031 2, 577, 366 7,679, 665
The act making appropriations for the Service authorized the
expenditure of not to exceed $500,000 for major repairs and improvements.
Among the projects accomplished with this fund were the
replacement of certain defective concrete flooring and the installation
of new wiring in the Navy and Munitions Buildings; the replacement
of a portion of the obsolete lighting fixtures in those buildings and in
the building at 1300 E Street NW., with fixtures of modern design;
procurement of a turbine-driven boiler feed pump, the construction of
catwalks, and the elimination of a dangerous condition on the coal
conveyor at the Central Heating Plant; the installation of emergency
exit platforms in the elevator shaft at the Washington Monument;
the replacement of the circulating pumps at Columbus Fountain; the
installation of Venetian blinds in a portion of the Internal Revenue
Building; the installation of a telephone system in the steam distribution
tunnels radiating from the Central Heating Plant; the installation
of flood-control pumps, actuated by independent power supply, in
the new buildings along Constitution Avenue; and improvements to
the ventilating systems in certain elevator penthouses and electrical
vaults.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 37
The service of the Central Heating Plant was extended to the
Federal Trade Commission Building, the new Police Court Building
in Judiciary Square, the National Gallery of Art, the new building of
the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Wilkins Building, and the
building at 1510 H Street NW. The addition of these buildings
increased the potential connected load by 141,500 pounds of
steam per hour. Owing to the mild winter, only 95,472 tons of coal
were consumed at the plant, the total steam generated being
2,056,099,000 pounds.
The operation of the guard school was continued, 20 hours of
instruction being given each student. Also, a course of instruction
was instituted for elevator conductors, comprising five 1-hour lectures
and demonstrations.
SPACE CONTROL
At the close of the fiscal year, space aggregating 14,354,352 net
square feet was occupied by Government agencies in 110 Governmentowned
buildings in the District of Columbia, housing 79,199 employees,
under authorization from the National Park Service, the
Service being responsible for allocation and proper utilization of space
in nearly all of the Federal buildings in the District. Also, a total of
3,245,775 net square feet of space in 118 privately owned buildings,
housing 27,657 employees, was being leased at an annual rental of
$2,906,654.37, by or with the approval of the National Park Service,
making a total of 17,600,127 square feet of space occupied by 106,858
employees in 228 buildings.
Forty changes in space allocations in Government buildings were
approved, and 507 moves were accomplished.
CONCLUSION
The dual function of the National Park Service as specified by
law—that of conserving the intricate and involved inter-relationship
of all the organisms that combine to make up the natural features of a
national park and at the same time permitting man to come into and
enjoy that park—presents one of the most complex biological problems
known.
The conflict between complete preservation and wise use is always
present, and to solve the problem in a manner that will give the best
future results requires an unusual degree of sound judgment, administrative
ability, and technical skill.
Since 1933, a prodigious amount of new work has come to the
Service through consolidation of Federal park supervision, emergency
activities, and natural growth. As a result of a shortage of positions
in technical lines in the industrial world, the Service fortunately was
able to employ a number of excellently trained specialists of high
38 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ideals. As the amount of emergency funds available to the Service
has decreased, the Service has been forced to dispense with the services
of many of these men and women and it has not been possible to secure
a commensurate number of civil-service positions to carry on the work
as effectively as desired.
One of the most serious problems facing the Service today, therefore,
is the necessity of obtaining an adequate basic permanent personnel
in all administrative, protective, and teclmical lines to carry
on the administration, protection, maintenance, and improvement of
the areas in the Federal park system in such a manner as to provide
the greatest possible degree of use and enjoyment for the people,
while preserving the areas for coming generations.
Not only should the personnel of long-established parks and monuments
be increased to meet the needs incident to expanded popular
use, but permanent personnel should replace emergency personnel in
the administration and developing of the military and historical areas
more newly assigned to Service supervision.
Unless the situation is taken care of in the near future, it may
become acute, as already indicated by the contraction of the emergency
personnel organizations begun 2 years ago.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 39
TABLE I.—Holdings Acquired for National Park and Monument Purposes
1 Includes 27,535 acres outside of th e m in im u m area required for th e establishm ent of th e park.
40 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
TABLE 2.-—Automobile and Motorcycle Licenses Issued and Revenues Received, Fiscal
Years 1937-38
TABLE 3.-—-Appropriations for Administration, Protection, and Maintenance, Expenditures
Therefrom, and Revenues, Fiscal Year 1938
Name of park
1937 1938
Automobiles
Motorcycles
Revenue Automobiles
Motorcycles
Revenue
Crater Lake_______________________ ____ 42, 754
10, 002
30, 662
65,601
14, 051
6,093
53, 693
33, 908
110, 429
99, 732
37,620
$42,754
10,002
30, 748
65, 601
14, 062
6, 093
53,693
33, 908
331,635
199.670
37,620
45, 719
13, 500
33,624
80,146
15,619
6,082
54,144
35,745
117,070
99,766
37, 372
$45,719
13, 500
33, 684
80,146
15,619
6,082
54,144
35,745
351,698
199,757
37,372
General Grant ____________ ___________
Glacier__________________________________
Grand Canyon______________ __________
86 60
Lassen Volcanic_____________ ___________
Mesa Verde___ __ _____________ _____
11 —
Mount Rainier___________________________
Sequoia__________________________________
Yellowstone_____________________________
Yosemite________________________________
Zion. ___________________________________
348
206
487
226
Total___________________5_0_4_, _5_4_5_____ 651 825, 786 538, 787 773 873, 466
Name of park Appropriated Expenditures
and obligations
Revenues received
Acadia.
Bryce Canyon_________________________________________
Carlsbad Caverns______________________________________
Crater Lake___________________________________________
General Grants________ _________________________________
Glacier________________________________________________
Grand Canyon_________________________________________
Grand Teton__________________________________________
Great Smoky Mountains______________________________
Great Smoky Mountains (land acquisition), deficiency_
Hawaii________________________________________________
Hot Springs___________________________________________
Lassen Volcanic____________ ___________________________
Mammoth Cave_______________________________________
Mesa Verde___________________________________________ _
Mount McKinley______________________________________
Mount Rainier___________________________________ _____
National Capital Parks, U.S__________________________
National Capital Parks, D. C__________________________
Platt__________________________________________________
Rocky Mountain______________________________________
Sequoia________________________________________ ___ _
Shenandoah_____________ ______________________________
Wind Cave______________ „_____________________________
Yellowstone___________________________________________
Yosemite_________________ ____ ________________________
Zion___________________________________________________
National Historical Parks and Monuments____________
National Monuments___________________ r_____________
Homestead National Monument________ _______________
Oregon Caves National Monument____________________
National military parks, battlefields, monuments, and
cemeteries_________________________________________
Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park________
Boulder Dam recreational area_________________________
National Park Service_________________________________
Public buildings and grounds__________________________
General expenses, N. P. S______________________________
Forest protection and fire prevention__________________
Emergency reconstruction and fighting forest fires______
Emergency reconstruction and fighting forest fires, deficiency_____________
,_______________________________
Construction of r'oads and trails________________________
Blue Ridge and Natchez Trace Parkways______________
Historic sites and buildings____________________________
Investigation and purchase of water rights_____________
Miscellaneous__________________________________________
Total____________________________________________
$47, 710. 00 $46, 457. 95 $524.00
12, 350. 00
103, 000. 00
73, 730.00
17, 570. 00
189,120. 00
118,500. CO
25, 530.00
76, 500.00
743,265.29
50,100. 00
72, 500. 00
35, 000. 00
12, 513. 96
99,481. 22
77,594.16
17,488. 69
184,468.42
119,454.07
25,191.72
74, 314.40
304, 326. 52
49,383.32
14, 857. 52
42,409.83
99, 753. 75
499.47
7,759.14
50, 931. 29
71,173. 50
36,476.12
1,176. 50
38, 925. 77
16, 458. 74
14.12
6, 588. 27
336.16
57,115.41
11,682.04
55, 540. 00
29, 000.00
141,480. 00
176,000.00
918, 880.00
20, 600. 00
82,000. 00
104,100. 00
58, 000. 00
18, 520. 00
411, 000.00
301, 600. 00
40, 450. 00
127,000.00
205, 600.00
1 24, 000. 00
20, 000. 00
300, 660. 00
30, 000.00
45, 000. 00
196,940. 00
7, 706, 280. 00
27,000. 00
100,000. 00
40, 000. 00
40,000. 00
1 4, 500,000. 00
1 6, 000, 000. 00
24, 000. 00
25, 000. 00
56, 959. 53
27,888.46
150,920.53
169, 516. 88
912,830.20
20, 231.18
82,859.29
108.903.80
57,932. 64
17, 614. 60
427, 638. 26
318,437. 07
42,976. 23
130,149.45
196,876. 35
18,114.15
18, 560. 58
276, 421. 54
28, 605.74
44,481.17
185,417.66
8,144, 855. 08
27, 011.41
83, 566. 60
44,708. 03
1.00
2,304.13
47,483.63
5,456.76
12,041. 23
440, 555. 05
287,358.13
37, 909.97
773.17
1,350. 08
12, 262. 90
15. 00
159. 60
4,923. 68
2 3, 983, 615.10
2 603,127. 07
21,323. 25
17, 078. 37
137. 00
19.95
23,333, 525. 29 17,034,165. 72 1, 504, 561. 84
i Available until expended. ’ Represents expenditures only.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 41
TABLE 4.—Summary of Appropriations for the Administration, Protection, and Improvement
of Areas Under the Jurisdiction of the National Park Service, Together With the
Revenues Received, for the Fiscal Years 1917 1 to 1938, Inclusive
Year Department Appropriation
1917
1918
1919
Interior Department________________________________
War Department—_________________________________
Interior Department________________________________
War Department_________ __________________________
Interior Department________________________________
War Department___________________________________
1920 ______________________________________________________
1921 ______________________________________________________
1922 ______________________________________________________
1923 ____ _______________________________________________
1924 ______________________________________________________
1925 ______________________________________________________
1926 ______________________________________________________
1927 _____________________________________________________
1928 ______________________________________________________
1929 ________ ____ ________________________________________
1930 ______________________________________________________
1931 _____________________________________________________
1932 ______________________________________________________
1933 ______________________________________________________
1933-35 ______________________________________________________
1934 ______________________________________________________
1935 ______________________________________________________
1936 ______________________________________________________
1937 ______________________________________________________
1938 ______________________________________________________
$537,366.67
247, 200.00
----- ------------ - $784,566.67
530,680.00
217,500.00
-- --------------- - 748,180.00
963,105.00
50,000.00
50, 000.00
----------------- 1,013,105.00
907,070.76
1, 058,969.16
1,433, 220.00
1,446, 520.00
1,892,601.00
3,027,657.00
3, 258,409. 00
3, 698,920.00
4, 889,685.00
4, 754,015.00
7,813, 817.18
12,113,435.00
12,831,250.00
10, 640, 620.00
53,402, 249.00
10,983, 089. 00
12,461,513. 00
16,686, 090. 00
18,190,490. 00
23, 333, 525.29
Revenues
$180,652.30
2 217,330.55
196, 678.03
316,877.96
396, 928.27
432, 964.89
513, 706.36
663,886.32
670,920.98
826,454.17
703, 849.60
808, 255.81
849, 272.95
1, 015, 740. 56
940,364.79
820,654.19
628,182.06
731, 331.80
907,189.96
1,136, 533.68
1,398,691.66
1, 504, 561. 84
1 For summary of appropriations and revenues prior to 1917 see 1920 Annual Report, p. 359.
2 The revenues from the various national parks were expendable during the years 1904 to 1918, inclusive,
with the exception of those received from Crater Lake, Mesa Verde, and Rocky Mountain National Parks,
the revenues from which were turned into the Treasury to the credit of miscellaneous receipts.
42
TABLE 5.— Forest-fire Statistics, Calendar Year 1937
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 4.3
44 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
TABLE 5.— Forest-fire Statistics, Calendar Year 1937—Continued
Cost of fire suppression (to nearest w hole dollar)
V alue of
C .C . C.
contribution
S5S51
i
i
6,501
2,099
g CM
c . c . c .
m andays
contributed
i1
I o ”1
G rand
to tal —
Dollars
280
115
10
17
* i i i
i i
2
Tt< s T—(
Salaries
or park
em ployees
not
paid from
forest-fire
fund
Dollars
112
105
10
17
° iI
1
i
32
1
267
1 s
T otal
Dollars
168
10
s :
1
II
i
§ g s i i
I 1
In d irect
costs
prorated
Dollars
1
i
i
II I
i i
w HI
1
E q u ip -
m ent
Dollars
168
1 Io 1
I i i 1 I 1 i j
§
i
g s 1 I
i I I I
Supplies, tran s- p o rtation,
etc.
Dollars
। i i i
i i i i
i
।1
i i
i: ii
P ersonal
services
Dollars
9
i I i i
■ Oi 3 Io H
T im b er destroyed
inside parks
T otal
H-.- , IIi i CM 1 i IiIlIl
« ; i i ii:
■s i i i : : :
i i i ;ii
I
i
04 ! i 2 CO i i
P riv
ate
M . b.f.
1
1 i ill
i ill
i ill
iii i
i i : i
i i
i •H •
Co q og>
M . b.f.
1 cs 1
1 i
1 1
i i
i I
i. CM 2 co I I
i i
: ।
B urned area inside parks (nearest
w hole acre)
T otal
g1' i 1 IS'01"'0 i I
1
I
CS »__________________________ 910 17th St. NW___________________________
Bureau of Fisheries_____ ________ 6th St. and Independence Ave SW_________ 39,131
C St. NW., 2115___________________ 35,000
Central Heating Plant._______ __ . 12th, 13th, C, and D Sts. SW_______________
City Club_________________________ 1320 G St.' NW_____________________________ 48, 610
Civil Service_______________________ 7th, 9th, F, and G Sts. NW________________ 246, 244
1,605,066
Commerce_________________________ Constitution Ave., 14th, 15th, and E Sts.
NW______________________________________
See footnotes at end of table.
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 47
TABLE 7.—Office Buildings in the District of Columbia Maintained, Operated, and
Protected by the National Park Service—Continued
Government
Rented
Building Location owned net floor
gross floor
area
area
Connecticut Ave., 815---------------------
Between I. C. C. and Labor Buildings-------- 234,100
1119,800
Connecting Wing-------- ------- -----------
Daily News------------------------------------- 1322 New York Ave. NW---------------------------- 18,000
De Moll a____________________ ____ - 12th and G Sts. NW_______________________
231. 771
274,373
15, 243
E Building------------------------------------ - 6th St. and Maine Ave. SW...... ......................
E St. NW., 1300___________________
E St. NW., 1345 i---------------------------- 7,544
Executive Office------------------------------ West Executive Ave------------------------------------ 40. 000
F St. NW., 1723-1725---------------------- 20, 369
F St. NW., 1724___________________ 2 53, 676
Federal Home Loan Bank Board— 101 Indiana A ve. NW---------------------------------- 278,700
Federal Trade Commission------------- Constitution Ave., 6th, and 7th Sts. NW— 303,000
Florida Ave. NE., 60---------------------- 27,200
G St. NW., 1328 L—---------------------- 3, 540
G St. NW., 1333___________________ 15, 000
G St. NW., 1338-1340----------- ---------- 16,896
G St. NW., 1342 ‘__________________ 3,190
G St. NW., 1712___________________
8,166
2 93,929
G St. NW., 1712 (annex)-----------------
Garage (Veterans’ Administration).. Kansas Ave. & Upshur St. NW...... ......... ........ 43,723
Garage_____________________________ 3d and Canal Sts. SW---------------------------------- 48, 000
Garage (White House)-------------------- 1126 21st St. NW____________________ ______- 2 90, 788
Garage (Interior)---------------- ---------— 21st St. and Virginia Ave. NW-------------------- 36, 000
Garage------------------------ -------------------- 24th and M Sts. NW------------------------------------ 2 48,800
General Accounting Office-------------- Judiciary Square----------------------- ------------------ 196, 554
H St. NW., 1510___________________ 8, 738
H St. NW., 1712 '__________________ 7, 068
H St. NW., 1825___________________
18th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW-----------
2 199, 344
Hurley-Wright-------------------------------- 2 95, 091
I St. NW., 1500------------------------------- 24, 000
I St. NW., 1624____________________
25, 270
2 17, 700
Independence Ave. SW., 310-----------
Independence Ave. SW., 816----------- 4, 239
Independence Ave. SW., 008-----------
C, E, 18th, and 19th Sts. NW..........................
17, 408
Interior____________________________ 1,308. 300
Interior, North-------------------------------- E, F, 18th, and 19th Sts. NW----------------------
Constitution Ave., 10th, and 12th Sts., NW.
726, 535
Internal Revenue---------------------------- 1,281,000
Interstate Commerce------- --------------- 12th St. and Constitution Ave. NW------------- 456, 700
Justice_____________________________ Constitution Ave., 9th and 10th Sts. N W------ 1, 237, 000
K St. NW., 1435____________________ 15. 000
K St. NW., 1437___________________ 2 20, 000
K St. NW., 1518 3__________________ 10. 632
Kalorama Rd., 1700------------------------ 28,000
Kalorama Rd., 1701 1----------------------- 38, 084
Kalorama Rd., 1724------------------------- 21.000
L St. NW., 1709------------------------------
14th St. and Constitution Ave. NW------------ 447, 000
20,397
Labor______________________________
La Salle1----------------------------------------- 1028 Connecticut Ave. NW-------------------------- 49,416
Lemon_____________________________ 1729 New York Ave. NW---------------------------- 2 25,975
Lenox3------------------------------------------- 1523 L St. NW--------------------------------------------- 22, 924
M St. NW., 2214-16------------------------ 9.317
Massachusetts Ave. NW., 2000-------
916 G St. NW______________________________
2 24, 309
Mather 13__________________________ 37. 937
McCrory1_________________________ 824-26 7th St. NW---------------------------------------- 10, 683
McKinley Park3----------------------------- 17 buildings, American University Park------ 67,062
Moses i____________________________ 11th and F Sts. NW------------------------- ..-------
851,490
97,378
Munitions_________________________ Constitution Ave., 19th and 21st Sts. N W...
National Theater33________________ 1325 E St. NW_______________ .........------- 16,000
Navy______________________________ Constitution Ave., 17th and 19th Sts. N W— 949,182
21, 068
2 207, 550
Ouray 13___________________________
Pennsylvania Ave. NW., 1778_____
801G St. NW____________________________ ...
Post Office (new)__________________ 13th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW------------- 840,000
Post Office (old)------------------------------ 12th St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW----------- 377,951 —
Potomac Park Apartments------------- 306 21st St. NW____________________________ 108,000
Printcraft >3_______________________ 930 H St. NW______________________________ 61,811
Procurement Division_____________ 8th and D Sts. SW_________________________ 886, 750
Public Health_____________________ Constitution Ave., 19th and 20tb Sts. NW— 79,931
15,983
55.080
Rizik 13___________________________
South Capitol St., 401______________
1737 L St. NW_____________________________
Standard Oil'3____________________ 261 Constitution Ave. NW---------------------------
440, 250
36,469
State Department_________________ 17tb St. and Pennsylvania Ave. NW-----------
Tariff Commission_________________ 7th. 8th, E, and F Sts. NW------------------------- 140,118
Temporary No. 2__________________
U St. NW., 1331-413_______________
19th and D Sts. NW------------------------------------ 78, 240
2 85,725
Vermont Ave. NW., 10013_________ 2119,000
See footnotes at end of table.
48 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
TABLE 7.—Office Buildings in the District of Columbia Maintained, Operated, and
Protected by the National Park Service—Continued
Building Location
Government
owned
gross floor
area
Rented
net floor
area
Vermont Ave. NW., 1025---------------- 54,696
Vermont Ct. NW., 1126____________
734 15th St. NW___________________________
13,631
Walker____________________________ 66, 000
Walker-Johnson------------------------------ 1734 New York Ave. NW__________________ 2 110.312
Washington Auditorium___________ 19th St. and New York Ave. NW__________
54, 000
2 94, 000
Wilkins____________________________ 1514 H St. NW_____________________________
Willard____________________________ 513-15 14th St. NW________________________ 26, 685
Winder____________________________ 17th and F Sts. NW_______________________ 63, 880
7th St. NW., 425___________________ 7,000
8th St. SW., 215------------------------------ 5,970
10th St. NW., 1918_________________ 48, 799
12th St. SW., 224__________________ 13, 204
14th St. NW., 509 1-------------------------- 6, 540
14th St. NW., 1840_________________ 30, 500
14th St. NW., 2303 3------- ---------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- - --------- 66,957
15th St. NW., 821__________________ 10,446
18th St. NW., 718__________________ 2 41, 330
19,.h St. NW., 1220_________________ —---------- ---------------------------- 2 44,100
26th St. NW., 501 and 513 1________ ------------------------------------------- - ------------------------ 22, 200
Total______________—____ 18,303, 567 2,819,048
i Portion of building only.
2 Gross area.
3 Protection only.
TABLE 8.—Office Buildings Outside the District of Columbia Maintained, Operated,
and Protected by the National Park Service
Building Location
Governmentowned
gross
floor area
Broadway, 45-----------------------------------------------
Courthouse_________________________________
Do_____________________________________
Do_____________________________________
Do_____________________________________
Federal Office______________________________
Do_____________________________________
Immigration Station________________________
Old Custom House---------------------------------------
Old Post Office_____________________________
Sub-Treasury______________________________
New York City, N. Y______________________
Aiken, S. C________________________________
New York City, N.Y_____________________
Parkersburg, W. Va________________________
Santa Fe, N. Mex______________________ ____
Des Moines, Iowa__________________________
Galveston, Tex____________________________
Baltimore, Md_____________________________
Denver, Colo______________________________
Sacramento, Calif__________________________
New York City, N. Y_____________________
142, 500
17, 474
655,787
34,900
47, 600
64. 200
15. 000
98, 000
72, 500
47, 600
72,000
Total. 1, 267, 561
TABLE 9.—Special Structures Mainta:ned, Operated, and Protected by the National
Park Service
Structure Location
Columbus Fountain__________________________________________
District of Columbia War Memorial__________ -_______________
House where Lincoln died_____________________________________
Lee Mansion__________________________________________________
Lincoln Memorial_____________________________________________
Lincoln Museum______________________________________________
Washington Monument_______________________________________
Union Station Plaza.
Wrest Potomac Park.
516 10th St. NW.
Arlington, Va.
West Potomac Park.
51110th St. NW.
The Mall between 14th and 17th Sts.
MBH
THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 49
TABLE 10.—Statement Showing Work Accomplished at Civilian Conservation Corps
Camps Under the Jurisdiction of the National Park Service, July 1, 1937, to June 30,
1938
Item Unit
Total work accomplished July 1,1937-June 30,1938
New construction Maintenance
National
parks and
monuments
State parks
Combined
total national
parks
and State
parks
National
parks and
monuments
Bridges, foot and horse___ __ .____ Number___ 10 49 59 21
Bridges, vehicle__ _____________________ Number____ 12 35 47 102
Barns_____________________ ____________ Number____ 2 3 5 8
Bathhouses . ______ ______________ Number____ 3 29 32 4
Cabins, overnight _ ._ Number.__ 254 254
Combination buildings Number____ 48 48
Dwellings.. ..____ ___ ______________ Number____ 48 33 81 304
Equipment and supply storage houses.. Number____ 39 67 106 38
Garages___ __ .. ____________________ Number____ 11 67 78 9
Latrines and toilets_______ _________ _ Number____ 89 136 225 135
Lodges and museums__________________ Number__ __ 4 22 26 21
Lookout houses - . Number___ 5
Lookout towers ... ___________________ Number____ 3 3 6 1
Shelters . ___________________________ Number____ 15 83 98 6
Other buildings. . _________________ Number___ 32 152 184 245
Cribbing, including filling __ ... _____ Cubic yards.. 700 16,999 17,699 3, 580
Impounding and large diversion dams..
Fences - _ _________ __________________
Number 2 33 35
Rods________ 11,637. 5 61,299 72,936. 5 22, 916
Guard rails-______ ___________________ Rods________ 1,809. 5 16,837.3
322, 587
52.1
18, 646.8 644
Levees, dykes, jetties, and groins Cubic yards 322, 587
Power lines_______________ ___________ Miles _____ 14.4 66.5 9.7
Incinerators______ __________________ Number____ 5 63 68 2
Sewage and waste-disposal systems____ Number____ 94 330 424 62
Telephone lines. ___________________ Miles ______ 140. 5 119.3 259.8 1, 260. 8
Fountains, drinking Number____ 64 138 202
Pipe or tile lines _. .. ________ Linear feet... 103, 435
88.6
351, 364 454,799 17,028
Storage facilities (omit last 000) Gallons_____ 613.5 702.1
Wells, including pumps and pump- Number____ 5 95 100 3
houses.
Miscellaneous, water supply systems... Number____ 1 15 16 12
Camp stoves or fireplaces_____________ Number____ 177 2,162 2,339 37
Cattle guards____________ . _____ __ . Number____ 1 20 21
Corrals________________________________ Number____ 4 7 11 3
Seats . _____ .. ______ _______ Number____ 102 1,836 1,938 108
Signs, markers, and monuments_______ Number____ 3,621
212.9
4, 355 7, 976 1,763
Stonewalls__________ .. ________ Rods. _____ 1, 215. 4
3,887
61
1,428.3 1,837
Table and bench combinations Number___ 627 4, 514 36
Tool boxes Number___ 7 68
Miscellaneous, other structural im- Number____ 440 3,168 3,608 10
provements.
Radio stations . Number___ 29
Springs__________ ______________________ Number___ 16 12 28 3
Waterholes . Number____ 6 6
Small reservoirs___ ... ________________ Number____ 7 25 32 14
Landing docks and piers-___________ Number___ 1 10 11 1
Truck trails or minor roads_______ __ Miles_______ 156.2 403.5 559.7 2, 786.1
Foot trails_____ _______________________ Miles_______ 62.1 130.5 192.6 291.3
Horse or stock trails _____ ___________ Miles .. _ 165 45.4 209.4 1,631.4
Stream and lake bank protection ... ... Square yards. 4,500 216, 347 220, 847 2, 060
Bank sloping__________ ______________ Square yards.
Number __
178, 862
429
429, 502 608. 364 530,444
Check dams, permanent________ . 2,226 2,655
Check dams, temporary_______________ Number. _ 3, 529 1,165 4, 694 214
Seeding and sodding___________________ Square yards..
Square yards.
Linear feet...
164, 622
112, 740
286,156 450, 778 344, 800
Tree planting, gully________ 46, 850 159, 590
Ditches, diversion_______ ___________ 6,360 11, 950 18, 310 6,800
Terracing. ________ Miles 7.3 2 9.3
Planting, seed, or sod Square yards_
Acres__ __
6,400
19
6,400
Wind erosion area treated - 19
Water spreaders (rock, brush, wire)___
Clearing and cleaning channels and
Linear feet 2, 309 2,309
Square yards. 66,049 66,049
Clearing and cleaning reservoir, pond,
and lake sites.
Acres ___ _ 2, 043. 7 2,043. 7
Lining of waterways . . Square yards.
Cubic yards..
4, 560
76,983
4,560
Excavation, canals, channels, ditche's, 1; 139,285
earth.
1,062,302
Excavation, canals, channels, ditches,
rock.
Cubic yards.. 62 2,375 2,437
Pipe and tile lines and conduits _____ Linear feet 9,072 12,477
35,522
21, 549 25
Riprap or paving, rock or concrete Square yards.
Square yards.
8, 501
4, 200
44,023
Riprap or paving, brush or willows____ 4,200
1
50 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
TABLE 10.—Statement Showing Work Accomplished at Civilian Conservation Corps
Camps Under the Jurisdiction of the National Park Service, July 1, 1937, to June 30,
1938—Continued
Item Unit
Total work accomplished July 1,1937-June 30,1938
New construction Maintenance
National
parks and
monuments
State parks
Combined
total national
parks
and State
parks
National
parks and
monuments
Water control structures other than Number____ 20 185 205 3
dams.
Field planting or seeding (trees)----------- Acres------------ 4,406.8 8,684. 4 13,091. 2 3,896
Forest stand improvement--------------------
Nurseries______________________________
Tree seed collection, conifers (cones)-----
Acres------------
M/days_____
Bushels_____
132
16,705
191
1, 501. 3
42,407
432
1,633.3
59,112
623
6,228
Tree seed collection, hardwoods------------ Pounds_____ 1,604 9,368 10,972
Collection of tree seedlings-------------------- Number____ 300 24,775 25,075
Fighting forest fires____________________ M/days_____ 7,477 19,529
95.7
165.3
27,006
107.2
297.2
Firebreaks--------------- ------- --------------------- 42.1
Fire hazard reduction, roadside and
Miles_______
Miles_______
11. 5
131.9
trailside.
Fire hazard reduction, other----------------- Acres_______ 6,273.1 13,036 19,309.1 —
Fire presuppression------------------------------- M/days_____ 36,474 60, 573 97,047
Fire prevention_______________________
Tree and plant disease control--------------
M/days_____
Acres_______
778
8,256. 5
1,027
13,596. 6
1,805
21,853.1 1,200
Tree insect pest control________________ Acres_______ 26,230.8 51,402 77,632.8 8,660
Beach improvement__________________ Acres_______ 190.8 81.9 272.7
113.5
General clean-up______________________ 17, 542.4
Landscaping, undifferentiated--------------
Acres_______
Acres------------ 6, 586.8
113. 5
10,955. 6 5,844.6
Moving and planting trees and shrubs— Number------- 387.166 1, 615,135 2,002,301 704,402
Parking areas and parking overlooks— Square yards. 115,821 780,838 896,659 2,840
Public campground development--------- Acres_______ 43.5 363. 6 407.1 1, 559
Public picnic ground development------- Acres_______ 20.8 35b. 8 377.6 225.5
Razing undesired structures and oblit- M/days_____ 71,625 146,138 217,763
eration.
Seed collection (other than tree)----------- Pounds_____ 1,318 2,853 4,171
Seeding or sodding-------------------------------- 3,195.5
Soil preparation (fertilizing, etc.)----------
Acres------------
Acres________
663.9
353.2
1,699.9
960.7
2,363.8
1,313.9
Vista or other selective cutting for effect. Acres_______ 294. 5 745.1 1,039. 6
Walks; concrete, gravel, cinder, etc------ Linear feet... 13,544 50,329 63,873 6,075
Fish rearing ponds--------------------------------
Food and cover plant and seeding--------
Number_____
Acres------------
2 15
133.6
17
133. 6
Lake and pond development---------------- M/days_____ 4,410 20,660 25,070 1/1
Stocking fish__________________________
Stream development (wildlife)--------------
Number_____
Miles_______
684,336
2.1
79,500
.1
763,836
2.2
Other wildlife activities________________ M/days_____ 3,471 8,582 12,053
701
164
141,034
bo
Wildlife feeding_______________________ M/days_____ 701
Wildlife shelters_______________________
Education, guide and contact station
Number____
M/days_____ 64, 213
164
76,821 —
work.
Emergency work______________________ M/days_____ 3,454 40,679 44,133
1,911
—
Eradication of poisonous weeds or ex- Acres------------ 728 1,183
otic plants.
Experimental plots-------------------------------
Insect pest control_____________________
Maps and models---------------------------------
Marking boundaries-----------------------------
Number____
Acres_______
M/days_____
Miles_______
7
3, 249
123.3
200
2,150.5
7,459
62.5
207
2,150. 5
10,708
185.8
10
Mosquito control----------------------------------
Preparation and transportation of
Acres_______
M/days_____
18
130,003 377,822 507,825
materials.
Archeological reconnaissance and in- M/days........... 26, 759 9,087 35,846 —
vestigation.
Other reconnaissance and investigation. M/days.......... 2,628 13,542 16,170 —
Restoration of historic structures______ N umber_____ 344 30 374
Rodent and predatory animal control..
Surveys.. -------------------------------------------
Acres_______
M/days_____ 17,858
50
82,775
50
100,633 —
Tree preservation______________________
Equipment, repair or construction--------
M/days_____
M/days_____
16,501
8,666
253
4,185
23,174
3,322
39,675
11,988 —
Hydraulic research____________________
Warehousing__________________________
M/days_____
M/days_____
282
5,139
535
9,324
Elimination of livestock and predators.. Number_____ 5,141 5,141
Unclassifiable--------------------------------------- M/days_____ 434 682 1,116

Uppe r : Onion s by th e Ton h ar ve st ed las t Yea r on th e Owy h ee
Rec lama tion Proje ct in Eas te rn Ore gon
Lowe r : Let tu ce Grow n on th e sa lt River Rec lam ati on Proj ec t
in Arizon a
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
John C. Page, Commissioner
HoME-MAKING opportunities created by the Bureau of Reclamation
through its construction were eagerly sought during the 1938
fiscal year as migration westward into the arid and semiarid region
continued from other areas, particularly the Great Plains.
Comparatively few farmsteads were made available, but those
which were ready attracted great attention. The construction program
went forward rapidly with promise of new lands in larger amounts
within 2 years. Meanwhile, large numbers of migrants in the West,
seeking homes but forced to subsist on temporary employment here
and there in harvests, are presenting an increasingly serious problem.
Projects now being constructed by the Bureau eventually will add
approximately 2,500,000 acres to the cultivated area of the arid and
semiarid States, but this work constitutes a long-term program.
When completed, these new projects will make available more than
31,000 farmsteads, but, in the aggregate, this number, even if immediately
available, would not be sufficient to take care of more than a
part of the homeless farm families now in the West.
Gratifying results were obtained on the new land which has been
settled in the last few years, in part by drought refugees.
Significant were the following developments:
For 69 farm units made available to homestead entry on the Tule
Lake division of the Klamath project on September 9, 1937, more
than 3,300 persons applied informally and a total of 1,280 formal
applications were filed for consideration.
On the new Owyhee project almost 75,225 acres were irrigated
principally in the Mitchell Butte and Dead Ox Flat divisions. Much
of this is land recently placed in cultivation. Settlement and land
development are keeping pace with the availability of water on the
new lands. The demand to purchase private land and to file on homesteads
continues very high. The 1937 crop value per acre of the lands
in cultivation was $31.25.
Settlement and development of the Riverton project continued to
show good progress. Crops produced in 1937 were the best so far.
At the beginning of 1938 there was an increase of 5 percent in the
number of settlers and in the area in cultivation. At the close of
51
52 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
the fiscal year the promise was for a better than average yield. Demand
for new land on the project was insistent by well-qualified home
seekers. The morale of the settlers continues excellent.
Virtually all available lands have been taken since 1934 on the Vale
project, where now 410 settlers are established. Diversified crops are
produced on most farms, but sugar beets are rising in importance on
the project. The crop results in 1937 were very good.
On two Montana projects and on two in Colorado the Farm Security
Administration established settlements of drought-stricken farmers on
tracts purchased from nonresident owners, loan companies, estates,
and from old people. On the Sun River project 12,549 acres thus
were divided into farms varying in size from 80 to 160 acres upon which
complete sets of buildings were erected. One farm family was moved
to each of these units. On the Milk River project about 100 new
settlers were located in a similar manner. Although these drought
refugees had not had previous experience in irrigation agriculture, as
a rule they readily adapted themselves to the conditions on the
project. Similar settlement projects were established on the Grand
Valley and Uncompahgre projects in Colorado. Results obtained
to date have been very satisfactory.
On several of the old operating projects there was an influx of
farmers from drought-stricken areas. Where the opportunities existed,
many rented farms. Some purchased land. Others sought work.
Most of these refugees were in serious financial straits. Some, even
though they were able to obtain possession of farms, did not have
funds sufficient to obtain equipment necessary to operate them. It
is a subject for deep regret that many of these farmers located themselves
on lands which were not especially good. For the most part,
only the poorer lands of the project were available for such unplanned
resettlement.
The remedial projects which were placed in operation during the
year also made good progress. In Utah on the Ogden River project,
which serves an area which has been under cultivation for many years,
provision of a late season water supply by completion of Pine View
Dam resulted in the planting of a number of new orchards and a general
improvement in the agriculture of the project land during the
year. Development also proceeded on the Humboldt project in
Nevada where several new crops were tried during the 1938 season.
A California sugar-beet concern planted 500 acres of sugar beets on
the project as a demonstration.
Although low farm prices reduced the average per acre crop revenue
on Federal reclamation projects during the year, the 1937 season was
generally satisfactory. On a few projects it was better than the 1936
season. On the Yuma project in Arizona the total crop value was
$3,025,035, the highest total since 1929. An increase of approxiBUREAU
OF RECLAMATION 53
mately 800 acres was recorded in the amount of land irrigated during
the season and crop values increased about $50,000. Bank deposits
were up $84,000. On the Salt River project also in Arizona, crop
returns increased 3% percent and bank deposits 6 percent over the
previous year.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
The construction program of the Bureau of Reclamation during the
fiscal year was the largest in its history. Work was in progress on
32 projects in 12 States.
Two major dams were begun, bringing to 13 the number of storage
dams and to 3 the number of diversion dams now under construction.
Twenty-two additional dams have been authorized. The following
dams were completed during the year: Taylor Park Dam on the
Uncompahgre project in Colorado, Unity Dam on the Burnt River
project in Oregon, Alamogordo Dam on the Carlsbad project in New
Mexico, Anita Dam on the Huntley project in Montana, and the
small Box Canyon Dam on the Rio Grande project. Diversion dams
completed included the Cross Cut Dam on the Upper Snake River
project in Idaho.
Work done during the year brought to a grand total of 147 the
number of storage and diversion dams which have been completed by
the Bureau of Reclamation since its origin in 1902. Of these, Shoshone,
Arrowrock, Owyhee, and Boulder Dam, each was at the time
of its completion the highest in the world. Boulder Dam, with a
maximum height of 726.4 feet above the lowest point of foundation,
still holds this record.
The Bureau’s construction program was continued at an accelerated
rate by allotments of emergency funds in addition to regular appropriations.
Funds on hand from appropriations and new Public
Works Administration allotments are sufficient to continue the program
at an adequate and economical rate during the fiscal year 1939.
During 1938 construction was started on two new dams, the Vallecito
Dam on the Pine River project in Colorado and the Deer Creek
Dam on the Provo River project in Utah. The Vallecito Dam, with
an embankment containing 3,200,000 cubic yards of earth and 475,000
cubic yards of cobble, rock, gravel, and riprap, will be the largest of
its type constructed by the Bureau. The Deer Creek Dam will rank
second, with approximately 3,000,000 cubic yards of earth and rock
facing.
Within the 1938 fiscal year the Bureau constructed 326.2 miles of
canals, 164.6 miles of drains, 9 tunnels with a total length of 18,545
feet, 214.7 miles of road, % mile of railroad, 365.3 miles of transmission
lines, 104.7 miles of pipe, 4,250 canal structures, 282 bridges, 911
culverts, and 200 flumes. There were placed in dams 2,367,662 cubic
54 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
yards of concrete, 2,878,571 cubic yards of earth, and 607,415 cubic
yards of rock fill; and 34,049.096 cubic yards of earth and rock were
excavated. The Bureau used 4,006,594 barrels of cement.
GRAND COULEE DAM
The base of Grand Coulee Dam, 250 feet high and containing
4,541,909 cubic yards of concrete, was completed on March 21, 1938,
a full year ahead of schedule.
Uninterrupted continuation of the construction of this, the most
massive masonry structure ever undertaken by man, was assured by
the award in February of a contract to complete the dam to its full
height of 550 feet. The new contractor, Consolidated Builders, Inc.,
took over, on March 21, the work then in progress. The new contract
was well under way by the end of the fiscal year. It includes
the placing of 5,809,500 cubic yards of concrete.
The contract for the construction of the base of Grand Coulee Dam
was awarded on July 16, 1934, and notice to proceed was given on
September 28 of that year. About 4% years were allowed for its
completion. The contractor, with the aid, at one time, of nearly 7,000
men, moved from the dam site 17,177,042 cubic yards of overburden
and of placed concrete in excess of the quantities needed to complete
Boulder Dam. The earnings under this contract were $38,172,560.
Under the new contract 4 years are allowed for completion of the
dam and of the powerhouse on the western bank of the river.
While the base of Grand Coulee Dam was being completed and a
start was being made on the job of raising it to its full height, excellent
progress was being made during the fiscal year on engineering surveys
and land classification work on the 1,200,000 acres of land to be irrigated
by the project. Retracement surveys were completed on
891,212 acres and topography charts were completed on 502,538 acres.
An average of 135 engineers was employed at this work throughout
the year. All field work on land classification of 228,395 acres had
been completed by the end of the year.
CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT
A beginning was made on large-scale construction on the great
Central Valley project. By the close of the year work was about to
commence on Shasta Dam, one of three outstanding dams in the
world to be built by the Bureau of Reclamation.
This project is designed to alleviate critical water shortage and
problems in three important agricultural areas of the State through the
conservation of waste flood waters of California’s major rivers. In
size and importance the Central Valley project is without precedent
among the remedial projects undertaken by the Bureau of Reclamation.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 55
Since completion of the project requires adjustment in water flow
and distribution and the acquisition of rights-of-way in large and
highly improved irrigated areas, many complex legal problems have
been encountered. Much progress was made during the fiscal year
toward the solution of these problems, and at the close of the year
final settlement on several seemed imminent.
Through regulation of both the Sacramento and the San Joaquin
Rivers the Central Valley project will provide adequate water to
supplement the irrigation supply of a large area of highly improved
orchard and farm lands in the southern San Joaquin Valley; reestablish
navigation to Red Bluff on the Sacramento River; prevent salt
water intrusion in the irrigation channels of the delta of the Sacramento-
San Joaquin Rivers; provide supplemental water for irrigation,
domestic and industrial uses in the Walnut Creek-Martinez area,
south of Suisun Bay; and make possible the generation of 350,000
kilowatts of water power at Shasta Dam.
Camps to house employees of the Government during the construction
of Friant and Shasta Dams were completed and by the end
of the fiscal year work on the first 4-mile section of the Contra Costa
Canal was nearing completion. Work was in progress on a 1,600-foot
tunnel at Shasta Dam site which is to be used temporarily to divert
the Southern Pacific Railroad past the dam site and later to divert the
flow of the Sacramento River as Shasta Dam is being built.
Near the end of the fiscal year several important contracts were
awarded on other units of the Contra Costa Canal and bids were
called for the construction of Shasta Dam
Shasta Dam, on the Sacramento River about 14 miles north of
Redding, will be 560 feet in height, the second highest in the world.
It will be 3,500 feet in length along the crest and will contain a volume
of 5,610,000 cubic yards of concrete, the second most massive concrete
dam in the world. The reservoir to be created by Shasta Dam
in the Sacramento, Pit, and McCloud Rivers will have a capacity of
4,500,000 acre-feet of water.
On June 1, two bids were received by the Bureau at its Sacramento
office on invitations to contractors to submit proposals for the construction
of this giant structure. The lower bid was that of the
Pacific Constructors, Inc., of Los Angeles, Calif., a firm made up of
12 large contractors.
This bid, in the amount of $35,939,450, was being considered at the
end of the fiscal year. Bids also were called in June for the construction
of the Sacramento River bridge, first crossing, for the relocated
Southern Pacific Railroad. The railroad must be moved from the
Shasta Reservoir area and relocated on higher ground. The Denver
office was engaged in the preparation of plans and specifications for 30
56 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
miles of railroad relocation and 7 bridges between Redding and
Delta, Calif.
BOULDER CANYON PROJECT
Construction at Boulder Dam during the year consisted of the erection
of machinery and installation of electrical fixtures with an average
of about 500 men employed. Main generating units N-5 and N-6
were being installed, with N-5 ready for final tests at the end of the
year. Lake Mead, on June 30, contained 22,500,000 acre-feet of
water and was 114 miles long.
Rapid progress was made on the All-American Canal system. All
sections of the main canal and all important structures were either
completed or under construction at the end of the year. Excavation
of 43 miles of the 130-mile Coachella branch canal was advertised and
bids were opened at Yuma, Ariz., on June 3. The low bid indicated a
cost of $0.0424 per cubic yard for 9,030,000 cubic yards of earth
excavation.
Imperial Dam and desilting works at the head of the All-American
Canal on the Colorado River were virtually completed, the last concrete
being placed June 6.
The All-American Canal is by far the largest irrigation ditch in the
United States. It is 80 miles long and has an initial capacity of 15,000
cubic feet of water per second. The maximum section has a width of
232 feet at the water surface and a bottom width of 162 feet, with a
water depth of 21 feet. Power will be developed on the canal by the
Imperial Irrigation District at four points. Earth excavation amounted
to approximately 65,000,000 cubic yards. The Coachella branch will
have a capacity of 2,300 second-feet. Imperial Dam, of the slab and
buttress type, has a crest length of 3,475 feet and is 45 feet in height.
The desilting works consist of 3 double basins, each 500 by 800 feet
and each containing 24 motor-driven, rotating scrapers which will
assist in removing the silt. At the Arizona end of Imperial Dam are
located the headworks for Gila Valley Canal of the new Gila project.
COLORADO-BIG THOMPSON PROJECT
On December 21, 1937, the President approved a finding by the
Secretary that the Colorado-Big Thompson project was feasible.
Previously, Congress had appropriated $900,000 to commence
construction of this project.
The project is designed to supply supplemental water for 615,000
acres of land on the eastern slope of the Continental Divide in northeastern
Colorado. More than 300,000 acre-feet of water annually
will be carried from the headwaters of the Colorado River on the
western slope through a tunnel 13.1 miles long to the South Platte
C A L IF O R N IA ’S N E W R IV E R , T H E A L L -A M E R IC A N C A N A L N E A R IN G C O M P L E T IO N B Y T H E B U R E A U O F R E C L A M A T IO N
I | MHHi
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 57
drainage area. Virtually all the lands to be served by the project are
at present farmed by irrigation.
The tunnel, known as the Continental Divide Tunnel, is the major
engineering feature of the project. It will be horseshoe shaped, 9%
feet in diameter, and will cost an estimated $7,271,000. Other construction
will include storage reservoirs, diversion dams, canals, tunnels,
six power plants with an installed capacity of 142,500 kilowatts,
pumping plants, and 146 miles of transmission lines. The first work
to be undertaken will be the construction of Green Mountain Dam,
a 270-foot earth-fill structure about 10 miles above the mouth of
Blue River.
Green Mountain Reservoir will have a capacity of 152,000 acrefeet
and will provide replacement storage for western-slope water
users. The total cost of the project is estimated at $44,000,000.
At the close of the fiscal year negotiation of a contract was being
completed between the United States and the Northern Colorado
Water Conservancy District by which the district would undertake
repayment of the project costs chargeable to irrigation. At the same
time the Denver office of the Bureau of Reclamation was drafting
plans for the commencement of construction of Green Mountain Dam
and power plant, the Continental Divide Tunnel, and construction
camps at Estes Park and at other points in the project area.
OTHER CONSTRUCTION
Other important dams under construction during the fiscal year
were the following: Marshall Ford Dam, 190-foot, concrete, straight
gravity type, on the Colorado River of Texas project; Bartlett Dam,
270-foot, concrete multiple-arch type, on the Salt River project,
Arizona; Parker Dam, 340-foot, concrete-arch type, on the Colorado
River, near Parker, Ariz.; Imperial Dam, 45-foot, slab and buttress
type, a part of the All-American Canal system, Boulder Canyon
project, California; Vallecito Dam, 150-foot, earth-fill type, on the
Pine River project, Colorado; Island Park Dam, 85-foot, earth-fill
type, and Grassy Lake Dam, 120-foot earth-fill type, on the Upper
Snake River storage project, Idaho; Boca Dam, 110-foot, earth-fill
type, on the Truckee River storage project, Nevada-California; Moon
Lake Dam, 110-foot, earth-fill type, on the Moon Lake project,
Utah; Seminoe Dam, 260-foot, concrete arch, on the Kendrick
project, Wyoming; and Bull Lake Dam, 75-foot, earth-fill type, on the
Riverton project, Wyoming.
In April a contract was awarded to the Rohl-Connolly Co., of Los
Angeles, Calif., to build the 150-foot Deer Creek Dam on the Provo
River project in Utah at its bid of $2,189,096.50.
Construction was in progress during the year on the Casper Canal,
Kendrick project, with Government forces; and by contract on canals
58 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
of the Heart Mountain division of the Shoshone project, Wyoming;
the Payette division of the Boise project, Idaho; and the Roza division
of the Yakima project, Washington.
CUMULATIVE CONSTRUCTION RESULTS
In the 36 years the following construction has been completed by
the Bureau of Reclamation: 147 storage and diversion dams; 47
powerhouses; 2,512 buildings; 19,606.4 miles of canals, ditches, and
drains; 75.8 miles of tunnels; 4,500.3 miles of telephone lines; 281.6
miles of dikes; 6,241 flumes; 19,605 culverts; 13,448 bridges; 187,214
other irrigation structures.
Reservoirs of the Bureau of Reclamation now have a combined
capacity of 45,522,970 acre-feet of water.
POWER
Twenty-four power plants were operated on 13 Federal reclamation
projects during the 1938 fiscal year. Their total output was 2,457,-
644,625 kilowatt-hours of energy.
The fifth of the great generators at Boulder Dam began operating
near the close of the year; the sixth was being installed; and two more
were being manufactured. With one smaller unit, two station service
units, and the five big generators in operation, a total of 1,452,285,000
kilowatt-hours of electric energy were produced at Boulder Dam. Of
this amount, 1,427,928,442 kilowatt-hours were sold for a gross
revenue of $1,888,132.84.
Gross sales of energy from all project plants totaled $6,377,961.33.
Some of the plants are operated and controlled by water users’
organizations.
Projects under construction which contemplate power developments
include the Grand Coulee Dam-Columbia Basin project in
Washington, the Central Valley project in California, and the Kendrick
project in Wyoming. Projects with power features which are authorized,
but upon which construction had not been begun at the close of
the year, include the Colorado-Big Thompson project in Colorado
and the Elephant Butte power plant in New Mexico.
Generators and other electrical equipment for the Seminoe plant
and transmission lines of the Kendrick project were being manufactured,
and power sales contracts were being negotiated.
RECLAMATION FUND
The serious situation with respect to the reclamation fund, noted
in previous reports, was to a great degree alleviated for the immediate
future during the fiscal year by enactment of legislation providing new
revenues for the fund.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 59
The Hayden-O’Mahoney amendment to the departmental appropriation
bill provided seriously needed, immediate support for the fund, as
well as a new source of accretion for the future which will, in large
measure, replace in the scheme of financing the reclamation program
the all but vanished accretions from the sale of public land.
This legislation provided that 52^ percent of the moneys collected
up to June 30, 1938, on royalties from the naval petroleum reserves
should be deposited in the reclamation fund. Of the total sum
involved, however, $15,000,000 was to be retained in the General
Treasury to cancel a loan in that amount previously made to the
reclamation fund. This provision relieved the special fund of a
drain of $2,000,000 per annum during the next few years. Although
no accounting had been made at the end of the fiscal year, it was
anticipated that, in addition to retiring the loan, approximately
$15,000,000 would be received into the reclamation fund.
Accretions to Reclamation Fund, by States
1 Proceeds for fiscal year, $20,533.60.
State
Sale of public lands Proceeds from Oil Leasing
Act
Total to June
30, 1938
Fiscal year
1938
To June 30,
1938
Fiscal year
1938
To June 30,
1938
Alabama ___ _______ _________ $3, 426.09 $185,410. 55
160. 20
15,822,947.08
707, 202. 22
20,776. 52
21.00
196,054. 29
11. 55
1, 255, 754.99
$185,410.55
2,705,487. 61
24,027,997.41
10,990, 505.18
7,039, 699.90
1,033,197.73
196,054.29
11.55
16,614,842. 08
2,094,431.14
1,031, 778. 05
8, 037,025.90
12,388, 431. 20
5, 929. 544.58
11,981,019. 98
7,735,556.98
4,866,424.15
7,484,622.31
43,930,452.75
Arizona _ _ ______________________ $18,828.66
19,413. 69
10,079. 30
8,155.26
109.13
$2,705,327.41
8, 205,050. 33
10, 283, 302. 96
7,018, 923.38
1,033,176. 73
■California_________________________
Colorado__________________________
Idaho_____________________________
Kansas____________________________
Louisiana _________________ ___
1, 733,882.78
71,196. 79
1,388.29
21.00
122,792.63
11. 55
59, 633. 39
Mississippi________________________
Montana__________________________
Nebraska _____________________
16, 258. 75
122. 56
3,166. 58
20,890.82
552. 89
141.52
8, 502.90
1, 796.12
9, 976. 23
3,806.89
20, 875.14
15, 359,087.09
2,094,431.14
1,026, 246.68
6, 682, 433. 77
12, 219, 211. 66
5,929, 544.58
11,980, 833.16
7, 733,413. 02
4, 249, 278. 82
7,450,872. 68
8, 665, 490.94
Nevada___________________________
New Mexico_______________________
North Dakota_____________________
Oklahoma . _ _ _ ____ ____
84.00
370,360. 71
16,497.76
5, 531.37
1, 354, 592.13
169,219. 54
Oregon____________________________
South Dakota_____________________
Utah______________________________
Washington _____ ________________
176. 54
294. 70
83,418.97
186.82
2,143.96
617,145. 33
33,749. 63
Wyoming_________________________ 35, 264, 961. 81
Total________________________
Proceeds, Federal water power
licenses
890,681.62
142,676. 44 112,636, 624. 35 3, 353,866.82 55,635,868. 99 168,272, 493.34
1 780, 266.97
2 410,955. 26
Proceeds, potassium royalties and
rentals_ ______ ________________
Grand total _____ ______ 169, 463, 715. 57
2 Proceeds for fiscal year, $82,601.47.
A second provision of the amendment, one of far greater importance
to the future of the reclamation program, directed that repayments
made by water and power users on projects financed from emergency
fund allotments and general fund appropriations should be deposited
in the reclamation fund until such time as the cost of the project has
been returned; the net power receipts then should go to the General
Treasury.
Eventually, as repayments are completed over long periods on the
several projects, most of them at present still under construction, upon
60 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
which allotments and general funds have been and are being expended,
it may be expected that $350,000,000, or more, will have accrued to the
reclamation revolving fund. Accruals from this source are not
expected to be large in the near future, since the projects from which
they will be received have been only recently completed and have not
begun repayment, or they are not as yet completed. Within a decade,
however, several millions of dollars a year should be added to the
reclamation fund as a result of this legislation.
REPAYMENTS
The Repayment Commission created by the Act of August 21, 1937,
recommended and the Secretary approved postponement of repayments
due during the fiscal year to a total of $300,331. Relief was
granted in this manner to 10 different projects or units of projects.
The Repayment Commission recommended this relief after investigating
the condition of all Federal reclamation projects now in operation.
Generally, upon the recommendation of the Commission,
these payments were postponed until the conclusion of the repayment
contracts with the water users. Postponed payments represented
roughly 10 percent of the moneys due from water users during the
year.
Construction payments during the year totaled $2,299,689; operation
and maintenance collections amounted to $1,256,689.27; while
water rental payments totaled $363,961.53. Arrearages at the close
of the fiscal year were as follows: Construction $1,169,488.16; operation
and maintenance $179,224.51; and water rental $85,176.62.
Delinquencies were exceptionally high on a few projects. In some
instances, this was true apparently because directors of irrigation districts,
anticipating relief which was not received as a result of the
Repayment Commission’s investigations, neglected to levy charges
upon the water users sufficient to yield the funds necessary to meet
their full contract obligations. On many projects the water users
paid substantially all due from them. The arrearages include a
few comparatively large accounts which apparently never can be
collected, and these should be adjusted by corrective legislation.
Half the construction repayments due the previous year had been
postponed by a special act of the Congress, and previously, for several
years, full moratoria had been granted. It is to be hoped that, as a
result of the studies and recommendations of the Repayment Commission,
legislation can be enacted to provide a more flexible and
equitable method of levying the construction repayments. Contracts
requiring flat-rate installments annually, making no allowances
for fluctuating farm income, must be lenient or cruelly demanding,
according to changing economic conditions from year to year.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 61
Status of Reclamation Fund
Accretions to the fund:
Sales of public lands_______________ $112, 636, 624. 35
Royalties and rental under Mineral
Leasing Act____________________ 55, 635, 868. 99
Potassium royalties and rentals______ 410, 955. 26
Federal water-power licenses_________ 780, 266. 97
Total accretions________________________________ $169, 463, 715. 57
Loan from General Treasury___________________________ 15, 000, 000. 00
Collections—construction and operation and maintenance repayments,
water rents, power and light, etc___________ 119, 569, 552. 35
Total cash available_____________________________ 304, 033, 267. 92
Disbursements_______________________________________ 291, 080, 942. 23
Balance in fund June 30, 1938____________________ 12, 952, 325. 69
Accounts Receivable, Construction Water-right Charges
State and project
Due
Fiscal year
1938
To June 30,
1938
Arizona:
Salt River .. _____ . $217, 796. 90
1 5, 727.82
282,319. 32
491. 68
55,480. 27
53, 262. 58
304,667.97
295,669.12
36,122. 26
17, 344. 07
30,153.15
32, 429.56
73,229. 29
261,235. 45
51,022. 55
15,699.27
290, 652. 72
5, 769.50
88, 345.20
70, 216.83
14, 029.58
143,498. 73
86,463. 50
5, 425. 94
458,932. 71
46, 746. 67
$7,181,521.91
578,912.37
4, 269, 644.91
827.017.87
253, 263. 21
597, 084. 64
4,342, 457.07
8,546,349.27
72, 244. 52
589, 090. 93
127,910. 88
312,030. 90
392, 750. 60
4, 532,129. 60
1,286,113.13
903,117.37
3,498, 602.17
8,654. 25
634,387. 74
1, 265,965. 72
698,121.11
216,470. 59
1,472, 401.85
148,327. 74
7,391,907.11
1. 053. 581. 70
Yuma Auxiliary______
Arizona-California: Yuma-
California: Orland________
Colorado:
Grand Valley._______
Uncompahgre_________
Idaho:
Boise ____ ______
Minidoka .. _ _____
Montana:
Bitter Root__________
Huntley_________ _
Milk River - _____
Sun River . -
Montana-North Dakota:
Lower Yellowstone_____
Nebraska-Wyoming:
North Platte___________
Nevada: Newlands_______
New Mexico: Carlsbad___
New Mexico-Texas: Rio
Grande.. _ ____________
Oregon:
Baker_________________
Umatilla .
Oregon-California: Klamath________
_ ____
South Dakota: Belle
Fourche________________
Utah:
Salt Lake Basin___ .
Strawberry Valley____
Washington:
Okanogan _ ____
Yakima_______ ___
Wyoming: Shoshone______
Total _ _ _ 2, 931, 277.00 51,200,059.16
Paid in advance of due
dates___ . ____
Refunds______ ______
Total collections
Contributed funds applying
to construction cost
net included in above
table_______ _
Collected
Uncollected
June 30,
1938
Cash Other credits
to June
Fiscal year 30, 1938
1938
To June 30,
1938
$217, 796. 90 $7,181, 521. 91
i 4,648.21 577, 668.66 $732. 73 $510.98
197,883.83 3, 562, 591. 42 652,406. 39 54, 647.10
12, 817. 86 800, 743. 57 26, 274.30
25,169.62 115, 899. 56 137,363. 65
28; 501.81 463,909. 24 64, 558.10 68, 617.30
291, 543. 90 4, 299,961.46 27,193.29 15,302. 32
224, 646.39 7, 529,560. 50 921,485.95 95,302.82
18,025.42 36.050. 84 36,193. 68
IL 435.36 492, 375. 50 95, 924. 67 790. 76
14. 045. 61 26, 912.86 100,998. 02
32; 467. 71 268,439. 02 40, 278. 49 3; 313. 39
46,402.15 363, 562.66 1,546.39 27, 641.55
121, 977. 74 2, 934,169. 80 1, 518,524. 56 79,435. 24
49, 581.69 1, 202, 575. 74 79, 525.90 4, Oil. 49
4, 308. 57 891,645.42 81. 25 11,390. 70
201, 545.10 3, 079, 564.93 419, 037. 24
5, 769.50 8,654. 25
3,960.06 408, 650.91 5,573.09 220,163. 74
61,919.98 1, 223,831.19 6,367. 47 35, 767.06
19, 701. 27 570, 519. 79 81, 908.17 45, 693.15
143, 498.73 216,470.59
85; 663.50 1,460,013.63 12, 388. 22
425. 94 138, 327. 74 10, 000.00
209,170. 54 6, 972,085. 20 86,668. 41 333', 153. 50
45, 705. 58 888, 625.14 164, 675. 50 281.06
2, 072,316. 55 45, 714, 331. 53 2 4,316, 239.47 1,169,488.16
1 213. 064.61 397, 600. 83 3 236, 748. 60
1, 298. 50 100, 225.10 3, 212.84—
1.860,550. 44 46, 212,157. 46
50, 272. 70 1,866, 795.10
1 Contra. 2 Other credits for fiscal year, $396,242.
104366—38------ 6
3 Increase for fiscal year, $48,162.67.
62 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Accounts Receivable, Operation and Maintenance Charges (After Public Notice)
State and project
Due Collected
Uncollected
June 30,
Fiscal year 1938
1938
To June 30,
1938
Cash Other
credits to
June 30,
Fiscal year 1938
1938
To June 30,
1938
Arizona: Yuma Auxiliary. _.
Arizona-California: Yuma...
California: Orland______ ___
$18, 329. 56
154,843.50
30,059.66
49,947. 60
$517, 590.24
4,154,666.23
710,989.01
507, 031.57
1,008, 683.69
2,210,352.80
60, 711.27
2,273, 620.94
$16,845.09
147,908.66
38, 247.45
49, 947.60
$501,156.14
3,960,920.66
669,034.15
474,031. 57
977,809.79
2,157,703.08
59,192. 22
2,126,474.88
$12,952.34
188,757.67
25,757.82
33,000.00
30,873.90
52,649.72
1, 519. 05
141, 590.86
$3,481.76
4,987.90
16,197.04
*Colorado
Grand Valiev___________
Idaho:
Boise ______________ 8, 702. 78 8,702.78
Minidoka _____________ 69, 732. 25
1 2,000.00
63,895. 25 5, 555.20
Montana:
Frenchtown____________
554, 787.34
472,464.80
168, 718. 50
338, 562. 56
1,975, 780.18
1,174,581. 57
1, 029,055.68
4, 947, 401.19
2,317. 41
34,042.75
395,348. 20
60,356. 56
1,437,141. 29
50,869.88
1, 323, 916.85
376,880.88
371,441.72
6,058,325.35
561, 250.87
543, 594. 31
446,169. 45
164,366.28
338, 557.93
1,901,350.60
1,135, 901. 55
1,012,182.97
4, 686, 230.38
2,317. 41
34, 042.75
388,094.24
60,356. 56
1,402,406.46
50,869.88
1,314, 540.86
365, 022.21
368,788.67
5,876,965. 37
535,999.81
11,193.03
1,662.25
4,352.22
4.63
65,336. 20
38,680.02
16,872.71
261,170.81
Milk River____________ 53,546.83 52, 570.49 24, 633.10
Montana-North Dakota:
Nebraska-Wyoming: North
Platte _______________ 23,149.11 21,666.38 9,093. 38
New Mexico: Carlsbad.-----
New Mexico-Texas: Rio
Grande _____________
30,853.83
305,844. 66
30,853.83
347,680.01
North Dakota:
Buford-Trenton--------------
Oregon:
Umatilla ___________ 3,269. 80
22, 206. 89
63,630.79
20,051.79
71, 255. 05
3,961. 93
22, 206.89
63,532.84
20,051.79
71, 255. 05
7,253.96
Vale _____________ 30,536.22 4,198. 61 Oregon-California: Klamath.
Oregon-Idaho: Owyhee--------
South Dakota: Belle
Fourche ____________ 9,375.99
11,858.67
2,653. 05
71,828.09
23, 705.43
Utah: Strawberry Valley------
Washington:
109, 531.89
Yakima __ ___________ 228,110.38 1, 545.63
3,123.03
218,971.01
*Wyoming Shoshone________ 2, 790.12
Total _______________ 1,154,657. 51 32,776,889. 33 1,181,087.17
42,730. 55
8,291. 09
12.60
31, 554,080.18
193,478. 57
536,064.71
38,241.47
21,043, 584.64
3 10,982. 82
20,480.0C
156. 0C
179, 224.51
Paid in advance of due dates- ____
________
Total collections
. ...
1,232,121.41 32, 321,864.93
1
* uuHua.
2 Other credits for fiscal year, $24,024.27.
s Increase for fiscal year, $10,659.41.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 63
Accounts Receivable, Rentals of Irrigation Water
1 Other credits for fiscal year, $5,517.51.
State and project
Due Collected
Uncollected
June 30,
Fiscal 1938
year 1938
To June 30,
1938
Cash Other
credits
to June
Fiscal year 30,1938
1938
To June 30,
1938
Arizona:
Salt River__________________
Yuma auxiliary_____________
Arizona-California: Yuma______
California: Orland----------------------
Colorado:
Grand Valley_______________
Uneompahgre_______________
Idaho:
Boise_______________________
Minidoka___________________
Montana:
Huntley-------------------------------
Milk River_________________
Sun River__________________
Montana-North Dakota: Lower
Yellowstone__________________
Nebraska-Wyoming: North
Platte________________________
Nevada: Newlands_____________
New Mexico:
Carlsbad____________________
Hondo______________________
New Mexico-Texas: Rio Grande-
North Dakota:
Buford-Trenton_____________
Williston___________________
Oregon:
Umatilla____________________
$1,147. 20
10,320.78
10, $97.60
4,926.49
8,050. 00
58, 078.98
655.00
475.63
505.80
1,104. 50
86,459.44
2,586.45
17.10
55,953.39
75,166.56
493.06
45,027.17
35,596.90
$2, 246,726.01
14,984.03
576,977.03
121, 489.73
544,623.46
1,234, 243.85
822,138. 57
855,683.58
13,612.48
238,962.88
132,656.90
137,647.40
349,864. 47
28, 291.16
40, 741. 28
9,129. 70
1, 606,872.96
31. 75
2,117. 28
102,729.77
21, 561. 55
507,214.84
137,686.42
11,435.74
17, 596.13
110,645. 28
225,106.49
130,806. 53
$1,147. 20
10,223.29
13,385.86
1, 361.60
8,050.00
58,034.78
655.00
475.63
599.40
1,113.50
72.00
87, 784.44
2, 586.45
67.10
55,447.80
65,937.99
493.06
2, 532.85
34,435. 75
$2,246, 726. 01
14,984.03
563, 829.84
121,489.73
538,122.79
1,222,661.96
817,418.07
852,231.37
13,612.48
228,616.10
130,702.92
136,952.78
349, 854.47
22,114.31
40, 741.28
9,129. 70
1,586,115.40
31.75
2,117.28
76,452.97
$12,654.19
6, 500. 67
4,720. 50
3, 383.01
1,208.14
1, 366.62
10.00
6,176.85
$493.00
11, 581.89
69.20
9,138.64
587. 36
694. 62
20,757. 56
26,276.80
Vale________________________
Oregon-California: Klamath____
Oregon-Idaho: Owyhee_________
South Dakota: Belle Fourche___
Utah: Strawberry Valley_______
Washington-
Okanogan__________________
Yakima_____________________
Wyoming:
Riverton___________________
21, 358. 72
502,430. 59
127,914.39
11,417. 94
17,596.13
108, 061. 09
181, 982.27
120,138.26
25.00
17.80
2, 584.19
4,082.69
10,455. 31
3,800.97
202.83
4,759.25
9,772. 03
39,041. 53
212.96
Shoshone___________________
Total_____________________
14,015. 26 123,528.21 14,040. 32 119, 652.34 74.90
411,477.31 10, 365,105.48 358, 430.90 10,184,456.97 i 56, 985.94 123, 662. 57
POPULATION OF THE PROJECTS
The total population of Federal reclamation projects at the close
of the year was 873,500 persons. Of this total, 222,681 persons lived
on 51,834 farms which were provided water by irrigation systems of
the Bureau of Reclamation and 650,826 lived in 254 towns and cities
established in these irrigated areas.
These communities created by construction of the projects were
served by 863 schools and 1,076 churches. In the project areas was a
total of 106 banks with deposits amounting to $190,820,316.
64 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
S§§§S§S§§gs§SS§§§§S®S§8§§l§§§§§JJ§
godr-^OOGOOr^'-^’t^ rH
Settlement and Economic Data, 1938
on pi
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 65
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Since 1902 the Bureau of Reclamation has completed in 16 arid
and semiarid States 35 separate irrigation projects. Fourteen of
these projects are operated and maintained by the Bureau. The
operation of the remainder has been transferred to local, legally
organized irrigation districts or water users’ associations. These are
operated in accordance with rules and regulations approved or prescribed
by the Secretary and in conformity with contracts under
which the transfers were made. Contracts, involving operation and
maintenance and other related matters, are in effect between the
United States and about 100 such water users’ organizations.
It is essential that the Bureau maintain close contact with activities
and problems on all its operating projects. In addition to supervision
of the routine operation and maintenance of dams, reservoirs, canals,
and other features which remain the property of the United States
and which make up the irrigation systems of the numerous projects,
there are many other matters which require the attention of the
Bureau. Matters which have a direct influence upon the social and
economic success of the projects, upon the ability of the water users to
meet repayment installments to the United States, or upon reclamation
as a national policy fall into this class.
The necessity for attention to and for expansion of the functions of
the Operation and Maintenance Division was emphasized in the
report of the Repayment Commission, submitted during the fiscal
year, under authority of the act of August 21, 1937.
With the organization of the division 3 years ago, the Bureau
assumed a more vigorous role in the solution of project problems.
During the 1938 fiscal year, the Operation and Maintenance Division
instituted educational programs in attacking two of the most troublesome
problems—the eradication or control of noxious weeds, and
introduction of more efficient methods of use of water and of irrigated
soils.
In cooperation with water users’ organizations and other local
agencies, with State colleges and with county agricultural agents,
well-planned illustrated lectures, field-study groups, and demonstration
projects were made available to, and were well received by,
virtually all water users on Federal reclamation projects in connection
with these two matters.
In many localities on Federal projects, especially where lands have
been in cultivation for many years, wasteful irrigation methods are
still employed. On farms in some project areas lands are not properly
prepared, and farm ditches are not properly designed and located for
optimum crop results. In some localities overirrigation is a fault.
Water in excess of that required by the crops grown is applied to the
66 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
point where lands are seeped, eroded, or where harmful salts
accumulate.
A vigorous program has been instituted in an effort to introduce
more up-to-date, practical, and efficient methods. Strawberry clover
has been introduced and is proving valuable as a means of making
alkaline and seeped soils useful.
Noxious weeds menace farms on many projects. A vigorous attack
upon the weed problem has resulted in the institution on several
projects of well thought-out weed eradication programs which are most
promising. In several areas weed districts have been organized under
State control. In others project control boards have taken an active
part in sponsoring and carrying forward weed eradication programs.
A great number of farmers, informed of the danger from, and of
practical methods for control of, noxious weeds, are cleaning up their
places.
One important feature of the work of the Operation and Maintenance
Division has been informing the water users of practical
equipment, which can be manufactured cheaply by the project farmer
at home and from materials at hand, for such work as leveling lands;
throwing up the low dikes needed for the border method of irrigation;
making the corrugations necessary for handling water on steeper
fields; eradicating deep-rooted weeds, and testing water penetration
in irrigated soils.
CROP RESULTS
Good crops were general on Federal reclamation projects during the
1937 irrigation season, although lower prices offset increased yield.
The irrigable area increased 72,795 acres; the irrigated area increased
76,614 acres; and the crop area increased 132,850 acres. The grand
total of crop values amounted to $118,658,272, bringing to $2,430,-
441,514 the cumulative total since the first project began operating
in 1906. Except for the 1936 season, this was the best since 1930.
The average per acre crop value on 1,700,969 acres within project
boundaries was $42.85 and that on 1,333,800 acres served with water
under Warren Act contracts was $34.31. Combined, these represented
an average yield of crops valued at $39.09 for each acre served
by the irrigation systems and storage reservoirs of the Bureau.
This figure, last year, was $47.10.
With one exception projects had ample water. The snowfall of the
winter and the run-off of the spring made the 1938 season one of
plentiful stored water in most localities throughout the arid and
semiarid region. Several reservoirs spilled for the first time in many
years. At the close of the fiscal year, good crops for the ensuing
season were again in prospect.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 67
Irrigation and Crop Results on Government Projects in 1937
O ther lands served b y G overnm ent w orks, usually b y a p artial w ater su p p ly through p riv ate canals
u n d er W arren A ct or other w ater-service contracts
C rop value
P er
acre
$56. 40
105. 00
30.00
28. 00
! । L । ! ।
26.80
T otal
$4,225,000
IIIlllllliii IIIlllllliii Illi
1,700,346
44, 700
3,154,125
17,618,576
11 11 11 11 11 11 11 >1 11 1 1 I
A rea in
cultiva- tion 2
74,775
Illi
14,736
1,490
113,743
657, 741
11 11 11 1 1 1
Irrigated
acreage
74, 775
Ittiillllill IIllllii
14,955
1, 550
121,300
696,276
Irrigable
acreage
93,017
18,427
1, 650
126,929
741,710
L ands on projects covered b y crop census
C rop value
P er
acre
$87.82
54.05
60. 21
12.06
39.91
143. 53
39. 61
36.51
25.20
29.11
19.35
26.19
27. 65
34. 47
25. 70
38.73
31.92
32.58
36.57
28.05
T otal
$20,150, 858
3, 227,279
2,706, 339
92, 649
226,047
202, 244
580,330
651,836
1,569,432
4,367,817
289,097
920, 649
1, 227,346
1, 648, 252
35,208
247,265
5,226,458
1,974,858
1,540,869
1,710, 731
A rea in
cultivatio
n 2
229,460
59, 706
44,948
7,685
5, 664
1,409
14,650
17,983
62, 271
150, 273
15,152
35,155
44,388
47,823
1, 370
6,385
163,727
60.624
42,131
60, 972
Irrigated
acreage
229,460
53, 550
43, 675
3, 290
5,176
1,409
14, 650
17,853
62, 535
150,058
14,937
35,155
44,388
47,823
1, 370
6, 385
163,727
60,624
42,131
60,972
Irrigable
acreage 1
242,656
68,580
48,383
7,743
6,135
6,319
19,867
30,513
72,037
175,128
17,532
40,813
48,602
59,469
1,818
6,894
180,129
69,871
49, 286
60,972
Projects an d divisions
Salt R iv er____________________________
Y u m a________________________________
V alley D iv isio n____ ____ ________
R eservation D ivision _____________
B ard D ivision____________________
Y um a A uxiliary (M esa)__________
O rlan d_______________________________
G rand V alley________________________
U ncom pahgre________________________
B oise_________________________________
N ew Y ork Irrigation D istric t_____
N am p a - M eridian Irrigation D istric t______________________
B o ise-K u n a Irrigation D istrict—
W ilder Irrigation D istric t________
Big B end Irrigation D istric t_____
B lack C anyon Irrig atio n D istrict
(N otus D iv .)_________________
M in id o k a____________________________
M inidoka Irrigation D istric t_____
B urley Irrigation D istric t________
G ooding D ivision ________________
State
A rizona_____________________
A rizona-C alifornia__________
C alifornia________ ____ ______
C olorado____________________
Id ah o ___________ ___________
See footnotes at end of table.
68 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Irrigation and Crop Results on Government Projects in 1937—Continued
O ther lands served b y G overnm ent w orks, usually
b y a p artial w ater su p p ly through p riv ate canals
u n d er W arren A ct or other w ater-service contracts
1
I
i i i
। 2
£
! ■! !
1
8
1
1 i : :
: ! i
: i
i : i
3,192, 221
i :
i i
f
20. 482
i
1
i
i
i :
i; :i
97, 535
i
i
§
.1-2 ! I i
! i
106,480
• ■
i i
B
J s
Irrigable
acreage
i ; ! i
: i
! i
121,050
: i
! !
i I
B
£
Oi
i
i
L ands on projects covered b y crop census
C rop value
li as?? 22°
s2g
5
5
££
22
1 S3 s
2
& sss
£ Sga
71.43
68. 72
74. 79
s
3
8
8
a1 885
724,951
SI
Sg
1,322,430
901,970
420,460
5,843,432
8 B§8
8
ii
si
s ((g
225,378
1 466,097
54,867
gs
44,251
171, 884
§ iii
2 ?2 8
11, 335
1 16,488
Irrigated
acreage
50,573
Is
-2
44, 251
189,189
§
£ sss
Bl ggags §s 2
1 16,488
Irrigable
acreage 1
ss?f sss
§
S8B
58, 324
sg I
£ 2
Ss
| g S
15, 393
g
000 ‘OS ।
Projects and divisions
B itter R o o t__________________________ 1
H u n tle y _____________________________
1V111K XXIV CL____ _ _________- _______________________
M alta D ivision __________________
uiasgow D iv isio n________________
C hinook D ivision________________
Sun R iv er-------------------------------------------
F o rt Shaw D ivision______________
G reenfields D ivision---------------------
L ow er Y ellow stone-----------------------------
D istrict N o. 1 (M o n tan a)________ D istrict N o. 2 (N o rth D ak o ta)___
N o rth P la tte _________________________
I
c
J
!
G ering and F o rt L aram ie Irrigation
D istric t__________________
G oshen Irrigation D istric t________
N o rth p o rt Irrigation D istrict_____
N ew lands____________________________
C arlsb ad_____________________________
R io G ran d e__________________________
E lep h an t B u tte Irrigation D istrict-
E l Paso C o u n ty Irrigation D istrict
N o. 1_________________________
U m atilla---------------------------------------------
E ast D ivision____________________
WftRt. D iv isio n
i
i
i
J
i
M o n tan a___________________
I
i
1
i
N ebraska-W yom ing________
N ev ad a_____________________
N ew M exico-------------------------
! 1
1 1
r*■si § £ £
J3 O
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 69
3
§ ■ ;
*35.97
i : i
S
8
£S& 8
S ! ! !
8 l
3 ; r
<; | i
1,076,379 1
; i
i i
*765,260
i : i
i i i
i i :
i i i ;
11
°SS
189‘0Z l‘8
i
l
i I Bi i
I
I
45, 764,623
i i
11
11
',:
i
1
40, 309 1
1 ;
i i
: i
*21, 272
i i : I i
I
oS
sis I I i
155,438
i i
1 i
i
1,333, 800
i
i
I
40,309 |
: :
i : §
2
i '
! i i
! 1 1 Iggg
s ia^
i i i I
155,463
i
i
I
i1
1 i i
1 I
1,389, 338
i i
i i 11
■
63, 672 |
i :
i i
*28, 285
i i 'i i i
§ » i I i
; i i
i i i
172, 677
i
I i 1I1
i
1,571, 382
i i
: ।
:;
i
S
s
55
£3
8 KSS? 3$ ©
885? 88 5
s
s
is i
i
18
8
o?So5
SS8
82$ 85
28
822
828
£8
38 §2 s
2,027,919 |
1, 079,820
948,099
824, 239
S3 8
228 S
652,008
; co !
IS 1
N
1 ?t^Z Z 8____
ISK
g§
MCfw
gs
8S
gss
(§¥
3§
s¥
33
gi
as
ss
-17,844, 208
1 50,439 |
”8
ss
26,377
™ Is 8
c,- WOO CO
_6Z8‘S___
OSO ‘Eg
I1s^ 88S
ss
gfs
g§
H
3,034,769
2,901,919
+132, 850
| 51, 468 |
&3
5
8
Is 8
c4 woo co
_6Z8^S____
OSO ‘88
L z s V ^ .i
"s
8§g 33
S£f S2“
Ss 82
+76, 614
| 61,635 |
58
64,148
$88 Si 2
«- Wgf ©
S !§ i
3 1 1i
_688jss_ I
888
c^S
s§
Ӥ 883
§5
£3
$88
582 !! ||
+72,795
g
5
•§
i
z6
I
.e
70 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Irrigated and Cropped Acreages and Accumulated Crop Values by Years, 1906-37
’i NE settim ated . area in cultivation.
R evised an d corrected Ju n e 1938. D oes n o t include acreages of lands cropped w ith o u t irrigation and crop values therefrom .
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 71
SECONDARY INVESTIGATIONS
Investigations of 64 proposed projects were in progress during the
fiscal year by the Bureau of Reclamation. Funds for this work were
available through allotment of emergency moneys and appropriations.
California.—In addition to investigations made in connection with
the Central Valley project, two proposed projects were being studied.
They were surveys on the Kings River and an investigation of the
Tule Lake-Lower Klamath Lake project. Work on the Kings River
proposal, which includes an investigation of the feasibility of developing
Pine Flat and other reservoirs for irrigation, flood control, and
power, was confined principally to analysis of existing data. The
study in the Tule Lake-Lower Klamath Lake area was designed to test
the feasibility of pumping water from Tule Lake into Lower Klamath
Lake, thus providing protection to leased lands around Tule Lake and
establishing a bird refuge in Lower Klamath Lake. The report on
this project was completed.
Colorado.—Four major investigational programs were in progress in
Colorado. They were the western slope surveys; the eastern slope
surveys; the Blue River-South Platte diversion proposal, and the
Colorado River surveys, which were authorized under the Boulder
Canyon Project Act.
In connection with western slope surveys, three reports were completed.
The reports covered the Mancos project, which would supplement
the water supply of 7,000 to 10,000 acres of land in Montezuma
County; the Yampa project, designed to supplement the supply for
15,000 acres, near Yampa, Colo.; and the West Divide project, which
would supplement the supply for about 8,000 acres along West Divide
Creek.
Field investigations were completed and reports were in preparation
on three additional projects; the proposed Paonia project on the North
Fork of the Gunnison River; the LaPlatta project, near Durango; and
the Florida-Mesa project on Florida River, near Durango.
Field investigations were in progress in connection with proposed
projects near Meeker, Colbran, Rifle, Hermitage, De Beque, and Silt,
Colo.
Ten proposals were being investigated in connection with the eastern
slope surveys. The final report on one of these, the Cherry Creek
project, in Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, was completed. This
project would provide an irrigation system for 4,300 acres of land along
Cherry Creek through the reconstruction of the old Castlewood Dam
destroyed in August 1934 by flood, or through the construction of a
dam at the Cherry Creek site, 2 miles above Castlewood. In either
case the dam would create a reservoir sufficient to control practically
all floods on Cherry Creek.
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Reports on the following projects are in preparation: Arickaree
project in Yuma County; North Republican project at Wray; South
Republican project, near Burlington; Badito and Huerfano projects,
near Badito and Mustang; Trinidad project, near Trinidad; Hugo and
Chivington projects, near Limon and Chivington; and the Apishapa
project, near Walsenburg.
The Blue River-South Platte investigation is being made to determine
the feasibility of diverting water from the upper tributaries of the
Blue River in the Colorado Basin to tributaries of the South Platte
River to supplement the irrigation supply of lands in the vicinity of
Denver and the municipal supply of that city. Field investigations
are virtually completed.
The Colorado River investigations were continued through the
year. The land classification surveys necessary to determine irrigable
and arable areas have been completed.
Colorado-New Mexico-Texas.—The final report of the Rio Grande
joint investigations was completed and transmitted to the National
Resources Committee. This investigation was made to determine the
best method of supplementing the water supply of various irrigation
projects in the Upper Rio Grande Valley.
Hawaii.—A. preliminary report on the Molokai proposal was completed.
This project would consist of construction of intercepting
tunnels, small storage reservoirs, and a canal system to provide water
for irrigation of about 12,000 acres on the Island of Molokai.
Idaho.—Boise-Weiser-Payette Basins. Investigations have been in
progress and field surveys made of storage sites on the Payette and
Weiser Rivers, and in connection with possible transmountain diversion
from the Salmon River Basin, and a land classification has been
in progress of the Mountain Home area.
Surveys are in progress to determine the best dam site on the South
Fork of the Snake River to provide storage of flood flows in order to
supplement irrigation supplies and to develop incidental power.
Field work was in progress on the Cabinet Gorge survey for the
purpose of determining the physical and economic feasibility of hydroelectric
development on the Clark Fork of the Columbia River. The
power is to be used for irrigation, pumping, and other purposes.
Idaho-Montana.—Work was continued on the Madison River-
Snake River diversion investigation.
Montana.—Three projects were under investigation in Montana.
They were the Gallatin Valley proposal, the Marias proposal, and
proposal for pumping water to small areas in the vicinity of the Milk
River project. Reports were in preparation at the close of the year.
Nebraska.—Reconnaissance reports were completed during the
year on the proposed Bostwick and the proposed Mirage Flats projects
in Nebraska.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 73
Nevada— Economic surveys and water supply studies were in
progress on the Humboldt River project
New Mexico.—The final report on the Tucumcari project was
completed during the year.
North Dakota.—Reports of the Corps of Engineers on the Heart
Butte, the Bowman and the Missouri River diversion projects were
reviewed by the Denver office during the year.
A report was completed in November on the Buford-Trenton
project, which would involve pumping water from the Missouri
River for the irrigation of 13,400 acres, near Buford and Williston.
Oklahoma.—Three projects were investigated. They were the
Altus project, by which irrigation water would be supplied to 70,000
acres by diversion from the North Canadian River; the Kenton
project; and the Fort Supply project.
Oregon.—Four proposed projects were under investigation. They
were the Goose Lake Valley project, near Lake View, upon which a
reconnaissance report was completed; the Canby project in the
Willamette Valley; the Grande Ronde project, near LaGrande;
and the Medford project, by which supplemental water would be
provided to the Medford irrigation district and the Rogue River
Valley irrigation district.
South Dakota.—Four projects also were under investigation in
South Dakota. They were the Shadehill project; the Rapid Valley
project and the Angostura project in the Black Hills area; and the
Gavins Point project.
Texas.— A reconnaissance report was completed on the Balmorhea
proposal, and field surveys were completed in connection with floodcontrol
studies on the Colorado River project.
Utah.—Investigations in Utah covered the Dixie project, upon
which a report was submitted, and cooperative studies in the Salt
Lake Basin. A special study was made of the proposal for a Salt
Lake City aqueduct to derive its water from Deer Creek Reservoir
on the Provo River project.
Washington.—Surveys of the land of the Columbia Basin project
continued throughout the year. A reconnaissance report was completed
on the proposed Glenwood project.
Wyoming.—Field work in connection with the studies of the Green
River Basin consisted of reservoir surveys in the Black Fork area and
preliminary canal surveys extending from the Kendall Reservoir to
the divide between Green River and Sweetwater River Basins and
thence to the Red Mesa Desert.
Wyoming-Utah-Idaho.—A cooperative investigation was in progress
to determine the feasibility of diverting waters from the Green River
to Bear River for the irrigation of lands in the Bear River Basin in
the States of Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho. Field work consisted of
74 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
preliminary canal surveys and surveys of reservoir sites along tributaries
of Blacks Fork Creek in Utah. Water supply studies were in
progress.
Colorado River Basin.—Miscellaneous surveys consisting of land
classification were in progress in several States within the Colorado
River Basin as provided in section 15 of the Boulder Canyon Project
Act. The field work in connection with these was virtually completed
and reports were in preparation at the end of the year.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
Thirty-four Civilian Conservation Corps camps continued to operate
on 25 Federal reclamation projects in 14 Western States during
the fiscal year. Enrollees at these camps were engaged chiefly in the
reconstruction of irrigation systems, including canals and water
control structures; in development of supplemental water supplies;
and in the improvement and expansion of recreational facilities at
irrigation reservoirs.
The Mid view Dam, an earth fill structure 50 feet in height and 670
feet in length, on the Moon Lake project in eastern Utah, was completed,
creating a 5,000 acre-foot reservoir to augment the project
water supply. Construction of the Anita Dam, a similar structure
on the Huntley project in southern Montana, was also completed,
providing water storage and regulation facilities for the eastern
portion of the project. The C. C. C. boys completed riprapping of
the lower embankment of the Deer Flat Reservoir on the Boise
project; clearing of Clear Creek Reservoir on the Yakima project;
repairing of the Lahontan Dam spillway on the Newlands project;
reconstruction of the Malone Diversion Dam on the Klamath project,
which partially failed during floods in December 1937; construction
of the 1,500 acre-foot S-Canal regulating reservoir on the Newlands
project; and additional revetment and jetty work on the Yellowstone
River in Montana.
The recreational center at Guernsey Lake, Wyo., was substantially
completed by C. C. C. forces at the end of the year. Designed to
afford recreation in a desert area, its many facilities are being enjoyed
by residents from the surrounding countryside. A similar development
had made excellent progress at Elephant Butte Reservoir,
N. Mex. There a warm water fish hatchery also has been placed
in partial use.
During the year additional emphasis was placed on a new and important
branch of the C. C. C. work on reclamation projects. C. C.
C. crews expanded the number of their demonstrational projects,
situated on Government land in the project areas, designed to acquaint
farmers with approved and effective methods of controlling
or eradicating noxious weeds.
BUREAU OE RECLAMATION 75
ORGANIZATION
The Commissioner, appointed by the President and under the
supervision of the Secretary, is in administrative charge of the Bureau
of Reclamation. He is supported by a staff of 115 officers and employees
in Washington. The Chief Engineer at Denver, Colo., assisted
by 822 employees, is in general supervision of the engineering
and construction activities. Twenty-one construction engineers in
charge of projects now under construction, a director of power at
Boulder City, Nev., and a supervising engineer at Sacramento, Calif.,
report to the Chief Engineer. Twenty superintendents and engineers
in charge of completed projects report to the Supervisor of
Operation and Maintenance at Washington. The 56 field offices,
including the Denver office, have a combined personnel of 5,936.
An Assistant Commissioner, Roy B. Williams, was appointed during
the fiscal year.
RECLAMATION TABLE 1.—Consolidated Financial Statement, June 30, 1938
DEBIT SIDE
Construction account:
Primary projects:
Cost of irrigation works:
Original construction________________________ $323, 719,621. 20
Supplemental construction___________________ 12,671,606.15
Value of works taken over____________________ 2,196,625.12
Total construction cost____________________________________ $338,587,852.47
Operation and maintenance prior to public notice,
net___________________________________________ $2,825,722. 30
Operation and maintenance deficits and arrearages
funded with construction________________ 5,863,497.77
Penalties on water-right charges funded with construction_____________________________________
3, 239,857. 67
------------------------ 11,929,077.74
Total_____ ______ _____ _____________________ ____ __________ 350,516,930.21
Less income items:
Construction revenues_______________________ $7,450,671.15
Contributed funds___________________________ 1, 866, 795.10
Nonreimbursable appropriation, Rio Grande
Dam____________________ 1,000,000.00
------------------------ 10,317,466. 25
Less abandoned works, nonreimbursable cost, and charge-offs_____
340,199,463. 96
17,117, 514. 60
Balance payable.
Palo Verde flood protection, cost of construction and repairs___________________________
Secondary projects and general investigations:
$323,081,949.36
48,806.46
Cost of surveys and investigations_____ ______________________________ $4,343,703.39
Less contributed funds_______________________________________________ 620,459.32
General offices’ expense undistributed__________________________________ _________________
Plant and equipment____________________________________________________________________
Materials and supplies___________________________________________________________________
Accounts receivable:
3,723,244.07
920,472.07
1,823,043. 91
3, 549,388.29
Current accounts.
Deferred accounts.
$1,663,505.11
214, 577,006.04
216,240,511.15
76 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
RECLAMATION TABLE 1.—Consolidated Financial Statement June 30,1938—Con.
DEBIT SIDE—Continued
Undistributed clearing cost accounts----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unadjusted debits, disbursement vouchers in transit---------------------------------------------------------
Cash:
$256,296.97
9, 681. 68
Balance on hand:
Reclamation fund____________________________ $12,952,325.69
General fund_____________________________________ 27,033,990. 66
National Industrial Recovery and P. W. A. allotments________________________________________
5, 010,194. 60
Emergency Relief allotments-------------------------------- 8,282,613.57
Funds transferred from other departments----------- 147,755.36
Contributed funds------------------------------------------------ ">776-22
$53, 487, 656.10
In special deposit and in transit. 95, 232.19
53, 582,888.29
Total debits. 603, 236, 282.25
CREDIT SIDE
Security for repayment of cost of irrigation works: Contracted construction repayments— $263,540,210.10
Current accounts payable------------------------------------------------------------------ ------- ------------------------ 4,496,286.71
Deferred and contingent obligations------ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 200-57L 42
Reserves and undistributed profits------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10> 364>819-37
Operation and maintenance results, surplus----------------------------------------------------------------------- 802,525.95
Unadjusted credits, collection vouchers in transit-------------------------------------------------------------- 855- 43
Government aid for reclamation of arid lands:
Reclamation fund------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ $169> 463’ 715‘57
Advances to reclamation fund:
Treasury loan (act of June 25, 1910)---------------------- $20, 000, 000.00
Less amount repaid---------------------------------------------- 49’999> "9-99
10,000,000.00
Treasury loan (act of Mar. 4, 1931)------------------------ 5,000,000.00
------------------------ $15,000,000.00
National Industrial Recovery and P. W. A. allotments------------------------ 47,671,000.00
Emergency Relief allotments--------------------------------------------------------------- 51,103,466.33
Funds transferred from other departments------------------------------------------- 2,419,176.04
General fund—Central Valley project--------------------------------------------------- X9> 389> "9-99
General fund—Grand Coulee Dam------------------------------------------------------ 33> 75°,"9-99
Other general fund appropriations-------------------------------------------------------- 6> 37i>695-99
345,159,053.93
Less nonreimbursable appropriation, Rio Grande Dam 1,000, 000. 00
344,159,053. 93
Less impairment of funds;
Abandoned works------------------------------------------
Nonreimbursable construction cost----------------
Operation and maintenance cost uncollectible
Charge-ofis (act of May 25, 1926)--------------------
Washington office cost since Dec. 5, 1924--------
Attendance at meetings---------------------------------
Giving information to settlers, cost----------------
Prepaid civil-service retirement funds------------
Operation and maintenance administration...
Returned to Treasury, miscellaneous receipts.
$2, 830,934. 62
860,742.32
453,272. 39
14,681,872.14
2,192, 703. 02
1,815.90
11, 238.17
2,340. 33
31,479. 62
90. 30
21,066,488.81
323,092, 565.12
Less impounded funds, economy acts. 261, 552.05
---------------- 322,831,013.07
Total credits. 603, 236,282. 25
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 77
RECLAMATION TABLE 2.— Consolidated statment by projects, of construction costs of irrigation works, other items reimburable with construction,
and amounts repayable 104366—38- -
7
i C ontra,
78 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
RECLAM ATIO N TABLE 2— Consolidated statement by projects, of construction costs of irrigation works, other items reimbursable with construction,
and amounts repayable— Continued
‘3
S«
a
>>00
s
i
ft"
I
§§§§§§§
^-$86,115'. 26
1437Field cost adjustments----------------------- ------------------------------------------------- 35,682.95
1*145 obbing accounts_________________________ ____ _____________________ 25,062; 34
146 Prepayments------------------------------------------ ---------- -----------------------------------------------------
171|Unadjusted debits------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7,600. 97
Total deferred and unadjusted debits----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1 17,769.00
Total assets and other debits_______________________________________________________ 136,368,927.27
LIABILITIES AND OTHER CREDITS
X. Capit al an d Long -Ter m Liab il it y
205 Long-term liability—U. S. Treasury authorized appropriation----------- $126,500,000.00
Less:
161 Authorized but not appropriated-------------------------------------------------- 9,190,000.00
Total long-term liability:
205.2 Appropriated but not advanced-------------------------------------------------- 4,640,265.49
205.3 Appropriated and advanced-------------------------------------------------------- 112,669,734.51
205.4 Less: Impounded, Legislative Economy Act------------------------------ 1 137,653.66
206 N. I. R. A. allotment Parker-Gila project.--------------------------------------- 93,000.00
207 Interest on advances to Colorado River Dam fund--------------------------- 18,746,514.26
208 Judgments—Court of Claims----------------------------------------------------------- 37,766.29
136,049,626. 89
XI. Cur r ent and Ac c ur ed Liab ili ti es
211 Audited accounts payable:
211.1 Contractors earnings—current-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
211.11 Contractors earnings—holdback________________________________________________
211.2 Labor__________________________________________________________ $62> l74-
211.3 Purchases_______________________________________________________ 3,983.52
211-4 Freight and express-------------------------------------------- 99,045.43
211.5 Passenger fares------------------------------------------------------------------------ 750.47
211.6 Rights-of-way-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Contra.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 81
BOULDER CANYON PROJECT—Continued
RECLAMATION TABLE 3.—Financial Statement June 30, 1938—Continued
LIABILITIES AND OTHER CREDITS—Continued
XI. Cur r ent and Ac c r ue d Liab ili ti es —Continued
211.9 Miscellaneous_____________________________________ $6,038.29
211.91 Refunds.,______________________________________________________ 1.78
Total audited accounts payable----------------------------------------------- 171,993.95
219 Accrued interest__________________ ____ ____________ ____________________________ __
Total current and accrued liabilities...________________ ___________________________ $171,993.95
XIII. Def er r ed and Unadj us ted Cre di ts
231 Unadjusted credits____ ______________ ________________________________________________ 2,076.36
XV. Rese r ves
258. Reserve for amortization of long-term debt and payment to States__________ ____ _ 145,230.07
Total liabilities and other credits_____________________ _________________________ 136,368,927. 27
BOULDER CANYON PROJECT
RECLAMATION TABLE 4.—Appropriations and Cash Statement June 30, 1938
Regular appropriation
N. I. R. A.
allotment Total
N. I. R. A.
Parker-Gila
project
TREASURY CASH
Appropriations and allotments-------------
Advances to Colorado River Dam fund.
$79,310,000.00
74, 670,000. 00
$38,000,000.00
37, 999, 734. 51
$117, 310,000.00
112, 669,734, 51
$93,000.00
Balance not advanced___________ 4, 640, 000.00 265. 49 4,640, 265.49—
Colorado River Dam fund—
Advanced from appropriation to
fund _ . _ _ ________ 74, 670,000.00
3, 597, 764.68
37,999, 734.51
22,973. 29
112, 669,734. 51
Collections deposited in fund--------- 3, 620, 737. 97 5, 168.92
Total advances and collections__ 78, 267, 764. 68 38,022, 707. 80 116,290,472.48 98,168.92
Disbursements by General Accounting
Office _6_,_0_8_2, 692.20
70, 431,427.98
54,723.63
37, 966,058.10
6,137,415.83
Advances to disbursing officers________ 108, 397, 486.08 89,078.25
Total withdrawals______________ 76, 514,120.18 38,020,781. 73 114, 534,901.91 89,078.25
Balance_______________________________
Repay collections in transit __ ____
1, 753,644. 50
2, 008. 56
. 334,487. 26
1, 926.07 1, 755, 570. 57
2, 008. 56
334,487. 26
9,090. 67
Miscellaneous collections in transit----- — —
Total Treasury cash (G. L. 121)..
DISBURSING OFFICERS’ CASH
Advances and appropriation transfer
adjustment________________________
Disbursements by disbursing officers..
6, 730,140.32
70,441,661.87
70,115,482.41
2, 191. 56
37, 972, 687. 98
37, 964,002.16
6,732,331.88
108, 414,349.85
108,079,484. 57
9,090. 67
89,078. 25
68, 091.00
Disbursing officers’ checking
balance_____________________ 326, 179.46 8,685. 82 334,865. 28 20,987. 25
Collections by disbursing officers______
Collections deposited and appropriation
transfer adjustment___________
3,936,153.18
3,936, 301.11
29,352.17
29,352.17
3, 965, 505.35
3,965, 653. 28
5,168.92
5,168. 92
Collections not deposited __ 1 147. 93 1 147. 93
Total disbursing officers’ cash
(G. L. 122)__________________ 326, 031. 53 8,685. 82 334, 717. 35 20,987. 25
1 Contra.
82 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ALL-AMERICAN CANAL
RECLAMATION TABLE 5.—Financial Statement June 30, 1938
ASSETS AND OTHER DEBITS
I. Inv est men ts
102 Fixed capital under construction. $23,519,095.05
II. Cur r ent an d Ac c r ue d Asse t s
121 Treasury cash:
For advances to Colorado River Dam fund_________________________ $2,625,000.00
Colorado River Dam fund______________ ___________________________ 168,490.16
N. I. R. A. and E. R. A. allotments________________________________ 341,259.32
Contributions—Imperial Irrigation District____________ ____________ 26,133.72
Collections in transit________________________________________ _______ 402.76
Total Treasury cash____ _______ ___________________ ______________ 3,161,285.96
122 Disbursing officers’ cash____ ___________________________________________ 1,532,849.27
124 Accounts receivable----------------------- - --------------- ------------------ ------- —................ 59,386.24
Total current and accrued assets. 4,753,521.47
IV. Def er r ed and Una dj ust ed Deb it s
141 Clearing and apportionments....... .................. -..........................-............. 1 $8,155.17
143 Field cost adjustments_____________________________________________________ 71,169.70
171 Unadjusted debits____________________________________________________ ____ 16,378.82
Total deferred and unadjusted debits------------------------------------—........... —........................ 79,393.35
Total assets and other debits___________ ____ ________________ —............................. ............ 28,352,009.87
LIABILITIES AND OTHER CREDITS
X. Capit al an d Lon g -Ter m Lia b il it y
205 Long-term liability—U. S. Treasury authorized appropriation.------ ---------$38,500,000.00
Less:
161 Authorized but not appropriated...................................... — 10,000,000.00
Total long-term liability:
205.2 Appropriated but not advanced
205.3 Appropriated and advanced____
. .. ____________________ ________ 2,625,000.00
-------- ------------------------------ ------------- 24,875,000,00 ^mnna0()
XI. Cur ren t and Ac c r ue d Lia bi li ti es
211 Audited accounts payable:
211. 1 Contractors’earnings—current—______________________ ______________$341,408.91
211.1 1 Contractors’earnings—holdback-- ------- --------------------------- ---------- — 321,221.74
211.2 Labor—................ ................. -............—-......... -.......... 17,581.20
211.3 Purchases___________________________________________________________ 28,670.74
211.4 Freight and express_________ ________ —............—........... —..................— 75,456.17
211.5 Passenger fares______________________________________________________ 394.76
211.6 Rights of way_____________________________________ --------------------------- 7,684.80
211.9 Miscellaneous_______ _____ 386.96
211.9 1 Refunds_________________________________ ____ _______________________ 5,258.47
Total current and accrued liabilities..................................................................................... 798,063.75
XII. Oth er Cr ed it s
226 Contributed funds—Imperial and Coachella Irrigation District--------------- ---------- ---------- 50,000.00
XIII. Defe r r ed an d Unadj us ted Cr ed it s
231 Unadjusted credits...._____ _______________________________________________$2,194.74
231.3 Unadjusted credits—Yuma project------------------------------------------------ ------------ 52,36
Total deferred and unadjusted credits.................. ............... -.................................................... 2,247.10
XV. Appr opr iate d Sur pl us
251 Appropriated surplus not specifically invested........... ............... ............. ......................................................1,699.02
Total liabilities and other credits______________________________ ______________________ 28,352,009.87
1 Contra.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION 83
THE BONNEVILLE PROJECT
J. D. Ross, Administrator
The Bonneville project, now an active and developing organization,
was created by act of the Seventy-fifth Congress (approved August
20, 1937) for making available for use and sale the electric energy
generated by the Bonneville plant on the Columbia River. Pursuant
to the provisions of this act, the Secretary of the Interior on October
12, 1937, appointed Mr. J. D. Ross, of the Securities and Exchange
Commission, to the office of Administrator of the Bonneville project.
An office was opened in Portland, Oreg., on November 15, 1937. The
Bonneville plant itself was ready for operation when it was dedicated
by the President on September 12, 1937.
The first funds made available to the Bonneville project were
supplied by an appropriation of $100,000 in the third deficiency bill
of the Seventy-fifth Congress. This was to cover the organization
and preliminary work in the determination of policies and initial
development of the program.
The Administrator, in compliance with the basic policy expressed
in the Bonneville Act, has directed his program for the distribution of
the power generated by the Bonneville plant so as
"to encourage the widest possible use of all electric energy that can be generated
and marketed * * * ” and to "provide for uniform rates or rates uniform
throughout prescribed transmission areas in order to extend the benefits of an
integrated transmission system and encourage the equitable distribution of the
electric energy developed at the Bonneville project.”
The Administrator conducted public hearings during the period
March 10 to 18, 1938, in several cities of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.
On the basis of these hearings and engineering investigations
a rate schedule was prepared as follows:
Per kilowatt-year
A-l Power available full time at the Bonneville plant------------------------$14. 50
B-l Power available part time at the Bonneville Plant-------------------- 9. 50
C-l Power available full time on the lines of the Bonneville project---- 17. 50
D-l Power available part time on the lines of the Bonneville project--- 11. 50
These rates, approved June 8, 1938, by the Federal Power Commission,
are among the lowest of record, and are such as to induce and
encourage the use of electric energy over a large geographical area
and in a variety of types of load.
84
a i r V ie w o f Bo n n e v il l e Da m , t h e s p i l l w a y , p o w e r h o u s e , l o c k s , a n d Fi s h w a y s .

THE BONNEVILLE PROJECT 85
Concurrently with the development of policies and rates the Administrator
has organized a staff for engineering design and construction.
The project has received an additional appropriation of $3,500,000,
which will be expended
for the construction
of transmission
lines and
substations. The
construction program
contemplated for
completion during
1940 is shown in the
map.
This program will
provide transmission
lines designed for
operation at 220,000
volts, reaching from
Bonneville to Grand
Coulee, and from
Bonneville through
Vancouver and Kelso
to Chehalis, AVash., chart of the Bonneville Project to be completed in 1940.
also, lines designed
for 110,000 volts, from Chehalis to Aberdeen, from Kelso to Ilwaco
and Raymond, in Washington; and from Bonneville to The Dalles
and Vancouver to Eugene in Oregon.
The construction of these lines will require,357 miles of three-conductor
lines for 220,000 volt service, and 278 miles of three-conductor
lines for 110,000 volt service. For these lines, about 3,500 towers
weighing a total of 25,000 tons, 1,200 miles of 220 kv conductor
weighing a total of 4,500 tons, 850 miles of 110 kv conductor weighing a
total of 1,500 tons and about a quarter of a million large-size, suspension-
type porcelain insulators. Some of the lines will be supported
by steel towers, and some will be supported by wooden poles.
Associated with these lines are planned substations at Yakima,
North Bonneville, Vancouver, Kelso, Chehalis, Aberdeen, Raymond,
and Ilwaco, Wash.; and St. Johns (in Portland), Oregon City, Salem,
Albany, Eugene, Hood River, and The Dalles, Oreg.
The present appropriation is not sufficient to provide for all of the contemplated
construction, but additional allotments are expected under
authorizations of the Public Works Administration. Approximately
$15,000,000 will be required to complete the program now contemplated
Many inquiries for Bonneville power are being received from prospects
in various localities, and numerous industrial organizations are
considering possible use of energy at sites near the Bonneville plant.
A
86 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
A glance at the accompanying map will suggest the enormous
possibilities for utilization of energy from Bonneville. The lines
shown are traced through the populous and productive regions which
are tributary to Portland, Oreg., and one high-voltage line will reach
to Grand Coulee. This Grand Coulee line will serve for the transmission
and interchange of power in a network of high-voltage lines which
will ultimately be required to distribute the energy of the Columbia
River plants. Bonneville and Grand Coulee are the first two installations
of a system of Columbia River plants which will have an ultimate
installed capacity of about 8,000,000 kilowatts.
The Bonneville plant, itself, now has a generating capacity of
86,000 kilowatts in two turbogenerator units. When finally completed,
Bonneville will have 10 units with a combined capacity of
approximately 500,000 kilowatts. The present two units of the Bonneville
plant could serve a residential population about equal to that
of the city of Portland, Oreg. However, 50 percent of this initial
plant capacity will be reserved for sale to public bodies and cooperatives.
Not more than 20 percent of the installed capacity of the
Bonneville plant may be used to furnish power to industrial customers
who may locate near the dam.
The demand for Bonneville power is expected to develop from three
causes. First, power now generated in the vicinity of Bonneville,
from fuel, is comparatively expensive; second, the private utilities in
this region are installing very little new generating equipment; and,
third, this will be the first time that energy at such a low price as
half a cent per kilowatt-hour has been available in regions remote
from large generating plants.
It has been found that the uses of electric energy increase both in
variety and amount when rates are materially reduced. It appears
probable that rates in this region will be reduced to about half or
even less than half of those now prevailing. A reduction of this magnitude
probably will result, within a year after the completion of the
Bonneville project lines now contemplated, in a demand for all of the
output the Bonneville plant can produce. The load should increase to
about 200,000 kilowatts by the year 1943, at which time Bonneville
units Nos. 3 and 4, included in the authorization of six made by the
last Congress, will have been installed. By that time also, additional
project lines will probably have been required. The official
provision for these additional units makes it feasible to establish
schedules of construction on a firm basis, and to undertake contracts
for the distribution of increasing amounts of energy.
GENERAL LAND OFFICE
Fred W. Johnson, Commissioner
Readju stm ent of its activities to meet the primary responsibilities
placed upon it by a universally recognized need for prudent
conservation of the natural resources on the public domain, was the
outstanding problem met by the General Land Office during the fiscal
year.
Through careful regrouping of personnel, and the installation of
modern business practices, a greatly improved organization was
maintained with which to administer the provisions of law and
Executive orders affecting the national conservation program.
At the same time, operations of the General Land Office resulted in
the return to the Federal Treasury of $5 for every $1 expended upon
its administrative activities. Largest in any year since 1927, total
cash receipts aggregated $8,447,374.97 while total expenditures from
appropriations made for the conduct of the Office was $1,821,681.
Exceeding last year’s receipts by $1,047,535.03, returns of the present
fiscal year showed an excess of receipts over expenditures of $6,625,-
693.97.
The situation under the conservation program now confronting
this Office, which for 150 years has handled all the negotiations of
the Government with respect to its public lands, may best be realized
from a brief survey of the national land picture as it was and as it is
today.
Before 1934, the work of the General Land Office consisted mainly
in disposing of and in carefully recording the transfers of available
tracts of public land. There was plenty of land to be allocated, and
the duty of the General Land Office was to make sure that disposals
were made in accordance with the law.
With the enactment of the Taylor Grazing Act in 1934, new fields
of activity were placed within the General Land Office for administration.
Under that act, and in accordance with the provisions of
Executive orders, all public lands were withdrawn from disposal.
No allocation of any of the public domain may now be made until
after scientific classification to determine the highest use to which
it can be put. In addition to the problems encountered in the necessity
for classification of all the public domain before it can be disposed
87
88 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
of, administration of mineral development upon the public domain
and grazing activities on public land tracts not included in grazing
districts are among the responsibilities of the General Land Office.
A highly important field of activity confronting this Bureau
under the new program is the necessity for conducting land disposal
negotiations under the provisions of the act of June 1, 1938 (Public
No. 577), which authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to sell or
lease tracts of not exceeding 5 acres of public land for cabin, homesite,
convalescent, recreational, or business purposes. Classification
must be made of the public lands to determine the areas suitable for
disposition under the terms of this law.
The act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874), provided a comprehensive
land use program for the revested Oregon and California
Railroad and Coos Bay Wagon Road grant lands, in Oregon. Extensive
land classifications also will be required in connection with
the prudent development of this area. Headquarters for this work
are maintained at Portland, Oreg.
CADASTRAL ENGINEERING SERVICE
The Cadastral Engineering Service of the General Land Office is
charged with the execution of cadastral surveys and resurveys of the
public lands of the United States proper and Alaska, the supervision
of mineral surveys for patent, and the preparation of the technical
and legal records of the work performed.
During the year field projects were executed in 21 States and the
Territory of Alaska under 208 separate groups, 106 of which in 17
States were of resurveys. In these areas 34,480 linear miles, embracing
5,985,310 acres, were surveyed and resurveyed, exclusive of engineering
investigations and many types of miscellaneous and special
projects not measurable on a quantity basis.
Office work in all branches was maintained on a current basis.
There were constructed 282 township base plats, 127 color overlay
sheets, 127 supplemental plats, and field notes were prepared in final
form for the permanent record for all surveys relating thereto. In
addition, 172 mineral surveys, embracing 521 locations, were examined,
platted, and approved.
Requests by other Federal agencies for surveys and resurveys to
meet the requirements of administration, conservation, and rehabilitation
of the national estate, continued in increasing number and
geographic scope. Applicants included the Forest Service, Division
of Grazing, Bureau of Reclamation, National Park Service, Geological
Survey, Office of Indian Affairs, and the Soil Conservation
Service.
Accepted surveys and resurveys.—There were accepted and placed
on file plats representing 2,385,337 acres of original surveys of public
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 89
lands, and, in addition, 1,801,883 acres of lands resurveyed, comprising
an aggregate area of 4,187,220 acres.
Maps, plats, and diagrams.—The wall map of the United States
has been revised to show changes since the publication of the 1936
edition, and preliminary action taken for printing the 1938 edition.
There have been prepared 211 miscellaneous maps, plats, diagrams,
and tracings.
Photolithographic copies, etc.—There were sold 7,937 photolithographic
copies of township plats, for which $3,968.50 was received,
and 9,972 copies were furnished to other bureaus for official use.
There were 932 maps mounted and distributed for official use, and
appropriate distribution was made of 6,855 map publications and
91,580 circulars.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
Advancing conservation of valuable natural resources on the
public domain, the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps was
carried on during the fiscal year from four camps under the jurisdiction
of the General Land Office. Two of these camps are engaged in the
control of the coal fires on federally owned coal beds in the Little
Thunder Basin, Wyo.
During the fiscal year not a single lost-time accident to any enrollee
occurred, notwithstanding the extremely hazardous nature of the
work involved. Camps have been assigned to this work since the
inception of the C. C. C. program in 1933 and during all of that time
not a single lost-time accident has been reported, although over
100,000 man-shifts have worked on these fires and over 2,700,000 manmiles
have been traveled by truck in the fire control work.
During the year work was conducted on 14 different projects,
involving 13 separate and distinct underground coal fires and one
emergency forest fire, as well as incidental undertakings such as
construction of roads to reach the fires, etc.
Two C. C. C. camps were transferred to the jurisdiction of the
General Land Office from the Forest Service on June 1, 1938, for conservation
work on the revested and reconveyed lands in Oregon.
While these camps were engaged under the supervision of this Office
for only a small portion of the fiscal year they were actively employed
in fire presuppression and fire hazard reduction work, thus contributing
to the conservation of the valuable timber on those areas.
REVESTED OREGON AND CALIFORNIA RAILROAD AND
RECONVEYED COOS BAY WAGON ROAD GRANT LANDS
The act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874), provided a comprehensive
land-use conservation program, which will require extensive field
examination and classification of all the revested Oregon and Cali90
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
forma Railroad and reconveyed Coos Bay Wagon Road grant lands.
Pending completion of such classification and determination of the
annual sustained yield capacity of the timber growing area and in
order to prevent the shutting down of operating lumbering concerns
with resultant unemployment and hardship to a large number of
persons, timber cutting has proceeded under temporary regulations,
embodying certain definite and desirable conservation features as to
sound forestation practices, reforestation guarantees, and fire prevention.
On July 7, 1938, permanent regulations were approved embodying
these and other conservation features. The old practice
of issuing patent for the timber purchased has been abandoned in
favor of the execution and approval of a timber contract and the period
for the cutting and removal of the timber has been reduced from 10
to 2 years.
Transactions concerning revested and reconveyed lands follow:
Restored, etc.—No restorations to homestead entry were made, and
243.84 acres were reclassified as timber land.
Timber sales.—Eighty sales of timber on the revested Oregon and
California Railroad grant lands were made, involving 9,916.40 acres
of land, containing 262,162,000 feet board measure of timber, for
which the sum of $460,701.55 was received. Total sales to June 30,
1938, 1,218, involving 144,551.13 acres, containing 3,593,249,980
feet board measure of timber, for which a total of $7,930,182.69
was received.
Seven sales of timber on the reconveyed Coos Bay Wagon Road
grant lands were made, involving 1,124 acres of land, containing
31,413,000 feet board measure of timber, for which the sum of
$108,637.37 was received. Total sales to June 30, 1938, 129, involved
20,864.78 acres, containing 829,790,000 feet board measure of timber,
for which a total of $1,944,302.04 has been received.
Timber rights terminated.—Rights under timber patents were terminated
in 39 cases.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
The total cash receipts from sales, leases, and other disposals of
public lands (including receipts from copies of records, sales of Government
property, etc.) were $8,393,511.69, and from sales of Indian lands
$53,863.28, an aggregate of $8,447,374.97, all of which was deposited
in the Treasury. The total expenditures from appropriations made
for the conduct of the Office was $1,821,681. The excess of receipts
over expenditures was $6,625,693.97. The receipts were the largest
in any year since 1927, exceeding last year’s receipts by $1,047,535.03.
Receipts under Mineral Leasing Acts.—Receipts from bonuses,
royalties, and rentals under laws providing for the leasing rights on
the public domain (including royalties and rentals on potash deposits
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 91
and royalties on coal leases in Alaska) aggregated $6,675,973.26, of
which $6,527,113.62 was received under the act of February 25, 1920
(41 Stat. 437). The largest receipts under this act were from lands
in California, the amount being $3,422,595.68. Wyoming was second
with $1,679,357.71. Receipts from other States follow: New Mexico,
$804,739.70; Louisiana, $247,807.30; Colorado, $122,456.83; Utah,
$121,980.25; Montana, $95,703.99; North Dakota, $25,051.47;
Alabama, $5,113; Idaho, $1,674.38; South Dakota, $451.31; Nevada,
$160; and Mississippi, $22. Under the provisions of the mineral
leasing act cited, each State receives 37% percent of the receipts
thereunder from the public lands within its borders, the reclamation
fund receives 52% percent, and the other 10 percent remains in the
Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.
Receipts under the Taylor Grazing Act.—The amounts received as
fees on grazing licenses, by grazing districts, and by States, and the
receipts for fees and rentals under section 15 of the act, are as follows:
Fees on licenses from
grazing districts Fees and
rentals under
section 15
State totals
District Amount
Arizona _______________________________________ 124
12
12346
12 3
4
12345
123
4
6
$20,989. 33
3,993. 38
13,392. 55
California . _ ____ _ ______________________
38, 375. 26 $9, 874. 32 $48,249. 58
7, 610. 82
17,216. 36
Colorado __ ________________________________
24,827.18 718. 95 25, 546.13
18, 679. 82
4,927. 62
12, 771.06
7,249.62
5,128. 51
Idaho -__ - _____________________ ____ --___-___
48,756. 63 2, 623.38 51. 380.01
26,195.40
27,326. 42
15, 733.37
9, 324.01
Montana -____ -------____--__ --__ ...______-__
78, 579. 20 1, 509.68 80,088.88
2,862.40
3,178.89
2,177.40
1,048. 05
3, 314.75
Nevada - - - - ______________________________
12, 581. 49 3,066.12 15, 647. 61
40, 549.82
28,730. 25
14,056. 51
24,474. 59
1, 386. 32
109,197.49 109,197. 49
92 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
New Mexico____________________________________
Oregon.....................................................-----------------------
South Dakota__________________________
Utah......... ....... —----- -------------- -------
Washington...------------------- ---------------------------------
Wyoming-.................................—---------- ------------------
Grand total.
Fees on licenses from
grazing districts
District Amount
Fees and
rentals under
section 15
State totals
1234
56
7
1234567
8
1234
5
23
4
5
6
34, 635.85
31,938.26
28,354.45
10,077.33
64, 892.82
169, 898. 71 1,069.82 170,968. 53
1,137.97
15,497.15
12,900. 31
5,814.01
4, 227.03
2,946. 73
889.87
43, 413.07 1,151.72
20.00
44, 564.79
20.00
8,407.49
28,062.34
34,939.81
15,052. 32
20,412.90
23,298.95
18,820. 65
15,697. 27
164, 691.73
920. 21
164,691. 73
920. 21
20,857.91
24, 561. 57
33,075. 64
38,738. 58
9,944. 58
127,178. 28 26,977.87 154,156.15
817, 499. 04 47,932.07 865.431.11
Distribution of receipts .—Receipts from all sources, aggregating
$8,447,374.97, as shown above, are distributed under the law approximately
as follows: Reclamation fund, $3,632,307.52; for range improvements,
$216,357.78; to public land States and certain counties
within such States, $3,411,493.70; general fund, $1,119,350.40; and
to various Indian tribes, $67,865.57.
Under the provisions of the Taylor Grazing Act, the States within
which the lands are situated receive 50 percent of the receipts from
public lands and 25 percent of the receipts from ceded Indian lands;
25 percent of the receipts from both public and ceded Indian lands is
available, when appropriated by Congress, for range improvements;
50 percent of the receipts from ceded Indian lands is credited to the
Indians; and the balance is deposited into the general fund in the
Treasury.
Five percent of the net proceeds from cash sales of public lands is
paid to the public land States within which such sales were made,
and the balance of such receipts from States named in the Reclamation
Act is credited to the reclamation fund; the reclamation fund
and the States involved receive 90 percent (52% and 37% percent
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 93
respectively) of the receipts under the mineral leasing act and of
receipts from potash deposits leased under the act of February 7,
1927; receipts from sales of reclamation town sites and camp sites
and from royalties and rentals from potash deposits leased under the
act of October 2, 1917, are credited to the reclamation fund; all of the
receipts from proceeds of land and timber in the forfeited Oregon &
California Railroad grant to March 1, 1938, will be paid to certain
counties in Oregon in lieu of taxes. Receipts from the Oregon & California
Railroad grant lands since March 1, 1938, are divided between
the general fund in the Treasury and the counties, 25 percent to the
general fund and 75 percent to the counties. Twenty-five percent of
the proceeds of land and timber in the forfeited Coos Bay Wagon
Road grant will be paid to Coos County, Oreg. The receipts from
Indian lands (except 37% percent of royalties from Red River oil
lands which are paid to the State of Oklahoma in lieu of taxes) are
deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the various Indian tribes.
All other moneys are deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the
general fund.
The following table shows in detail the distribution of the receipts,
insofar as is possible before final settlement of all accounts by the
General Accounting Office.
Distribution in the Treasury
General
fund
Reclamation
and
range improvement
State and
county
funds
Indian
trust
funds
Total
Sale of public lands____________________
Fees and commissions _______________
$29,419. 44
14, 234. 98
679,003. 69
41, 237.86
82,475.00
205,101.13
10,444.01
18,070.05
16, 429. 45
$64,914. 59
67, 742.95
3, 426, 734. 65
$3, 740. 41 — $98,074.44
81,977.93
i 6,553,405.95
2 504, 769. 21
3 109,894.39
< 865, 431.11
5 116,835.62
18,070.05
16,429.45
5, 688. 75
6 53, 863.28
22,934. 79
Receipts from mineral leases___________
Receipts from Oregon and California
Railroad grant lands_________ ___
2,447, 667.61
463, 531. 35
27,419.39
421, 458.92
39,165.03
—
Receipts from Coos Bay Wagon Road
grant lands_____________ ______
Receipts under Taylor Grazing Act____
Potash royalties and rentals___________
Copying fees . _____________________
216, 357. 78
67, 226. 58
$22, 513.28
Power permits __________________
Reclamation town lots __ ___________ 5,688. 75
Sales and leases of Indian lands________
Miscellaneous (including sales of standing
timber, coal leases and town lots
in Alaska, rent of land, etc.)-----------
Total____________________________
22, 934.79
8, 510. 99 45, 352. 29
1,119, 350.40 3,848, 665. 30 3,411,493. 70 67,865. 57 8, 447,374. 97
’ First and fourth columns contain $26,292.33 royalties received in Wyoming under the act of June 26,
1926.
2 Until Mar. 1, 1938, the entire receipts from these lands were paid to the counties in Oregon in lieu of
taxes. Beginning with that date 75 percent of the receipts is paid to the counties and the other 25 percent
is deposited into the general fund.
3 25 percent, exclusive of commissions, is payable to Coos County, Oreg.
< 50 percent of the receipts from public lands and 25 percent of the receipts from ceded Indian lands are
paid to the States; 25 percent of the receipts from both public and ceded Indian lands are available, when
appropriated by Congress, for range improvements; 25 percent of the receipts from public lands is deposited
into the general fund; and 50 percent of the receipts from ceded Indian lands is credited to the Indians.
6 All receipts under the act of Oct. 2, 1917 (a total of $12,395.54), and 52J^ percent of the receipts under the
act of Feb. 7, 1927 (a total of $104,440.08), are credited to the reclamation fund. 37^ percent of the receipts
under the later act is payable to the States and 10 percent is deposited into the general fund.
6 Included in receipts from Indian lands is $22,795.99 royalties on oil and gas from Kiowa, Comanche, and
Apache lands, south half of Red River, Okla., of which the States receives 37L percent in lieu of taxes.
104366—38------8
94 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
REPAYMENTS
The act of June 16, 1880 (21 Stat. 287), and the act of March 26,
1908 (35 Stat. 48), as amended by the act of December 11, 1919 (41
Stat. 366), provide for the return of moneys received in connection
with the disposal of public lands and covered into the United States
Treasury.
Repayment may be made to the land applicant or his heirs or
assigns, where lands have been erroneously sold, where payments
have been made in excess of lawful requirement, and where applications,
entries and proofs have been rejected, no fraud appearing.
Under the above cited laws there were stated 72 accounts, allowing
repayment of $4,186.27, and 43 claims were denied. The claims
allowed include nine accounts granting repayment of $819.56 received
in connection with sales of Indian reservation lands and repaid from
Indian trust funds.
THE PUBLIC LAMDS
General withdrawals.—By Executive Order No. 6910 of November
26, 1934, issued under authority of the act of June 25, 1910 (36 Stat.
847), as amended by the act of August 24, 1912 (37 Stat. 497), the
vacant, unreserved, and unappropriated public lands in the States of
Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico,
North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming were
temporarily withdrawn from settlement, location, sale, or entry
subject to existing valid rights. This order was amended by Executive
Order No. 7048 of May 20, 1935, so as to make it applicable to
all lands within the States mentioned upon the cancellation or release
of prior entries, selections, or claims, or upon the revocation of prior
withdrawals, unless expressly otherwise provided in the order of revocation,
and so as to authorize the Secretary of the Interior, in his discretion,
to accept title to land offered in exchange under the provisions
of section 8 of the Taylor Grazing Act. Executive Order No. 6910 was
further amended by Executive Order No. 7235 of November 26, 1935,
so as to permit sales under section 14 and the issuance of leases under
section 15 of the Taylor Grazing Act, and so as not to debar the recognition
or allowance of bona fide nonmetalliferous mining claims.
Executive Order No. 6910 was further amended by Executive Order
No. 7274 of January 14, 1936, so as to exclude from the operation
thereof all lands which were then or might thereafter be included
within grazing districts established pursuant to the provisions of the
Taylor Grazing Act, so long as such lands remain a part of any such
grazing district.
By Executive Order No. 6964 of February 5, 1935, issued under
authority of the said act of June 25, 1910, as amended, all public
lands in the States of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana,
Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Washington,
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 95
and Wisconsin were temporarily withdrawn from settlement, location,
sale, or entry subject to valid existing rights. Executive Order No.
6964 was amended by Executive Order No. 7363 of May 6, 1936, so
as to permit exchanges under section 8, sales under section 14, and the
issuance of leases under section 15 of the Taylor Grazing Act.
Executive Orders Nos. 6910 and 6964 were further amended by
Executive Order No. 7599 dated April 1, 1937, so as to exclude from
their operation all lands identified by survey made after the respective
dates of the orders and which upon the date of the acceptance of the
survey would otherwise become a part of the school land grant of
designated sections to any of the States mentioned in the said orders.
Classification fior entry under any law authorized.—Section 7 of the
Taylor Grazing Act of June 28, 1934 (48 Stat. 1269), as amended by
section 2 of the act of June 26, 1936 (49 Stat. 1976), authorizes the
Secretary of the Interior in his discretion, to examine, classify, and open
to appropriate entry any lands withdrawn by the Executive order of
November 26, 1934, as amended, or the Executive order of February
5, 1935, or any lands within a grazing district, which are more valuable
or suitable for the production of agricultural crops than for the production
of native grasses and forage crops, or more valuable or suitable
for any other use than for the use provided for under said act, or proper
for acquisition in satisfaction of any outstanding lien, exchange, or
scrip rights or land grant, except that homestead entries may not be
allowed for tracts exceeding 320 acres in area. Revised instructions
governing the filing of applications for entry, selection, or location
under said section 7 were approved June 29, 1937, Circular No. 1353b.
The said section 7, as amended, further provides that locations and
entries under the mining laws, including the act of February 25, 1920
(41 Stat. 437), as amended, may be made upon such withdrawn and
reserved areas without regard to classification and without restrictions
or limitation by any provision of the act.
Unappropriated public lands and public lands in grazing districts.—
On June 1, 1938, each register was requested to report by counties
and townships the area of the unappropriated and unreserved public
lands within and outside of grazing districts in his land district, as of
April 30, 1938, treating lands affected by the above-mentioned Executive
Orders Nos. 6910 and 6964 as unreserved. Reports have not yet
been received from all the offices. The figures, when received, will
be compiled and made available for general use. The data as to lands
in grazing districts is required in order to effect proper distribution of
payments to the States, as provided for by section 10 of the Taylor
Grazing Act.
GENERAL STATEMENT
On June 30, 1938, about 6,500,000 acres were embraced in unperfected
entries upon which proof of compliance with the law was not
96 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
due or had not been presented. In addition, there were pending applications
for exchange under the Taylor Grazing Act involving approximately
2,500,000 acres of privately owned and State school land and
about the same area of public land.
Exchanges of national forest lands required the examination of
abstracts of title involving 183,892 acres.
There were furnished during the year 43,078 certified and uncertified
copies of entry papers, plats, field notes, patents etc., for which
there were received amounts aggregating $11,650.85. In addition,
there were furnished for official use by this and other departments
and agencies 18,234 copies of such items.
Three hundred forty-eight letters were written in connection with
pending and proposed suits, applications of agents or attorneys for
admission to practice before the Department, and charges preferred
against United States commissioners, registers, attorneys and others.
Twenty-eight civil suits were recommended to cancel leases for oil
and gas, coal, potash, borax, and sodium, to cancel patents issued
through fraud, and to recover damages for loss of property in connection
with timber trespass. Judgment was asked for the amount
of money due. Twenty-four cases were reported as won and two
lost. As a result of the suits, judgments and compromises have been
reported amounting to $174,240.
Applications of attorneys and agents for admission to practice
before this Department amounted to 29, of which number 25 received
favorable recommendation while 4 were suspended for further evidence.
There were decided on principles of equity and referred to the
Board of Equitable Adjudication and confirmed 1,268 homestead
entries of public lands, 55 homestead entries of revested and reconveyed
lands in Oregon, 36 homestead entries of ceded Indian lands, 23
reclamation homesteads, and 60 desert-land entries.
The number of letters and reports received for consideration or
answer from all sources during the year was 151,376 and 72,209
letters and decisions were written. The latter figure does not include
letters prepared for signature in the Department.
Reports were submitted on 82 Senate and House bills, and necessary
orders and instructions have been prepared or are in course of
preparation in connection with bills, public and private, affecting the
public lands, which were enacted into law. Reports were made on
38 enrolled bills.
The regulations of the General Land Office “of general applicability
and legal effect” on June 1, 1938, were codified for inclusion in the
Code of Federal Regulations. When this compilation is made available
in printed form, it will be the first time in the history of the
General Land Office that all of its principal regulations have been
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 97
brought together in up-to-date form and made available for general
use.
On June 30, 1938, there were 310 permanent employees of the General
Land Office in Washington, 71 in the district land offices, 164 in
the field surveying service and 2 in the Chippewa logging service.
HOMESTEAD ENTRIES
Actions were taken in homestead cases as follows: On second-entry
applications, 97; on applications to amend, 72; on applications for
leaves of absence and for extensions of time to establish residence,
861; and on original entries, 4,686. There were patented 4,125 final
and commuted homestead entries.
PUBLIC SALE AND TIMBER AND STONE APPLICATIONS
Four hundred fifty-four actions were taken on public sale applications,
98 of which were patented; and 26 actions were taken on timber
and stone applications, 2 of which were patented.
FILING OF PLATS OF SURVEY
Instructions were issued for the filing of 180 plats of survey for
lands in States in which there are district land offices. Thirty plats
were directly filed by this Office in connection with which 9 public
notices were prepared, for lands in States in which there are no district
land offices.
MISCELLANEOUS APPEALS IN EX-PARTE CASES
Appeals in ex-parte cases involving applications and entries under
the homestead, timber and stone and isolated tract laws, were considered
in 5,953 cases.
NATIONAL FOREST HOMESTEAD LANDS
Nine thousand four acres in national forests which had been listed
for homestead entry under the act of June 11, 1906 (34 Stat. 233),
were returned to national forests by revocation of the listing orders and
194 acres were restored to homestead entry under said act.
CONTESTS OTHER THAN MINERAL CONTESTS
Six hundred fifty-five contests, including both Government and
private, were considered. Approximately 78 hearings were held in
Government cases. Appeals in these proceedings were considered in
39 cases. At the close of the year about 16 contest cases were pending
98 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
MINERAL LEASES AND MINING CLAIMS
Oil and gas leases and permits.—At the beginning of the year there
were outstanding 1,020 leases embracing 405,671.72 acres. Fifty-two
leases were issued based upon discoveries for 47,109.80 acres; leases for
3,328.65 acres in 9 producing oil and gas fields were sold, on which the
bonus was $175,852.38; 107 noncompetitive leases under the act of
August 21, 1935, issued for 125,105.41 acres, leaving outstanding at
the end of the year 1,177 leases embracing 576.927.22 acres. On
July 1, 1937, 8,068 prospecting permits embraced 11,463,027.60 acres.
One hundred sixty permits were issued and one reinstated, increasing
the area under permit by 235,400 acres. One hundred four permits
were canceled and 755 were terminated by law, decreasing the area
under permit by 476,806.60 acres, and leaving outstanding 7,370
permits embracing 11,221,621 acres.
Coal, potash, sodium, phosphate, and sulphur permits and leases, and
coal and phosphate licenses.—On July 1, 1937, there were 371 coal
leases, embracing 70,562.83 acres; 30, embracing 4,872.99 acres, were
issued; and 27, embracing 3,737.38 acres, were canceled, leaving 374
leases covering 71,698.44 acres. On the date named 198 coal permits
embraced 144,063.83 acres, 28 permits, covering 18,799.88 acres, were
issued; 24 were canceled and 42 expired by limitation; area, 35,937.58,
leaving 160 permits embracing 126,926.13 acres. On July 1, 1937, 88
coal licenses embraced 3,484.25 acres; 16, involving 563.75 acres, were
issued; 1 was canceled and 11 expired; the area combined 448.75 acres,
leaving 92 licenses embracing 3,599.25 acres. No potash or phosphate
leases were issued, but one phosphate lease was amended by the addition
of 80 acres. On July 1, 1938, there were outstanding 11 potash leases
for 27,785.49 acres; 28 potash permits for 62,548.87 acres; and 7
phosphate leases embracing 3,352 acres. During the year 9 sulphur
permits for 5,985.01 acres were issued, bringing the total to 27 permits
covering 17,508.01 acres. Twenty-two sodium permits, embracing
36,227.38 acres, were issued during the fiscal year, making in all 47
sodium permits for 65,586.36 acres.
Mineral applications and entries.—Ninety-three applications were
disposed of and 53 entries, embracing 2,839.38 acres, were patented.
Ninety mineral applications for 12,042.83 acres and 200 mineral
entries for approximately 14,918.97 acres were pending at the end of
the year.
Mineral contests.—Eighty-seven mineral contests were disposed of,
leaving 44 pending decision at the expiration of the year.
RIGHTS-OF-WAY
Three hundred and twenty-eight right-of-way applications were
approved and 41 stock-watering reservoir applications were disposed
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 99
of. In addition, 49 right-of-way applications were rejected, and 114
other actions were taken.
FEDERAL RECLAMATION PROJECTS
There are 49 Federal reclamation projects in 14 Western States, 22 of
which are operated in whole or in part by the water users. There are,
in addition, five Indian reclamation projects, the irrigation features
of which are under the supervision of the Office of Indian Affairs.
Four hundred and ninety-six original reclamation homestead entries
and 127 assignments of such entries were received; and 231 reclamation
entries were patented.
DESERT LAND ACT
One hundred and two entries were patented under the Desert Land
Act.
CAREY ACT
Carey Act segregations amounting to 76,299.84 acres were considered,
on which either final or interlocutory action was taken.
PITTMAN ACT
Thirty-eight cases were received under the Pittman Acts of October
22, 1919 (41 Stat. 293), and September 22, 1922 (42 Stat. 1012).
Action has been taken in all but 20 cases.
SWAMP AND OVERFLOWED LANDS
Under the swamp land acts, there were approved and patented to
the States 1,628.74 acres, and claims for 353.61 acres were finally
rejected. New claims were asserted for 1,017.87 acres.
STATE GRANTS AND SELECTIONS
New indemnity school-land selections embracing 2,577.35 acres were
received, and selections amounting to 130,595.65 acres were approved
and title conveyed to the States. Such selections involving 7,820.48
acres were canceled. Pending selections under quantity grants to
States, for specific purposes, embracing 80,781.36 acres, were approved
and title conveyed to the States.
Applications for patents for granted school sections under the provisions
of the act of June 21, 1934 (48 Stat. 1185), were approved for
patent during the latter part of the year, amounting to 208,798.24
acres, for which patents had not issued on June 30, 1938. Such applications
pending at the end of the year embrace 1,598,024.23 acres.
New applications by the various States, under the Taylor Grazing
Act, for exchanges of lands were received, embracing 266,067.44
acres. Selections involving 79,957.26 acres were approved, and
100 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
patents were issued in 24 cases embracing 50,377.16 acres. The
rejected and relinquished applications involved 123,260.19 acres.
RAILROAD GRANTS AND SELECTIONS
Four new railroad selections were received, embracing 7,556.66
acres, and 3,302.02 acres were certified or patented in lieu of such
grants.
ABANDONED MILITARY RESERVATIONS
Sales aggregating $781.50 were made of lands and improvements
in abandoned military reservations which have been transferred to
this Department for disposal. Ten patents embracing 356.48 acres
were issued on homesteads of such lands while one patent was issued
where the lands were sold.
ALASKA
On June 30, 1938, there were outstanding 32 leases for fur farming
covering approximately 170,260 acres. Matters relating to fur
farm leases were considered in 164 instances. Three renewal leases
were issued; two new leases were issued; and two leases were canceled.
On June 30, 1938, there were 13 grazing leases in effect embracing
approximately 899,312 acres. Matters relating thereto were considered
in 43 instances.
AVIATION LEASES
On June 30, 1938, there were outstanding 32 leases for aviation
covering 14,691.94 acres. One application for lease was rejected and
three such applications were pending.
COLOR OF TITLE
Nineteen applications for the sale of improved or cultivated public
lands held under color of title for more than 20 years were approved
and patented. The sum of $3,431.18 was received from such sales.
Two hundred and sixteen actions were required in cases involving
color of title matters.
EXCHANGES
Various acts of Congress provide for exchanges of lands in order
to effect consolidations of Government or private holdings or for other
specific purposes.
Twenty-one patents were issued in forest-exchange cases and title
was accepted to 183,892.47 acres of land for inclusion in national
forests. The Secretary of Agriculture was notified in 58 cases that
timber permits might issue to the exchange applicants.
Exchanges for the consolidation or extension of Indian reservations
resulted in the addition of 3,637.58 acres to such reservations.
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 101
At the close of the fiscal year, there were pending under section 8 of
the Taylor Grazing Act, 140 applications for exchanges involving
277,043.37 acres of public land and 285,431.71 acres of privately
owned land. Most of these cases were awaiting reports from the
field. Three cases were pending in the Department on appeal, and
six cases were awaiting action in this office. Sixteen cases were
rejected and one exchange was consummated.
GRAZING LEASES
Two thousand five hundred and thirty-eight offers of term grazing
leases were made under section 15 of the Taylor Grazing Act, involving
3,967,126.16 acres, with an annual rental of $94,221.02. One thousand
four hundred and fifteen leases were issued embracing 1,836,593
acres, with an annual rental of $45,896.81. At the close of the fiscal
year, 3,628 applications for leases were pending, a majority of which
were awaiting reports from the Division of Investigations. Three
hundred and fifty applications and petitions for renewal were denied
because the lands involved were not subject to lease.
INDIAN LANDS AND CLAIMS
Two contracts involving the sale of pine timber on ceded Chippewa
Indian lands in Minnesota were virtually completed during the year
and the sum of $9,241.03 was credited to the “Chippewa in Minnesota”
fund for the benefit of the Chippewa Indians.
Entries and sales of ceded Indian lands were considered in 720
instances. Sixty-seven patents issued on homesteads and two patents
issued on sales. The sum of $15,045.38 was received from the disposition
of 6,083.14 acres of ceded Indian lands.
The matter of fee and trust patents on Indian allotments was considered
in 800 instances and 66 fee patents embracing 8,186.40 acres
and 259 trust patents involving 40,070.01 acres were issued.
Nine hundred and ten patents embracing 5,173.22 acres were issued
on non-Indian claims within confirmed Indian pueblos in New
Mexico.
PRIVATE LAND CLAIMS
Private land claims which were recognized or confirmed by many
acts of Congress in the early history of the Government were considered
in 152 instances and 22 patents for such claims issued embracing
7,933.77 acres.
TIMBER
Sales of dead, down, or damaged timber were considered in 80 instances.
The sum of $463.74 was received from such sales. Free use
timber permits received special consideration in this office in 14
instances.
102 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
TOWN LOTS AND TOWNSITES
Town lot matters were considered in 220 instances and 160 patents
were issued for town lots from which the sum of $21,067.50 was received.
Matters involving entire townsites were considered in six
instances. Two patents were issued for townsites.
TRESPASS
Timber trespass cases required 431 actions and the sum of $12,674.12
was accepted in settlement; coal trespass cases were considered in 165
instances and the sum of $435.75 was accepted in settlement. Other
actions included three for grazing, eight for gravel, and one for
turpentine.
MISCELLANEOUS CASES
Actions were taken and patents issued as follows: Arkansas drainage,
48, with 4 patents issuing; bounty land warrants, 22, with 3
patents issuing; cash and credit, 45, with 27 patents issuing; preemptions,
13, with 4 patents issuing; quitclaim deeds, 14, with 10 quitclaims
issuing; riparian rights, 18, with 2 patents issuing; scrip, 13,
with 5 patents issuing; small holding claims, 31, with 10 patents
issuing; soldiers’ additional, 363, with 7 patents issuing; and special
acts, 3, with 2 patents issuing. One claim for relief in connection
with Mud Lake, Minn., was approved for payment.
TRACT BOOK NOTATIONS
More than 100,000 notations were made on the tract books. This
includes 13,858 homestead applications and other miscellaneous cases,
5,328 grazing applications, 4,723 final and cash certificates, 2,878 oil
and gas lease applications, 151 coal lease applications, 409 original
entries, and 199 plats.
Withdrawals and classifications.—Six hundred and sixty-one Executive
and other orders were noted. These include withdrawals for
stock driveways, national forests, restored lists, power-site reserves
and classifications, grazing districts, and mineral and other classifications
and revocations thereof.
Relinquishments.—Entries numbering 545 were relinquished and
noted.
Status cases.—Status was furnished in 20,082 cases.
Township diagrams.—Diagrams showing disposals and status, in
854 townships and fractional townships, were made for this and
other bureaus.
WITHDRAWALS AND RESTORATIONS
The area of existing power-site reserves was decreased by 2,838
acres, that of the public water reserves was increased by 1,030 acres,
and the lands classified as valuable for hydroelectric power purposes
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 103
were increased by 83,969 acres. Tracts aggregating 1,270 acres were
restored from power-site designations under the Arizona and New
Mexico Enabling Act and the Oregon and California Railroad Co.
Revestment Act, while the areas in reclamation projects under the
act of June 17, 1902, were decreased by 429,620 acres.
The Olympic National Park was created in Washington, the Isle
Roy ale National Park was established in Michigan, and the Hot
Springs National Park in Arkansas was enlarged, involving the reservation
of 755,362 acres. Three new national monuments were
created, four were enlarged and two were abolished, the net decrease
being 249,006 acres. The area of the national forests was increased
by 339,931 acres. Twelve new wildlife refuges were established, six
were enlarged and one was reduced, resulting in a net increase of
398,264 acres. Withdrawals amounting to 7,754 acres were made
for air navigation sites for the Department of Commerce, while 521
acres were released from former withdrawals for such use. Three
tracts of public land were sold under the recreation law to the States
of Oregon and Oklahoma and to the town of Sampson, Wis., one recreational
petition was denied, one lease issued, and 1,435 acres were released
from recreational withdrawals. Eight stock driveways were
enlarged, 4 were revoked and 18 were reduced, resulting in a net
decrease of 353,792 acres.
Withdrawals aggregating 252,258 acres were made for use by the
Farm Security Administration, successor of the Resettlement Administration,
and 3,187 acres purchased by the latter were transferred
by Executive order from the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture
to the jurisdiction of this Department. Withdrawals for
lighthouse purposes were reduced by 1,120 acres, a withdrawal of
40 acres for use by the War Department as an airplane site was revoked,
and one for the use of an Indian tribe expired by limitation.
MINERAL WITHDRAWALS AND CLASSIFICATIONS
A summary of the outstanding mineral withdrawals and classifications
as of June 30, 1938, is as follows:
V ithdrawn Classified
Coal__________________ ______ ___________________________ ______________ ... 26,971,813
5,168, 593
5,989,949
1,889, 601
9,411,906
33, 276,103
71,884
4,081. 208
302, 219
Oil_____________ ____ ______________________________________________________
Oil shale. __________________________________________________________ ____
Phosphate__________________________________________________________________
Potash___________ __________________________________________________________
Total________ ______________ __________________________________________ 49,431,862 37, 731,414
The area of the withdrawn oil land, shown above, includes 13,578
acres withdrawn as a helium reserve. The figures given include much
land which has been patented with or without a reservation of min104
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
erals. The areas so patented have not been computed. However,
some or all minerals have been reserved in patents aggregating 43,-
645,798 acres issued under the stock-raising and other laws, for lands
not withdrawn or classified as valuable for minerals, as well as for
lands so withdrawn or classified.
Tables showing in condensed form some of the activities and accomplishments
of the General Land Office during the fiscal year are
as follows:
Mineral Leases, Permits, and Licenses Outstanding on June 30, 1938
Class
Leases Permits Licenses
Number Acres Number Acres Number Acres
Oil and gas. 1,070
168
374
10
7
451,821
184, 008
71,688
25, 505
3,352
801
7,370 11, 221,621
Oil and gas, act Aug. 21, 1935
Coal___ ___________ ______ ________ __ 160
23
126,926
54.696
92 3, 599
Potash __
Phosphate
Sodium 47
27
65, 586
Sulphur 17, 508
Total______________________________ 1,631 737,175 7,627 11,486,337 92 3, 599
Summary of Areas on Outstanding Mineral Leases, Permits, and Licenses, as of
June 30, 1938
Number Acres
Leases_______ _ ----- __ __________________________________ 1,631
7,627
92
737,175
11,486,337
3,599
Permits_____ ______________________ - ________________
Licenses____________________________________________________________________
Total . _ . -- __ ____9__,3_5_0_______1_2_,_ 2 2_7_, _1_1_1_____
Leases Other Than Mineral, Outstanding on June 30, 1938
Class Number Acres
Term grazing leases under Taylor Grazing Act1____________ ,___________ - 1,415 1,836,593
Temporary leases under Taylor Grazing Act________________________________ 187 665,000
Grazing leases, Alaska - _ __ ______________________________________ 13 899,312
Fur farm leases, Alaska - -__ - ____________________ ______________ 32 170, 260
Aviation leases - __ ___________________________________________ 32 14, 692
Leases for mineral and medicinal springs_________________________________ 1 40
Leases for water wells__ ___ __________________________________________ 2 80
Total_______________________________________ __1_,_6_8_2________3_,5__8_5_,9__7_7___
1 In addition, there were outstanding on June 30, 1938, 1,123 offers of term grazing leases covering 2,130,533
acres.
GENERAL LAND OFFICE 105
Original Entries
Public land Indian land
Number Acres Number Acres
Homesteads:
Stockraising ___________________________________ 101
19
158
6
163
41,383
4,239
15,056
611
17,172
514
1,695
268
700
Enlarged _______ _______________________________
Reclamation____ _______ _______ . _________
Forest __ ____ _ _____________ _ ___
Section 2289 etal_______ ___ ____ .. . -__ 7 786
Total homesteads_______________________________ 447
453
183
84
78,461
696
2,646
546
17 3, 449
Deserts ________________________________ ..
State selections _____________________________
Railroad selections
Applications and filings
Miscellaneous _________________________ ______ - 45,145 6
Total ___________________________________ ______ 726
23
127,494
3,449
23 3,449
Indian land as above _
Grand total - . - _______ 749 130,943
Final Entries
Public land Indian land
Number Acres Number Acres
Homesteads:
Stockraising. _______________________ _________ 2,497
265
188
29
12
961
1,174,702
72,167
18, 716
2,945
823
93,413
93
35
31
40, 025
6,274
2,884
Enlarged__________________________________________
Reclamation____ _________ ______ _____________
Forest ____________________ ..___
Commuted ______________ _____ 19
40
1,652
Section 2289 et al_______________ . .... ___ 3, 797
Total homesteads______________________ _______ 3,952
102
147
2
134
368
1,362, 766
12,125
15,452
120
10, 586
21, 005
218
51
54,632
759
40
Deserts ______________________ ________________ _
Public auction.. ________ _ _________ ___ ... ________
Timber and stone_______________ ..
Mineral__________________________ .. _ _ 2
40
499
Miscellaneous_______________ _______ .. ________ 200
Total. _____ .... . ...____ _ . ... 4,705
266
1, 422, 054
56,130
266 56,130
Indian land as above___ ________
Grand total. ___________________ . ... ______ 4,971 1,478,184
Patents and Certificates
Homesteads:
Stockraising_______________ ____ ________________________________________
Enlarged_______ ,_______________________________________________________
Reclamation____________________________________________________________
Forest______________________________ .___________________________________
Section 2289, etal____ ___________________________________________________
Total homesteads_____________________________________________________
Deserts_____________________________________________________________________
Public auction______________________________________________________________
Timber and stone___________________________________________________________
Mineral____________________________________________________________________
Railroad_________________ ___________________________________________________
Special acts_________________________________________________________________
Miscellaneous______________________________________________________________
Total patents_________________________________________________________
Certified to States__________________________________________________________
Grand total________________.__________________________________________ 2, 624,872
Number Acres
2, 670 1,328,072
356 91, 367
245 23,371
52 5, 074
1,057 105,188
4, 380 1, 553,072
113 14,356
98 9, 866
2 89
53 2,839
7 2, 957
994 i 819,342
1,168 84, 926
6,815 2, 487, 447
137, 425
6, 815
1 Includes 672,650 acres of school section land, patented to the State of Iowa under the act of June 21,1934
(48 Stat. 1185).
106 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
LANDS PATENTED WITH MINERAL RESERVATIONS
The following table shows the areas patented during the year and
the total areas heretofore patented in which minerals in some form
have been reserved to the United States.
Classes of patents Fiscal year Total
Stockraisina Ant all minerals reserved ____________________________
Acres
1, 328,072
162, 300
26,534
27, 574
Acres
30,441,344
606,492
10,812,002
1,785,960
Other acts:
jA 11 minerals reserved _ ___________________________________
Coal only reserved _ ______________ __ _____________________
Some named minerals reserved _ _________________-______________
Total _____ --_____________-__ -_____________________________ 1, 544,480 43,645,798
DIVISION OF GRAZING
F. R. Carpenter, Director
THE END of the fiscal year, the Division of Grazing had completed
approximately 3% years of operations as the administrative
unit in charge of grazing districts established under the Taylor Grazing
Act of 1934. Activities concerning the regulation of range use were
continued as formerly under the system of issuing temporary, 1-year
grazing licenses, pending the accumulation of data sufficient to warrant
the issuance of term permits as prescribed in the act.
This year, these annual licenses will be replaced by term permits of
not more than 10 years’ duration, in 1 grazing district in each of the
10 States affected, namely, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming.
In order to take care of the existing livestock industry pending the
issuance of term permits, grazing licenses were issued to 18,752 stockmen
owning 9,050,771 head of livestock in 48 grazing districts during
the year. In addition, under a cooperative grazing association plan
in Montana Grazing District No. 1, a district in which the amount of
Federal range is comparatively small, 10 associations grazed approximately
150,000 livestock on lands of all ownerships in that district.
Twelve grazing districts established in late 1937 in Idaho, Montana,
Oregon, Wyoming, and Nevada, were placed under regulations for the
first time in 1938. The amount of Federal range involved in these
12 districts was 30,086,579 acres; the increase in licenses resulting
from the addition of these districts was 3,685, and the increase in the
number of livestock using grazing districts under regulation was
3,476,148.
The endeavors of administration have been geared so that rules
promulgated and their application would recognize and promote the
preservation of the soil and forage resources, the improvement and
development of the range, and its orderly use in promoting the stability
of the livestock industry.
Whereas the first year and one-half of the Division of Grazing’s
activities were occupied mainly in acquainting the public and the
Federal officials with the law and its objectives, building an adminis-
107
108 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
trative and technical force, and charting the course leading to sound
land management, the next 2 years were devoted largely to enlarging
and refining the general program.
The fiscal year 1938 may be considered a year of definite accomplishment
in which the tools used were given a cutting edge. With
a view to solving the many questions attendant upon the issuance of
term permits, specific studies in grazing districts were necessary.
The control of grazing and the regulated use of the range brought
together a harmony of purpose among the users and the administration
with gratifying results in the program of conservation and the stabilization
of the range-livestock industry.
The fourth year of administration witnessed refinements and further
accomplishments in the program of wildlife conservation on the public
ranges. In many districts the Division of Grazing made a reasonably
accurate estimate of the numbers and species of big game animals
using the range during part or all of the year. Cooperation with
Federal and State agencies and sportsmen’s associations afforded the
means of redistribution of big game from congested areas to less congested
areas suitable to their habitat. A considerable part of the
improvements made on public ranges and many of the control measures
instituted during the year were in the interest of big game animals
and birds.
Cooperative arrangements with other Federal agencies, State
associations, stockmen groups, and game associations continued to
feature the conservation program which the Taylor Grazing Act is
designed to foster.
The interrelation of private and public lands was responsible for
the clause of section 3 of the act which directs that preference in grazing
privileges shall go to those who have land and water dependent
upon the public land for their proper use. Now after 4 years of administration
of this act, its meaning and outcome can be interpreted
with a fair degree of certainty. The resources and conditions in all
of the 49 grazing districts have been appraised. In some districts
the appraisals have been necessarily superficial owing to pressure for
specific information and immediate administrative needs. However,
the studies were sufficient in scope to afford action that would
promote the proper use of the range and the interrelated private
properties.
Other districts have been intensely studied and allotted to some
individual, group of individuals, or community in such a way as to
augment the use of their private land and water under restrictions
which safeguard the sustained yield of grass. Ample provision has
been made for the welfare of a sustained population of a reasonable
number of game animals and upland birds in all districts.
DIVISION OF GRAZING 109
The entire public range is being surveyed and classified for its
proper use and rehabilitation, and more than 20,000 private properties
dependent thereon are likewise being appraised. The method
of obtaining information and receiving recommendations from local
advisory boards has continued to demonstrate the merit of this system
of operating this vital resource. There were 665 locally elected district
advisers in the 49 grazing districts. These men are all practical
stockmen who live and operate on the public range. In some districts,
such as those in New Mexico, a wildlife representative has been
appointed to membership on each board.
Many of the accomplishments during the year were the realization
of plans that were outlined during the preceding year. The comprehensive
range survey and report covering New Mexico Grazing District
No. 5 was completed at the close of the preceding fiscal year.
The material was used as a guide to devise standards of measurement
and rules to govern the adjudication of range privileges in the Southwestern
States where water is prime base property. During the year,
a similar study of Colorado Grazing District No. 6 was completed and
used as a basis for adjudication of range privileges in the Northwestern
States where feed is a necessary requisite to a yearlong livestock operation
and land is considered prime base property.
Using the data obtained from the range-surveys studies of these
two districts, the Director of Grazing began at the outset of the fiscal
year to prepare a code for the adjudication and the future management
of the Federal range.
Cooperative agreements with other Federal agencies that were
arranged during 1937 were continued during 1938. Under the western
range-survey cooperative agreement, field work in 17 counties in the
Western States was completed and the reports reviewed and made
available to all cooperative agencies.
The cooperative range study in northeastern Nevada, involving the
Bureau of Agricultural Economics, the Division of Grazing, and other
agencies interested, was continued through the fiscal year. The area
studied includes all of Nevada grazing district No. 1, mainly in
Elko County, and is one of the outstanding examples of cooperative
effort on the part of State and Federal agencies that has been so
far undertaken. The study affords an opportunity for the cooperative
agencies to work out principles and methods of public and private
range-land management that will apply, perhaps with some modification
to meet local conditions, to large parts of the West. The Division
of Grazing anticipates issuing term permits in lieu of the present
temporary licenses in Nevada grazing district No. 1 within the next
year. The issuance of these permits will mark a most important
stage in the history of range management in this and adjoining areas.
104366—38------ 9
110 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ORGANIZATION
The administrative set-up of the Division of Grazing consists of a
Washington headquarters staff, including the Director, the Assistant
Director, Administrative Assistant, two experts on land law, one
expert on land classification, one expert on the technical phases of
land use, and the necessary clerks; a field staff with headquarters at
Salt Lake City, Utah, which is composed of a deputy director, a chief
of range management, a chief of range improvements, a chief of range
surveys, and a chief hearings examiner. Nine regional graziers, one
for each State except California, 33 district graziers, 22 range examiners,
and the necessary clerks complete the field organization. The total
regular personnel is 128.
In addition to the regular staff there are 665 district advisers who
are elected by popular vote within the district they represent and
appointed to serve at the call of the regional grazier in a recommendatory
capacity.
These advisory boards of the Division of Grazing have been of
inestimable value in the formulation of the Federal Range Code and,
in furnishing an abundance of needed information to the administrative
authorities, have been responsible for much of the progress and
accomplishments.
STATUS OF GRAZING DISTRICTS
The 252,763,500-acre area embraced within the 49 grazing districts
under regulation during the year naturally involves many different
types of ownership. For the most part, the State and private grazing
lands interspersed therein with public lands are similar to them and are
leased and owned by livestock operators. In addition to the 112,823,-
338 acres of vacant, unappropriated, unreserved lands affected by the
withdrawal of November 26, 1934, there are more than 10,000,000
acres of prior withdrawals within grazing districts, most of which, by
agreement, are under temporary administration of the Division of
Grazing. Lands in this category include stock driveways, power site
reserves, military reserves, naval oil shale reserves, public water reserves,
and reclamation withdrawals.
THE FEDERAL RANGE CODE
The experiences of the Division in the regulation and management
of the public range in grazing districts during the first 3 years of
administration forcibly crystallized a common view among stockmen
and Federal officials that a Federal Range Code broad enough for
proper action on all manner of cases was needed. Specific data from
two widely divergent grazing districts were used as a guide to formulate
new rules that would cover nearly all conditions expected to be
encountered.
DIVISION OF GRAZING 111
Consideration revolved around the methods of establishing a
suitable legal yardstick under which the necessary reduction of use
on the overcrowded public range could be made. Two weapons that
can be exactly measured furnished the foundation of the yardstick,
(1) commensurability and (2) priority.
COMMENSURABILITY
When the Taylor Grazing Act was passed in 1934, the range was
infested with what were known as nomadic sheepmen. These men
ordinarily owned or leased little or no real estate but trailed and grazed
their flocks over public lands, and their operations often put the established
land-owning ranchmen out of business by stripping the range
of forage. Section 3 of the Taylor Grazing Act said that preference in
permits should go for “the proper use of lands and waters owned,
occupied, and leased” by certain parties.
The natural deduction from the existing state of facts and a reading
of the law was that control of land or water was to be a prerequisite
for a preference right on the range, and the amount of an applicant’s
land or water would be the yardstick for measuring the extent of such
use. This principle was early accepted in meetings in the Western
States and was never seriously disputed anywhere.
PRIORITY
After the matter of commensurability was established, it was apparent
that a rule would be required to limit such parties to those who
were established in the range livestock business, if any degree of
stabilization was to be attained. From this need came the so-called
priority rule. After many trial rules, hundreds of meetings and discussions,
and years of experimenting, a compromise has been reached
on a priority rule which is accepted as sound. It is set forth in the
Federal Range Code under the definition of “land dependent by use”
and is as follows:
Land dependent by use means forage land which was used in livestock operations
in connection with the same part of the public domain, which part is now Federal
range, for any 3 years or for any 2 consecutive years in the 5-year period immediately
preceding June 28, 1934, and which is offered as base property in an
application for a grazing license or a permit filed before June 28, 1938. Land will
be considered dependent by use only to the extent of that part of it necessary to
maintain the average number of livestock grazed on the public domain in connection
with it for any 3 years or for any 2 consecutive years, whichever is the more
favorable to the applicant, during the 5-year period immediately preceding June
28, 1934.
RANGE SURVEYS
The primary function of the range-surveys organization is to obtain
the necessary factual data to form a basis for administrative action in
the granting of range privileges and the management of the public
112 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
range. This work involves: (1) The gathering, analyzing, selection,
and presentation of pertinent material already existing which concerns
the public-range area to be studied; (2) securing historical data
on past and present livestock use of the area; (3) determination of the
extent, character, proper season of use, forage-producing capacity, and
suitable rate of stocking of the public range; (4) determination of the
qualifications of livestock operators who use or desire to use the public
range through the examination and rating of the base properties,
both land and water, owned or controlled by those claiming dependence
on the use of the public range; (5) furnishing such accumulated
information to the administrative force as fast as it becomes
available in order to form a factual basis for administrative action in
the selection of those entitled to share in the use of the range; and
(6) development of essential data and preparation of maps to be used
in range-management plans and correlation of proper land-use principles
involving all types of ownership.
There are approximately 12,500 townships, each containing 36
square miles of land within the boundaries of the 49 grazing districts
in operation during the year. Status and base maps have been
designed on a scale of 1 inch to the mile assembled into sheets containing
32 townships, each sheet being 4 townships wide and 8 townships
long. Each of the 10 Western States is divided into map areas corresponding
to the 32-township sheets and each sheet given an indentifying
number. Key maps for office reference, as a means of identifying
the number system, are prepared on a similar scale. Five hundred
and twenty-nine of these base maps of the 32-township size are required
to cover the territory embraced in the 49 grazing districts.
At the end of the fiscal year, 2,345 of the 12,426 townships in grazing
districts had been surveyed; status had been completed in 2,893
of the 13,154 master township plats involved; 158 of the 529 status
maps had been prepared; 243 of the 529 base maps were drafted;
and 9,337 of the 31,083 dependent properties had been appraised.
The principal efforts of the range-survey organization since January
1, 1938, have been devoted to the task of assembling all necessary
factual data covering one district in each of the 10 States in an effort
to have these districts on a permit basis by January 1, 1939.
LAND CLASSIFICATION
The classification of lands with respect to their value for agricultural
purposes as required by the various land laws is a duty of the
Division of Grazing. This classification involves all lands located
within or without the boundaries of grazing districts which are
applied for under applicable land laws in accordance with section 7
of the Taylor Grazing Act as amended June 26, 1936.
DIVISION OF GRAZING 113
It is also the duty of the Division to determine the propriety of
applications under sections, 8, 14, and 15 of the Taylor Grazing Act
from the standpoint of public benefit where the lands involved are
located within grazing districts.
The recommendations for designations of lands applied for under
the enlarged and stock-raising homestead acts and determination of
the value of watering places for public purposes, together with the
preparation of appropriate orders, are other functions of the Division
of Grazing. The designations under the enlarged and stock-raising
homestead acts are made principally for the purpose of permitting the
adjudication of homestead entries having valid claims established
prior to the Executive orders of November 26, 1934, and February
5, 1935, withdrawing public lands for classification.
At the beginning of the present fiscal year, there were 612 cases
pending under sections 7, 8, 14, and 15. During the year, 889 cases
were received, making a total of 1,501 cases to be acted upon. Of
this number, 804 were acted upon, leaving 697 cases pending at the
end of the fiscal year. Ninety-nine cases under the enlarged and
stock-raising homestead acts were acted upon, and on June 30
there were 31 cases pending action by the Division; 1,520 acres were
designated under the enlarged homestead act in 7 States, increasing
the total acreage so designated to 268,471,745 acres; 3,000 acres of
land were designated under the stock-raising homestead act in 11
States, increasing the outstanding area to 102,443,062. During the
fiscal year, 840 acres in 6 States were included in water reserves, and
980 acres in 6 States were excluded from such reserves, decreasing
the gross public water reserve area in 12 States to 511,383.
RANGE IMPROVEMENTS
The range improvement program of the Division was consolidated
and put into effect during the fiscal year 1938. This consolidation
has already demonstrated its value in promoting efficiency of administration,
supervision, and planning of the work program and has
proved to be a valuable step in further decentralizing the C. C. C.
unit.
Funds made available for range improvements under sections 10
and 11 of the Taylor Grazing Act are expended with the greatest
possible benefit due to this consolidation because the range-improvement
activities are thus dovetailed, and, by use of coordinated planning,
a large proportion of the money made available under these
sections is usable for the purchase of equipment and supplies to be
used directly in the districts in which the grazing fees are paid.
114 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
PERMITS TO CONSTRUCT IMPROVEMENTS
Under section 4 of the act, the Secretary is authorized to issue permits
to construct fences, wells, reservoirs, and other improvements
on the public lands necessary in the care and management of permitted
livestock.
Fences are the principal improvements constructed under the provisions
of section 4, and in States where range allotments are advanced,
as in Arizona and New Mexico, the majority of permits of this nature
were issued. Approximately 760 miles of fences were constructed by
137 applicants during the year. Also, 56 permits were issued to
construct miscellaneous improvements, such as installing water
troughs, cutting corrals, small reservoirs, wells, and trail gates.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
The purpose of the Civilian Conservation Corps activities of the
Division of Grazing is to rehabilitate the public domain and to convert
thousands of acres of formerly unused range into good grazing
land for livestock. During the fiscal year 1938 there were 45 camps
assigned to the Division, 21 of which were located in the Salt Lake
City, Utah, region and 12 each in the Albuquerque, N. Mex.,
and Reno, Nev., regions. The enrollees of these camps are supervised
by the Army when in camp and by the Division of Grazing,
C. C. C., when engaged in the construction of improvements on the
public land.
The work projects of the 45 C. C. C. camps being operated under
the jurisdiction of the Division in the 9 Western States of Arizona,
California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Idaho, Oregon, Utah,
and Wyoming are those recommended by the advisory boards of the
grazing districts and approved by the regional grazier of the region
in which the camps operated. In each case the projects are planned
to relieve the most acute need of the area, whether it be water development,
fence construction, definition of stock boundaries, rodent control,
or some other work of vital importance to proper range management.
While the work accomplished has in each case proved of
immediate benefit, construction was planned, for future benefits as
well, with the object not only of relieving present range conditions but
also of providing future means of conservation and protection of the
110,000,000 acres of range land administered by the Division.
Water is the prime requisite of the public domain. Sections of the
Federal range used partially or not at all in past years are being made
available for grazing purposes largely through conservation and
distribution of water. Dams have been built to impound the water
from mountain streams and to preserve the early run-off, and check
dams have been built in dry creeks for the purpose of arresting soil
DIVISION OF GRAZING 115
erosion and moderating run-off for impounding downstream. The
development of springs where feasible has been accomplished, and
in many cases wells have been drilled in an endeavor to provide
reliable watering places on vast dry areas in order that the range
may be more properly and seasonably serviced and thus afford a
better distribution of use. In connection with this water development,
storage facilities such as troughs and tanks have been constructed,
not only conserving the water but also providing much
better watering facilities.
Closely allied with the water program is the work of opening truck
trails into the grazing regions and building stock trails for the movement
of animals from winter to summer range or to market. This
trail construction opens up large areas of grazing lands formerly more
or less inaccessible and not only furnishes much needed new pasture
but also aids in the elimination of overgrazing in other areas. The
holding corrals constructed along these trails allow stock to be held
overnight on the way to market and are of great advantage to stockmen.
A sufficient water supply is included in the construction of each
corral. Bridge and cattle-guard construction are important parts of
these trails and are of great assistance in expediting the movement
of cattle and reducing losses of livestock.
An extensive rodent-control program has proved of great value in
the conservation of soil and forage resources. More than 1,401,378
acres have been treated for control of ground squirrels, gophers,
prairie dogs, kangaroo rats, and jack rabbits. Eradication of poisonous
weeds has proved very important in saving livestock, and 98,798
acres have been treated for infestations of poisonous larkspur, death
camas, and other weeds which cause the death of hundreds of head of
livestock.
The following table shows the accomplishments of the major work
projects of the Division’s Civilian Conservation Corps program for
the fiscal year 1938:
Bridges___________________________________________________ 37
Fences (miles)_____________________________________________ 477
Reservoirs________________________________________________ 52
Springs___________________________________________________ 68
Wells—fully equipped_______________________________________ 41
Cattle guards____________________ 62
Corrals___________________________________________________ 65
Truck trails (miles)_________________________________________ 1,046
Stock trails (miles)_________________________________________ 264
Check dams:
Permanent____________________________________________ 125
Temporary____________________________________________ 1, 919
Other flood-control structures________________________________ 40
Acres treated for poisonous plant eradication (acres)_____________ 98, 798
Acres treated for rodent eradication (acres)_____________________ 1, 401, 378
Impounding and diversion dams---------------------------------------------- 166
116 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Educational Program
The C. C. C. unit has been vigilant and aggressive in its education
program in various camps. The chief objectives of the educational
program are vocational, character, and citizenship development with
specific consideration given to job training. The enrollees are given
every opportunity to learn to operate the machinery used on the work
projects, and, through the daily work in connection with classroom
instruction, many skilled workers have been developed from completely
untrained men. Systematic instruction on the job includes
practice on the job in the field and at least 2 hours per week of
systematic basic instruction underlying the work off the job. This
basic instruction includes a general course in conservation. The
effectiveness of the education and training on the job program of
these C. C. C. camps may be judged from the fact that much of the
difficult construction has been done under the supervision of foremen
who were formerly enrollees. Already many of the enrollees have
been advanced to special jobs in the C. C. C. of the Division and
others will become valuable permanent employees.
COOPERATION
1. Local Associations of Stockmen
To remedy the situation of interspersed land ownership, where
State, county, tax-default, and privately owned lands are checkerboarded
and intermingled with public domain lands, the Department
early realized the necessity for some coordinated plan of management,
with a system of unified control for all these lands if economic and
sane use were to be established. To make possible this form of
administration, a general form of cooperative agreement to be used
in entering into agreements with local associations of stockmen was
approved by the Secretary. On March 14, 1938, the Department
approved another form of cooperative agreement to be used by the
Secretary in entering into agreements with local associations of livestock
men. This is known as the Oregon form of agreement to distinguish
it from the form already in use referred to as the Montana
form. The Oregon form is considered as being better adapted for
use in areas where the acreage of the Federal range is in excess of the
privately controlled land, which is just the opposite from the situation
in Montana. In general, the Montana form provides for turning the
public lands over to the associations for administration under general
supervision of the Secretary, while in the Oregon form the association
turns its lands over to the Secretary to be administered in the same
manner as the public lands.
During the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938, the number of these
cooperative agreements with local associations of stockmen was
DIVISION OF GRAZING 117
increased by five, and two agreements were amended. There are five
agreements and seven amendments pending. The total number of
these agreements approved to date is 22.
2. Southern Pacific Land Company
The cooperative agreement with the Southern Pacific Land Company
which became effective January 1, 1937, was extended for one
year to December 31, 1938.
WILDLIFE
At the outset of the administration there was a realization that
wildlife in the course of western conquest and expansion of the rangelivestock
business had through natural competition been deprived of
its rightful share in the use of the public lands. Before establishing
any grazing districts, the Secretary of the Interior explored all angles
of the wildlife situation and its needs with respect to public land, and,
after conferences with wildlife agencies and groups in Denver in
February 1935, numerous conferences were arranged to discuss the
subject. As a result of cooperation with State and Federal agencies
in wildlife and sportmen’s associations and of efforts on the part of
the Division of Grazing, approximately 8,000,000 acres of public
land within the boundaries of established grazing districts are now
reserved for wildlife use. Three game ranges, aggregating in area
more than 3,500,000 acres, have been set aside on the public land to
be administered jointly by the Division of Grazing of this Department
and the Biological Survey of the Department of Agriculture.
The idea underlying the arrangement to create game ranges with
primary protection to wildlife and yet retain a part of the range for
use by domestic livestock under regulation is believed to be a natural
way of handling such a program. In all game ranges the public land
is set aside for this joint use, but the prior right to the use of the land
is given to a specified number of wildlife species.
Wildlife refuges are established for the sole purpose of propagating
and protecting wildlife, and the jurisdiction is placed in the Department
of Agriculture after the land has been withdrawn from other
uses. Sixteen wildlife refuges have been created by Executive order,
aggregating in area approximately 4,000,000 acres of public land.
The management of wildlife within grazing districts in New Mexico
continued with amicable relations between the stockmen, the Division
of Grazing, and the State Fish and Game Commission which fostered
the principle that wildlife in New Mexico is entitled to share to a
reasonable extent in the use of all the range jointly with livestock.
A plan has been initiated in Oregon, by the stockmen using public
ranges, whereby in cooperation with Federal agencies harmonious
relationship between owners of domestic livestock and agencies
118 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
responsible for wildlife may be promoted. Steps similar to the
Oregon plan have been taken in all other public-domain States.
Through the aid of the licensees within grazing districts, it is expected
that a reasonably accurate census of all forms of wildlife will be available
in the near future. An important phase of that census will
bring to light reasonably safe estimates of the amount of public
land needed to afford proper seasonal use by game animals in addition
to that required for domestic livestock.
In Idaho, the Division of Grazing furnished some of its C. C. C.
facilities and means for employing on a repayment basis a technical
man from the Biological Survey who directed the transplanting of
beaver from areas where they are unwelcome to public domain areas
where they contributed an inestimable amount of valuable soil and
stream-bed conservation. This activity had the benefit of three
outstanding results: (1) Restoration of the beaver population; (2)
arresting stream-bed erosion and the consequent loss of soil; and (3)
increase of water supply and watering facilities.
ENFORCEMENT
Enforcement under the Rules for Administration of Grazing Districts
as revised June 14, 1937, and the Federal Range Code has been
maintained with satisfactory results. A large number of alleged
trespasses have been investigated, trespass notices served, and trespasses
abated. Many cases have been investigated for violation of
the terms of licenses. Administrative officers of the Division, assisted
by temporary range riders during concentrated seasonal livestock
movements on the range, have been successful in promoting orderly
migration of stock over designated routes. Enforcement has been and
is mainly a matter of education and understanding. One of the
principal accomplishments to be achieved is the prevention of a violation
rather than the arresting of a violator after it has occurred, and,
in this particular, results obtained were extremely satisfactory.
HEARINGS AND APPEALS
During the year 1938, 20,752 applications for grazing licenses were
filed with the regional graziers. These applications were considered
by the regional graziers, and action was taken in accordance with the
provisions of the Rules for Administration of Grazing Districts and
the Federal Range Code. That action taken was satisfactory in the
great majority of cases is indicated by the fact that appeals were filed
in only 420 cases which represents a very small percentage of the
number of applications considered. A number of these appeals have
been withdrawn or adjusted without formal hearings. Hearings have
already been held before an examiner in a large number of cases, and
DIVISION OF GRAZING 119
others are being set for hearing as rapidly as possible to the end that
the grazing rights of the parties involved may be determined at an
early date.
HIGHLIGHTS OF PROGRESS IN THE VARIOUS REGIONS
Many of the accomplishments that essentially require careful
ground work and continued activity from year to year were realized
in the various regions during the year. Some of the high lights of
the accomplishments include the following:
Utah, Region 2
Funds returned to grazing districts out of grazing fees collected
afforded the construction of 125 improvement projects on the public
lands in the region.
Only 37 wilfull trespasses were committed, a gratifying record
considering that the range in this region is used by approximately
5,000 licensees.
Complete appraisals of nearly 300 ranch set-ups, dependent on the
use of the public range in one district, placed that district in a position
to go on a term-permit basis in the near future. Inventory of properties
and range carrying-capacity studies in other districts progressed
at a satisfactory pace.
The range improvement program to cover the next 4 years of activity
was designed during the year.
Nevada-California, Region 3
Satisfactory progress was made during the year in subdividing
natural units of the 35-million-acre public-range area of this region
into group and individual allotments.
About $5,000 worth of equipment for water development was purchased
from the 25 percent fund returned to the California districts.
Moneys for improvement under this fund in Nevada were tied up in
litigation. Materials included pipe, windmills, troughs, and fence
wire. Installation and construction were performed by C. C. C.
enrollees.
Difficulties of administration of “checkerboard” lands, located in
alternate ownership by the United States and the Southern Pacific
Land Company and occupying a 40-mile strip across northern Nevada,
were greatly minimized by satisfactory allotment through continued
cooperative arrangement and agreement among all concerned.
Oregon, Region 4
In executing an agreement entered into during the year between the
Division of Grazing and the State land board and several counties,
120 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
stockmen of Oregon leased 1,000,000 acres of State and county land
in grazing districts and turned it over to the Division of Grazing to
administer.
About 500 unclaimed wild horses were removed from grazing districts
after being rounded up on the range by aeroplane and disposed
of in accordance with State law and rules of the range.
Three carloads of wire were purchased, 150 miles of stock driveway
posted, 3 stock bridges built, 45 reservoirs and 40 springs were developed
out of funds returned to grazing districts from fees collected.
Idaho, Region 5
A preliminary survey of wildlife that inhabit grazing districts in
Idaho resulted in a census estimate of the following numbers and
species of game and birds in the four Idaho districts: 10,000 deer, 1,500
elk, 800 mountain sheep, 700 mountain goats, 7,000 antelope, 400
moose, 15,000 sage chickens, and 8,000 grouse.
Two hundred dependent ranch set-ups were classified and rated.
Cooperation with Federal and State agencies resulted in the construction
of a 7-mile drift fence, posting of 50 miles of stock driveway, suppression
of 11 major fires on public land, and the transplanting of 800
beavers from areas where they were short of food or where they were
more or less a nuisance to small public-domain stream beds where
already they have contributed an inestimable value to conservation
of water and soil.
New Mexico, Region 7
Funds returned to grazing districts from fees collected afforded the
purchase of poison mix for rodent extermination and material for
cattle guards on important stock trails. Enrollees of C. C. C. camps
furnished the labor, and the program was given enthusiastic support
of stockmen. This is a real conservation activity. Certain rodent
species in the Southwest are known to store 20 to 40 pounds of grass
seed in each colony den.
Practically all licensees in the region are now operating on individual
allotments. A total of 1,967 allotments have been set up with
ample provision for the needs of Indians residing in grazing districts.
Colorado, Region 8
Grazing officials invited groups of stockmen affected to accompany
them out on the range to subdivide equitably the districts into group
and individual allotments. That satisfactory results were obtained
through this “home rule” method is evidenced by the following:
Colorado district No. 2 is broken down into 15 common-use and 111
individual allotments. Ninety percent of the users in Colorado districts
Nos. 3 and 4 are operating in group and individual allotments.
DIVISION OF GRAZING 121
Colorado district No. 6 has been subdivided into 9 common-use and
123 individual allotments. This allotment system which prevents the
unnecessary movements of livestock in grazing districts is a tremendous
advance in conservation.
Arizona, Region 9
The Division of Grazing, the Forest Service, and the Indian Office
(three major land-management agencies in Arizona) have by agreement
inaugurated a comprehensive system of fire prevention and
control on public lands of the State.
Through cooperation with the Biological Survey, 74,820 acres of
Federal range were treated for rodent extermination.
The 25 percent of fees collected furnished the means for constructing
8 stock corrals, 25 miles of fence, and 11 miles of stock driveway
boundary.
The Arizona “strip” was agreeably subdivided for use into four
individual and five community range allotments.
Complaints of serious trespass are rare in Arizona due to the allotment
of definite range areas and the fact that proper use of the range
is primarily dependent upon privately developed stock water which
actually governs the area of range that can be used.
Wyoming, Region 10
Adherence to a suitable standard for measuring the amount of
public range forage to which applicants with dependent property
would be entitled resulted in the elimination of 50,000 sheep and 10,000
cattle from the public range. This apparent herculean task was accomplished
without any of the affected stock growers requesting a
hearing on his case.
Grazing districts were subdivided into administrative units and the
land-ownership break-down in each unit was tabulated, which simplified
the problem of livestock distribution and assisted in obtaining
practical agreeable estimates of range carrying capacity, pending the
accumulation of scientific data. In this practically new region, violations
of the rules were exceptionally few, only six being reported.
DIRECTOR OF FORESTS
Lee Muck, Director
The Office of Director of Forests of the Department of the Interior
was established May 18, 1938, by Departmental Order No. 1283.
This office was created to promote a unified policy of forest conservation
on all lands under the jurisdiction of the Department of
the Interior. These lands and their forests involve a wider range and
a greater variety of prudent use than those under the jurisdiction of
any other agency of the Federal Government.
A brief list of characteristic forest lands under the jurisdiction of
the Department of the Interior shows the complexities, and at the
same time the necessity of a coordinated forest policy, involved in
the conservation administration of these lands.
In the national parks the preservation of the primeval forests are
the first consideration. Not only are the forests in the national
parks preserved for their inspirational and recreational use by all of
the people of the country, but they form a natural wildlife reservoir
and laboratory of increasing importance to ecologists.
At the other extreme in prudent use the Department of the Interior
is responsible for the businesslike management of forests on
the revested and reconveyed grant lands of Oregon where timber
cutting must be developed under principles of sustained yield
management.
Among the new and larger forest responsibilities of the Department
is the planning of the administrative organization, the field
projects of and activities on the revested and reconveyed Federal
forest land aggregating 2,213,988 acres located in 18 counties in
western Oregon and locally called “O and C lands.” This term, as
used locally, means the revested Oregon and California Railroad and
reconveyed Coos Bay Whgon Road grant lands. According to the
Federal forest survey in 1934, the total timber volume on these lands
was 46,235,923,000 board feet. Their economic and social importance,
both locally and nationally, places them in the front rank of
American forests.
In 1937 a new start was made to provide these lands with a sound
progressive plan of administrative management, with emphasis on
122
DIRECTOR OF FORESTS 123
the business aspects of forestry. The act of August 28, 1937, authorized
and outlined a plan of sustained yield management for a
specific Federal forest property for the first time in American forestry
law. Moreover, this act authorized the Secretary of the Interior to
make cooperative agreements with other Federal and State agencies
and with private owners and operators for the coordinated administration
of forest units on the revested and reconveyed lands in conjunction
with other public forests and lands in private ownership,
when such action will facilitate sustained yield management. Another
section of the act authorizes similar cooperation by the Secretary
of the Interior in formulating forest plans and practices and for
forest fire protection work.
For the first time in American forestry, legislative authorization
has been given for the creation and development of cooperative sustained
yield units which may comprise forest lands under the jurisdiction
of Federal and State agencies and private forest owners and
operators. This is an entirely new kind of cooperative undertaking
in American forestry, and it will provide a new approach to the
practice of forestry in the United States.
Under the law of August 28, 1937, 75 percent of the gross income
received from sales on the revested and reconveyed lands of Oregon
must be returned to the counties of the State of Oregon and the
Treasury of the United States, leaving 25 percent for the administration
of the forests under appropriation by Congress. This requires
forest planning within forest income so that the principles of sustained
yield management may be carried out on a self-supporting basis.
Not only is the policy of sustained yield of vital importance to the
Nation, it is absolutely necessary to assure a continued existence of
communities dependent on the continuing flow of timber into the
channels of commerce.
In addition to the intensive development for industrial advancement
in the revested and reconveyed lands of Oregon, the Department
of the Interior has the responsibility for conservation of Indian
timber lands. Of the receipts from the sale of timber on Indian
lands, 92 percent is returned to the Indians. Past experience has
shown conclusively that sustained yield management is not only
feasible and economically effective but that it is possible even under
extraordinarily low administrative costs.
In addition to the primeval forests of the national parks and the
commercial forests on the Oregon revested and reconveyed lands and
on the Indian lands, there are forests on the public domain in the
United States and Alaska under the jurisdiction of the Department
which are managed primarily for watershed protection purposes.
Generally speaking, each of these types of forests present different
problems of administration and conservation. However, many
124 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY Oi' THE INTERIOR
forestry techniques, such as fire protection and insect control, and
basic forestry principles apply to all these forests. Particularly is
this true of the policy of conservation, a policy seeking the highest
wise use for the greatest number of the people of the country within
the limits set by congressional legislation.
Consequently, the establishment of the Office of Director of Forests
in the Department of the Interior to promote a unified policy of
forest conservation, forest planning and forestry management is not
only a progressive step forward in general conservation, but it is in
keeping with the basic principles of modern administration.

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GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
W. C. Mendenhall, Director
Basi cally important in the general program of conservation and
development were the results of the Geological Survey’s work during
the fiscal year 1938. Investigations of the Nation’s mineral and
water supplies were conducted with all possible vigor and dispatch,
thousands of square miles were surveyed for topographic maps, and
technical supervision was given to prospecting, mining, and producing
operations on public and Indian lands. This work was accomplished
through the use of the regularly appropriated funds, the cooperative
funds from States, counties, and municipalities, the funds
transferred from other departments of the Government for types of
work within the Survey’s field, and the emergency funds derived
chiefly from the Public Works Administration and devoted largely
to mapping of various types and to studies of floods. The aggregate
expenditures amounted to $5,248,000, which was $265,000 less than
the amount expended during the preceding year.
More than 3,600 analyses and tests of mineral and rock samples
were made, including more than 1,100 for persons not officially connected
with the Geological Survey.
New area to the extent of 13,500 square miles was surveyed in the
field topographically. This work will yield contoured topographic
maps of 198 areas in 35 States and in Puerto Rico. In addition, by
the aid of aerial photography, 2,077 square miles was surveyed in
four States for the production of planimetric maps without contours.
Fifty-six book publications of the Survey’s regular series, and 23
pamphlets and circulars, aggregating more than 8,900 pages of
printed matter, dealing with geology, mineral resources, and water
supplies, were issued during the year, and about 822,000 copies of 312
topographic and other maps were printed. The geologic map of the
Front Range, Colo., was prepared.
There were 63 geologic parties in the field in 35 States and Alaska.
The field investigations on several continuing projects were completed,
and work was begun on new projects, including geologic
studies of areas in Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, and New Mexico. The
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126 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
geologic investigation of the platinum deposits at Goodnews Bay,
Alaska, which now form the principal domestic source of platinum
metals in the United States, was completed.
Measurements of stream flow were maintained at 3,831 streamgaging
stations. All the States, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii
are affected by this work. Flood studies were continued during the
year. Analyses were made of more than 2,400 samples of underground
or surface waters to determine the suitability of the waters
for industrial, agricultural, or domestic uses.
In the administration of the land-classification and mineral-leasing
activities of the Survey more than 15,000 reports were made on cases
requiring an expression of opinion and advice. Mineral production
during the year from public and Indian lands and naval petroleum
reserves under supervision of the Survey had an estimated value of
$88,500,000, and revenue received by the Government as a result of
this production amounted to about $9,750,000. This revenue and
the conservation of the mineral resources involved were attributable,
both directly and indirectly, to supervision by the Survey, which
insures orderly and complete development of those resources.
An allocation of $2,690,000 from the Public Works Administration
for scientific and engineering work, but chiefly for topographic mapping,
will bring the total funds available for 1939 close to $7,500,000,
and the Geological Survey looks with high hope to the work that can
be accomplished for the public good.
GENERAL SUMMARY OF THE YEAR’S ACTIVITIES
Geologic work.—Sixty field parties were active during the year, and work was
done in 35 States. Work continued throughout the year in metal mining districts
of Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, the oil and gas region of Kansas, and in the
Carboniferous areas of Illinois, in cooperation with the States. Physiographic
and geologic studies were continued in the Yosemite, Sequoia, and Zion National
Parks in cooperation with the National Park Service. Cooperation was also
continued with the American Petroleum Institute. Several major projects begun
in 1937 or earlier were continued, and those on the Colorado Front Range, the
Metaline mining district, Washington, the La Plata district, Colorado, and on the
Pottsville flora of Illinois, were completed. New projects include the mineral
resources of Kootenai County, Idaho, in cooperation with the State, a geologic
and geophysical investigation of the ore deposits of the Austin district, Nevada,
geology and mineral resources of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, Nev., for
the Office of Indian Affairs, the Chattanooga and Gold Hill mining districts,
Colorado, and the Big Hatchet Mountains, N. Mex. Work for other Federal
bureaus included examinations of dam sites for the Corps of Engineers, work in
the Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, Calif., and in the Zion and Bryce
Canyon National Parks, Utah, the examination of mineral deposits for the Tennessee
Valley Authority, and special geologic investigations for the Public Health
Service and for the Department of Justice. More than 3,600 analyses and tests
of mineral and rock samples were made, including 1,147 for persons not officially
connected with the Survey. Tests of bleaching clays and temperature measureGEOLOGICAL
SURVEY 127
merits of deep wells were continued. Mathematical tables for calculating temperatures
were prepared, contributory to a long study of geothermal methods for
estimating the age of the earth which is nearing completing.
Explorations in Alaska.—During the field season of 1937 five field projects were
carried on by the Alaskan branch of the Geological Survey. Of these three were
concerned principally with geologic investigations relating to the mineral resources
of the Territory and two were primarily topographic. For the field season of 1938
six field projects had been started before the end of the fiscal year 1937-38 and one
additional field project was to be undertaken as soon as practicable. All of these
field projects will be continued throughout the open season as late as conditions
permit. Other work included the usual collection of statistics regarding the production
of mineral commodities, the answering of many inquiries relating to the
mineral resources of the Territory, and office and laboratory studies required to
prepare the results of the field surveys for publication.
Topographic mapping.—The area covered by new topographic surveys, resurveys,
and revision amounted to 13,583 square miles, which comprises the entire
area or portions of 198 topographic maps with contours. Topographic mapping
was done in 35 States and in Puerto Rico. Cooperation was had with 16 States,
Puerto Rico, and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The area covered by planimetric
maps without contours, resulting from aerial photography, covered 2,077
square miles in 4 States. By a cooperative agreement with the Tennessee Valley
Authority, the Geologic Survey mapped from aerial photographs by stereophotogrammetric
methods 1,168 square miles covering in whole or in part 29
quadrangles. Fifteen stereophotogrammetric instruments have now been installed
at the Chattanooga office of the Geologic Survey. The aerial photographic
method of mapping is gaining in favor. There are many areas in the United States
in which this method could be applied most economically. In addition to the
routine adjustment of primary control, there has been in progress a general adjustment
of both horizontal and vertical control to agree with the standard datums
of the United States, During the year eight bulletins reporting the results of
control surveys have been prepared, and three that were previously prepared were
published. The office work on river surveys that were made by the Conservation
Branch is steadily progressing. The maps of 28 projects, comprising 114 sheets,
were sent forward for reproduction during the year. The preparation of the
transportation map of the United States, in sections, for the Bureau of Public
Roads, was continued, and maps of 5 States, comprising 38 sheets, were published.
Work on the United States portion of the map of the world on the scale of
1:1,000,000 was resumed. One hundred and sixty maps were prepared for photolithographs
and 97 for ehgraving, and 212 maps were prepared for reprinting.
An exhibit comprising 40 maps was prepared and sent to the International Geographic
Congress at Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Investigation of water resources.—The water-resources branch collected and made
available for publication stream-flow records at 3,831 river-measurement stations
in the 48 States, the District of Columbia, and the Territory of Hawaii, obtaining
this authentic information on the behavior of streams in drought, in flood, and in
normal conditions—information that is invaluable for intelligent planning of
projects for use or control of the surface water supply. It investigated underground
water supplies in 34 States and in Guam, Hawaii, and the District of Columbia
and obtained basic information on the occurrence, quantity, and quality
of underground water supplies which is essential for the development, conservation,
and use of ground water upon which a large part of the population of the
country must depend. Investigations of stream-flow and silt movement of
streams in seven projects of the Soil Conservation Service, and similar studies
on the Colorado River, have also been continued. Analyses, partial or complete,
128 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
were made of 2,474 samples of water from surface and underground sources with
reference to the suitability of the waters for industrial and agricultural uses and
for domestic use (aside from questions of health), so far as such use is affected by
the dissolved mineral matter. The annual report on the capacity of water wheels
in water-power plants in the United States of 100 horsepower or more on January
1, 1938, was compiled. Engineers of the branch had field supervision of operation
under permits and licenses of the Federal Power Commission in connection with
155 projects. Investigations of the water problems along the international boundary
between the United States and Canada were continued for the State Department.
The collection of information on recent outstanding floods was continued.
Classifying public land and supervising mineral leases.—The conservation branch
made 15,509 formal findings of technical fact involving the mineral resources,
water power, or storage possibilities of public land; added 97,583 acres to outstanding
water-power reserves and eliminated 5,890 acres therefrom; defined the
known geologic structure of 1 producing oil and gas field involving 1,391 acres;
completed 32 miles of river-utilization surveys and surveyed in detail 4 dam sites
in public-land States; prepared 3 reports based on geologic and geophysical
studies of formation materials and conditions at dam sites; administered activities
and operations under 155 power projects licensed by the Federal Power Commission
and 172 permits and grants from the Department of the Interior; supervised
on public land 8,605 oil and gas holdings involving 4,334 productive wells
and 731 coal properties, 39 potash properties, 66 sodium properties, 27 sulphur
properties, 11 phosphate properties, and 1 oil-shale property involving 526
productive mines; assisted hundreds of oil and gas permittees and operators in
preparation of unit plans of development and operation; classified approximately
7,800 outstanding oil and gas prospecting permits under the extension provisions
of the act of August 26, 1937 (50 Stat. 842); supervised on naval petroleum
reserves 22 leaseholds involving 519 productive oil and gas wells; and on Indian
land 5,382 leaseholds involving 4,407 oil and gas wells, 235 mining properties
involving 44 lead and zinc properties, 142 coal properties, and 49 other mineral
properties; issued the revised ooal operating regulations, effective December 23,
1937; changed territorial delineation of the three oil and gas supervisory districts
and created a fourth supervisory district with headquarters at Roswell, N. Mex.
Publications.—The publications of the year consisted of 56 reports in the regular
series and 23 pamphlets and circulars for administrative use, a total of 8,910
pages; 110 new or revised topographic and other maps and 202 reprinted maps.
Among the book publications were reports on the geology of the Yukon-Tanana
region, Alaska; the geology and mineral resources of areas in Colorado, Idaho, and
Oregon; spirit leveling in Kansas, Missouri, and Vermont; records of water levels
and artesian pressure in observation wells in the United States in 1936; ground
water in south-central Nebraska and in areas in Arizona, Texas, and Utah; the
thermal springs of the United States; the warm springs of Georgia; the floods of
March 1936 in the eastern United States and floods in California and Texas;
and several paleontologic papers. A revision of the operating regulations to
govern coal-mining methods and the safety and welfare of miners on leased lands
on the public domain was also issued. Besides these printed reports 24 brief
papers were issued in mimeographed form as memoranda for the press or as informative
circulars.
The engraving and printing division printed more than 822,000 copies of maps
and did repay work amounting to about $195,000 for 72 other units of the Federal
and State Governments.
Note .—Detailed tabular statements are given at the end of the report.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 129
GEOLOGIC BRANCH
SUMMARY
Sixty field parties were active during the year, and work was done
in 35 States. Work continued throughout the year in metal mining
districts of Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico, the oil and gas region of
Kansas, and in the Carboniferous areas of Illinois, in cooperation with
the States. Cooperative investigations with the American Petroleum
Institute were continued. Physiographic and geologic studies were
also continued in the Yosemite, Sequoia, and Zion National Parks
in cooperation with the National Park Service. Several major
projects begun in 1937 or earlier were continued and those on the
Colorado Front Range, the Metaline mining district, Washington,
the La Plata district, Colorado, and on the Pottsville flora of Illinois,
were completed. New projects include the mineral resources of
Kootenai County, Idaho, in cooperation with the State, a geologic
and geophysical investigation of the ore deposits of the Austin district,
Nevada, geology and mineral resources of the Duck Valley Indian
Reservation, Nev., for the Office of Indian Affairs, the Chattanooga
and Gold Hill mining districts, Colorado, and the Big Hatchet Mountains,
N. Mex. Work for other Federal bureaus included examinations
of dam sites for the Corps of Engineers, work in the Yosemite
and Sequoia National Parks, Calif., and in the Zion and Bryce Canyon
National Parks, Utah, the examination of mineral deposits for the
Tennessee Valley Authority, and special geologic investigations for
the Public Health Service and for the Department of Justice. More
than 3,600 analyses and tests of mineral and rock samples were made,
including 1,147 for persons not officially connected with the Survey.
Tests of bleaching clays were continued and aided further in placing
an important paying industry on a firm foundation. Temperature
measurements of deep wells were continued, and mathematical tables
for calculating temperatures were prepared, contributory to a long
study of geothermal methods for estimating the age of the earth,
which is nearing completion.
WORK OF THE YEAR BY STATES
Alabama.—Additional field work was done in the Greasy Cove area, Etowah
County, in connection with a study of iron ore in the Red Mountain formation
in northeastern Alabama, and the investigation of the brown iron ore in the
Russellville district was continued. Stratigraphic examinations were made of
the Upper Cretaceous and Tertiary formations. An investigation for the Public
Health Service was made of geologic and ground-water conditions in Coffee
County, to determine their possible influence on the prevalence of tuberculosis.
Arizona.—Investigations were made of the geology and ore deposits of the
Benson and Pearce quadrangles and of the manganese deposits in the Artillery
Peak Mountains. A report on the ore deposits of the Tombstone district, prepared
in cooperation with the Arizona Bureau of Mines, was transmitted to that
130 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
bureau for publication. Progress was made on reports on the geology and mineral
resources of the Tucson quadrangle and on the geology and ore deposits of the
Ajo quadrangle.
Arkansas.—A field study was made of quartz veins and some mineral deposits
of Magnet Cove, Crystal Mountains, and other areas in western Arkansas.
Papers on volcanic activity at Magnet Cove, taeniolite from Magnet Cove,
unweathered manganese deposits of the Batesville district, and Pennsylvanian
sedimentation in the Arkansas coal field were submitted for outside publication,
and a paper on the influence of structure in localizing ore in the quicksilver deposits
of southwestern Arkansas was submitted to the National Research Council.
Bulletin 886-C on the geology and ore deposits of the southwestern Arkansas
quicksilver district was issued. Reports on the fauna and stratigraphy of the
Morrow group of Arkansas and Oklahoma, on recent developments in the Batesville
district manganese deposits, and on the geology of the Fort Smith district
are in preparation for official publication.
California.'—A comprehensive report on the general geology, physiography,
paleontology, and stratigraphy of the Kettleman Hills oil field and a report on
the geology and ore deposits of the Grass Valley region are in process of publication.
Studies of the Foraminifera of the Kreyenhagen shale of Garza Creek;
stratigraphy, structure, and petrology of the siliceous rocks of the Monterey
formation; the geology of the San Andreas Rift; the east front of the Sierra Nevada
with regard to problems of the age of the fault escarpment; and the geology and
mineral resources of the Death Valley region and of the Elsinore, San Luis Rey,
and Corona quadrangles were in progress. Field investigations of the geologic
structure, stratigraphy, and oil resources of the lower Tertiary strata in Reef
Ridge in the Kettleman Plains and the Dudley No. 2 quadrangle in the Coalinga
region, and of the geology and mineral resources of the Palos Verdes Hills, including
a study of the Wilmington oil field, were completed. To obtain data for
a study of source beds of petroleum, oil centers in California were visited. In
cooperation with the National Park Service a geologic reconnaissance of the
northwestern part of Yosemite National Park was continued. Papers were
submitted for outside publication on the calcium carbonate content of some
Mesozoic and Tertiary sediments, vein filling at Nevada City, arsenic from
gold quartz veins of Grass Valley, and copper deposits in serpentine in southwestern
Oregon and northwestern California as illustrated by the Cowboy mine.
Colorado.'—The program for investigation of some mining regions in the State
in cooperation with the State of Colorado and the Colorado metal mining fund
was continued. Field studies of the Ouray district in the San Juan region, of
the Cripple Creek district, and of districts in the La Plata Mountains were
completed. Other studies were made in the Gold Hill mining district, in the
Idaho Springs and Central City districts in the Front Range, and in the Chattanooga
and Kokomo-Robinson districts. A paper on copper ores of the La
Plata district and an explanatory text to accompany the geologic map of the
Front Range mineral belt were submitted to the Colorado Scientific Society for
publication. Other papers to be published outside were prepared on the Laramide
igneous sequence and differentiation in the Front Range, stoping and assimilation
in a granodiorite stock at Jamestown, and the Leadville district (National Research
Council). A memorandum for the press was issued on platinum metals
in a Colorado copper district. Progress was made on reports on the geology and
ore deposits of the Ouray district, the Front Range, the La Plata district, the
Jamestown mining district, the Kokomo-Robinson district, the Cripple Creek
district, the Gold Hill mining district, and on the Nederland tungsten deposits,
Paleozoic stratigraphy in the Sawatch Range, and the geology and mineral resources
of the west slope of the Mosquito Range. Non-cooperative investigations
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 131
in the State consisted of completion of field studies in the Yampa coal field, in
northwestern Colorado. A report on the alkaline rocks of Iron Hill was submitted
for official publication, and papers on plagioclase and orthoclase feldspar
from the Tertiary rocks of the San Juan region for outside publication. A report
on the geology and mineral resources of the Snowmass Mountain area was published
as Bulletin 884.
Florida.—A study of the physical geography of the State in cooperation with
the Florida Geological Survey is in progress. A geophysical survey was made
across the peninsula in north-central Florida, and stratigraphic and paleontologic
studies were made of the Tertiary formations of the State and on the gastropods
of the Alum Bluff group. A report on phosphate investigations in 1934-35 was
completed for official publication. A paper on the molluscan fauna from the
upper bed at the A. L. Parrish farm, Washington County, with notes on the
Foraminifera from the upper and lower beds at the same locality, was submitted
for outside publication.
Georgia.-—The detailed areal mapping and study of ore deposits in the Cartersville
district and the investigation of the geology of the Coastal Plain of Georgia,
in cooperation with the Division of Mines, Mining, and Geology of Georgia,
were continued. A reconnaissance study was made of the Upper Cretaceous
formations of the State for the purpose of correlating these formations with those
of Mississippi and Alabama. A report on the warm springs of Georgia and their
geologic relations and origin was published as Water-Supply Paper 819. A
paper on stratigraphy of the Coastal Plain of Georgia was published in the Bulletin
of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Hawaii.-—A geophysical survey in the Hawaiian Islands was undertaken for
the purpose of determining water supplies.
Idaho.-—Cooperation with the Idaho Bureau of Mines was continued in studies
of geology and ore deposits of the Dixie mining district, the placer deposits of
central Idaho, the dry belt of the Coeur d’Alenes, the mining district in Kootenai
County, the Atlanta-Rocky Bar mining district, the Florence mining district,
and the Boise Basin. A report on geology and ore deposits near Murray was
transmitted for publication by the Idaho Bureau of Mines, and papers on structural
setting of veins in the Elk City and Warren districts and influence of structure in
localizing ore in the Boise Basin were submitted to the National Research Council.
Noncooperative projects consisted of a reconnaissance of physiography and glacial
geology of eastern Idaho and detailed mapping of the geology and mineral resources
in the Borah Peak, Irwin, Ammon, and Paradise Valley quadrangles.
Bulletin 877 on the geology and ore deposits of the Bayhorse region, Custer
County, was issued.
Illinois.-—Cooperation with the Illinois Geological Survey in the study of the
Pottsville flora of the Eastern Interior Basin was continued, and studies of the
Fusulinidae of the Pennsylvanian series in Illinois were in progress. A paper
on the origin of the bedding replacement deposits of the Illinois fluorspar field
was prepared for outside publication.
Indiana.-—A preliminary account of the flora of the New Albany shale of
Indiana and Kentucky was submitted for outside publication. A paper on
gastropods from the Spergen formation is in preparation. The report on the
Pottsville flora of the Eastern Interior Basin is mentioned under Illinois. A
study of Devonian fossils and stratigraphy is mentioned under Michigan.
Kansas.-—In cooperation with the Geological Survey of Kansas, investigation
of the subsurface Mississippian rocks was continued and a study of subsurface
rocks of pre-Chattanooga age was begun. A temperature investigation of shallow
shoestring sand pools in southeastern Kansas and northeastern Oklahoma and
132 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
geophysical observations in oil and gas districts of eastern Kansas were made.
A paper on oil and gas resources of western Kansas was submitted to the American
Association of Petroleum Geologists and one on Mississippian rocks of Labette
County to the Kansas Geological Survey for inclusion in a State report on that
county. Studies of source beds in Kansas and of the lead and zinc deposits of
southeastern Kansas included in the Tri-State district are mentioned under
Oklahoma.
Kentucky.—A report on additions to the Wilcox flora from Kentucky and
Louisiana was completed for official publication. Work on the Pottsville flora
of the Eastern Interior Basin is mentioned under Illinois. Preliminary account
of the flora of the New Albany shale is mentioned under Indiana. A study of
Devonian fossils and stratigraphy is mentioned under Michigan.
Louisiana.—A revised edition of the map of Louisiana, showing oil and gas
fields, salt domes, and prospects, was prepared. A report on the Wilcox flora
is mentioned under Kentucky.
Maine.'—A study of the granites on Crotch and Deer Islands in the Stonington
district was made in connection with a study of commercial granites and mapping
granite quarries in New England.
Maryland.'—In informal cooperation with the Maryland Geological Survey a
geologic map with structure sections of Frederick County, including parts of
Carroll and Washington Counties, was transmitted to the Maryland Geological
Survey. Geophysical investigations in the Soldiers Delight and adjacent area
were continued.
Massachusetts.—Study of commercial granites and mapping granite quarries
in New England included granite areas in Massachusetts.
Michigan.'—The resistivity survey of some oil districts near Lansing by members
of the geophysical section in cooperation with the Department of Conservation
of the State of Michigan was completed and the report transmitted to the
State for publication. Studies of Devonian fossils and stratigraphy in Michigan,
Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio were continued.
Mississippi.-—Studies of the stratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous deposits
and of the geology of the Jackson gas field were continued, and a paper on the
State’s deep test well in the Jackson gas field was sent to the Mississippi Geological
Survey for publication.
Missouri.—A report on the stratigraphy and fauna of the Louisiana limestone
of Missouri was transmitted for publication, and work on a paper on the Warsaw
fauna of the Joplin district was continued.
Montana.—General reconnaissance studies of the physiography and glacial
geology of portions of western Montana, northwestern Wyoming, and eastern
Idaho, detailed studies of the geology and the coal, gas, and oil resources of the
Little Rocky Mountains and adjacent areas, and an investigation of scarps and
other evidences of Pleistocene and Recent faulting in southwestern Montana were
continued. Field examinations of geologic structure and fuel resources of a part
of Carbon County and of the geology and coal resources in the Otter Creek area,
Powder River, Rosebud, and Big Horn Counties, were begun. An examination
of the Willow Creek dam site in the Crow Indian Reservation near Billings was
made for the Office of Indian Affairs. Reports for official publication on the
geology and mineral resources of the Black Hills rim, in Montana and Wyoming,
and of the Libby quadrangle, and on fossil plants from the Fort Union and associated
formations in Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming, were in progress.
Papers were submitted for outside publication on amphibolization of sills and
dikes in the Libby quadrangle, on the influence of structure on ore deposits in the
Libby quadrangle, on structural features of the Flathead mine, and on Kinderhook
conodonts from the Little Rocky Mountains.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 133
Nevada.—Field and office work on the projects covering the general geology
and ore deposits of the Hawthorne and Tonopah quadrangles, the Comstock lode
at Virginia City, and the structure of the Basin Range, were continued. A study
of the Austin or Reese River district was begun. Geophysical studies were made
in the Austin and Spring Valley districts. An examination of ore deposits in
the Duck Valley Indian Reservation was made for the Office of Indian Affairs.
A paper on Mesozoic stratigraphy of the Hawthorne and Tonopah quadrangles,
was submitted for outside publication.
New Hampshire.—In connection with an investigation of the granites of New
England, studies were made of the granite districts in New Hampshire.
New Jersey.—A report on pre-Cambrian geology and mineral resources of the
Delaware Water Gap and Easton quadrangles, New Jersey and Pennsylvania,
was transmitted for official publication.
New Mexico.—'The study of the geology and ore deposits of the Little Hatchet
Mountains conducted in cooperation with the New Mexico Bureau of Mines was
continued. A paper on the outlook for new ore discoveries in the Little Hatchet
Mountains was submitted for outside publication. A field examination of the
geology and the coal, oil, and gas resources of the eastern side of the San Juan
Basin in Rio Arriba County was continued. Official reports covering this and
earlier investigations, including a study of the Lumberton-Monero district, were
in progress and also one on the Potash special quadrangle. A preliminary map
showing geologic structure of part of Rio Arriba County was published. A correlation
chart for the Permian of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico,
and a short summary of the influence of structure in localizing ore in the Ground
Hog mine, central district, were prepared for the National Research Council.
A paper on a newly discovered section of Trinity age in southwestern New Mexico
was prepared for the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
New York.—A report on talc in the Gouverneur district, the field work for which
was done several years ago on an allotment from Public Works Administration
is nearing completion for official publication. A paper on some Psilophytales
from the Hamilton group in western New York was prepared for outside publication.
Bulletin 899-A on structure and gas possibilities of the Oriskany sandstone
in Steuben, Yates, and parts of the adjacent counties, was issued.
North Dakota.—A report on the geology and coal resources of the Minot area
is in course of publication. Work on the Fort Union and associated formations
is mentioned under Montana.
North Carolina.—A report on gastropods from the Miocene and lower Pliocene
of Virginia and North Carolina, with summary of stratigraphy, was completed
for official publication.
Ohio.—A study of the stratigraphy and fossils of the Devonian of Michigan and
Ohio was continued. A study of the stratigraphy and faunas from the Devonian
and Carboniferous formations is mentioned under Pennsylvania.
Oklahoma.—The investigation of the geologic structure, stratigraphy, and petroleum
possibilities in the Ouachita Mountains was extended. Preparation of
reports on subsurface geology and oil and gas resources of Osage County was continued,
and those covering Tps. 22 and 23 N., Rs. 8, 9, 10, and 11 E., and Tps. 24
and 25 N., Rs. 8 and 9 E., are in course of official publication. In the investigation
of the lead and zinc deposits of the tri-State area, mapping the geologic
structure and stratigraphy and study of the mines of the Oklahoma and Kansas
portions of the district were continued. Reports on stratigraphy and fossils of
the Moorefield formation and of the Morrow group of Arkansas and Oklahoma
were in progress. A new edition of the map of the oil and gas fields of Oklahoma
is in preparation. In connection with a comprehensive study of source beds of
petroleum conducted in cooperation with the American Petroleum Institute,
134 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
localities in Oklahoma and Kansas were visited. A paper on some studies of
source beds in Oklahoma and Kansas and a paper on the Verden sandstone of
Oklahoma—an exposed shoestring sand of Permian age—were published by the
American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Oregon.—A report on the geology of a part of the Wallowa Mountains was
transmitted to the Oregon State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
for publication, and a paper on the geology of the Salem Hills and the North
Santiam River is in preparation for publication by the State. A preliminary
geophysical investigation of the Sourdough chromite deposits in Oregon was
made for the State Department of Geology and Mineral Industries. Bulletins 875
(Nonmetallic mineral resources of eastern Oregon), 879 (Geology and mineral
resources of the Baker quadrangle), and 893 (Metalliferous mineral deposits of the
Cascade Range in Oregon) were issued.
Pennsylvania.—Reports on the geology and mineral resources of the Honeybrook
and Phoenixville quadrangles and of the Hanover and York quadrangles
have been completed for official publication. Additional field work was done in
York County in connection with a report on the geology and mineral deposits of
York County in cooperation with the State of Pennsylvania. A report on a dam
site on Codorus Creek. York County, was made for the War Department. Studies
of the regional metamorphism in the Lower Kittanning coal beds of western
Pennsylvania, and of the stratigraphy and flora of the Pocono formation of
Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, were continued. A report on some
linguloid shells from the late Devonian and early Carboniferous rocks of Pennsylvania
and Ohio was submitted for official publication, and a paper on garnet
crystals in cavities in metamorphosed Triassic conglomerate in York County and a
discussion of a paper by Ralph Miller on the Martinsville limestone in eastern
Pennsylvania were submitted for outside publication. Work in the Delaware
Water Gap and Easton quadrangles is mentioned under New Jersey.
Southern Appalachians.—The report on gold deposits of the southern Appalachians,
including areas in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and
Alabama has been submitted for publication.
Tennessee.—Field work for revision of the mapping of the Knox dolomite of
the Mascot-Jefferson City district in east Tennessee and for a study of the manganese
deposits of Perry County was carried on in cooperation with the Division
of Geology of the Tennessee Department of Conservation. Investigations of
geologic and ground-water conditions in Giles County were made for the Public
Health Service to determine their possible influence on the prevalence of
tuberculosis.
Texas.—Reports were in preparation on the structure, stratigraphy, and fossils
of the Navarro group, and on the stratigraphy, geomorphology, and structure of
the southern Guadalupe Mountains. Field work was continued in a study of the
geology of the Sierra Diablo region, west Texas, and in a study of the stratigraphy
and fossils of the Eocene of southeastern Texas, and stratigraphic and paleontologic
investigations of the Carboniferous and Permian formations of central Texas
were made. A resistivity survey for the purpose of obtaining additional information
as to the effects of faults and salt-water boundaries was made in the vicinity
of El Paso. Professional Paper 187, on the geology of the Marathon region, was
completed. A report on a new Upper Cretaceous rudistid from Texas and on
fossils from the Eocene of the Gulf province and a revision of the map of the oil
and gas fields of Texas are in process of publication. A correlation chart of the
Permian of Texas and southern New Mexico was prepared for the National Research
Council. Papers were prepared for outside publication on paleogeography
and correlation of the west Texas Permian, a new taxodent genus from the Upper
Cretaceous of Texas, and tectonics of the Guadalupe Mountain region.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 135
Utah.—Geologic studies of a part of the Strawberry Valley with special attention
to oil shale, coal, oil, gas, and phosphate; of the coal resources and oil and gas
possibilities of the Hanksville-Caineville district; and detailed studies of the
structure, igneous rocks, mineral resources, and physiography of the Henry Mountains;
of the Marysvale district, with special reference to alunite deposits; and of
iron ores of Bull Valley were continued. An examination of a manganese deposit
on Drum Mountain in Juab County was made and a report on these deposits
transmitted for outside publication. Geologic investigations were continued of
the geology and physiography of the plateau regions of Utah and in Zion and
Bryce Canyon National Parks and Cedar Breaks National Monument in cooperation
with the National Park Service. An examination of asphalt deposits of the
Uinta Indian Reservation in northeastern Utah was made for the Office of Indian
Affairs. The report on the geology and mineral resources of the Randolph quadrangle
was transmitted for official publication. Outside publications included a
paper on the origin of the Bull Valley iron ore deposits, comment on J. D.
Forrester’s paper on structure of the Uinta Mountains, and a paper on form of
intrusion in the Henry Mountains.
Vermont.—The studies of commercial granites and mapping granite quarries
of New England included granite areas in east-central Vermont.
Virginia.—Geologic work was conducted in the Galax, Independence, Rural
Retreat, Mouth of Wilson, Mount Rogers, Max Meadows, and Speedwell quadrangles
in connection with a study of the Gossan lead in cooperation with the
Virginia Geological Survey. A paper on a southeastern facies of Lower Cambrian
dolomite present in southwestern Virginia was sent to the Virginia Geological
Survey for publication. Field investigations were made in the Appalachian Valley
of Virginia in connection with a study of the Lower Paleozoic stratigraphy of the
Appalachian Valley, and work on revision of a report on the titanium deposits was
continued. A paper on relations between structure and ore deposition in the
Titanium district near Roseland was completed for the National Research Council.
Work on the Pocono flora is mentioned under Pennsylvania. Work on mollusca
from the Miocene and Lower Pliocene is mentioned under North Carolina.
Washington.—Field investigation of the areal geology, mineral resources, and
mines of the Metaline quadrangle, Pend Oreille County, was completed. A paper
on dolomite and jasperoid in the Metaline district was transmitted for outside
publication. In the later part of the fiscal year a study of the manganese deposits
in the Olympic Peninsula was initiated.
TFesi Virginia.—Work on the Pocono flora from Virginia, West Virginia, and
Pennsylvania is mentioned under Pennsylvania.
Wyoming.-—Areal and structural geologic mapping, with particular reference
to coal and petroleum resources, of areas on the west and east sides of the Big
Horn Basin was continued. Investigations of the Tertiary rocks of the Green
River and Bridger Basins, and fossil syncline of southwestern Wyoming, with
special reference to oil-shale beds, and of the geology and mineral resources of the
Afton quadrangle were continued. A structural map of the Byron-Frannie area,
Big Horn and Park Counties, was published. A report on geology and coal resources
of the area south of Cody and one on the Shoshone area, Park County, are
in preparation. Work in the Irwin quadrangle and on glacial geology and physiography
is mentioned under Idaho. Work on the Black Hills rim and on the Fort
Union and associated formations is mentioned under Montana.
General studies.—General investigations included Foraminifera of the Cretaceous
formation of the Gulf Coast region, the genus Ceratopea, Tertiary echinoids of the
eastern United States, Buliminidae, Globigerinidae, borderland problems of
geology, physics, and chemistry, types and ranks of coal, source beds of petroleum,
clay minerals, salt-dome cap rock, deep-sea cores from across the North Atlantic
136 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Ocean, and a core sample from the deep-sea bottom southeast of New York City.
A revision of a bulletin on microscopic determination of the ore minerals was
completed for official publication. Geophysical abstracts covering the period
from July 1936 to March 1938 were issued or are in course of publication.
WORK IN CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
Increasing attention during the past year has been given to chemical
mineralogy, with special consideration of the internal structure of
minerals. It is now possible to show that the physical properties of a
mineral depend not only on the kinds of atoms composing it but also on
their role and their arrangement in the crystal—features that can be
determined by X-rays. The densities of strata, rocks, and minerals
likewise, in the final analysis, are explained in the same way. It seems
reasonable to expect that further study of the associations and conditions
of formation of minerals will yield illuminating correlations with
both their chemical composition and physical structure. Information
on all the physical properties of rocks and minerals is being compiled
in collaboration with the National Research Council.
During the year the stability relations of the different hydrates of
sodium borate were studied further; also the optical properties of
numerous minerals for many localities, including several manganese
minerals, micas, sulphates from the Comstock lode, and many other
minerals. Platinum and palladium were definitely identified in ore
from the La Plata district, Colorado. A clay deposit in Iowa was
shown to be mainly halloysite. Sodium sulphate is now being produced
from a deposit in Texas, a sample of which was first identified
as sodium sulphate among many samples sent in by the public for
identification. Over 30 manuscripts were read critically by members
of the section of chemistry and physics.
Altogether 3,636 examinations or tests of minerals and rock samples
were made during the year. These included 1,147 specimens tested
and identified for persons not officially connected with the Survey.
There were 939 chemical analyses made for geologists and 493 similar
analyses made in connection with research problems and geochemical
investigations. The remaining 1,057 tests related to core samples,
well cuttings, and similar materials.
Special investigations included a study of the base-exchange properties
of river clays, a matter that will afford a correction of the
previously calculated age of the ocean; the analysis and structural interpretation
of several varieties of mica, especially taeniolite, lithiophyllite,
and lepidolite, which have led to a better understanding of the
relations between the different micas; elaborate mathematical studies
relating to the flow of heat in the earth; the development of new methods
of chemical analysis; and adjustment of estimates of the lengths
of the geologic eras and periods in years, based both on geologic and
radioactive evidence.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 137
Spectrographic tests were made on many different minerals and ores,
and minor constituents obtained in chemical work were more positively
identified in this way. Crystallographic measurements were
made of a number of minerals. Cuttings from a considerable number
of wells were logged to determine the character of the strata at depth.
Materials mined under royalties to the Government, such as potash,
were checked as to quality and quantity. Assays were made for gold,
silver, and platinum in a number of metalliferous samples.
Among minerals analyzed in the laboratory during the year were
sodalite from Magnet Cove, Ark., pyrophyllite from Staley, N. C.,
many igneous rocks associated with ore deposits in the Western
States, talc from Quebec, alunite from Nevada, potash brines from
Utah and Wyoming, pumicite, oceanic clays, mica, mine waters, siderite
from several mines, tetrahedrite, vermiculite, grahamite, dolomite,
halloysite, trona, phosphate rock, vanadiferous sandstone, native gold
and platinum, albite, rhodochrosite, alunogen, and other similar
substances.
A monograph on bleaching clays was completed, covering their
geographic and geologic distribution, their physical and chemical
properties, and their processing, rating, and testing. This summarizes
8 years of intensive work and puts an important key industry
on a firm foundation. All lubricating oils, most fats and waxes, many
paint oils, all medicinal oils, and much sulphur are processed with
bleaching clay. For this work over 4,000 samples of clays from the
United States and many foreign countries were investigated. New
classifications and new methods of testing and rating were developed.
Extensions of chemical and physical methods of clay analysis were
developed to add to the knowledge of their structure and properties,
and new occurrences of bleaching clays have been discovered.
A paper was prepared on observed temperatures in the crust of the
earth for publication by the National Research Council. A program
was outlined for calculation of certain mathematical tables by the
Works Progress Administration, and a temperature survey was made
of a 7,000-foot well near Washington, Pa. Tables were prepared for
calculating the temperatures in a radioactive and a nonradioactive
earth and also for calculating the temperature changes resulting from
the flow of solar heat into and out of the earth for depths not exceeding
100 feet. The last two sets of tables are to be included in a final
report on earth temperatures. A paper on geothermal methods of
estimating the age of the earth is nearly completed.
The temperature machine which has been developed during the past
few years is practically complete and has given highly satisfactory
service. One of these machines is being used by the National Park
Service in making a depth (and possibly also a temperature) survey of
Crater Lake, Oreg.
138 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
A number of involved mathematical equations were solved by elaborate
calculations.
Several field trips were made and papers were presented at regular
meetings of the American Geophysical Union, the American Chemical
Society, and various geological and mineralogical societies.
ALASKAN BRANCH
The work of the Geological Survey in Alaska is comparable in its
aims with that performed in the various States, the principal differences
being in the placing of the emphasis and in the methods used.
Thus, because of the unsettled, undeveloped, and unknown character
of much of Alaska, there is less immediate need for intensive detailed
studies but more pressing calls for exploratory and reconnaissance
surveys; less need for delimiting the precise boundary of a particular
mineral area and more for determining the areas of economic importance.
The training and experience required for carrying on such
pioneer surveys are markedly different from those effective in intensive
research on detailed problems, and the technique involved in the
two types of investigation differs as greatly as does the art of the
painter of miniatures from that of the painter of cycloramas. This
condition in Alaska but repeats, in a measure, the history of the
development of the Government’s surveys in the States, where exploration
preceded reconnaissance, and reconnaissance in time gave
place to more detailed surveys. The stages of exploration and
reconnaissance in Alaska are still far from being ended. More than
half of the Territory has not yet been surveyed on standards that are
regarded as adequate for reconnaissance purposes, and less than 1
percent has been surveyed on standards acceptable for detailed investigations.
At the rate at which the work is now being carried on in
Alaska many generations will have come and gone before even reconnaissance
maps of the whole Territory are available. That the results
of these investigations are urgently needed and widely used is shown
by the large number of reports and maps sold and by the many requests
for information, much of which cannot be supplied because the investigations
or surveys have not yet been made. The reports and maps
are widely used, especially by those concerned with the mining industry,
and as they are the only authoritative sources of information for
much of the country, they are indispensable to legislative and executive
officers of the Government and others in the effective planning
and successful conduct of many undertakings, such as airplane
communication, roads, forestry, and national defense.
Field work.—As the field projects in Alaska do not lend themselves well to
description by fiscal years, because the field work is usually started in May and
continues as late in the fall as practicable, they will be described by field seasons.
Thus, the projects undertaken in the field season of 1937 were financed in part from
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 139
funds appropriated for the fiscal year 1937 and in part from funds for the fiscal
year 1938, and the projects for the field season of 1938 were financed by funds for
the fiscal years 1938 and 1939.
For the field season of 1937 five field projects were carried on by the Alaskan
Branch of the Geological Survey. Three of these were concerned principally with
geologic investigations relating to the mineral resources of the Territory, and two
were primarily topographic surveys. The areas in which the principal new geologic
projects were undertaken were on Admiralty Island and adjacent tracts in
southeastern Alaska; in the Alaska Range near the head of the Copper River;
and in the vicinity of Goodnews Bay, near the mouth of the Kuskokwim River,
in western Alaska. The surveys on Admiralty Island were designed to afford
information regarding the possibility of the area containing deposits of nickel that
might be of national importance, as well as to obtain additional facts regarding
the occurrence and mineralization of the gold lodes that have long yielded a small
but constant output of gold from the island. The part of the Alaska Range that
was surveyed is among the least known areas, and the principal object of the work
was to determine the general features of the geology and whether the geologic
conditions are favorable for the occurrence there of deposits of lode and placer
gold and other minerals similar to the deposits already known in the outskirts of
the area. The work near Goodnews Bay focused on a study of the platinum
deposits that now form the principal domestic source of platinum metals in the
United States. The topographic projects included reconnaissance surveys in
parts of the Alaska Range near the head of the Copper River and detailed and
reconnaissance surveys in the platinum fields and adjacent areas of the Goodnews
Bay district.
For the field season of 1938 six field projects had been started before the end
of the fiscal year 1938, of which three are primarily geologic and three are primarily
topographic. An additional field project for this season will be started as
soon as practicable. All these projects will be continued in the field throughout
the open season as late as conditions permit and will then be completed in the
office.
The three geologic projects for the season of 1938 include work on Chicagof
Island in southeastern Alaska, in the Copper River region, and in the upper
Yukon region. The survey of part of Chicagof Island will embrace one of the
large lode-gold areas in the western part of southeastern Alaska, and the study
will be directed toward determining the conditions attendant on mineralization
there in the hope not only of understanding the immediate conditions but of
gathering information that may be of service in searching for similar deposits in
areas where commercial deposits have not yet been found. The work in the
Copper River region will be a continuation of the studies that have been in
progress for 4 years to determine the facts regarding the extensive tract that lies
in and adjacent to the Alaska Range. The investigations in the upper Yukon
region will cover a part of the old fossil gravel deposits that extend for 100 miles
to the northwest of Eagle and that appear to have been the source from which
was derived much of the gold that was later reconcentrated by the present streams
to form the workable placers now being extensively mined. The three topographic
projects include surveys on Chicagof Island, in the Copper River region,
and in the Tanana Valley. The first two are needed for immediate use by the
geologists working in these areas, and the maps, when completed, will also be
available for general use and will thus reduce somewhat the blank areas in the
Territory. The survey on Chicagof Island is being made on a relatively detailed
scale, but that in the Copper River region will be mainly of the reconnaissance
type, except for a small area near the principal mine, which will be in more detail.
The topographic work in the Tanana Valley will consist of photographing from
140 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
the air by means of special cartographic cameras the lowland of the Tanana
River from Fairbanks eastward to the international boundary, an area of some
7,000 to 10,000 square miles of country, most of which has not been surveyed at
all or at best only on crude exploratory standards. Unfortunately, lack of
funds will probably prevent the Geological Survey from promptly taking off the
information afforded by these pictures and working it up into maps, but this
will be done as rapidly as funds and personnel become available. The preparation
of maps of this area is of great importance in the consideration of almost
all matters affecting transportation and development throughout this part of
Alaska. Similar surveys and maps should be prepared of the other great natural
routes through the interior, such as the entire lowlands of the Yukon River and
its larger tributaries and of the Kuskokwim River and its tributaries.
Office work.—After completion of field work each season much office and
laboratory work is required in analyzing the specimens collected, identifying by
microscopic and other means the rocks and minerals found, perfecting the field
sketches and drawings, and interpreting the various geologic phenomena observed,
so that the significant facts are revealed and can be intelligibly expressed
by maps and reports that are published and become available to the public. It
is usually reckoned that these office studies and work require about twice as long
as the original field work, so that if the original field work was done in 100 days
it requires about 200 days to prepare the results for publication. If the results
are not thus made available the public loses much of the value of the investigation
for which it has paid.
An office project not directly related to new field work but requiring familiarity
with the mining industry of Alaska is the annual canvass of the production of
minerals from the Territory. This work involves analysis and tabulation of
returns from mine operators throughout the Territory as to their year’s output
of any kind of minerals of value and the checking of these results by information
from any other sources that will make it possible to give complete and correct
records of the amount of each kind of mineral produced, the districts from which
it came, and the new developments that have taken place or are in prospect.
This work has been completed for the year 1937 and the results prepared for
publication; the canvass for 1938 is under way.
Reports and maps.—During the year six reports containing maps, seven separate
maps (including two new editions and three reprints), and five press statements
have been published. Ten reports including maps, one separate map,
and new editions or revisions of three maps are in course of publication. In
addition three reports, one map, and new editions of two maps were partly completed.
Five papers prepared by personnel of the Alaskan Branch were approved
for outside publication.
TOPOGRAPHIC BRANCH
GENERAL OFFICE WORK
Necessary office work incidental to the field work of the Topographic
Branch consisted in the inking, inspection, and editing of
the completed topographic field sheets prior to their submission for
reproduction and the computation and adjustment of the results of
control field work and photo-planimetric compilation.
Control Section.—In addition to the routine adjustment of primary
control, there has been in progress a general adjustment of both
horizontal and vertical control to agree with the standard datums of
the United States.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 141
During the year the manuscripts for eight bulletins reporting the
results of control surveys were prepared. Three bulletins for which
the manuscript had been prepared previously were published.
Spirit leveling in Kansas, 1896-1935 (Bulletin 889); in southeastern
Missouri, 1896-1937 (Bulletin 898-A); and in Vermont, 1896-1935
(Bulletin 888).
Section oj Photo-mapping.—In the section of photo-mapping, aerial
photographs were used for the compilation of planimetric bases of
sixteen 7%' quadrangles or parts of quadrangles in Louisiana and
two 7%' quadrangles in Michigan, a total of 977 square miles. After
the customary field inspection, these maps are published as planimetric
maps. Line bases to assist in topographic mapping were likewise
compiled of nine 7%' quadrangles in Massachusetts and fifteen
7%' and 15' quadrangles in Missouri, a total of 1,975 square miles,
making a grand total of 2,952 square miles. Thirty-six square miles
in Virginia and 49 square miles in Montana were mapped by the
stereophotogrammetric method in the Washington office.
Cartographic Section.—Work on preparing additional sheets of the
United States portion of the map of the world on the scale of
1:1,000,000 was resumed. Sheet J18, Chesapeake Bay, is in progress.
For the Bureau of Public Roads the work of preparing the transportation
map of the United States was continued. Compilation
and inking were in progress on 80 sheets. Proofreading and checking
was done on 38 sheets. Maps of 5 States, comprising 38 sheets,
were published.
Section oj Inspection and Editing.-—During the year 160 new maps
were prepared for photolithographs as advance sheets. One hundred
three new topographic maps were edited for publication, 6 of which
were for three-color lithographs, and 97 for engraving. The preparation
of quadrangle maps for reprinting is a large item in the work of
the branch. Two hundred twelve quadrangle maps and 17 State and
index maps were prepared and edited for reprint editions. Editing
was also completed on 149 illustrations. Three hundred eighty-one
proofs of maps in course of publication were read.
On June 30, 1938, in the Washington office, 126 topographic maps
were prepared or partly prepared for lithography and 103 were in
different stages of editing.
For the Conservation Branch the work of preparing river surveys
for publication was continued. Work was done on 69 different
projects. The maps of 28 projects, comprising 114 separate sheets,
were transmitted for lithography during the year.
For the Tennessee Valley Authority the work of final preparation
and transmitting of 12 maps for reproduction and the reading of
8 proofs was done.
104366—38------ 11
142 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
During the year an exhibit of 40 maps was prepared for the International
Geographic Congress to be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands,
during July 1938.
MAP INFORMATION OFFICE
In January 1920 the Map Information Office, authorized by Executive
order of December 30, 1919, was organized in the Geological
Survey as part of the Topographic Branch. Since that time it has
been conducted entirely by Geological Survey personnel.
The files of the office contain samples of practically all types of
maps published by the Federal mapping agencies, many maps of
foreign governments and commercial map publishers, catalogs and
index maps, and a card index for reference, which is much used by
Government agencies and the general public. In addition to its
functions as a clearing house for map information, the office has also
been given the task of collecting, classifying, and disseminating information
concerning all aerial photography throughout the United
States, both of a Federal and non-Federal character.
The office is used as a clearing house for all aerial topographic data
similar to that for maps. One of the accomplishments of the year was
the compilation and publishing, for the Board of Surveys and Maps,
of an index map of the United States on which were shown all areas
photographed up to March 1937.
Also, all of the minutes of the meetings of the Federal Board of
Surveys and Maps have been taken, and all correspondence relating
to the Board is done, by Geological Survey personnel.
FIELD SURVEYS
Work was done in 35 States and in Puerto Rico. Cooperative
projects were conducted in 16 of these States and in Puerto Rico and
with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
The art of making topographic maps from aerial photographs by
the use of stereophotogrammetric methods is well established in the
United States. By a cooperative agreement with the Tennessee
Valley Authority, the Geological Survey is mapping areas within the
Tennessee River Basin. On June 30, 18 Geological Survey employees
were detailed on this project. Fifteen stereophotogrammetric plotting
instruments are installed at Chattanooga, where the work is being
done.
Of the area of the United States 45 percent has been covered by
topographic maps, the year’s increment amounting to 0.2 percent.
The reduced percentage, as compared with 47.4 reported in 1937, is
due to the fact that during the year maps of 79,668 square miles, based
on reconnaissance surveys prior to 1896 and considered inadequate,
have been withdrawn from distribution and the areas classified as unmapped.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 143
WORK OF THE YEAR BY STATES
Abbreviations for projects listed below: Federal Emergency Administration
of Public Works, “P. W.”; Tennessee Valley Authority
(by stereophotogrammetric methods) “T. V. A.”
Arizona.—In preparation for geologic mapping, Klondyke 15' quadrangle completed
and Galiuro Mountains 15' quadrangle begun. For the Forest Service,
San Vincente 15' quadrangle completed. At the request of the National Park
Service, Canyon de Chelly National Monument begun. Diamond Butte 15'
quadrangle (P. W.) completed.
Arkansas.—In cooperation with the Geological Survey of Arkansas, Blakemore
15' quadrangle completed and Lonoke 15' quadrangle begun. Benton 15' quadrangle
(P. W.) begun.
California.—In cooperation with the State engineer of California, Colton and
Jurupa Mountains 7J4' quadrangles completed. In preparation for geologic
mapping, Grizzly Ridge 15' quadrangle completed. For the National Park Service,
the revision of Sequoia and General Grant National Parks completed.
Colorado.—In cooperation with the Metal Mining Fund of Colorado, Dunton
mining area and Ward Sunset mining area completed. In cooperation with the
city of Denver, Arvada, Brighton, Fort Logan, and Long Branch 7JV quadrangles
completed; Diamond K Ranch, East Lake, Fitzsimons, Golden, Littleton,
Lafayette, Marshall, and Morrison 7^' quadrangles and the cultural revision for
areas within the city limits of Denver begun. In preparation for geologic mapping,
Climax 15' quadrangle begun and Gold Hill mining area completed. At the
request of the National Park Service, Great Sand Dunes National Monument
completed. Mount Gunnison 15' quadrangle continued for the Forest Service.
Connecticut.—Uncasville 7%' quadrangle (P. W.) completed.
Georgia.—For the Forest Service, Chatsworth (Ga.-Tenn.) 15' quadrangle completed
and Tamassee (S. C.-Ga.) 15' quadrangle begun. Coosa Bald, Cowrock,
Jacks Gap, Mulky Gap, Neels Gap, Suches, and Tray Mountain 7H' quadrangles
(T. V. A.) completed, and Noontootla and Wilscot 7^' quadrangles (T. V. A.)
begun.
Idaho.—At the request of the Office of Indian Affairs, Pocatello, 15' quadrangle
completed and Pauline 15' quadrangle begun. In preparation for geologic mapping,
Big Creek and Yellow Pine 15' quadrangles and Wallace special area, sheets
Nos. 2, 3, and 4 completed and sheet No. 1 begun. For the Forest Service, Headquarters
15' quadrangle begun. Landmark Rock 15' quadrangle (P. W.) begun.
Illinois.—Alto Pass, Casey, Lena, Monticello, and New Douglas 15' quadrangles
completed; Ina and Mulberry Grove 15' quadrangles continued and Freeport 15'
quadrangle begun in cooperation with the Department of Registration and Education
of Illinois, Geological Survey.
Indiana.—In cooperation with the Department of Conservation of Indiana,
Charlestown, Jeffersonville, New Albany, Owen, and Speed 7%' quadrangles completed
and Bethlehem, Borden, Clear Lake, Coal City, Georgetown, Linton, and
Switz City 7%' quadrangles begun.
Kansas.—In cooperation with the Geological Survey of Kansas, Altoona 15'
quadrangle begun and Fredonia 15' quadrangle completed.
Louisiana.—In cooperation with the United States Army Engineer of the first
New Orleans district, mapping with contours completed for Belle Chasse and
Delacroix 7%' quadrangles and Hahnville, New Orleans, and Thibodaux 15'
quadrangles. In cooperation with the Louisiana Board of State Engineers, mapping
without contours from aerial photographs completed for Aloha, Bellwood,
Bermuda, Clear Lake, Cloutierville, Coldwater, Coochie Brake, Creston, Cypress,
144 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Flatwoods, Gorum, Grappes Bluff, Hagewood, Montgomery, Natchitoches,
Powhatan, St. Maurice, and Verda 7%' quadrangles, and Hemphill Creek and
Temple 7^>' quadrangles begun.
Massachusetts.—In cooperation with the Department of Public Works, Division
of Waterways, Assawompset Pond, Colrain, Leicester, Mount Grace, Orange,
Paxton, Plympton, Sandwich, Shelburne Falls, Snipatuit Pond, Southwick,
and Woronoco 7%' quadrangles completed; Hampden, Ludlow, Medfield, Sterling,
and Wrentham 7^' quadrangles begun. Pawtucket (R. I.-Mass.) 7%' quadrangle
(P. W.) begun.
Michigan.-—In cooperation with the State Highway Department of Michigan,
mapping with contours completed for Adair, Algonac, Goodells, Marine City,
New Baltimore, Port Huron, St. Clair, St. Clair Flats, and Smiths Creek 7%'
quadrangles; Rattle Run 7%' quadrangle begun; mapping without contours from
aerial photographs completed for Dearborn, Detroit, Highland Park, and Royal
Oak 7%' quadrangles. In cooperation with the Department of Conservation of
Michigan, mapping without contours from aerial photographs begun for Ballentine
15' quadrangle.
Missouri.—In cooperation with the Geological Survey and Water Resources of
Missouri, mapping with contours completed for Exeter, Fristoe, Knoblick, Middlebrook,
Ozark, Silex, and Vienna 15' quadrangles and Butler, Fletcher, Galloway,
Horton, New Home, Pacific, Tiff, Weldon Springs, and West Plains No. 1 7%'
quadrangles; Cabool, Fordland, Gatewood, Long Lane, Noel, and Topaz 15' quadrangles
continued; Linneus, Lupus, Rothville, and Vera 15' quadrangles and
Eureka, Metz, Monegaw Springs, Moundville, Osceola, Roscoe, and Worland 7%'
quadrangles begun; mapping without contours from aerial photographs completed
for Green Ridge, Nelson, Smithton, and Sweet Springs 15' quadrangles and Sedalia
and Sedalia West 7^' quadrangles.
Montana.—For the National Park Service, revision of Glacier National Park
begun. In preparation for geologic mapping, Little Rocky Mountains area
begun. At the request of the Forest Service, Mount Cowen and Mount Wallace
15' quadrangles begun. Gallup City 15' quadrangle (P. W.) completed.
Nebraska.—In preparation for geologic mapping, Republican River, sheet No.
1, Hardy to Beaver Creek and sheet No. 4, Vining Creek to Alma completed and
sheets Nos. 2, 3, and 5 begun.
Nevada.—In preparation for geologic mapping, Austin mining area and Mineral
Hill 15' quadrangle completed and Cortez 15' quadrangle begun. For the Forest
Service, Owyhee 15' quadrangle begun.
New Jersey.—Patterson 7%' quadrangle (P. W.) completed.
New Mexico.—For the Forest Service, Jemez Springs 15' quadrangle completed.
In preparation for geologic mapping, Oil City 15' quadrangle completed and
Hackberry Lake 15' quadrangle begun. Carrizozo 15' quadrangle (P. W.) completed.
New York.—’In cooperation with the Department of Public Works of New York,
Nyack TYz quadrangle completed and East Syracuse and Haverstraw 7%' quadrangles
begun.
North Carolina.—Andrews, Marble, and Peachtree 7%' quadrangles (T. V. A.)
completed.
North Dakota.—Heart Butte 15' quadrangle (P. W.) completed and Aylmer
15' quadrangle (P. W.) begun.
Oregon.—At the request of the Forest Service, Mapleton 15' quadrangle completed
and Earl 15' quadrangle resumed.
Pennsylvania.—In cooperation with the Department of Internal Affairs of
Pennsylvania, Topographic and Geologic Survey, Allentown West, Millheim, and
Waterville 15' quadrangles completed and Mifflinburg 15' quadrangle begun.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 145
Puerto Rico.—In cooperation with the Commissioner of the Department of the
Interior of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla, Isabela, Moca, and Quebradillas 7%' quadrangles
completed; Alto Sano, Camuy, and San Sebastian 7%' quadrangles begun.
Rhode Island.—Pawtucket (R. I.-Mass.) 7)4' quadrangle (P. W.) begun.
South Carolina.—For the Forest Service, Tamassee (S. C.-Ga.) 7)T quadrangle
begun.
Tennessee.—For the Forest Service, Chatsworth (Ga.-Tenn.) 15' quadrangle
completed. Bean Station, Caney Creek, Joppa, Luttrell, Mascot, Talbott, and
Bristol and Holston Valley (Tenn.-Va.) 7^' quadrangles (T. V. A.) completed;
Avondale, Benton, Clevenger, New Market, and Parkville 7%' quadrangles
(T. V. A.) begun.
Texas.—Winona 15' quadrangle (P. W.) completed. In preparation for geologic
mapping, Turkey Mountain 15' quadrangle begun.
Utah.—For the Forest Service, Delano Peak 15' quadrangle and Marysvale and
vicinity completed and Beaver 15' quadrangle begun. In preparation for geologic
mapping, Bull Valley area begun.
Vermont.—In cooperation with the State geologist of Vermont, Barnet 15'
quadrangle continued.
Virginia.—Curies Neck and Richmond South 7^' quadrangles and Middletown
and Winchester 15' quadrangles completed; Front Royal, Hightown, and Rustburg
15' quadrangles and Hopewell 7%' quadrangle begun in cooperation with the
Conservation and Development Commission of Virginia, Geological Survey.
Wallace, Wyndale, and Bristol and Holston Valley (Tenn.-Va.) 7)4' quadrangles
(T. V. A.) completed and Hilton and Mendota 7)4' quadrangles (T. V. A.) begun.
Washington.—For the Forest Service, Dayton 30' quadrangle completed.
Wisconsin — In cooperation with the State Highway Commission of Wisconsin,
mapping with contours of Maiden Rock 15' quadrangle begun and mapping
without contours from aerial photographs begun for Bessemer, Lac Du Flambeau,
Minocqua, and Winchester 15' quadrangles.
Wyoming.—At the request of the Forest Service, Moccasin Lake 15' quadrangle
completed and Mount Bonneville 15' quadrangle begun.
WATER-RESOURCES BRANCH
The importance of water and of systematic records related to the
quantity, chemical quality, and availability of both surface and
ground waters becomes increasingly greater each year. The growth
of the country in population and industry, with consequent increases
in demands for water, and especially the continued series of dry years
that included the disastrous and widespread droughts of 1934 and
1936, and the many recent disastrous floods in different parts of the
country, have impressed on the people the controlling importance of
water in surface streams and in underground basins in relation to
many of man’s activities. The information collected by the Geological
Survey is used extensively by many Federal, State, and private
agencies. The Public Works Administration, the National Resources
Committee, and related activities have found the Survey
records and information with respect to water to be invaluable in
studies of projects of all classes and in all sections of the country.
146 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Reliable information with respect to supplies of water, both on the
surface and in the ground, and to their fluctuations with variations in
rainfall is essential to orderly, sound, and economic development
along many lines, as in domestic water supplies, irrigation, flood
protection, control of pollution, recreational uses, water-power
development. The work of the water-resources branch thus occupies
a position of great importance in the economic affairs of the Nation.
The investigations by the branch are conducted largely in cooperation
with Federal bureaus; State, county, municipal, and other
governmental agencies; and permittees and licensees of the Federal
Power Commission. A major part of this cooperation is set forth
below.
Federal bureaus.—Water resources investigations were conducted
for the following Federal bureaus: The Bureau of Biological Survey,
the Soil Conservation Service, and the Weather Bureau of the Department
of Agriculture; the Office of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of
Reclamation, and the National Park Service of the Department of the
Interior; the Bureau of Prisons of the Department of Justice; the
Department of State; the Federal Power Commission; the National
Resources Committee; the Tennessee Valley Authority; the Office of
Chief of Engineers, the Mississippi River Commission, and the
Schofield Barracks of the War Department; and the Bureau of Naval
Ordnance of the Navy Department.
States— Amounts aggregating approximately $806,000 were made
available by States and municipalities for cooperative water-resources
investigations. In addition to the data obtained as a result of this
cooperation, other data having an estimated value of over $133,000
were furnished by individuals and other organizations.
Permittees and licensees of the Federal Power Commission.—At the
request of the Federal Power Commission, 30 engineers of the branch
have been designated as representatives of the Commission to perform
such field work as may be assigned to them by the Commission. The
operation of about 295 gaging stations was conducted by the branch
or was performed by permittees and licensees under the supervision of
the branch in connection with 115 projects of the Federal Power
Commission. Engineers of the branch have had field supervision of
operation under permits and licenses of the Federal Power Commission
in connection with 155 projects.
Division of Surface Water.-—The division of surface water conducts
investigations of surface water, which consist of the measurement of the
flow of rivers in all the States, the District of Columbia, and Hawaii
at selected gaging stations where the volume of water is measured and
records of stage and other data are collected. In this work 46 States,
the Territory of Hawaii, several Federal bureaus, and several individuals
cooperated in the maintenance of the 3,831 gaging stations (of
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 147
which 2,616 are equipped with water-stage recorders) that were in
operation at the end of the year. Records for about 113 additional
gaging stations were received from Federal bureaus and from individuals.
There were 46,832 regular and 5,024 miscellaneous
discharge measurements made during the year.
Division of Ground Water.—The division of ground water investigates
the waters that lie below the surface, in the zone of saturation,
from which wells and springs are supplied; the source, occurrence,
quantity, and head of these waters; their conservation; their availability
and adequacy for domestic, industrial, irrigation, and public
supplies and as watering places for livestock and desert travelers; and
the methods of constructing wells and recovering water from them and
of improving springs. The constantly increasing use of water supplies
from wells is causing a greater demand each year for intensive studies
of the quantities of ground water that are perennially available.
Work was done in 34 States and in Guam, Hawaii, and the District of
Columbia, nearly all in cooperation with Federal, State, Territorial, or
local governmental agencies.
During the year about 100 technical reports or papers relating to
ground water or reservoir sites were released to the public in printed,
mimeographed, or typewritten form. Of special interest are the
comprehensive report on more than 1,000 thermal springs in the
United States (Water-Supply Paper 679-B), and the paper entitled
“Some problems relating to legal control of use of ground waters,”
which was presented at the annual meeting of the American Water
Works Association and published in the journal of that association.
The report on water levels and artesian pressures in observation wells
in different sections of the country in the calendar year 1937 is in
press as Water-Supply Paper 840. A comprehensive paper on methods
for determining the permeability of water-bearing material is in
preparation.
Division of Quality of Water —The division of quality of water
analyzes water from surface and underground sources with reference
to the suitability of the waters for industrial and agricultural uses and
for domestic use (not related to questions of health) so far as such use
is affected by the dissolved mineral matter. Analyses (partial or
complete) of 2,474 samples of water from surface and underground
sources were made in the laboratory in Washington, D. C., during the
year. The analyses included some for many of the studies of ground
water in the different States and for most of the special investigations
on water supplies for specific projects. Close cooperation was continued
with the division of ground water in the study of problems
relating to quality of ground water and the preparation of the parts
of ground-water reports that involve consideration of the chemical
148 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
character of the waters. During the year the sections in five groundwater
reports concerning quality of water were reviewed.
Studies of suspended and dissolved matter of the Colorado River
and its tributaries were continued. The unpublished analyses for the
different gaging stations through September 30, 1937, were tabulated
and the tables made available for public inspection in Washington,
D. C., and in five of the Survey district offices in or near the Colorado
River Basin.
Studies of silt movement on seven demonstration projects of the
Soil Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture, which
were started as Federal Project 180 under an allocation of Public
Works funds to the Survey, were continued. Summary reports of the
results obtained from the beginning of the work through September
30, 1936, were prepared and transmitted to the Soil Conservation
Service. The reports contain analyses of the records and recommendations
for modifications of the work.
During the year water analyses were made for the Conservation
Branch and the Geologic Branch of the Survey, for the Office of Indian
Affairs and the National Park Service of the Department of the
Interior, for the Department of Agriculture, for the Bureaus of
Construction and Repair and of Yards and Docks of the Navy
Department, for the Public Health Service of the Treasury Department,
for the Architect of the Capitol, and for the government of the
District of Columbia.
During the year five papers were presented by members of the
division before educational, industrial, and scientific organizations.
Division oj Power Resources.—The work of the division of power
resources consisted of the compilation by States of information as to
the capacity of water wheels in water-power plants of 100 horsepower
or more as of January 1, 1938, on the basis of reports prepared by the
Geological Survey’s district engineers, thus providing a readily accessible
file of information of developed water-power plants in the United
States.
Assistance was furnished the Federal Power Commission in the
preparation of a preliminary report on the use of power and its relation
to water-power and fuel reserves requested by the President.
Copies of published reports and references to published articles and
reports on water power and allied subjects were compiled and furnished
to the chairman of the committee preparing a report on the
Nation’s energy resources, their prudent utilization and conservation,
and their competitive relation to each other and to the economic
structure, requested by the President.
A study is in progress and will be concluded in the fiscal year 1939
of the changes in the number, average capacity, average annual outGEOLOGICAL
SURVEY 149
put, and average use factor of privately and publicly owned electric
public-utility power plants, based on records from 1920 to 1936.
Division oj Water Utilization.—The division of water utilization
investigates problems of the utilization and control of the waters of
streams and under the administration of the Conservation Branch
performs work relating to supervision and investigation of these
problems and to activities pertaining to power projects of the Federal
Power Commission and of the Department of the Interior as conducted
by the field organization of this branch.
During the year the division has continued the investigations of
water problems along the international boundary between the United
States and Canada for the State Department and International Joint
Commission. It has also continued the supervision and coordination
of the collection by the district offices of the division of surface water
of special stage and discharge information relative to recent outstanding
floods. Water-supply papers, including these special flood data
with reference to the floods of January-February 1937 in the Ohio and
Mississippi Basins, the flood of May-June 1937 in New Mexico, and
the floods of the winter of 1937-38 in California, have been submitted
for printing or are in process of preparation.
The division is conducting studies of the relations of rainfall, runoff,
and other hydrologic factors to develop fundamental information concerning
the runoff characteristics of drainage areas and river systems.
Such studies may be useful in appraising the practicability of flood
control and water conservation by construction of reservoirs, by the
proper use of land, and by other means, and in promoting better
knowledge, of the adequacy of available water supplies for various
kinds of use.
The Water-Resources Branch is the authoritative collector of basic
information regarding the stages and discharges of the rivers of the
country. The interpretations by this division of data accumulated
incidentally in the course of the peculiarly wide yet close study of the
behavior of rivers and of such hydrologic phenomena as floods and
droughts are a notable contribution to a body of scientific knowledge
that will have wide practical applications.
WORK OF THE YEAR BY STATES
The stream-gaging stations listed under the different States are
operated in part with funds appropriated to the Geological Survey,
in part with funds furnished by States and municipalities in cooperation
with the Geological Survey, and in part with funds furnished by
other Federal bureaus.
Alabama.-—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Geologist, and 43 gaging stations were operated. Funds wTere also contributed
by the Mobile Army Engineer office and licensees of the Federal Power
150 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Commission. Preliminary tests were made of 143 samples of well water from
Coffee County in connection with a study of tuberculosis by the Public Health
Service of the Treasury Department.
Alaska.—Analyses were made of two water samples from Mount McKinley
National Park, and suggestions were made to the National Park Service in regard
to treatment of the waters for hotel use.
Arizona.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Water Commission, the State Water Conservation District, and the Salt
River Valley Water Users’ Association, and 50 gaging stations were operated.
Funds were also contributed by the Federal Court Water Commissioner on the
Gila River, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Office of Indian Affairs. Reports
on ground water in the Avra-Altar Valley and parts of the Gila and San Simon
valleys were published as Water-Supply Papers 796-E and 796-F, and a report on
ground water in the Holbrook region is in press as Water-Supply Paper 836-B.
Analyses were made of 10-day composites of daily samples collected throughout
the year from the Colorado River at Grand Canyon and at Willow Beach. The
silt load was measured daily at gaging stations at both places. Samples from three
springs near Tonto National Bridge, 5 miles south of Pine, were analyzed for the
National Park Service.
Arkansas.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Geologist and the State Highway Commission, and 32 gaging stations were
operated. Funds were also contributed by the Little Rock Army Engineer office,
the Weather Bureau, and licensees of the Federal Power Commission. Through
cooperation with the State Agricultural Experiment Station the study of the
annual pumpage and resultant fluctuations in ground-water levels was continued.
California.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Department of Public Works, the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California, the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the Santa Clara
Valley Conservation District, Stanford University, the cities of San Diego, San
Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz, and the counties of Los Angeles,
Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and Orange, and 284 gaging stations were
operated. Funds were also contributed by the Bureau of Reclamation, and
licensees of the Federal Power Commission. Water levels were measured in
observation wells in different areas. The record for some wells now covers a
period of 34 years. Tests were made for the Office of Indian Affairs of three
samples from Agua Caliente Hot Springs near Palm Springs.
Colorado.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Engineer, and 187 gaging stations were operated. A report on the artesian
basin of the San Luis Valley was published as a part of the report on the Rio
Grande Joint Investigation. Partial analyses were made of daily samples and
composites of daily samples collected from the Colorado River at Grand Junction
and from the Gunnison River at Grand Junction.
Connecticut.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Water Commission, the cities of Hartford and New Britain, and 35 gaging
stations were operated. In cooperation with the State Water Commission, and
through the aid of a W. P. A. project, extensive records w’ere obtained of water
levels in observation wrells and of the salt content of the water in wells near the
coast. Field, laboratory, and office work were supervised for a W. P. A. project
on the salinity of the Connecticut River, including the direction of the preparation
of a report (nearly completed) based on about 150,000 determinations of chloride
in samples collected since the initiation of the project in 1934.
Cuba.—Three samples of surface water from near Guantanamo were analyzed
for the Bureau of Yards and Docks of the Navy Department with reference to the
treatment of the water for a supply for the Naval Station.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 151
District of Columbia.—Ground-water investigations were continued with special
reference to pumpage and water levels. Analyses were made of a sample from
a new well of the Department of Agriculture and of a sample from the Anacostia
River at the intake entrance to the United States Capitol power pump house.
Three samples for analyses were collected from wells at the District Training
School at Laurel, Md., and recommendations made as to the treatment of the
water.
Florida.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Road Department, Okeechobee Flood Control District, and the cities of
Jacksonville and Tampa, and 47 gaging stations were operated. Funds were also
contributed by the Jacksonville Army Engineer office, and permittees of the
Federal Power Commission. Giound-water investigations were continued in
cooperation with the State Geological Survey. Progress was made on the report
on the area west of the Suwannee River, and studies were begun in the Jacksonville
area, where the rate of pumping for industrial purposes has recently been greatly
increased.
Georgia.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Department of Natural Resources, and 53 gaging stations were operated.
Funds were also contributed by the Mobile Army Engineer office and permittees
of the Federal Power Commission. A report on the warm springs of the State was
published as Water-Supply Paper 819. Analyses were made of 10-day composites
of daily samples collected at six gaging stations. Single samples from rivers at
other gaging stations were analyzed, and samples were collected from 60 public
water supplies, most of which were analyzed before the end of the year. Daily
samples were collected at seven points on the Savannah River for the study of
salinity.
Guam—A report on the ground-water resources of the Island of Guam was
transmitted to the Secretary of the Navy.
Hawaii.—Surface-water and ground-water investigations were continued in
cooperation with the Territory of Hawaii, and a total of 118 gaging stations were
operated on the islands of Kauai, Oahu, Molakai, Maui, and Hawaii. Several
ground-water reports were released during the year. A study of the availability
of geophysical methods in the ground-water work of the islands was undertaken in
cooperation with the geophysical section of the geologic branch of the Survey.
A report containing a detailed geologic map of Oahu is in press as Bulletin 2 of the
Territorial Division of Hydrography, and a report giving the records of the wells
on Oahu is in press as Bulletin 4. Reports on the ground water in Maui and
and Molakai are in preparation.
Idaho.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Department of Reclamation and the State Water Conservation Board, and
293 gaging stations in Idaho and 2 in British Columbia were operated. Funds
were also contributed by the Department of State. Comprehensive reports on
the ground water in the Snake River Plain and in the Mud Lake region are in press
as Water-Supply Papers 774 and 818. Water-level measurements were made in
cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service.
Illinois.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Department of Registration and Education, and 45 gaging stations were
operated. Funds were also contributed by the Rock Island Army Engineer office.
Indiana.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Department of Public Works and the city of Indianapolis, and 34 gaging
stations were operated. Ground-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Division of Geology in the State-wide observation-well program,
and special attention was given to the Indianapolis area.
152 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Iowa.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Geological Survey and the State Institute of Hydraulic Research, and 51
gaging stations were operated. Funds were also contributed by the Rock Island
Army Engineer office. Investigations were continued in cooperation with the
Soil Conservation Service in a study of the effects of soil conservation measures
on the ground-water levels.
Kansas.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Board of Agriculture, and 52 gaging stations were operated. Funds were
also contributed by the Kansas City and Little Rock Army Engineer offices and
the Soil Conservation Service. A State-wide study of ground-water resources was
started in cooperation with the State Geological Survey. Most of the work was
done in the area occupied by the Equus beds, with special reference to an improved
water supply for Wichita. A preliminary report on the ground-water supplies
available for irrigation in Ford County was published by the University of Kansas.
The program of water-level measurements in the vicinity of Mankato was continued
in cooperation with the Soil Conservation Service. During the year 666
samples for determination of the silt load were collected from four streams at
points near Ionia and Jewell. The work on silt movement on the Soil Conservation
Service project at Mankato was discontinued on June 30.
Kentucky.—Surface-water investigations were inaugurated on April 1 in cooperation
with the State Department of Highways, and 32 gaging stations were
being operated at the end of the year.
Louisiana.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State University, and 3 gaging stations were operated. Funds were also
contributed by the Mississippi River Commission. Cooperation was started with
the State Geological Survey in a systematic State-wide investigation of the
ground-water resources, the first work being done in Rapides Parish.
Maine.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Public Utilities Commission, and 33 gaging stations were operated.
Maryland.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Geologist, the Washington Suburban Sanitary District, and the cities
of Baltimore and Salisbury, and 26 gaging stations were operated. An intensive
study was made for the Navy Department as to the quantity of ground water
available in the vicinity of Indian Head.
Massachusetts.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Department of Public Works, the State Metropolitan District
Commission, the State Metropolitan District Water Supply Commission, and
the State Department of Public Health, and 35 gaging stations in Massachusetts
and 1 in Rhode Island were operated.
Michigan.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Stream Control Commission, and 48 gaging stations were operated.
Ground-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the State Geological
Survey. All records obtained for observation wells since the beginning
of the project in 1932 were prepared for publication.
Minnesota.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Division of Drainage and Waters, and 212 gaging stations were operated.
Funds were also contributed by the Department of State, the St. Paul Army
Engineer office, and the Biological Survey.
Mississippi.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Geological Survey, and 9 gaging stations were operated. Funds were
also contributed by the Mississippi River Commission.
Missouri.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Geological Survey, the State Highway Department, the State Park
Department, and the cities of Joplin and Springfield, and 94 gaging stations were
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 153
operated. Funds were also contributed by the Kansas City and St. Louis Army
Engineer offices and the Soil Conservation Service. The observation-well program
in the Tarkio area was continued in cooperation with the Soil Conservation
Service. During the year 3,590 samples from streams in and near the Tarkio
and Bethany projects of the Soil Conservation Service were examined for silt
content.
Montana.-—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Engineer, and 147 gaging stations were operated. Funds were also
contributed by the Department of State, the Kansas City Army Engineer office,
and permittees of the Federal Power Commission. A report based on a 10-year
record was released concerning the effects of the proposed storage in Flathead
Lake on the ground-water levels at the head of the lake.
Nebraska.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Engineer, and 59 gaging stations were operated. Ground-water investigations
were continued in cooperation with the State Watei’ Survey Department.
The State-wide observation-well program was continued. The report on the
geology and ground-water resources of south-central Nebraska, with special reference
to the Platte River Valley between Chapman and Gothenburg, was published
as Water-Supply Paper 779. Reports on the ground-water conditions in
Keith County and in the Grand Island area were prepared, and work was started
in Box Butte County.
Nevada.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the.
State Engineer, and 11 gaging stations were operated.
New Hamps/wre.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Water Resources Board, and 29 gaging stations were operated.
New Jersey.-—-Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Water Policy Commission, the North Jersey District Water Supply
Commission, and the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, and 80
gaging stations were operated. Funds were also contributed by the New York
Army Engineer office. Ground-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Water Policy Commission. The program of observation wells
begun in 1923 was continued. A report on the water supplies from the No. 1
sand in the vicinity of Parlin was published by the State as Special Report No. 7.
New Mexico.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Engineer, the Interstate Stream Commission, and the Middle Rio
Grande Conservancy District, and 251 gaging stations were operated. Funds
were also contributed by the Office of Indian Affairs. Ground-water investigations
were continued in cooperation with the State Engineer and the Middle Rio Grande
Conservancy District. Investigations were in progress in regard to the salt-water
conditions in the Carlsbad area, the shallow ground waters in the Roswell Basin,
and the ground-water conditions in the Middle Rio Grande area in relation to
the surface water. A report on the ground-water conditions in the San Jose-
Bluewater Valley was made for the Office of Indian Affairs. Reports on the
origin of water in the Major Johnson Springs, near Carlsbad, and on the recharge
of the shallow ground water in the Roswell Basin were released in typewritten
form. Reports on geology and ground water were published as parts of the report
on the Rio Grande Joint Investigation. Analyses were made of 186 samples from
the Rio Grande and tributaries and of 426 samples from the Pecos River. In
Roswell analyses were made of 10-day composites of daily samples from seven
gaging stations.
New York.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Department of Conservation, the State Water Power and Control
Commission, the State Department of Public Works, the Black River Regulating
District, the Hudson River Regulating District, the Oswegatchie River Improve154
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ment Commission, the cities of Albany and Jamestown, the New York City
Board of Water Supply, the Village of Ossining, and Nassau County, and 149
gaging stations were operated. Funds were also contributed by the Binghamton-
Pittsburgh, and New York Army Engineer offices. Ground-water investigations
were continued in cooperation with the State Water Power and Control Commission
and with Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Records of wells in Kings, Sufffolk,
Nassau, and Queens Counties were published by the State as Bulletins GW-3,
GW-4, GW-5, and GW-6. A report on the water supply of Shelter Island was
released, and a study was made of the underflow of the Croton Valley below the
dam. Papers on the methods used in the Croton investigation and on the return
of ground water used in air conditioning and resultant temperature effects were
presented for publication by the American Geophysical Union.
North Carolina.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Department of Conservation and Development, and 96 gaging
stations were operated. Funds were also contributed by the Tennessee Valley
Authority, the Soil Conservation Service, and permittees of the Federal Power
Commission. Ground-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
Elizabeth City in a study of methods for overcoming the clogging of well screens.
The collection of water-level measurements in wells has been continued. During
the year 2,644 samples were collected for determination of silt in four streams
near High Point, in connection with the operation of the Soil Conservation Service
demonstration project.
North Dakota.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Engineer, and 29 gaging stations were operated. Ground-water
investigations were continued in cooperation with the State Geological Survey
in a study of the Dakota artesian basin and the establishment of a State-wide
observation-well program.
Ohio.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
Miami Conservancy District, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District,
and the city of Columbus, and 62 gaging stations were operated. Funds were
also contributed by the Cincinnati, Huntington, and Pittsburgh Army Engineer
offices. An investigation of ground-water supplies of Butler and Hamilton Counties,
in the Cincinnati area, was continued in cooperation with those counties.
A study was also made of pumpage from wells in the vicinity of Canton.
Oklahoma.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Planning and Resources Board and Oklahoma City, and 27 gaging stations
were operated. Funds were also contributed by the Soil Conservation
Service, and the Little Rock Army Engineer office. Ground-water investigations
in cooperation w’ith the State Geological Survey were started, the first unit
project being an investigation of Texas County with special reference to groundwater
supplies available for irrigation. Water-level measurements were made in
the Stillwater area of the Soil Conservation Service. During the year 228 samples
were collected for determination of silt in three streams near Stillwater, Okla.,
in connection with the Soil Conservation Service demonstration project at Stillwater.
The silt measurements were discontinued December 31, 1937. Partial
analyses were made of 64 samples from wells near Ponca City in connection with
a study of the pollution of ground water by waste from oil refinery operations.
Analyses were made of six samples of ground and pond water used at zinc mines
and mills.
Oregon.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Engineer and the cities of McMinnville and Portland, and 200 gaging stations
were operated. Funds were also contributed by the Portland Army Engineer
office, the Biological Survey, and permittees of the Federal Power Commission.
Ground-water investigations were continued on several projects in cooperaGEOLOGICAL
SURVEY 155
tion with the State Agricultural Experiment Station and the State Water Resources
Department. A report was released on water for domestic use in Columbia
County. Reports were completed on the geologic features of the dam sites in
the basins of the Nehaken, Rogue, and Willamette Rivers. Analyses were made
for the National Park Service of two samples of water from Oregon caves.
Pennsylvania.—-Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Department of Forests and Waters and the city of Harrisburg,
and 107 gaging stations were operated. Funds were also contributed by the
Pittsburgh Army Engineer office, and permittees of the Federal Power Commission.
Ground-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Topographic and Geologic Survey. The report on northeastern Pennsylvania
was published by the State as Bulletin W-4, the report on south-central
Pennsylvania is in press as Bulletin W-5, and the report on north-central Pennsylvania
was completed and released in typewritten form. The collection of waterlevel
data was continued.
South Carolina.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Highway Department, the city of Spartanburg, and the town of
Duncan, and 23 gaging stations were operated. Funds w’ere also contributed
by the Soil Conservation Service. The study of ground-water levels in the
Tyger River area of the Soil Conservation Service was continued. During the
year 8,532 samples were examined for silt content, and three gaging stations were
maintained on North and South Tyger Rivers, in connection with the operation
of the Soil Conservation Service demonstration project at Spartanburg. This
work on the project was discontinued June 30.
South Dakota.—-Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the Kansas City Army Engineer office and the Biological Survey, and 21
gaging stations were operated. A report on the ground-water levels near Huron
in 1937 was included in Water-Supply Paper 840.
Tennessee.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Division of Geology, and 101 gaging stations were operated. Funds
were also contributed by the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Nashville Army
Engineer office. Records were obtained as to the pumpage and water levels in
wells in Memphis. Preliminary tests were made of 216 samples of well waters
from Giles County in connection with a study, by the Public Health Service of
the Treasury Department, of tuberculosis in that county.
Texas.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with the
State Board of Water Engineers, and 93 gaging stations were operated. Funds
were also contributed by the Little Rock Army Engineer office. An extensive
program of ground-water investigations was continued in cooperation with the
State Board of Water Engineers and the cities of Big Spring, El Paso, Houston,
and Lufkin. Intensive investigations were continued in the High Plains. A
report on methods of locating salt-water leaks in water wells was published as
Water-Supply Paper 796-A, and a report on ground water in Webb County was
published as Water-Supply Paper 778. Mimeographed or typewritten reports
were released on the ground-water resources of the Balmorhea, Lufkin, and
Bryan areas and on the effects of pumping on water levels in the Houston area.
Mimeographed reports were issued, giving the results of the W. P. A. water-well
and spring inventories in the counties of Wilson, Ector, Dallam, Comal, Burleson,
Brazoria (west of the Brazos River), Smith, Rusk, Lubbock, Leon, Karnes,
Guadalupe, Lee, Knox, Glasscock, Andrews (south half), Eastland, Lamb, Potter,
Midland, Randall, Austin, Coleman, Shelby, Colorado, Hale, Swisher, Parner,
Panola, Refugio and part of Goliad, Brown, De Witt, and Floyd. A study was
begun of the ground waters in the coastal sand-dune region. A substantial contribution
in regard to the water levels in observation wells throughout Texas
156 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
was included in Water-Supply Paper 840. During the year 181 samples of water
were analyzed.
Utah.—Surface and ground-water investigations wrere continued in cooperation
with the State Engineer, and 71 gaging stations were operated. Special attention
was given to the fluctuations of water levels with precipitation and pumpage
or artesian flow and to the effects of the conservation program administered by
the State Engineer. A report on the geology and ground-water resources of
Ogden Valley was published as Water-Supply Paper 796-D. A report on the
artesian water levels and interference between artesian wells in the vicinity of
Lehi is ready to be published. Analyses were made of 36 composites of daily
samples from the San Juan River near Bluff. The silt load was measured daily.
Partial analyses were made of daily samples and of composites of daily samples
collected throughout the year from the Colorado River at Cisco and the Green
River at Green River.
Vermont.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State, and 27 gaging stations were operated.
Virginia.—Surface-water and ground-water investigations were continued in
cooperation with the State Commission on Conservation and Development, and
89 gaging stations were operated. Funds were also contributed by the Huntington
Army Engineer office. Work was done and a report released on artesian
water in Southampton, Sussex, and Isle of Wight Counties. The observationwell
program near Washington, D. C., which was begun in 1928, was continued.
Washington.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Department of Conservation and Development, the Inter County
River Improvement Commission, the cities of Aberdeen, Everett, Seattle, and
Tacoma, and Skagit and Whatcom Counties, and 104 gaging stations in Washington
and 5 in British Columbia were operated. Funds w’ere also contributed
by the Department of State, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Office of Indian
Affairs, the Soil Conservation Service, and permittees of the Federal Power Commission.
Ground-water investigations were begun in cooperation with the State
Department of Conservation and Development and the city of Tacoma. A
progress report on the Tacoma area was released and work was started in the
Spokane Valley. Records were obtained on observation wells in the State-wide
program and in the Pullman area of the Soil Conservation Service. During the
year 4,946 samples were examined for silt content from six points on streams in
and near the Pullman demonstration area.
West Virginia.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation
with the State Geological Survey, the State Public Service Commission, and the
State Water Commission, and 46 gaging stations were operated. Funds were
also contributed by the Huntington and Pittsburgh Army Engineer offices and
permittees of the Federal Power Commission.
Wisconsin.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Public Service Commission and the State Statutory Commission on
Water Pollution, and 84 gaging stations were operated. Funds were also contributed
by the Biological Survey, the Soil Conservation Service, the St. Paul
Army Engineer office, and permittees of the Federal Power Commission. Records
of water levels in observation wells were obtained in cooperation with the State
Conservation Department and with the assistance of the Soil Conservation Service.
During the year 2,434 samples from streams near LaCrosse were examined for
silt content in connection with the operation of the LaCrosse demonstration
project of the Soil Conservation Service.
Wyoming.—Surface-water investigations were continued in cooperation with
the State Engineer, and 101 gaging stations were operated. Funds were also
contributed by permittees of the Federal Power Commission.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 157
CONSERVATION BRANCH
The work of the Conservation Branch involves surveys and investigations
precedent to an inventory of the water and mineral resources
of the public domain, supervision of private operations for development
of power and production of minerals from public and Indian
lands and naval petroleum reserves, and supplying information and
advice to numerous land-administrative agencies of the Government.
These activities were maintained throughout the year, but not on
the comprehensive and detailed basis that the work warranted, because
of the lack of adequate funds. Mineral production during the
year from public and Indian lands and naval petroleum reserves under
supervision had an estimated value of $88,500,000, and the revenue
accrued therefrom amounted to about $9,750,000. This substantial
revenue is attributable both directly and indirectly to the supervision
provided, the cost of which is meager compared with the income
involved.
Cases pending in the branch at the end of the year decreased 16
percent, though the annual volume of work increased 72 percent,
largely as the result of classification of the status of 7,697 oil and gas
prospecting permits under the act of August 26, 1937, as required by
Departmental Order No. 1240 of December 23, 1937. This work was
accomplished by the assignment of a number of field engineers to Washington,
with a consequent loss to field supervisory activities. Progress
made on unit plans placed the work on a current basis at the end of the
year. A total of 1,637 plans of development and operation were received
during the year and at its close only eight of these were awaiting
original technical consideration in the branch.
No expenditures were made from Public Works funds allotted for
projects on which the several divisions of the branch had been engaged
during the preceding year, and the unexpended balance of such funds
was transferred back to the National Industrial Recovery fund on
March 28, 1938.
MINERAL CLASSIFICATION DIVISION
The office activities of the mineral classification division were directed
in considerable part to determining the areas subject to inclusion
in plans for unit or cooperative development submitted by holders
of Government oil and gas prospecting permits and leases and to consideration
and submission of reports on initial applications for oil and
gas leases.
In the aid of mineral classification pertinent information relating to
the occurrence of carbon dioxide gas in Colorado; of coal in Montana,
New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming; of oil and gas in Alabama,
Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Montana, New
Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming; and of
104366—38------ 12
158 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
phosphate in Florida, Idaho, and Wyoming was obtained either by
the personnel of the mineral classification division or through the geologic
branch.
In the routine work of the division 7,621 cases requiring technical
consideration were disposed of during the fiscal year.
In addition to the preceding work, revision of the definition of the
known geologic structure of one producing oil and gas field and the
initial definition of another similar field were prepared and promulgated
as follows:
Definitions of Known Geologic Structure, Fiscal Year 1938
i Change in name.
State Field Date promulgated
Acres
Colorado____________________________
Wyoming___________________________
Moffat1___________________ ____ ______
Muskrat_____________________________
Dec. 17,1937
Dec. 29,1937
4,357
1,391
The aggregate area of the outstanding definitions of the known
geologic structure of oil and gas fields on June 30, 1938, amounted to
1,156,644 acres in California, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico,
North Dakota, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming.
WATER AND POWER DIVISION
The work of obtaining basic information as to the water-power resources
and storage possibilities of public land and of making it available
for use in the administration of public-land laws and by Federal
and other agencies engaged in planning, constructing, and operating
water-power projects was continued in the field, but on a small scale
because of lack of funds. River utilization surveys covering 32 miles
of streams and tributaries and detailed surveys at four dam sites were
made. Surveys of mineral leaseholds embracing an area of 12.5
square miles were also completed. Work was continued in the office
on the preparation of reports on geologic conditions at 61 dam sites
examined in the field during the next preceding year.
Office activities included action resulting in the addition of 97,583
acres to outstanding water-power reserves in 9 public-land States and
Alaska and the elimination of 5,890 acres from such reserves in 6
States, with a net increase of the total reserved area in 22 States and
Alaska to 6,675,132 acres. The elimination of 1,995 acres from reservoir-
site reserves left a net total of 131,499 acres withdrawn. Field
supervision, with the Water Resources Branch, of power projects for
the Federal Power Commission involved investigations and reports
on 5 projects, supervision of construction and operation on 155 projects,
and continuation of studies of cost accounting on 9 projects.
Field supervision of power projects holding permits and grants from
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 159
the Department of the Interior involved 172 projects, making a total
of 327 projects for the Department of the Interior and the Federal
Power Commission.
Statistics compiled by the division show that the holders and users of
rights-of-way granted by the Secretary of the Interior for power purposes
had, for the calendar year 1937, an aggregate installed capacity
of 5,278,764 horsepower, including 3,644,006 horsepower at hydraulic
plants and 1,634,758 horsepower at fuel plants, and an aggregate
energy generation of 14,040,649,490 kilowatt-hours, which is an increase
of 22 percent over the production in the next preceding year.
The energy generated by water power increased 2,124,816,095 kilowatt-
hours, or about 21 percent, and that generated by fuel increased
447,452,772 kilowatt-hours, or about 32 percent. Revenues accruing
to the Government from these grants aggregated $249,025 from 1912
to 1937, and $15,325 additional has been assessed for the calendar year
1938. Payments for unauthorized occupancy of public lands by
power projects prior to the issuance of license therefor by the Federal
Power Commission amount to $104,667 additional.
MINING AND OIL- AND GAS-LEASING DIVISIONS
The work of the mining and oil- and gas-leasing divisions consists
of inspectional and regulatory supervision of mineral prospecting and
development on public land, Indian land, and naval petroleum
reserves.
The mining division is charged with supervision of all operations
for the discovery and development on public land of deposits of coal,
potassium, sodium, phosphate, and oil shale; in New Mexico and
Louisiana of sulphur; on certain land grants of gold, silver, and mercury;
and on restricted allotted and tribal Indian lands of all minerals
except oil and gas. This supervisory and regulatory work during the
fiscal year was accomplished through six field offices at Denver,
Colo.; Billings, Mont.; Carlsbad, N. Mex.; McAlester and Miami,
Okla.; and Salt Lake City, Utah; and through a cooperative agreement
approved May 4, 1935, with the Department of Mines, Territory
of Alaska.
The work of the oil- and gas-leasing division includes inspectional
and regulatory supervision of all operations for the discovery, development,
and production of petroleum and natural gas on public land of
the United States, on naval petroleum reserves, and on all Indian
land subject to departmental jurisdiction, both tribal and allotted,
except the Osage Reservation, Okla. The work was accomplished in
the fiscal year 1938 through the agency of the 15 field offices and suboffices
at Taft, Calif.; Roswell and Farmington, N. Mex.; Tulsa,
Oklahoma City, Holdenville, and Drumright, Okla.; Wichita Falls,
Tex.; Denver, Colo.; Casper, Midwest, and Thermopolis, Wyo.;
160 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Billings and Great Falls, Mont.; and Salt Lake City, Utah. During
the year the territorial delineation of the three supervisory districts
was changed and a fourth supervisory district created with headquarters
at Roswell, N. Mex.
Public land.—The number of public-land properties under supervision
of the mining division at the end of the fiscal year 1938 was
743, a decrease of 27 from June 30, 1937. Coal properties in 14
States and Alaska decreased 31, to 626; potash properties in 3 States
decreased 5, to 34 in 2 States; sodium properties in 9 States increased
5, to 49 in 8 States; phosphate properties in 4 States decreased 4,
to 7 in 3 States; sulphur properties in 1 State increased 9, to 27;
and the 1 oil-shale lease was canceled. The reduction in coal properties
resulted indirectly from the Secretary’s instructions of January
24, 1934, and that in potash properties from the Secretary’s order
914 of April 5, 1935. Senate Resolution 298, approved June 16, 1938,
restricted further issuance of phosphate leases. In prospecting for
the above-named minerals nine bore holes were drilled during the
year.
Accidents to employees working in mines under departmental lease
are generally fewer than in competitive mines not on Government
land, and it is gratifying to note that of the 28 awards to coal mines
by the Joseph A. Holmes Safety Association for the calendar year
1937, four were made to departmental lessees. The use of safety appliances
and safety clothing is increasing generally throughout mines
on Government land.
The number of public-land properties under supervision of the
oil- and gas-leasing division decreased 4.9 percent to a total of 8,605,
involving 11,749,396.98 acres in 18 States and Alaska.
A substantial part of the time of the personnel of the division was
devoted to assisting oil and gas permittees in fulfilling departmental
requirements for the submission of unit or cooperative plans of
operation and development and to reviewing and revising the engineering
and royalty features of such plans after their submission.
Approximately 7,800 outstanding oil and gas prospecting permits
were classified under the various extension provisions of the act of
August 26, 1937 (50 Stat. 842). At the end of the fiscal year 1938
a total of 1,637 plans of unit or cooperative development for oil or
gas pools, fields, or areas involving public land had been filed with the
Geological Survey, of which 91 had been given final approval by the
Secretary of the Interior, 1,492 had been rejected, withdrawn, or
suspended, and 54 were pending final action, including 8 which were
awaiting technical consideration in the Conservation Branch.
Drilling activity on public land during the fiscal year 1938 included
the commencement of 362 new wells and the completion of 408 wells,
of which 316 were rated as productive of oil and gas and 92 as barren.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 161
The total number of wells under supervision on June 30, 1938, was
8,339, including 4,334 capable of oil or gas production. Production
of petroleum from public land in 1938 was substantially greater than in
other recent years; production of gas was approximately the same as
in 1937; production of natural gasoline was substantially less than in
other recent years.
Indian land.—The number of Indian-land properties under supervision
of the mining division during the fiscal year was 235 in 9
States. These properties involved 44 lead and zinc leaseholds in the
Quapaw Reservation, Okla., with aggregate royalty accruals of
$487,339.50, a decrease of 14.25 percent from the preceding year;
54 coal leaseholds on segregated Choctaw and Chickasaw land and
restricted allotted land in Oklahoma, with an aggregate production,
decreased from 527,579.75 tons in 1937 to 289,089.10 tons in 1938,
and revenue accruals from royalties, bonuses, and sale of coal lands
amounting to $73,080.30; 1 asphalt lease on segregated land in Oklahoma;
and 136 properties in 9 western States, of which 13 were
agency coal mines, 12 coal lessees, 63 individual Indian coal mines,
and 48 metalliferous leases and nonmetalliferous leases other than
coal leases.
Oil and gas supervision involved 5,382 leaseholds, 4,407 wells, and
aggregate bonus, royalty, and rental accruals estimated at $2,500,000
for Indian beneficiaries in 11 States and 31 different tribes. The
cooperative duties involved royalty accounting, appraisals of bonuses,
royalty offers, and pollution damages, assistance to lessees of Indian
land on operating problems and in the preparation of unit plans of
development, and assistance to agency officials and tribal councils
on technical phases of leasehold development and administration.
Naval petroleum reserves.—On behalf of the Navy Department supervision
was continued during the fiscal year over operations for the
production of oil and gas within Naval Petroleum Reserves Nos. 1
and 2, in California, and for the conservation of shut-in production
within Naval Petroleum Reserve No. 3, in Wyoming. Production
from 519 wells on the reserves aggregated 4,238,533.36 barrels of
petroleum, 2,395,996,000 cubic feet of natural gas, and 10,581,504
gallons of natural gasoline and had an aggregate royalty value of
$1,020,444.84.
SUMMARY OF FIELD ACTIVITIES, BY STATES
Alabama.—Investigated oil and gas prospecting operations throughout the
State in aid of mineral classification. Supervised one coal lease on public land.
Alaska.—Supervised 1 power project, 2 leases, 10 prospecting permits, and 4
licenses for coal, and 147 prospecting permits for oil and gas on public land..
Arizona.-—Supervised 24 power projects, 3 prospecting permits for coal and
7 for sodium, 3 leases and 66 prospecting permits for oil and gas on public land,
7 Indian agency coal mines, and 11 asbestos leases and 1 gold lease on Indian
land. Examined 3 vanadium lease applications on Indian land.
162 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Arkansas.—Supervised 1 power project and 9 prospecting permits for oil and
gas on public land.
California.—Supervised 92 power projects, 3 prospecting permits for coal and
27 for sodium, 1 sodium lease, 2 potash leases, and 240 leases and 1,037 prospecting
permits for oil and gas on public land, 1 coal lease and 3 gold leases on Indian
land, and 22 oil and gas leases on naval petroleum reserves.
Colorado.—Investigated occurrence of carbon dioxide gas in the Black Canyon
area, Delta County. Supervised 16 power projects, 96 leases, 32 prospecting
permits, 11 licenses, and 4 awarded lease applications for coal, 1 sodium lease,
and 35 leases and 638 prospecting permits for oil and gas on public land, and
1 coal lease, 1 vermiculite lease, and 5 oil and gas leases on Indian land.
Florida.—Investigated phosphate and oil and gas prospecting operations
throughout the State in aid of mineral classification. Examined one tract in
Suwannee County, one tract in Glades County for purposes of mineral classification,
and an area in Monroe County involving reported oil and gas occurrences.
Idaho.—In cooperation with the Geologic Branch initiated investigations of
phosphate deposits in eastern Bonneville County. Supervised 40 power projects,
1 lease and 17 prospecting permits for coal, 2 phosphate leases, and 69 prospecting
permits for oil and gas on public land.
Kansas.—Investigated oil and gas prospecting operations in western Kansas
in aid of mineral classification. Supervised 5 leases and 18 prospecting permits
for oil and gas on public land.
Louisiana.—Investigated oil and gas prospecting operations throughout the
State in aid of mineral classification. Supervised 22 leases and 3 prospecting
permits for oil and gas on public land.
Mississippi.—Investigated oil and gas prospecting operations throughout the
State in aid of mineral classification. Supervised 1 power project and 1 lease
for oil and gas on public land.
Montana.—For the Office of Indian Affairs examined a location in Flathead
River, near Polson, Mont., for rock foundation for irrigation pump site. Examined
two tracts of land in Cascade County for purposes of mineral classification.
In cooperation with the Geologic Branch continued structural and stratigraphic
investigations in the Little Rocky Mountains area, Phillips and Fergus Counties.
Initiated an investigation of the coal resources of the Otter Creek district and
Big Horn, Powder River, and Rosebud Counties. Made field investigation and
prepared report on foundation for a pipe line. Supervised 39 power projects;
91 leases, 21 prospecting permits, and 42 licenses for coal; 7 phosphate leases; 127
leases and 827 prospecting permits for oil and gas on public land; and 2 Indian
agency coal mines, 7 coal and 3 silver-lead-gold leases, 1 bentonite lease, and 50
oil and gas leases on Indian land.
Nevada— Supervised 26 power projects, 5 coal prospecting permits, 1 phosphate
lease, 6 sodium permits, 1 potash permit, and 68 prospecting permits for
oil and gas on public land, and 11 marl leases on Indian land.
New Mexico.—Continued an areal, stratigraphic, and subsurface structural
investigation in Lea and Eddy Counties for purposes of mineral classification. In
cooperation with the Geologic Branch continued investigations of the coal resources
and oil possibilities of the east side of the San Juan Basin, including the Lumbarton
and Monero districts, Rio Arriba County. Made additional studies of
Dead Man’s Wash erosion area. Supervised 3 power projects, 24 leases, and 20
prospecting permits for coal, 10 permits for sodium, 9 leases and 27 permits for
potash, 27 sulphur permits, and 286 leases and 1,689 prospecting permits for oil
and gas on public land, and 6 agency coal mines, 2 coal leases, 63 individual
Indian coal mines, and 5 oil and gas leases on Indian land.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 163
North Dakota.—Supervised 66 leases, 1 prospecting permit, and 21 licenses for
coal, 4 permits for sodium, and 4 leases and 23 prospecting permits for oil and
gas on public land.
Oklahoma.—Investigated oil and gas prospecting operations in western Oklahoma
in aid of mineral classification. Supervised 3 power projects, 15 leases, and
87 prospecting permits for oil and gas on public land, and 30 leases, 23 mining
permit leases, 1 leased purchased tract, 7 unleased purchased tracts, and 1 temporary
mining permit for coal, 1 asphalt lease, and 1 right-of-way lease on segregated
tribal and restricted allotted Indian lands, 44 zinc-lead leases on Quapaw
Indian land, and 5,265 oil and gas leases on Indian land.
Oregon.—Examined 1 tract of land in Clatsop County for purposes of coal
classification. Supervised 37 power projects, 1 lease and 2 prospecting permits
for coal, 1 oil-shale lease, and 1 lease and 69 prospecting permits for oil and gas on
public land.
South Dakota.—Completed a structural and stratigraphic investigation of the
Gustave district in Butte and Harding Counties. Supervised 5 leases and 3 prospecting
permits for coal and 46 prospecting permits for oil and gas on public
land, and 6 oil and gas leases on Indian land.
Utah.—In cooperation with the Geologic Branch continued structural and
stratigraphic investigations of the Henry Mountains area, in Wayne and Garfield
Counties, and the Strawberry Valley quadrangle, in Utah and Wasatch Counties.
Surveyed 6 square miles of mineral leaseholds. Supervised 16 power projects,
52 leases, 43 prospecting permits, and 3 licenses for coal, 4 sodium permits, 1
phosphate lease, and 39 leases and 887 prospecting permits for oil and gas on public
land.
Washington.—Completed 32 miles of river-utilization surveys and surveyed in
detail 4 dam sites on Tolt River. Supervised 21 power projects, 1 lease and 12
prospecting permits for coal, 1 sodium permit, and 8 prospecting permits for oil
and gas on public land, and 5 silver-gold leases, 6 tungsten leases, and 1 oil and
gas lease on Indian land.
Wisconsin.—Supervised 1 power project.
Wyoming.—Initiated topographic, structural, and stratigraphic investigations
of the Lance Creek oil and gas field, in Niobrara County. Completed a structural
and stratigraphic investigation of the Muskrat gas field, in Fremont County, and
continued structural investigations of the Dewey and Mule Creek areas, in Weston
County, for purposes of mineral classification. Examined two tracts of land in
Lincoln County for purposes of coal classification. In cooperation with the
Geologic Branch, continued investigations of phosphate deposits in northern
Lincoln County. Completed structural and stratigraphic investigations of the
Cody-Pitchfork district, in Park County, continued similar investigations of the
east side of the Big Horn Basin, in Big Horn County, and initiated similar investigations
of the Shoshone district, in Park County. Surveyed 6.5 square miles of
mineral leaseholds. Supervised 6 power projects, 61 leases, 53 prospecting permits,
and 22 licenses for coal, 2 permits for sodium, and 520 leases and 1,626
prospecting permits for oil and gas on public land, and 41 oil and gas leases on
Indian land. Performed technical supervision at Emergency Conservation Camp
858, established for conserving coal deposits.
WORK PUBLICATIONS
Texts.-—The book publications of the year numbered 56 in the
regular series and 23 pamphlets and circulars for administrative use.
The total number of pages was 8,910. Besides these printed publications
24 brief papers were issued in mimeographed form as memoranda
164 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
for the press or as informative circulars. During the year, 19,857
pages of manuscript were edited and prepared for printing, 2,537
galley proofs were read, and 9,714 page proofs were revised. Indexes
were prepared for 47 publications, covering 7,386 pages. Copy and
proof or stencils for 252 pages of multigraph or mimeograph matter
were read. During the year, 75 foreign letters, in German, French,
Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, were translated.
Illustrations.—The section of illustrations prepared 1,657 drawings
and photographs, transmitted 722 illustrations to accompany 32
reports, received and examined 1,009 proofs, and examined 60 edition
prints.
Geologic map editing and drafting.—The geologic map of the Front
Range, Colo., accompanied by a geologic legend, was prepared for
engraving, and proof of the map and legend were read. The map is
ready for transfer to printing plates. Color scheme for the map was
prepared. A total of 182 illustrations, comprising geologic maps,
sections, and diagrams, were drawn in the section to illustrate scientific
papers of geologists. The drawings for 22 papers were edited, and
proofs of 24 geologic maps and sections were read and corrected.
Distribution.—A total of 559 publications, comprising 56 new books
and pamphlets, 106 new or revised topographic and other maps, 205
reprinted topographic and other maps, and 192 advance sheets were
received during the year. A number of special pamphlets and forms
for administrative use were also delivered and distributed. The total
units of all publications received numbered 126,832 books and pamphlets
and 943,340 topographic and other maps, a grand total of
1,070,172. The division distributed 112,010 books and pamphlets,
2,943 geologic folios, and 770,234 maps, a grand total of 885,187, of
which 2,871 folios and 617,803 maps were sold. The net proceeds
(gross collections less copying fees and amounts refunded) from the
sales of publications were $38,832.79, including $38,307 for topographic
and geologic maps, and $525.79 for geologic folios. In addition to
this $9,877.92 was repaid by other establishments of the Federal
Government at whose request maps or folios were furnished. The
total receipts, therefore, were $48,710.71.
Engraving and printing.—During the year 86 newly engraved topographic
maps, including 3 revised maps, were printed, and also 24
special maps, making a total of 110 new maps printed and delivered.
Of the newly engraved maps 59 were completed under the Public
Works allotment. Corrections were engraved on the plates of 256
maps. Reprint editions of 190 engraved topographic maps and 12
photolithographed State and other maps were printed and delivered.
In addition, 73 new topographic maps had been engraved and were
in press June 30, including 53 under Public Works allotment, and the
engraving of 111 other new topographic maps was in hand, including
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 165
54 under Public Works allotment. Of new. and reprinted maps, 312
different editions, amounting to 822,475 copies, were delivered.
A large amount of work was done for 72 other units of the Government
and State governments, and the charges for it amounted to
about $195,000, for which the appropriation for engraving and printing
geologic and topographic maps was reimbursed.
Transfer impressions numbering 445 were made during the year,
and the amount turned over to miscellaneous receipts was $548.20.
Of topographic maps and contract and miscellaneous work of all
kinds, a grand total of 4,331,170 copies were printed and delivered.
The photographic laboratory made 8,772 negatives (including 3,901
wet plates for photolithographs, 653 wet plates for photographic
prints, 54 paper negatives, 1,426 dry plates, 521 lantern slides, 230
half-tone negatives, and 1,987 field negatives), 14,848 prints (including
1,302 maps and diagrams, 148 celluloid positives, 12,949 photographs
for illustrations and records, and 449 bromide enlargements),
3,500 zinc plates, 309 intaglio etchings, and 10 celluloid prints, and
mounted 2,052 prints.
LIBRARY
The total number of books and separate items circulated by the
library amounted to 46,000. Books borrowed from other libraries
for the use of the Geological Survey numbered 827, and books loaned
to other libraries numbered 1,469. More than 21,000 new books,
periodicals, maps, and other items were received, and more than
8,000 new cards were filed in the catalog.
About 1,400 books were bound at the Government Printing Office
at a cost of more than $7,000, which just about covered the binding
of the new acquisitions of the year.
The bibliography of North American geology for 1935-36 was
published as Bulletin 892.
APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES
The appropriation made directly for the work of the Geological
Survey for the fiscal year 1938 included 10 items, amounting to
$2,927,000, of which $67,822.69 remained unobligated on June 30,
1938. In addition, $6,500 was allotted from the appropriation for
contingent expenses of the Department of the Interior for miscellaneous
supplies.
166 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Financial Statement of the Geological Survey for the Fiscal Year 1938
Balance
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GEOLOGICAL, SURVEY 167
168 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Classification of Obligations Incurred by the Geological Survey During the Fiscal Year
Ended June 30, 1938
Salaries Topographic
surveys
Geologic
surveys
Alaskan
mineral
resources
Gaging
streams
Salaries of permanent employees________
Wages of temporary employees--------------
Supplies and materials__________________
Dead storage of passenger-carrying ve-
$140,224. 69 $681,451. 21
282,414. 73
10, 296. 23
3.10
708. 23
781.11
95,812.20
1,375.05
2, 737. 52
38, 428.98
89, 700. 35
$432, 904.03
17,071.84
6, 688. 72
5.00
173. 69
401.06
25, 350. 63
3, 534.81
1, 575.44
5,685.12
7,190. 52
$33,928. 76
3,133. 32
2,495.23
$927,348.88
163, 524.40
24, 790.27
12.00
318.52
5,445. 72
96,912.32
37, 561.14
10,631. 31
34,216.34
5, 277.96
183. 50
2, 597.99
38,908.30
42.08
18,066.18
23, 111. 03
59,005. 91
25,190. 52
24,912. 93
176, 215.97
Other storage and pasturage of animals..
Communication services________________
Travel expenses __________ _
—
34.45
11, 652.12
19.87
1,439. 91
74.44
2,318. 72
Hire, maintenance, repair, and operation
• of passenger-carrying vehicles--------------
Transportation of things________________
Hire, maintenance, repair, and operation
of freight-carrying vehicles-------------------
Printing and binding___________________
Furnishing of heat, light, power, water,
and electricity ________________
Rents __ __ ___________________ 15.00
5,868.48
7. 20
1,303. 21
4,979. 57
3, 590.88
8, 667. 70
202. 50
3, 559.87
8.84
1, 677. 28
2, 841.18
2,690.18
7,850. 41
150.00
545.26
29.67
55.11
2,289. 30
Repairs and alterations_________________
Special and miscellaneous current expenses
_______ _ __ ___
Purchase of passenger-carrying vehicles..
Purchase of freight-carrying vehicles------
Purchase of scientific instruments and
parts _______________________
—
Other equipment______________ - - -
Miscellaneous refunds, adjustments, and
100,006. 90
Total_____________________________ 140,224.69 1, 328,147.65 519, 411.12 58,166.16 1,674, 273. 27
Classification
of
lands
Printing
and binding
Preparation
of
illustrations
Geologic
and topographic
maps
Mineral
leasing Total
Salaries of permanent employees..
Wages of temporary employees___
Supplies and materials___________
Dead storage of passenger-carrying
vehicles
$82, 219. 58
4,170.82
522.47
$21, 558.16
56.01
$235,975.11
233. 32
41,060. 28
$375,733.99
1,68J.89
1,140. 44
22.02
41.61
2,382. 66
17, 533. 03
13,729. 31
2,638.78
154.18
409. 53
4, 471.11
507.10
3,304.15
68.83
4,192.50
$2,931,344.41
472, 230.32
87,049.65
42.12
1, 299.94
9, 274.89
254, 711.47
57, 754.51
19,402.30
79,957.83
219,514.17
4, 654.61
3,472. 59
62,561.54
156.62
26, 092.17
30,931. 78
65, 521.90
73,185.95
24,912. 93
301, 617. 93
Other storage and pasturage of
57.89
227. 20
6,940. 57
1,494.69
217. 45
1, 398.77
285.60
Communication services--------------
Travel expenses__________________
Hire, maintenance, repair, and operation
of passenger-carrying
—
3.90
2. 69
506. 70
39. 64
Transportation of things-------------- 161.89
Hire, maintenance, repair, and operation
of freight-carrying vehi-
—
Printing and binding____________
Furnishing of heat, light, power,
water, and electricity
$114,000.00 331. 49 —
Rents _________
Repairs and alterations__________
Special and miscellaneous current
143.45 — 4.19 10, 227.84
Purchase of passenger-carrying
853. 00
Purchase of freight-carrying vehi-
Purchase of scientific instruments
and parts_________________ ...
Other equipment________________
112. 22
550.92
— 22. 72
4.45
19. 50
19, 310.84
25.38
9,321.81
Miscellaneous refunds, adjust-
5,863. 89 19, 531.17
Total______________9_9_,_1_9_4_. _6_3 114,000.00 21,980. 92 313,401. 70 456,889.49 4,725,689. 63
In addition to the above amounts, there was expended directly by cooperating agencies $41,243.55 for
topographic surveys, $966.92 for geologic surveys, and $480,481.61 for stream gaging.
APPENDIX
Summary of Outstanding Mineral Withdrawals and Classifications
[June 30, 1938, in acres]
State
Coal Oil Oil shale Phosphate Potash
Withdrawn
Classified
as coal
land
Withdrawn
Classified
as
oil land
Withdrawn
Classified
as
oil-shale
land
Withdrawn
Classified
as
phosphate
land
Withdrawn
Alaska__ _______ 56. 993
Arizona _ 139,415
Arkansas. ___ 61,160
8, 720
3,082, 272
California ___ 17, 603
4,142,233
1,178, 392
215, 370
90, 324
Colorado ___ 1,172, 778 952, 239
Florida - 66, 796
276, 239
120
Idaho 11, 520 4,603 270,036
Louisiana _ 466, 990
1, 336, 697
4, 233
Montana___ 6, 259,193 67,651
83, 673
4,119, 616
5, 954, 364
4,361
>9,373,884 280, 089 3,833
Nevada 39,422
New Mexico____ 9,282,160
North Dakota.__
Oregon
984,829
11,178,286
18, 887
250, 093
1, 267, 697
141,444
3 6,847,235
84, 894
South Dakota
Utah 3,404,043
691,801
2,143,991
’1, 344,473 2, 737, 274 2, 703, 755 277, 344 2, 937
Washington____
Wyoming 541,777 2, 079, 897 425, 214 989,133 25, 293
Total.. . 26, 971,813 33,276,103 5,168, 593 71, 884 5, 989, 949 4,081, 208 I, 889, 601 302, 219 9,411,906
> Includes 3,151 acres of coal land reserved for use of the United States (coal reserve No. 1.)
2 Includes 13,578 acres withdrawn as helium reserve.
3 Includes 2,078 acres of coal land reserved for use of the United States (coal reserve No. 2).
General Summary of Cases Involving Land Classification
Record for fiscal year 1937-38
Record since
receipt of first
case
Class of cases
Mineral leasing laws:
Permit applications_____________
Lease applications______________
Committee cases------------------------
Concurrence____________________
Interference (surface rights)-------
Unit operation plans____________
Cases involved in unit plans____
Development (drilling operations,
etc.)____________________
Miscellaneous__________________
Mineral classification:
Oil and gas (including “349”)—..
Water and power:
Federal Power Commission:
Preliminary permits________
Licenses____________________
Determinations under Sec.
24________________________
Classification___________________
Rights-of-way__________________
Irrigation project reports------------
General information:
General Land Office (cooperatives,
etc.)__________________
Indian Office___________________
Total.________ ________________
Pending
prior to
July 1,
1937
Received
during
fiscal
year
Total
Acted
on
during
fiscal
year
Pending
June
30,1938
Gain
or loss
during
fiscal
year
Received
Acted
on
17 162 179 169 10 +7 62, 515 62, 505
411 2, 773 3,184 2,351 833 -422 7, 091 6, 258
12 64 76 76 +12 13, 221 13, 221
64 979 1,043 1,011 32 +32
10 210 220 217 3 + 7
161 284 445 391 54 + 107 1, 637 1, 583
966 1,350 2,316 1,907 409 +557 5, 392 4,983
2 53 55 51 4 —2 17, 632 17, 628
> 7, 919 7,919 7,697 222 -222 7,919 7, 697
264 1,014 1, 278 1, 218 60 +204 30,957 30, 897
12—69 81 75 6 +6 515 509 28 28
3 63 66 58 8 -5 691 683
3 5 8 7 1 +2 562 561
30 128 158 143 15 +15 7,454 7,439
1 1 — 1 -1 945 944
27 124 151 138 13 +14
9,549 9, 549
1, 982 15,198 17,180 15, 509 1, 671 +311 —
1 Classification of the status of oil and gas prospecting permits under the act of August 26, 1937 (50 Stat.
842), as required by Departmental Order No. 1240 of December 23, 1937.
169
170 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Mineral Production From Public Land and Revenues Accrued Therefrom, Fiscal Year 1938
State
Petroleum
(barrels)
Natural
gas (M
cubic
feet)
Gasoline
(gallons)
Coal
(short
tons)
Potassium
(short
tons)
Sodium
(short
tons)
Phosphate
(short
tons)
Accrued
revenues
Alaska, 124,272
57,290
59
491,228
1,474
$7,233. 73
5,729.00
3,919,171.96
132,542. 42
438.38
240,837.14
87,993. 06
941,851.42
28,596. 58
21,110.01
530. 29
134,226. 62
2,069. 53
1, 706,161. 98
Alabama
California 19,892,830
1,006, 257
39,527, 576
1,413,857
4,426,154
49,427
61,787
Colorado 1,325
Idaho
I Louisiana 249,081
474,054
8,195,801
1, 515, 747
2,707,391
20,394, 774
25, 745
11,639
Mnntan a, 274,451
42,509
432,115
20,291
New Mexico_______ 8,617,429 572,307 6,193
North Dakota
Oklahoma, 146,095 197,699
South Dakota 3,178
1,080,352
20,690
1,267,023
Utah 180 2,266,048 453,431
Washington
Wyoming___________ 11,666,070 12,081,292 25,754,114 —
Total_________ 41,630,368
37,556, 776
79,932,430
80,186,340
39,509,893
97,838,813
3, 794, 641
4,221,203
572,307
449,584
69,305
75,870
20, 291
26,104
7,228,492.12
Total, 1937__________ 6,338,007.08
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 171
Topographic Mapping by the Geological Survey in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii, to June 30, 1938
See footnotes at end of table.
172 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Topographic Mapping by the Geological Survey in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii, to June 30, 1938— Continued

.. ....HU
A Sp e c ia l l y D e s ig n e d T a n k c a r f o r t h e T r a n s p o r t a t io n o f H e l i u m F r o m t h e Bu r e a u o f M in e s Pl a n t a t A m a r i l l o , t e x ,
BUREAU OF MINES
John W. Finch, Director
Duri ng the fiscal year 1938 the Bureau of Mines has made definite
progress in its dual program of safety in the mining industry and conservation
of mineral resources.
The Bureau was founded in response to the popular demand that
the Government do something to halt the appalling mine disasters that
blackened the first decade of the twentieth century. One of the first
jobs undertaken, therefore, was to win operators and miners alike
over to a regime of safe mine operation. Improvement was painfully
slow at first. Gradually it became evident that a man who was trained
to render first aid to others usually took good care that others would
not have to render first aid to him. In other words, graduates of the
Bureau’s courses in first aid and mine rescue were less likely than
untrained men to take risks with themselves, with others, and with
company property.
The number so trained since the Bureau’s inception passed the
million mark some time ago. On July 1 of this year it had reached
the encouraging total of 1,146,854 persons; 1938 gave the records a
substantial boost because, for the first time since 1931, over 100,000
persons were trained—105,093, to be exact. Now the coal industry is
rapidly approaching the million mark on its own account; 835,581
members of that group have received their certificates.
The demand for Bureau safety instruction has spread rapidly in
recent years. The men have found that a Bureau first-aid training
certificate is regarded by employers as a virtual letter of recommendation,
and accordingly workers in numerous occupations not strictly
within the mining industry have made urgent requests for training.
Complementary to the Bureau’s work of this kind has been the continuing
investigation of safe working conditions, including not only
safe equipment but pure, breathable air, uncontaminated by carbon
monoxide and other noxious gases or by the equally insidious silica dust.
The Bureau of Mines believes, with its first Director, Joseph A.
Holmes, that “True conservation is a wiser and more efficient utilization
of our national resources.” Accordingly, in the varied services
it renders the mining industry in a variety of fields, the Bureau empha-
173
104366—38------ 13
174 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
sizes the idea of use without unnecessary waste. Coupled with this is
a correlative program of pointing out new uses for little-known materials
and of helping our mining men and metallurgists to devise
processes of treating American minerals so that they can be substituted
gradually for uncertain supplies from abroad.
The strategic minerals—those vital to industry in peace and indispensable
in war—have received special attention. The Bureau has
devised and patented a process for producing 99.7-percent-pure
manganese metal from low-grade domestic ores. It has conducted
tests with a variety of American clays to prove that they can be used
for wares as attractive and sturdy as expensive imported ceramics.
And it has pointed the way to exploitation of the potash deposits of
the Southwest that now furnish fertilizer salts equal to those of
Germany and France.
The utilization of solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels has been of continuing
interest to the Bureau for nearly three decades. Current
standards for fuel are very exacting. Consumers demand a commodity
that is clean and easy to use. Pictures of entrancing basement
recreation rooms have banished many a coal bin. Nevertheless, the
Nation’s coal resources are much larger than the known resources of
petroleum and natural gas, and since coal will doubtless be a standard
fuel indefinitely the object now is to supply coal to householders in as
clean and efficient a form as possible. The Bureau, especially at its
stations in the Northwest and South, has tested the effiectiveness of
pretreatment on hundreds of samples of coal; it is now possible to
obtain washed and dedusted bituminous coals that represent a decided
advance in cleanness and efficiency over the dirty, crumbling fuel supplied
a few years ago.
Knowing that the present-day economic structure depends upon
petroleum and that the Nation’s reserves of crude oil are not inexhaustible,
the Bureau has pioneered in conducting tests on coal hydrogenation—
a process already successfully applied in England, Germany,
and Japan for obtaining oil from coal. By the time our oil
fuels approach depletion, it is hoped that motor fuel can be supplied
from coal so efficiently and cheaply that the transfer can be made from
the old fuel to the new without drastic adjustments.
The cordiality of the relations between the petroleum industry and
the Bureau’s petroleum engineers is an outstanding example of
friendly cooperation. The Bureau’s exhaustive field studies—which
unfortunately have been able to cover but a small part of the country’s
petroleum fields—frequently have been considered so valuable that
the expense of publishing results has been defrayed by a State or trade
organization.
Various State boards have asked the Bureau’s petroleum engineers
to assist them in cooperative studies of special problems. In Kansas,
BUREAU OF MINES 175
for example, the Bureau has developed methods for disposing of oilfield
brines, which were affecting livestock and crops and contaminating
supplies of drinking water.
Natural-gas operators experience much trouble from freezing of
pipe lines. Bureau engineers have invented an apparatus for determining
the dew point of natural gas under pressure—that is, the
temperature at which water will condense from the gas. Use of the
device is helping to avoid interruption of service that may result from
plugging of transmission lines with ice or compounds of water and
hydrocarbons that solidify at temperatures above the freezing point
of water.
For years the Bureau has been the Government’s consultant on
fuels. In addition to the samples of coal analyzed in connection with
carbonization and classification studies, thousands of others from lots
destined for Government office buildings, schools, and hospitals are
examined at the tipple and at the point of delivery. Moreover, the
Bureau gives advice to the Bureau of the Budget on the burning of
fuels and the purchase and operation of equipment. This service
saves the Government a considerable sum each year. In 1938 alone
adoption of the Bureau’s suggestions resulted in economies totaling
about $600,000, nearly 25 percent of the total funds allotted to the
Bureau; thus it made a substantial contribution to its own support.
After issuing several hundred reports on individual mining and
milling operations, the Bureau is assembling data under broad, general
subjects, such as copper mining, or upon important mining districts.
Bureau engineers are continuing to advise operators of small mines
regarding safe and efficient methods.
Any disaster involving an explosion usually means a call upon the
Bureau to determine the cause and to make suggestions for avoiding
future catastrophes. No small part of the time of engineers in several
Bureau divisions is taken by such emergency service.
A new policy was adopted in publishing the annual Minerals
Yearbook. It had been noted that, although the copy did not go to
press until the end of June, certain chapters, including final data for
the preceding year, were completed several months before. By
accelerating the publication schedule, it was found possible to preprint
47 chapters out of the 70 comprising the volume before the
complete manuscript went to press. Inasmuch as the Yearbook was
not issued until the middle of August, it was possible to give a large
sector of the mining industry information on production, foreign
trade, and important developments at least 3 months earlier than if
release of the complete volume had been awaited.
The scrap-metal demands of countries with extensive armament
programs have stimulated the interest of American dealers in any
information that affects their industry. In response to their urgent
176 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
request for service, the Bureau has augmented its annual scrap-metal
survey, which formerly included nonferrous metals only, to include
ferrous metals. The creation of a special section to handle data on
the production and distribution of scrap metals represents the Bureau’s
reply to a specific demand by industry.
The Bureau’s periodical reports on coal, petroleum, cement, and
other commodities and the more general economic publications, such
as the Mineral Trade Notes and the Foreign Minerals Quarterly,
continue to be in demand.
In 1930, the total attendance at showings of Bureau of Mines films
was 1,712,858; in 1933, it had risen to 2,996,000; by 1936, the total
was 6,489,000. For the fiscal year 1938 the attendance was 10,351,700.
The Bureau’s motion-picture library of 4,095 reels and 2,182,530 feet
of film is believed to be the largest of its kind in the world. Inasmuch
as prominent industrialists have defrayed the cost of production and
printing, this public service has been built up at no expense to the
Government.
Long before President Roosevelt’s inaugural address in 1933 the
Bureau of Mines had adopted the policy of the good neighbor. As a
direct outgrowth of a trip to this country in 1908 of a distinguished
group of foreign government mining specialists an interchange of
information on mining practice and equipment was built up, It now
finds expression in the biennial mine safety conferences that have been
held since 1931. The Fourth International Mine Safety Research
Conference was held in Belgium in September 1937, with delegates
from the United States, Great Britain, France, Poland, Czechoslovakia
and Belgium. The cooperation between the Bureau of
Mines and the Safety in Mines Research Board of Great Britain has
been exceptionally cordial, and for many years an exchange fellowship
was maintained, under the terms of which a member of the Bureau
staff was detailed to research work in Great Britain and a member of
the Board to research in this country.
The increased facilities made available to the Bureau by completion
of the new Southern Experiment Station, Tuscaloosa, Ala. (dedicated
in May 1936), the Eastern Experiment Station, College Park, Md.
(dedicated in October 1937), and the new laboratory building at the
Petroleum Experiment Station, Bartlesville, Okla, (also dedicated in
October 1937) will enable it to serve the mining industries more
efficiently. All were constructed with funds allotted by the Public
Works Administration in response to requests from those who felt
that the Bureau was qualified to render a definite service through
improved facilities in the localities selected, The Eastern Experiment
Station, for example, provides laboratories that are accessible
to the entire eastern mineral industry. Additional space to be added
at Boulder City, Nev., where the Bureau is conducting important
BUREAU OF MINES 177
electrometallurgical experiments on American minerals, especially
those obtainable within a reasonable distance from the station,
should make possible further contributions to the already long list
of achievements in the field the Bureau was created to serve.
FUTURE PROGRAM
The Bureau of Mines agenda for 1939 contemplate continuance of
the numerous services rendered to the American mining industry,
which have been increasing in number and complexity as the need
for them has developed.
In the early days of the Bureau the principal emphasis seems to
have been placed on safety instruction and the testing of fuels. Now
the Bureau is being asked to show how the electrical energy generated
as a byproduct of such huge Government projects as Boulder Dam,
Grand Coulee, Bonneville, and the Tennessee Valley, may be converted
into a servant of the mining industry, permitting utilization
of domestic mineral resources that hitherto have defied man to put
them to work. In another field, the Bureau is laying a sound groundwork
for the day when depletion of our petroleum resources reaches
the point where a motorized nation must begin to look elsewhere for
some of its fuel. Moreover, the Bureau, as the Government’s representative,
is now responsible for the world’s production of helium,
the versatile gas that is being diverted to a number of uses.
The effect on buildings of blasting in mines and quarries is now
being studied by the Bureau with much the same apparatus as is
used to investigate earthquakes. Sounds so high that they are
virtually beyond the range of the human ear and are therefore termed
supersonic have been shown to offer a possible means of precipitating
the harmful ingredients from the smoke of chimneys and from obnoxious
smelter fumes.
These activities represent application of the sciences in their most
modern phases, and are among the most interesting problems on the
Bureau’s current program. Nevertheless, the fact that they are a
far cry from the relative simplicity of its first investigations does not
swerve the Bureau from its original ideal of making mining the safest
industry in the country and of utilizing America’s varied and abundant
mineral resources with a minimum of waste.
It is not too visionary to anticipate the day when every mine worker
will be trained in first aid. In more than 1,900 mineral establishments
100 percent of the workers have been so trained, and the policy
of preparing key men in the various plants to be instructors will relay
first-aid knowledge among more men than the Bureau’s half hundred
safety engineers could possibly reach. If the force of safety men, who
not only teach first aid and mine rescue but point out unsafe practices
and dangerous machinery in mines, were increased, the cause of mine
178 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
safety could be advanced tremendously. Some mines competing in
the annual Sentinels of Safety contest have completed a year and
more without a single lost-time accident—proof that mining can be
conducted without injury to workers.
A factor that contributes to waste of mineral resources is ungoverned
production, resulting in accumulation of stock piles that frequently
deteriorate before they are used, so that much of the original
value is lost. If the Bureau’s economists were afforded the opportunity
to determine the Nation’s requirements of the principal
minerals, a way would be open for checking overproduction. At
the same time, increments of strategic minerals could be set aside
for an emergency without the economic dislocation that accompanied
frenzied buying of supplies during the World War.
The Bureau would like to have personnel and facilities to show
how many American minerals can be made to serve the Nation and
banish the fallacious notion that certain foreign products are best.
The next few years should witness substantial progress along these
lines in localities where new equipment has been made available for
the Bureau’s use in demonstrating these facts. Unfortunately,
however, in many instances these laboratories cannot give their
maximum potential service because the personnel is inadequate.
The Bureau would also like to have at its disposal publications on
the mining industry, in simple language, so that those who write for
information can be supplied promptly, without the necessity of referring
them to technical literature that is far above their needs. Even
children in the fourth grade are assigned the study of coal mines as
a project, and are encouraged to write to the Government for data.
The Bureau is the logical source of such information. Many students
learn about the Bureau of Mines through its films and write for
publications that usually must be denied them because printing funds
are inadequate to permit general distribution.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR’S WORK
During the fiscal year 1938, the work of the Bureau of Mines was
administered under the Technologic, Economics and Statistics,
Health and Safety, and Administrative Branches from headquarters
in Washington, but most of the activities were conducted in mining
districts well scattered over the country. Thirteen experiment
stations (at Bartlesville, Okla.; Berkeley, Calif.; Boulder City, Nev.;
College Park, Md.; Laramie, Wyo.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Pittsburgh,
Pa.; Reno, Nev.; Rolla, Mo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Wash.;
Tucson, Ariz.; and Tuscaloosa, Ala.) studied problems connected with
mining, utilization, and conservation of the Nation’s mineral resources,
a number of field offices were assigned special duties, and the safety
BUREAU OF MINES 179
instructors moved on a flexible schedule, visiting mining establishments
on request.
TECHNOLOGIC BRANCH
The function of the.Technologic Branch is to conduct engineering
and scientific research in the interest of the mineral industries. The
branch comprises six divisions—Coal, Mining, Metallurgical, Petroleum
and Natural Gas, Nonmetals, and Explosives—and the office
of the principal mineralogist. The branch also has charge of the
cooperative program between the Bureau and the corresponding
Government organizations in several foreign countries.
Coal Division
The Coal Division continued its experimental studies on mining,
preparation, and use of coal. The results of an investigation of roof
movement in mines afforded a basis for correlation of mining methods
and roof behavior and indicated the advantages of removing the coal
from a given area rapidly by mechanized mining. Other tests proved
that the capacity of coal-cleaning plants was raised by using flocculating
agents to remove fine coal and impurities from circulating
water. Experiments on burning, carbonizing, and gas making, as
well as analyses and measurements of physical properties, gave consumers
additional information to guide them in selecting coal suitable
for their purposes, thus obtaining greater satisfaction in its use. The
experimental hydrogenation plant was developed to the point where
assays of the hydrogenating properties of coals can be conducted
rapidly.
Carbonization of coal.—Carbonization tests according to the Bureau
of Mines-American Gas Association standardized procedure were
made on four low-volatile and three high-volatile A-rank coals. The
high-volatile coals contracted and the low-volatile coals expanded 16
to 40 percent. It was shown that expansion during coking is a
straight-line function of the density of the charge and varies directly
with the logarithm of the pressure due to the weight of the charge.
The tests indicate that poorly fusing, low-volatile coals expand the
most, because in the fused state the mass, being highly viscous,
retains the decomposition gases and vapors and is expanded thereby.
Washing reduced the ash of the low-volatile coals by only 0.8 percent,
but even this reduction improved the coke to a measurable extent.
Analyses of coal for Government.—During the year, 8,681 samples
of coal were analyzed in connection with Government purchases that
were made on quality specified and verified by analysis, an increase
of 11 percent over the past fiscal year.
Constitution and miscellaneous analyses of coal.—The constitution
of the coals subjected to carbonizing tests was determined by petro180
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
graphic analysis. Samples of pure coal constituents—that is, anthraxylon,
fusain, splint, spore, cannel, and attrital matter—were separated
for hydrogenation studies. High- and low-temperature distillation
assays were made on coals from various fields to estimate
their coke- and byproduct-making qualities.
Hydrogenation of coal.—During the year quantitative procedures
for the hydrogenation assay of American coals were developed, and
assay work on one coal was completed. This work involved perfecting
mechanical equipment for continuous operation of the plant,
training operators for the three shifts necessary to accomplish continuous
operation, and developing quantitative tests. The assay
determines the optimum conditions in liquid-phase hydrogenation to
obtain the maximum yield of a middle oil consistent with complete
regeneration of the vehicle used in making a paste with the original
coal.
Use of fuels.—An investigation of the effect of adding chemicals
on the burning of coal was concluded, and the results were published
in Bulletin 404, Burning of Coal and Coke Treated With Small
Quantities of Chemicals. A small, overfeed stoker tested in combination
with a modern hot-water boiler was found to give over-all
efficiencies as high as 76 percent with intermittent operation, as in
house heating.
Subbituminous coal and lignite.—Research on the utilization of
subbituminous coal and lignite, particularly important as fuels in
the West and Southwest, was initiated, and one publication on the
carbonization of a subbituminous coal from Colorado was prepared.
Fuel-economy service.—To aid Federal agencies to purchase and
utilize fuel more efficiently and economically, the fuel-economy service
section made numerous power-plant and fuel-efficiency tests, as well
as acceptance tests of new equipment; advised on the selection of
proper fuel for many specific plants; and acted as consultant to
various Government departments on such problems as purchases of
fuel and of new equipment and preparation of specifications for
various fuels, types of boilers, stokers, and auxiliary equipment.
Power-plant expenditures of $595,450 in this year alone, proposed to
the Bureau of the Budget by various agencies, were found unnecessary.
Experimental coal mine.—H^s of a new and simplified design of
rock-dust barrier showed that in many respects its behavior was
similar to that of other barriers previously tested and recommended
by the Bureau. However, simplification has resulted in poorer distribution
of rock dust in advance of an explosion, an undesirable
feature. Popular interest continues in large-scale demonstrations of
coal-dust explosions and means of preventing them. Five such programs
were witnessed by 1,500 visitors.
BUREAU OF MINES 181
Conclusions and recommendations.—The requests of coal producers
and consumers for information and advice based on work of the Coal
Division are increasing in number and complexity faster than the
facilities of this group have been expanded. Comprehensive surveys
of the properties of American coals are urgently needed to enable producers
to market their coal and users to obtain suitable coal. Gaseous
and liquid fuels (because of their easy application) and lubricants are
indispensable to industry; the present outlook is that some of these
must eventually be made from coal, and the Coal Division should
be prepared to help industry meet such a development. A coalpreparation
laboratory to serve the northern Appalachian and eastern
interior coal fields is particularly desirable.
Mining Division
The Mining Division continued to study metal-, nonmetal-, and
coal-mining methods and costs, extended the mineral-industries survey
into a number of areas not previously covered, tested and inspected
electrical mining equipment for permissibility in gassy mines, gave
technical aid to prospectors and small-scale operators, and conducted
basic research on mining problems with regard to economy, safety,
and conservation of mineral resources. Forty-six reports describing
these investigations were issued during the year by the Bureau, 9
articles were published in the technical press, and 14 completed
manuscripts awaited publication at the end of the year.
Metal mining and milling methods and costs.—Twenty-two information
circulars in the comprehensive series on mining methods and costs
at individual mines and mills were printed during the year. Of these,
six described mining methods and costs, two milling methods and
costs, and four both mining and milling methods and costs; four others
treated general phases of mining, and six were reconnaissance papers
on western mining areas or districts in which mining, milling, and general
conditions affecting mining were discussed. Bulletin 405, Copper
Mining in North America, was off press at the end of the fiscal year.
Field engineers gave technical advice to prospectors and small operators
who obviously could not afford to hire competent consultants.
Metal-mining research.—Original research at the Mount Weather
(Va.) testing adit was devoted largely to investigations of (1) alloysteel
rock-drill bits, (2) hard-surface bits, (3) small-diameter fullreaming
bits, and (4) dust from mining operations and (5) measurement
of vibrations caused by blasting and their effect upon a frame building.
The adit is now 540 feet long, and a 100-foot drift has been turned
from it. The face is hard, dense basalt, ideal for test work.
Equipment was designed and tests made to measure stresses in
rocks by geophysical methods, for the purpose of determining the
strength and predicting the failure of rock pillars and arches in mines.
182 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The Bureau of Mines has been credited with making the first actual
measurements of vibrations induced in rock columns under variable
loading. Results of the year’s work by consultants were encouraging
enough to warrant the assignment of a full-time physicist to this
investigation. The research is designed to promote safety in mining
and to determine in specific instances how much ore must be left for
mine support.
Further study of dust produced by mining operations at Mount
Weather resulted in some preliminary conclusions that were published
by the Bureau’s Safety Division.
Nonmetal mining.—Two engineers spent about half their time in the
field visiting quarries. They studied quarry-operating methods, with
especial reference to drilling, blasting, loading, and haulage practices,
involving the making of detailed time studies. The results were tabulated
and copies forwarded to the operator in each instance.
An information circular on the technical phases of mineral-wool
production was issued, and manuscript for a bulletin—Sand and
Gravel; Prospecting, Development, and Excavation—was completed.
Field tests of seismic vibrations set up by blasting in quarries were
continued, and two progress reports interpreting the results were published.
Three additional papers describing various phases of the
vibration problem were prepared for technical journals. Blasting
tests were made in the tunnel at Mount Weather, where explosive
charges were increased until the resulting vibrations began to have
destructive effects on a frame building. Tests for other Government
departments were conducted upon request. Numerous improvements
and changes were made in testing and calibrating equipment.
Coal mining.—Multiple-shift mechanical mining and rail and truck
haulage in strip coal mines were among the problems given consideration.
Three information circulars were published during the year—
Shaft- and Slope-Bottom Lay-Outs at Coal Mines; Some Aspects of
Strip Mining of Bituminous Coal in Central and South Central
States; and Multiple-Shift Mechanical Mining in Some Bituminous
Coal Mines, Progress Report I. Mines are the laboratories of this
section, and the numerous aspects of mine operation are studied tn
reach conclusions that will help to increase efficiency and promote
conservation and safety in coal mining.
Mine ventilation.—Information was gathered on the ventilation of
mines and tunnels. A study of the causes, behavior, and control of
fires in anthracite mines was continued, and a report based on records
of past fires and more recent laboratory research was published as a
resume of the study to date.
The investigation of air-conditioning in mines was extended by
means of field trips and analysis of a voluminous literature. Essential
factors are being segregated and will be embodied in a forthcoming
BUREAU OE MINES 183
paper that will discuss the results of present installations and attempt
to define the limits of successful application.
Mineral industries survey.—Six circulars on separate districts or
counties were published, and a study of the southern section of the
Mother Lode of California (Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Mariposa
Counties) is being made. A bulletin on Mining in Calaveras County
has been completed and is now in press. Of especial interest are the
conclusions of the authors regarding the potentialities for an expansion
in drift-mining operations on placer deposits by employing modern
equipment and mechanized mining methods. Field work was begun
in Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties.
Electricity and machinery.—Inspection and tests for permissibility
under Bureau of Mines schedules resulted in the formal approval of 64
pieces of equipment. Eight coal-cutting machines, 2 slate-cutting
machines, 4 loading machines, 11 conveyors, 1 caterpillar truck, 1
room hoist, 1 mine pump, 1 rock-dust distributor, 1 hand lamp,
1 flashlight, 5 single-shot dry-cell blasting units, and 1 multiple-shot
generator-type blasting unit passed the severe tests; and 17 motors,
4 starters, 2 junction boxes, 2 headlights, 1 headlight resistor box, and
1 control station were found suitable for use on permissible machines.
Moreover, numerous changes in the design of explosion-proof compartments
were reviewed and authorized. Following a study of fuels for
use in flame safety lamps, specifications were drafted covering requirements
for a satisfactory fuel. Mechanical and electrical hazards,
other than the ignition of gas and dust, connected with the operation
of machinery in mines, were studied, and data were assembled on (1)
guards for the bits of cutting machines, (2) automatic couplers and
brakes for mine cars, and (3) selection and care of mine hoisting rope.
Four reports of investigations and three information circulars were
published.
Conclusions.—Present types of investigation should be continued
and, as in the past, they should be flexible enough to meet changing
conditions and to consider subjects of timely and more pressing
interest when they arise.
Metallurgical Division
The Metallurgical Division has made notable progress in its program
of developing processes to the point where private industry is
willing to undertake their commercial application. For example, a
license has been issued to use the procedure developed by the division
for electrolytic production of pure metallic manganese from low-grade
ores; this method is expected to play an important role in the utilization
and conservation of domestic manganese ores. The process
devised for the chlorination of chromite and its subsequent gaseous
reduction to pure metallic chromium has reached the stage where
184 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
industrial application is virtually assured. Other especially promising
processes in various stages of development include the mechanical
concentration of gases, the precipitation of fume by vibrational waves,
the desulphurization of iron by special reagents, the use of positive-ion
reagents in flotation, and the production of metallic magnesium. The
preparation of high-manganese alloys having widely different properties
provides a basis for the prediction that these alloys will fill a real
need in diversified industries and may prove especially useful for naval
purposes.
A more comprehensive summary of the work and a list of publications
of the Metallurgical Division is contained in its annual report,
published as a Bureau of Mines report of investigations.
Metallurgical fundamentals.—The work comprised experimental determinations
of fundamental thermodynamic constants and the
demonstration of their application to practical metallurgical problems.
Former studies included low-temperature specific-heat measurements
upon manganese and its compounds with metalloids of the sixth
periodic group, upon beryllium oxide (a difficultly reducible material),
and upon sodium disilicate and silicate, with reference to the properties
of slag systems. Dissociation-pressure and calorimetric measurements
of the heat of setting of calcium sulphate hemihydrate have been
completed; these are important technically with respect to the control
of conditions accompanying the manufacture and use of gypsum
plaster.
A practical demonstration of the production of pure sponge chromium,
with controlled grain size, has been made on a laboratory scale,
and the possibility of making a superior-quality product free from
carbon, starting with low-grade domestic ores, has been successfully
established. Mechanical methods of concentrating mixed gases containing
constituents of different gas densities have been developed in
detail, and with great success, through the laboratory stage, and
studies necessary to their adaptation to technical use are nearly
completed.
Metallurgy of steel.-—The study of slag-metal reactions in the steel
furnace has been promoted by developing equipment for making
quantitative magnetic measurements and by working with synthetic
slags.
The construction of a portable apparatus for determining coercive
force has made experimentation possible in a steel plant; this resulted
in establishment of a method for determining carbon in steel that is
about three times as rapid as chemical methods.
Blast-furnace studies.—A new method of desulphurizing blastfurnace
iron, steel, and scrap metal—involving treatment of the molten
metal with calcium carbide and common salt—has been devised and
may be of considerable value to the industry. Other studies on deBUREAU
OF MINES 185
sulphurization involved investigations of equilibria conditions in
lime-silica-iron sulphide slags.
Special studies.—The results of the Division’s mineral physics
studies continue to be a basis for practical developments in widely
divergent metallurgical fields. The coercimeter has evidenced its
value for determining the efficiency of grinding and for shop control
at steel plants. Work on the development of practical methods of
obtaining high-frequency sound waves for settling dust and fume has
proceeded at a rate commensurate with the limited provision for
equipment and personnel.
Ore dressing.—Several problems of rather wide application have
received special attention. A process for differential grinding was
developed which offers improved possibilities for treating ores of
oolitic or granular structure, such as iron ores and carnotites. A
method has been devised for the flotation of a lead-zinc-fluorspar ore
that permits separation of all of these constituents in marketable
fractions. A pilot plant where this procedure will be tested is being
built by private interests, and a mill for commercial operation will be
erected later. A study of the application of both cationic and anionic
wetting agents to flotation has reached an advanced stage.
Precious metals.—Investigations of the treatment of gold and silver
ores have been continued. A mill of 100 tons daily capacity has been
erected in Nevada to treat arsenical gold ores by a process developed
in the Division’s laboratories.
Nonferrous metallurgy.—Microscopic studies have shown the way
for successful procedures in dressing various complex ores. Experiments
on the effect of diluents on sintering lead concentrates are being
continued as the limited facilities permit.
Ore testing.—In addition to ascertaining preferred methods for
treating many types of ores from various districts, procedure for the
volumetric determination of molybdenum has been developed and
the results prepared for publication.
Copper metallurgy.—Studies of various methods for recovering sulphur
from smelter smoke were continued. The absorption capacities
and regenerative properties of amine solutions indicate that they
may be used effectively for this purpose.
Electrometallurgy.—The principal features of the electrometallurgical
work were the virtual completion of the laboratory at Boulder
City, Nev., and the final development of a process for the production of
manganese of 99.7-percent purity. This process has received United
States Patent 2119560, of June 7, 1938, and has been assigned to the
United States Government as represented by the Secretary of the
Interior. The process is believed to be worthy of industrial application,
and details have been prepared for publication. Briefly, an ore
is crushed and ground, roasted, and leached; the metallic manganese
186 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
is electrodeposited from the purified electrolyte and the spent electrolyte
is strengthened and used as the leaching solution. The power consumed
is 3 to 4 kilowatt-hours, and the cost for large scale production
is estimated at 6 to 7 cents per pound of metal.
A preliminary investigation has shown the feasibility of concentrating
a Washington magnesite ore by flotation, and experiments are
under way to develop a method for the economic production of pure
metallic magnesium which, if successful, would go far toward establishing
an industry in the Northwest capable of providing a lightweight
metal for airplane construction and similar uses.
Other electrometallurgical work was concerned with the treatment
of antimony metal and gold-antimony ores, the production of alumina
from alunite, the treatment of copper-nickel ore, and the possible
uses of certain minerals of the Boulder Dam region, particularly for
ceramic ware.
Conclusions and recommendations.—The policy of the Metallurgical
Division is to study various phases of metallurgy from their first stages
as fundamental investigations, through their interpretation in terms
of practical application and the development of treatment methods,
to their trial in the laboratory, and if desirable their translation to
pilot-plant operation. The results of these investigations supply
information for the improvement of present metallurgical practice and
act as an incentive for the establishment of new metallurgical industries.
Conferences with those in the industry have disclosed general satisfaction
with the investigational program of the Division and with the
results disseminated by its published reports. There has been an
insistent demand, however, that certain problems be prosecuted at a
rate that cannot be attained with present facilities. The most pressing
of these problems include studies in nonferrous metallurgy, on
the production of metallic magnesium, in developing practical means
of producing dust-settling vibrations, in iron ore beneficiation, and
on rare and precious metals.
The new buildings at Salt Lake City, Utah, and Boulder City, Nev.,
authorized by the Congress will provide room for expansion; the
principal deterrent in the more active prosecution of these and other
important problems on the Division program is lack of adequate funds
to provide necessary equipment and additional personnel.
Petroleum and Natural-Gas Division
The Petroleum and Natural-Gas Division is a research organization
that deals with technologic problems in the production and transportation
of oil and natural gas and in the refining and storage of crude
oil. It also operates the Government helium plant at Amarillo, Tex.
The activities of the Division are diverse but have the common
BUREAU OF MINES 187
objectives of increased conservation and better utilization of petroleum,
natural gas, and related resources.
The laboratory and office building at the Petroleum Experiment
Station, Bartlesville, Okla., erected with funds supplied by a Public
Works allotment, was dedicated in October 1937, and much of the
station’s research equipment has been installed in the new space.
The improved working quarters add greatly to the utility of the
station.
Production oj 'petroleum and natural gas.—Contributions to progress
with regard to the production of petroleum and natural gas included a
method for determining porosities of oil sands and data on porosities
of various sands, which had been ascertained by that method; both
were described in a published report. Other publications discussed
problems relating to edgewater encroachment in oil sands and the
flow characteristics and properties of fluids from a well of the so-called
distillate type. Many such wells are being developed by drilling to
depths that were not feasible a few years ago.
An extensive report on approximately 100 oil and gas fields in Wyoming
and one on the porosity of the Sundance sand in the Lance Creek
oil field in that State will be published in the near future. Studies
are in progress on well spacing and on methods of drilling through
troublesome formations, known as heaving shales. Results of research
on oil-field emulsions soon will be published in a report giving the
latest information on minimizing the formation of emulsions and
methods of treating them.
Safety in the petroleum industry.—Records of 2,600 accidents in the
Oklahoma petroleum industry during the calendar year 1937, obtained
from the State Industrial Commission, were reviewed and analyzed as
a basis for a report being prepared for publication.
Natural gas.—Substantial progress was made in solving problems
of pipe-line transportation of natural gas; an apparatus developed by
the Bureau of Mines for determining the dew point of gases under
pressure will be a useful tool for operators, as knowledge of the temperature
at which water will condense from a natural gas is important
to the gas industry, especially in preventing interruptions of service
due to freezing in long-distance transmission lines. The apparatus
developed by Bureau engineers can be used to determine this temperature
(the dew point) at the pressure in the pipe line or gas system.
This device, which also is useful in other research activities, was
developed in connection with a study of the nature of hydrocarbon
hydrates and means of preventing formation of these troublesome compounds
in pipe lines. A number of operators have had duplicates of
the apparatus built for use in their operations from the report and
drawings issued by the Bureau.
188 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Bureau engineers who devised a new method for ascertaining the
compressibility of gases are simplifying the apparatus, so that it may
be used for determinations accurate enough for most engineering calculations
without the precise manipulation required by the original
design.
Engineering field studies— Three separate but carefully coordinated
studies deal with estimation of oil and gas reserves, relations between
ultimate recovery and operating methods, and means of improving
operating practices. These are: (1) An analysis of production histories
of five fields of the Balcones fault-line system of Texas, which are
largely depleted, have similar geological conditions, and were developed
and operated without production control; (2) a study of the
Anahuac field of the Texas Gulf coast—a high-pressure field with a
sand reservoir, in the early part of its life, operated under controlled
methods with modern engineering practice; and (3) studies of limestone-
reservoir fields of southern New Mexico. Similar work has
been started in the Rodessa field, Louisiana.
Oil-field brines.—Difficulties experienced by operators when injecting
oil-field brines into salt-water-bearing strata, to avoid damage to
lands and pollution of fresh water, led to requests that the Bureau make
detailed studies of several plants, with a view of improving designs
and practices. Clogging of the disposal formation was found to be
caused by carbonates precipitated from solution and by corrosion
products carried in suspension into the well bore. Chemical studies
were made of the turbidity and stability, and physical tests of the
corrosiveness, of brines from seven different brine-conditioning
systems.
Chemistry and refining ofi petroleum.-—Two additions to the series of
gasoline-survey reports, prepared with assistance from the Cooperative
Fuel Research Committee, were published during the year.
Manuscripts also were published embodying analyses of crude oils
from California, New York, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Montana,
as well as Bulletin 401, Properties of Typical Crude Oils from Fields
of the Eastern Hemisphere. A report on chemical and refining
studies of Wyoming black oils will soon be available, and a manuscript
on asphalts from Oregon Basin (Wyo.) crude oil is in preparation.
Helium production.—The Amarillo plant produced 6,100,000 cubic
feet of helium in the fiscal year 1938—an increase of 1,300,000 cubic
feet over the previous year—mainly for use by the Army and Navy in
nonrigid airships. Helium was supplied to the United States Public
Health Service for medical studies, the National Bureau of Standards
for research, and the Weather Bureau for inflation of small meteorological
balloons. The Weather Bureau has requested 450,000 cubic
feet of helium for this purpose during the next fiscal year.
BUREAU OF MINES 189
The amendatory Helium Act approved September 1, 1937, authorized
the Bureau to sell helium for medical, scientific, and commercial
use; regulations governing sales were approved by the President
January 14 and amended with the President’s approval March 10,
1938. Approximately 70,000 cubic feet of helium was delivered during
the year for non-Government use, and helium-oxygen mixtures for
treatment of respiratory diseases are now available in all sections of the
United States. Helium now is sold at the Government plant at a
fraction of its former cost for private use, and several contracts have
been executed for deliveries of helium for the authorized purposes
during the coming fiscal year.
Conclusions and recommendations.—The value of the Division’s
work is evidenced by the whole-hearted cooperation of the oil and gas
industry and by unabated requests for more studies than can be
undertaken with the funds and personnel available. The $253,000 in
Federal appropriations for the Division’s oil and gas studies, supplemented
by various facilities and about $63,000 in cooperative funds
supplied by States and other agencies, permits the Division to undertake
only a fraction of the work that should be performed to promote
conservation of petroleum and related resources. An obvious need is
a larger staff in the field, with a small increase in the personnel at the
Washington office to facilitate administration of the program.
An engineering building is needed at the Bartlesville station. Such
a building was included in the original plans for construction at that
station under the Public Works Administration allotment, but increased
building costs required its elimination when the contract was
let. Moreover, additional gas wells are needed on the Government’s
helium-bearing gas lands at Amarillo to prevent damage to existing
wells through overdraft.
Nonmetals Division
The facilities of the Nonmetals Division have been increased
encouragingly by new experiment station buildings at College Park,
Md., and Tuscaloosa, Ala., built by funds made available by Public
Works Administration allotments.
Froth flotation and utilization of new cationic reagents have made
possible the following mineral separations: Diatomaceous earth from
clay, spodumene from quartz feldspar and mica, vermiculite from
associated gangue, feldspar from quartz, tremolite from talc, tremolite
and serpentine from dolomite, gypsum from anhydrite and dolomite,
clay from feldspar, mica from feldspar and quartz, and many
others. A spectrographic method of quantitative analysis has been
developed that is particularly applicable to rocks and rock minerals.
Plasticity of dispersions.—An important but little-known property
of minerals is the plasticity of their dispersions. This subject has
104366—38------ 14
190 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
been studied at the Eastern Experiment Station in a fundamental
way from the standpoint of a relation between stress and deformation.
Broad generalizations relating to the plasticity of mineral dispersions
have been derived, and a more thorough understanding of the factors
involved in the utilization of various types of minerals has resulted.
Southern barite.—Eleven barite ores from Alabama, Tennessee,
North Carolina, and South Carolina were tested; three were of marketable
grade and required no concentration, one was of such low
grade that a salable barite concentrate could not be produced, and
seven yielded high-grade concentrates.
Concentration of kyanite.—An extensive study of kyanite, an aluminum
silicate occurring as an accessory mineral in gneiss and micaschist,
has been under way for 3 years, and during 1939 a report on all
phases of kyanite mining and beneficiation will be submitted for publication.
Froth flotation is the most reliable method of concentration,
and the trade is demanding the fine sizes of kyanite to an increasing
extent.
Beneficiation of clays.—Clays can be improved to some extent by
flotation, although dispersion and sedimentation are the best methods
of improving many of them. A study of ball clays has been initiated
to make available materials suitable for ceramic dry mixes. Processing
and beneficiation methods have been developed that will permit
a certain Alabama kaolin to enter the paper-filler and coating trade.
Utilization of olivine.—According to Dana, olivine, a member of the
chrysolite group, is an “orthosilicate of magnesium, with varying
amounts of ferrous iron; a rather common rock-making material,
varying from an accessory character to that of a main constituent of
the rock.” A new use for it—substitution for foundry sand in districts
where silica sand is expensive—appeared feasible as a result of
foundry casting tests with molds prepared from crushed olivine
obtained at large deposits in the Pacific Northwest.
In the third year of study of olivine from northwestern Washington,
at the Northwest Experiment Station, quarried and artificially
shaped blocks were tested at high temperatures under load and in
contact with basic slags, portland cement dust, and waste wood ash.
The quarried block showed the best resistance to load and slag. The
next best was a mixture of coarse olivine granules bonded with powdered
olivine that contained 25 percent magnesium to raise its refractoriness,
since the heat-resisting properties of the olivine decrease with
the particle size. These synthetic mixtures showed good resistance to
load at high temperatures and to the action of portland cement, but
poor resistance to waste wood ash and thermal shock. Molding under
pressures of several tons per square inch produced a better structure
and resistance.
BUREAU OF MINES 191
Utilization of coal refuse.—Coal refuse and bone coal are mine
wastes too high in ash for fuel. Studies are in progress to devise some
means of heat and chemical treatment that will adapt this material for
use in water-supply treatment to remove obnoxious tastes and odors.
Boiler-water studies.—The investigation of various waters that
cause embrittlement of boiler steel has been very fruitful. A number
of substances in the water besides silica have been found capable of
causing steel cracking, lead being the most potent. The study of
protection against this undesirable action likewise has been most
successful. Certain organic materials, including some classes of
tannins and the sulphite paper-mill lignin, have shown excellent
protective qualities. During the coming year these discoveries will
be applied to boilers in commercial operation. A comprehensive
summary bulletin on the subject is in preparation.
Conclusions and recommendations.—The demands for improved
quality in products made from nonmetallic minerals and the desire
to substitute domestic for imported raw materials because of the
uncertainty of foreign supplies necessitate research in the preparation
and utilization of this widely occurring group of minerals. Results
can be achieved most economically by the Nonmetals Division,
whose experience is wider in scope than any single industry can attain.
This work should be prosecuted with vigor to accelerate development
of new industries in the Southeastern States and in the Pacific Northwest.
Explosives Division
The Explosives Division continued its research and test work on
the explosibility of gases and vapors and upon the properties of
■explosives, particularly those studies relating to the suitability and
permissibility of explosives for use in mining.
Gas explosions.—The study of gas explosions included further
development of calculation of the explosibility of complex gaseous
atmospheres containing propylene, air, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide;
and derivation of data on the amounts of inert gas required to render
various combustibles nonexplosive and on oxygen concentrations below
which combustibles are incapable of propagating flames.
Experiments on explosion hazards in underground manholes were
continued, and fires and explosions in manufacturing plants were
investigated. Questions relating to the combustibility and explosibility
of material sent through the mails were answered.
Mine fires.—In the study of mine fires, inflammabilities of the
gaseous distillation products from heated anthracite were ascertained,
and the disappearance of carbon monoxide from sealed mine areas
was shown to be due, in part, at least, to the action of micro-organisms.
Poisonous gases from explosives.—Experiments upon the emission
■of toxic gases from certain explosives were continued. Deteriorated
192 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
explosives were shown to give increased quantities of oxides of
nitrogen.
Liquid-oxygen explosives.—A cooperative study developed methods
for reducing the inflammability of liquid-oxygen explosives without
loss of explosive qualities.
Mechanism of ignition of explosive gas mixtures by explosives.—The
conditions governing ignition of gases by explosives are being studied.
The action of incandescent particles has been given major attention.
Explosive and toxic hazards from Diesel engines underground.-—The
Explosives Division, in cooperation with the Health Division, has
begun a study of the exhaust gases from American Diesel engines.
Testing explosives.—Sixteen explosives were tested for permissibility
in coal mines; 13 of these passed all the required tests. A total of
576 gallery tests and 1,657 other control tests was made at Bruceton,
Pa. The Explosives Chemical Laboratory at Pittsburgh made 177
chemical analyses.
Conclusion and recommendations.—The continued occurrence of
fatal and costly accidental explosions in industry and in homes, owing
to misuse of explosives and ignorance of the potential dangers from
explosive mixtures of combustible gases and vapors with air, attests
the necessity for increasing vigilance by the Explosives Division in
advising and warning manufacturers and other users regarding these
hazards.
Principal Mineralogist
Review of work.—Prospectors and others who find mineral specimens
that they cannot identify turn to the Bureau of Mines for help. The
micas, with their shining cleavage faces—especially weathered biotite,
which displays an almost metallic brassy or bronzy luster—are the
minerals most often submitted for identification. Pyrite, whose
deceptive yellowish metallic luster causes the uninitiated to mistake
it for gold, ranks second in number of samples received. Although
many of these specimens have little or no value, some unusual and economically
important minerals have been identified. These include
dakeite (a recently described uranium-radium mineral from a new
locality, near Winnemucca, Nev.), columbite, beryl, and others. The
principal mineralogist examined and identified more than 2,000 specimens
and answered over 1,000 inquiries concerning mineral deposits.
In addition, he consulted with industrial engineers and members of
the Bureau staff on problems related to the utilization of minerals.
During the year he also inspected deposits of spodumene in Massachusetts
and of spodumene and other minerals in North Carolina; he is
endeavoring to create interest in the use of spodumene and of spodumene-
bearing pegmatite in the ceramic industry, for which these minerals
seem to be especially adapted.
BUREAU OF MINES 193
ECONOMICS AND STATISTICS BRANCH
The Economics and Statistics Branch collected and published data
on the production and consumption of all principal mineral commodities
and prepared reports giving the results of special economic
studies; it also prepared the annual publication entitled “Minerals
Yearbook,” which appears both as a complete bound volume and as
separate chapters. The branch comprised the Coal Economics,
Petroleum Economics, Mineral Production and Economics, Metal
Economics, Nomnetal Economics, and Foreign Minerals Divisions.
Coal Economics Division
The Coal Economics Division maintained uninterrupted its current
and annual statistical publications on the solid mineral fuels (with
the exception of bituminous coal), notwithstanding the transfer on
July 1, 1937, of two-thirds of its personnel and operating funds to the
National Bituminous Coal Commission.
Service to the solid mineral-fuel industries.—This service comprised:
(1) The collection of data on the production, distribution, and use
-of anthracite, semianthracite, lignite, coke, fuel briquets, packaged
fuel, and peat; preparation of the corresponding statistics; and their
weekly, monthly, and annual publication in appropriate form.
(2) Answering of inquiries by mail, telephone, and personal call.
(3) Completion and publication of Distribution of Byproduct and
Beehive Coke in 1936, a 26-page mimeographed report.
Economic studies.-—No special economic studies could be made during
the year, as all of the personnel was fully occupied in maintaining
the statistical routine and all trained economists had been transferred
to the Coal Commission. The situation in this respect should be
slightly better during the current fiscal year, as the personnel has now
become familiar with its reallocated duties and should have a slight
margin of time available for special studies. In spite of this, without
^restoration of some of the funds transferred to the Commission when
the work on bituminous coal was split off from the Coal Economics
Division, any important economics study will have to be done largely
on overtime.
Economies in operation—-fSeveral years ago the Coal Economics
Division, lacking adequate funds of its own, adopted the policy of
accepting statistical data collected by certain trade agencies. This
procedure was continued through the past fiscal year, the Market
Statistics Unit (later organized as the Bureau of Research and Statistics)
of the National Bituminous Coal Commission being added as
an acceptable agency for certain distribution and stock data on
anthracite and coke. These data continue to be collected by clerks
transferred from the Bureau of Mines and familiar with its work; the
194 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
information is included in uninterrupted combination canvasses
(that is, bituminous coal-anthracite-coke).
Needs of Division.—Transfer of the major part of the personnel
of the Division to the National Bituminous Coal Commission reduced
appropriations to a point that has made it extremely difficult to continue
the functions assigned by the Congress. To meet the requirements,
additional funds should be appropriated for the Division’s
work.
Prospective studies.—Anthracite.—Pennsylvania anthracite production
has been dropping for about 15 years. The causes are both economic
and technologic. The remedies for the ills of the anthracite
industry lie in the same categories, but to date have not been worked
out and applied broadly enough to be effective, if indeed they could
be made effective in view of the present lack of control over some
of the opposing forces. Study of this important problem as a whole
is entirely beyond the present resources of the Coal Economics Division;
however, it can and will continue to prepare statistics on production,
distribution, and use that may be of assistance in solving
the problem. Production statistics are already on a high plane of
accuracy and completeness and will be maintained so by constant
watchfulness. Distribution statistics are somewhat incomplete and
sources of data largely secondhand. Special effort will be exerted in
1939 to raise them to a satisfactory standard. Consumption (use)
statistics also are not well developed.
Coke.—Present statistics on byproduct coke are highly accurate
as to production, but weak on transportation and distribution. The
publication of distribution data annually (as in the report for 1936)
would be useful to all concerned in the coke industry. Long intervals
between reports, as at present, decrease their usefulness. Promptly
issued information on the current movement of coke in commerce
(transportation tables) would also be useful to both producers and
consumers. Studies of the economics of the byproduct industry,
such as supply, and present and potential demand, would also be
valuable.
Petroleum Economics Division
The Petroleum Economics Division collected statistics on the
production and consumption of petroleum and natural gas and their
major products, assembled data and answered inquiries on all economic
phases of these industries, and prepared monthly forecasts of
demand.
Forecasts of demand.—The monthly forecasts of demand for motor
fuel and crude petroleum continued to be a major feature of the

New Bur ea u of Mines Build ings .
Upp er : Pet ro leu m exp er imen t sta tion at Bar tles ville , Okla .
Mid d le : East ern Exp er imen t stat ion . Colle ge par k , Md .
Lowe r : Sout h er n Exp er imen t st at ion , Tusc aloosa , ala .
BUREAU OF MINES 195
Division’s work. These forecasts are of general interest to the industry
and are particularly useful to the various State conservation
agencies, as they contain the information necessary in devising programs
to avoid waste and needless storage of crude petroleum.
Revision of the form of the weekly crude-oil stock reports to show
data by States as well as by districts has made possible current
determination of the market demand for crude.
Field offices.—An additional appropriation was made available for
strengthening the field work of the Division and for conducting special
studies during the next fiscal year. In addition to the present office
in California, a new office will be established in Oklahoma.
These offices will facilitate close contact with the field operations
of the industry and with the activities of the various State agencies
dealing with oil and gas; they will moreover serve as headquarters
for field investigations.
Special studies.—Completion of an initial survey of crude-oil
stocks, as of June 30, 1936, indicated that, in spite of losses in gasoline
content, the average quality of crude oil in storage was surprisingly
high, because such stocks generally represented flush production from
new fields and there has been a remarkable improvement in storage
facilities. The Division is prepared to continue a study of the
economic relation of necessary working stocks to above-ground storage
and underground reserves.
In connection with trends in market demand for crude by producing
States, a more detailed investigation of crude runs, by refinery districts,
and of interregional shipments of finished gasoline will be undertaken.
These surveys should prove of particular interest and value
to the industry.
Mineral Production and Economics Division
The Mineral Production and Economics Division collected production
statistics for metal mining in the United States; supervised
the compilation of the annual volume—Minerals Yearbook; gathered
and analyzed the usual statistics on employment, accidents, and
explosives as related to mining; and, in cooperation with the Works
Progress Administration, continued the study of changes in mineral
technology and output per man.
Metal-mine statistics.—Preliminary reviews of metal mining in the
13 Western States that produce nonferrous metals were released
between January 10 and January 19. These were followed by
summary reports on gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. By the end
of June, final detailed statistics for metal mining were completed for
all States except Arizona.
196 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Yearbook.—Minerals Yearbook, 1937, was issued in August
1937. The volume included several general chapters as well as the
customary commodity reviews and comprised 1,502 pages. Demand for
this annual official review of the mining industry has been unabated.
The manuscript for Minerals Yearbook, 1938, was submitted for
transmittal to the Public Printer on June 25, 1938. Because of the
necessity for keeping within the printing budget, the size of the
volume was reduced to 1,339 pages. This edition contains detailed
final figures for 1937 that cover all mineral commodities but bituminous
coal, coke, petroleum, natural gas, and natural gasoline. Final
statistics on Pennsylvania anthracite, stone, sand and gravel, cement,
and lime are presented for the first time in any Yearbook.
Each chapter that was completed before June 10 was issued as
promptly as possible as a preprint, instead of waiting to reprint the
material after the Yearbook is issued. Some such chapters were
thus published early in May, and 47 had been printed and distributed
before the volume was off press.
Employment and accidents .—The division made its annual statistical
surveys of the causes of accidents and the number of men employed
at mines and quarries. Owing to lack of comparability of State
casualty records due to variations in State laws with regard to classes
of mines and types of accidents covered by local legislation, the Bureau
of Mines is supplied with voluntary and uniform reports by the operating
companies.
Four accident-prevention contests were conducted, with 399 mines
and quarries in 39 States participating. Safety trophies were awarded
to companies that established the best accident-prevention records,
as determined by a statistical analysis of the contestants’ reports
of accidents and man-hours of exposure to occupational hazards.
Reports were also obtained from manufacturers of explosives
showing the quantity used in the mineral industries, the chief consumers
of explosives used for industrial purposes in the United States.
Changes in mineral technology and output per man.—In cooperation
with the Works Progress Administration, the division continued the
study of technologic changes and output per man in selected American
mineral industries. Three reports were published during the year.
Other reports nearing completion show technologic changes in the
petroleum, metal-mining, phosphate rock, and crushed-stone industries
and their effect on production and employment.
Conclusions and recommendations.—Although the work of the
Division is efficiently conducted, important phases of its activity are
necessarily being neglected through lack of the requisite personnel.
Additional personnel is needed for compiling the historical record of
metal mining and the detailed analysis of statistics on mine accidents,
for expanding the collection of accident statistics to include the petroBUREAU
OF MINES 197
leum industry, and for making needed studies of broad, economic
problems with which the mining industry is vitally concerned.
Metal Economics Division
The Metal Economics Division serves the mineral industry, various
Government agencies, and the public through its statistical and
economic surveys of the metal industries. During the fiscal year
1938 the division conducted 55 statistical canvasses, prepared 65
publications, and answered over 2,700 requests for information.
Strategic minerals.—Recent interest in national defense has focused
attention on the fact that the United States depends largely upon
overseas supplies for such important mineral raw materials as manganese,
tin, chromite, tungsten, and other metals indispensable to
industry in peace as well as in war. Congressional committees and
various executive departments studying deficiency mineral problems
have consulted specialists of the Metal Economics Division frequently
and have been given the benefit of data collated by them.
Other interested persons not connected with the industry have also
made an exceptionally large number of requests for authoritative
information on strategic minerals.
Secondary metals.—The importance of scrap as a source of metalliferous
raw materials has long been recognized by the Bureau of
Mines, and it is gratifying to record that the Congress has provided
funds that will permit expansion of the Bureau’s services to those
engaged in the salvaging of waste metals. A secondary metals
section will be established at the Bureau’s Central Experiment
Station (Pittsburgh, Pa.) early in the fiscal year 1939, to assist the
secondary metals industry by compiling comprehensive statistics on
production, consumption, and flow of scrap metals as well as other
data that will contribute to the efficiency of the scrap trade.
Conclusions and recommendations.—The substantial increase in the
number of requests for information during the past year demonstrates
that the Division is rendering effective service to industry and the
public. Its efficiency would be increased substantially if the marketing
phases of the metal industries could be investigated more thoroughly.
In addition, there is urgent need for data on the industrial
uses of silver and the strategic minerals and on consumers’ stocks of
metals. Funds should also be made available to permit specialists
to keep informed of new developments by direct field contact with the
metal industries.
Nonmetal Economics Division
Minerals Yearbook chapters.—The Nonmetal Economics Division
established a new record in completing statistics and text for the 19
chapters, covering more than 80 commodities, now prepared for198
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Minerals Yearbook. All final statistics have never been available
before until late Autumn; in 1938 individual chapters were in print
months ahead of any previous year. This achievement is the more
remarkable because, in forming the Division 2 years ago, the staff
assigned to fundamental economic and statistical studies of nonmetals
was smaller than that which formerly handled these subjects.
Ability to do more and better work in spite of this handicap may be
attributed to careful planning, elimination of requests for unnecessary
data, and simplification of questionnaire forms to make them easier
for producers to fill out.
Phosphates.—Recognizing the growing public interest in phosphates,
the Division in 1937 inaugurated a midyear production canvass and
report on phosphate rock, and the annual review was expanded to
afford a more complete summary of the industry. Supplementary
data were also furnished the joint committee appointed by the
Seventy-fifth Congress to study phosphates, and the copious files of
the Division will yield additional data if needed.
Publications.—Several articles by members of the staff, including the
usual annual summaries of technologic progress, were published during
the year by technical and trade journals and professional societies,
and five reports were issued as information circulars. Other reports,
including two general surveys and several marketing reviews, were
■completed but await funds for publication.
Service given by division.—As the main repository of information on
a diversified group of industries marketing a billion dollars’ worth of
products a year, the Division is asked to answer monthly 350 to 500
inquiries from the public and more than 30 Government agencies.
Organization of a Nonmetals Division in the Technologic Branch and
the numerous information circulars prepared by the staff before the
1933 retrenchment have reduced to a minimum the requests that
have to be referred to the Nonmetal Economics Division for a special
reply.
Conclusions and recommendations.—In addition to maintaining a
current record of significant technologic and commercial trends as
affecting nonmetallics and gathering statistics thereon, the most
important service of the Division is in the marketing field. Lists of
buyers of all merchantable minerals are available, and practical help
is given small operators daily as to how and where to sell their products.
However, the Division is handicapped by shortage of funds in
its efforts to make this service as effective as it should be.
Foreign Minerals Division
For at least 2 years world-wide attention has been focused upon
the national defense and armament programs of the major world
powers. During the past fiscal year the efforts of Germany, Italy,
BUREAU OF MINES 199
and Japan and the less intensive attempt of several other nations to
attain self-sufficiency as to raw materials were accelerated to such an
extent that the economic equilibrium of the world as a whole has
become badly distorted. Stringent foreign-exchange-control systems,
discriminatory bilateral trade arrangements, and numerous other
forms of Government restrictive regulations, now operative in several
countries, affect American industry and foreign trade adversely in
certain instances.
The problem of acquiring adequate supplies of mineral raw materials,
which is common to many foreign countries, must be solved and
must be considered a major factor in any analysis of the policies
adopted by such countries as Germany, Italy, and Japan and the
.effects thereof.
Foreign Minerals Quarterly.—To provide factual information on the
^mineral resources, annual production, foreign trade, and Government
^control measures regulating the mining and metal-consuming industries
in foreign countries, the Foreign Minerals Division in January
1938 published the first issue of Foreign Minerals Quarterly. Volume
1, number 1, discussed the mineral resources, production, and trade
of eight countries in eastern Europe; subsequent issues described current
economic conditions in Germany, Italy, Japan, and the Union of
^Soviet Socialist Republics.
Foreign mineral specialist.—In July 1937 the Bureau’s foreign
mineral specialist established headquarters at the American Embassy
in Paris, France. In cooperation with the staffs of the American
(Consulates at Paris and Brussels, comprehensive surveys of the mineral
resources of France and Belgium and their colonies were prepared.
These reports provided the basic material for two issues of the Foreign
Minerals Quarterly. In May 1938 the specialist transferred his
headquarters to London, where he will complete studies on the
European iron and steel, copper, lead and zinc, coal, and petroleum
industries.
Consular reporting service.—A cooperative arrangement between
the Department of State and the Bureau of Mines, whereby the
former, through its Foreign Service, supplies voluntary and requested
reports on various phases of foreign mineral economics, has proved
very helpful and beneficial to the Bureau. During the fiscal year,
2,390 reports were received from Europe; the majority were published
from time to time in various monthly and quarterly periodicals issued
by the Economics and Statistics Branch.
HEALTH AND SAFETY BRANCH
The Health and Safety Branch, comprising the Health and Safety
'Divisions, conducted safety training, answered emergency calls for
200 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
aid after catastrophes at mines and mineral plants, and studied
conditions that affect the health of workers.
Health Division
The work of the Health Division concerned the effect of the working;
environment on the health of employees in the mineral industries.
Studies were conducted on the composition of mine and tunnel air,
determination and control of air dustiness, composition of Diesel exhaust
gas, compressed-air illness, and respiratory protective devices.
Determination oj dust.—Significant progress was made in developing
and improving methods for calculating air dustiness. Six papers
were published giving the results of this work, which especially emphasized
application of the Bureau’s midget impinger for dust sampling.
The information thus made available should be of great
practical importance in evaluating health hazards in dusty occupations.
Considerable progress was made in developing procedures for determining
the composition of air-borne dust. Studies were made of the
applicability of petrographic, spectrographic, and X-ray procedures
to this problem. This information is of fundamental importance in
ascertaining the health hazards of various types of dust.
Dust control.—Four papers on the generation and control of dust
from drilling and blasting were published. Much of the work on this
problem is being condusted in the Mining Division’s testing adit at
Mount Weather, Va.
Respiratory protective devices.—Much interest was shown in the
Bureau’s approval of respiratory protective devices, as evidenced by
the fact that 12 new approvals were granted and 6 additional approvals
virtually completed. This work of the Bureau helps to assure
safe, satisfactory, and reliable respiratory protective devices for use
in nearly all kinds of atmospheric contaminants.
Diesel exhaust gas.—Great interest has been shown in the possibility
of using Diesel engines in mines and tunnels. To evaluate the
health hazards that might be experienced in using such engines underground
a study of the composition of Diesel exhaust gas is being conducted
in cooperation with the Explosives Division. Approximately
800 samples of gases evolved from use of Diesel engines have been
analyzed to date by the Health Division.
Mine gases.—About 1,000 analyses were made during the year of
mine gases taken in connection with studies of mine explosions, the
control and extinguishing of mine fires, and the promotion of safe and
hygienic working conditions in and around mines. Two papers were
published, one on gas analysis and one giving pertinent information
on mine gases.
Compressed-air illness.—An investigation of possible methods of
reducing compressed-air illness has been started in cooperation with
BUREAU OF MINES 201
the United States Public Health Service and the Port Authority of
New York. The rate of nitrogen elimination from the body when
breathing oxygen was determined. This information is a necessary
prelude to the development of methods for preventing compressed-air
illness.
Safety Division
Personnel.—The Safety Division personnel included 26 engineers,
26 safety instructors, 15 clerks, and 7 other employees, a total of 74.
Members of the division were assigned to duty fairly evenly through
the various mining States, being headquartered at 17 cities.
Training courses.—In the past year the Safety Division gave the
full Bureau of Mines training courses in first aid and mine rescue to
105,093 persons in the mining and allied industries, visiting 690 communities
in 38 States, compared with 69,662 persons so trained in
1937. Since its inception in 1910, the Bureau has given its complete
courses in first aid and mine rescue to the following numbers of persons,
arranged by branches of the mining industry: Coal mining,
835,581; metal mining, 130,280; petroleum industry, 87,587; metallurgical
plants, 30,553 ;nonmetallic mining, 14,845; cement plants, 13,553;
tunnel work, 5,950; and miscellaneous mining activities, 28,505—a
total of 1,146,854. Those who have taken these courses not only are
prepared to render assistance to fellow workmen but are competent
to give first-aid treatment to injured persons when off duty. It is
estimated that at least 200 lives are saved annually by Bureau of
Mines first-aid graduates.
During the past year, 1,902 persons in 30 States qualified to teach
first-aid courses and were given provisional first-aid instructors’ certificates,
raising the total number to 9,454 issued since 1930. Certificates
of 100-percent first-aid training were issued to 256 mines or plants
in 25 States wherein every person had taken the Bureau of Mines firstaid
course; to June 30, 1938, these certificates of 100-percent first-aid
training had been issued to 1,910 plants.
In the course of the year, 198 expert mine rescue men took the
Bureau advanced course in mine rescue and recovery operations and
earned certificates, bringing the total to 3,163. The Bureau accidentprevention
course for higher officials in coal mining was given in 5
States to 1,297 officials; in all, 7,659 of these certificates have been
issued to mine officials since 1930.
Contact with mining industry.—The 50 men normally engaged in
field work of the Safety Division in ordinary years come in contact
with more than 300,000 persons in mining and its associated industries,
teaching them the results of the Bureau’s accumulated knowledge
on safety; it is estimated that during the past year, however, the
field personnel reached at least 500,000 persons. Only 2 of the 10 all202
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
steel safety cars were in active use; 41 passenger automobiles and 14
automotive trucks were operated and traveled 727,427 miles.
Mine fires and explosions.—In the course of the year 29 mine explosions
in 12 States and 26 mine fires in 12 States were investigated,
and the Bureau personnel aided in rescue or recovery work at practically
all of these where life was involved. There were 8 major fire
or explosion disasters (those in which 5 or more lives were lost);
in these, 146 were killed, a substantial increase compared to the previous
year; however, even this record is a tremendous improvement
when compared to the annual average of 17 major disasters and 562
fatalities from them in the 4 years that preceded establishment of the
Bureau in 1910. Without doubt, much of the relative immunity
from mine fire and explosion disasters now enjoyed in the United
States is due to various phases of safety work promoted by t*h
Bureau. One such activity is the advocacy of rock dusting, a practice
now known definitely to prevent the occurrence of many widespread
explosions yearly. There is reliable evidence that for the past
8 to 10 years, rock dusting alone has prevented several hundred
fatalities annually in United States coal mines.
Fifty-five miscellaneous accidents in 20 States (including those from
roof falls, explosives, electricity, and other causes) were investigated,
as well as numerous surface explosions of black powder, dynamite,
pulverized fuel, and gas.
Mine reports.—Two hundred and thirteen reports were made on
safety conditions at individual mines or mineral plants in 31 States
during the year. Some of these were transmitted confidentially to
the operating company, with constructive criticism of existing conditions
and definite recommendations for improvement. These reports,
with verbal suggestions by Bureau men during or after the inspections
upon which the reports were based, resulted in hundreds of
important alterations in operating conditions (equipment, methods,
and practices), with resultant favorable influence on the prevention
of accidents. Numerous changes of this type have been reported by
field men, and several hundred letters were received during the year
from mining people voicing appreciation of this and other services.
Other activities.—The personnel of the Safety Division assisted in
conducting 74 first-aid contests in 21 States; prepared and conducted
50 safety exhibits and demonstrations in 12 States; attended 625
safety meetings in 33 States; and prepared 60 manuscripts for publication.
As a means of disseminating safety knowledge, sound was
reproduced on three silent motion pictures and the latter presented
before more than 25,000 interested persons, chiefly in the mining
industry.
Ten new safety clubs (Holmes Safety Association chapters) were
organized in 3 States; in all, 472 of these mining-community safety
BUREAU OF MINES 203
organizations have been established, scattered throughout 28 States.
Numerous special studies were made of rock dusting, ventilation, electricity,
haulage, air conditioning, wetting methods, detecting gases,
testing roof, reducing air dustiness, and other health and safety
problems of the mineral industries.
Conclusions and recommendations.—The services of the Safety Division
are in greater demand than at any time in its history; unfortunately,
with its limited personnel only a portion of the requests for
help can be filled. The popularity of training in first aid is so great
that other important work of the Division has suffered because of the
necessity to divert personnel to this activity. The increase in coalmine
explosion fatalities during the past year shows a need for greater
educational work on accident prevention, and some of the engineers
loaned for first-aid training work last year must be returned to accident-
prevention duties; this will leave a shortage of personnel both
for first-aid training and for the numerous other activities in which
the Division engages.
The accident rate in mining has been much lower during the past
5 years than in any other period in the history of the industry in the
United States, insofar as statistics are available. The excellent safety
records of numerous individual mining companies, working under
hazardous conditions, show definitely that mine accidents in this
country can be reduced at least 75 percent below their present rate
if known feasible practice is followed strictly. It is the unswerving
ambition of the Safety Division to assist in bringing about this
reduction.
ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH
The Administrative Branch comprised the Information and Office
Administration Divisions.
Information Division
The work of the Information Division included the editing and
distribution of publications, supervision of motion-picture production
and circulation, maintenance of the Bureau library, and preparation
of exhibits.
Editorial.—During the fiscal year 13 bulletins, 12 technical papers,
1 miners’ circular, 70 separate chapters comprising Minerals Yearbook,
1938, 1 schedule, 1 cumulative list and index of publications, 12
monthly lists of publications, and 1 motion-picture list were edited
and sent to the printer—a total of 111 printed publications. Moreover,
during the year 70 chapters from Minerals Yearbook, 1937, were
prepared for publication, and 11 other publications were reprinted.
Owing to lack of printing funds, however, only a part of the Bureau’s
output could be printed at Government expense; consequently, 187
papers were submitted for publication in the technical and trade press.
204 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The editorial section also edited 58 reports of investigations and
66 information circulars, papers that supply promptly to the mining
industry and the general public results of Bureau investigations that
are usually described in detail in later printed reports, or that give
salient facts on the mineral industries in concise form suitable for use
in reply to queries. In addition, 16 periodical and miscellaneous
reports were edited.
These reports, 519 in all, involved the editing of 23,528 pages of
manuscript.
Publications.—During the fiscal year, 196,375 copies of the free
editions of Bureau publications and approximately 300,000 reports of
investigations, information circulars, and monographs were distributed
by the publications section. These were sent, however, only as the
result of a direct request either for a specific publication or for all
publications on a particular subject. In addition, the Superintendent
of Documents sold about 100,000 copies of the Bureau’s printed reports.
Numerous brief statements announcing the issuance of new publications
or describing current investigations were supplied to the daily
and technical press. These short items were printed widely and
effectively acquainted the public with the results of the Bureau’s work.
More than 72,000 letters requesting publications or information on
the Bureau’s activities and general mining subjects were received and
answered.
Motion-picture production.—As a means of disseminating information
on safety and efficiency in the mineral industries, the Bureau
maintains what is perhaps the largest library of educational motionpicture
films in the world. These films are prepared under the supervision
of the division, through the cooperation of industrial concerns
that bear the entire cost of production and that of providing copies for
distribution.
During the year, three new film subjects were added to the library,
and seven subjects were revised.
Motion-picture circulation.—Circulation of the Bureau’s motionpicture
films, and other graphic services, such as drafting and photography,
are centralized in the Pittsburgh Experiment Station, but
there are 16 subdistributing centers for films throughout the country,
selected with regard to accessibility. The films are loaned to schools,
churches, civic and business clubs, miners’ local unions, and similar
organizations. No charge is made for use, but exhibitors are asked
to pay transportation charges. On June 30, 1938, the Bureau had
2,164 sets of films, including 4,095 reels, aggregating 2,182,530 feet.
During the year the films were shown on 102,637 occasions to an
attendance of 10,351,700 persons. The attendance was 15 percent
higher than in the fiscal year 1937.
BUREAU OF MINES 205
Library.—The year’s accessions to the library comprised 3,884
books and pamphlets, 364 periodicals were received currently, and
5,778 books were loaned for use outside the library.
Exhibits.—The division prepared, installed, and supervised, at
expositions and conventions, 11 exhibits illustrating Bureau activities.
Office Administration Division
The Office Administration Division is charged with handling personnel
matters, property records, accounting, multigraphing and
mimeographing, and general administrative routine.
Property.—Records of the Bureau, as of June 30, 1938, show the
following valuation of Bureau property:
Automobiles and trucks_________________________________ $101, 169. 26
Canvas and leather goods_______________________________ 3, 576. 77
Drafting and engineering instruments__________________ 12, 357. 29
Electrical equipment____________________________________ 47, 508. 88
Hardware and tools_____________________________________ 37, 708. 33
Household equipment___________________________________ 20, 532. 96
Laboratory apparatus___________________________________ 556, 087. 76
Medical equipment_____________________________________ 13, 800. 05
Office furniture and equipment____________________________ 371, 032. 04
Photographic apparatus_________________________________ 36, 922. 03
Machinery and power plant equipment_____________________ 1, 081, 285. 03
Land, buildings, and improvements________________________ 2, 511, 911. 48
Rescue cars and specialized apparatus______________________ 414, 157. 93
5, 208, 049. 81
This property is in Washington and at the various field stations and
offices of the Bureau.
Personnel.—On June 30, 1938, there were 737 full-time employees
on duty in the Bureau, distributed as shown in the following table:
1 Includes instrument makers, safety instructors, laboratory aids, assistants, etc.
2 Includes laborers, mechanics, messengers, etc.
3 Engineers, 16; chemists, 3; miscellaneous, 18; total, 37.
4 Engineers, 45; chemists, 31; miscellaneous, 19; total, 95.
3 Engineers, 80; chemists, 32; miscellaneous, 45; total, 157.
141 66 82 289
Classification and number of appointees
Professional
Subprofessional
1 C. A. F. Custodial2 Total
Washington______________________________ 3 37 3 137 9 186
Pittsburgh________________________________ 39 61 46 241
Field—........................................ ...................... ' 157 44 62 47 310
Total_____________ ____ ____________ 289 86 260 102 737
In addition to the foregoing full-time employees, the following
154 employees held appointments on a when-actually-employed basis:
54 consultants; 59 excepted; 12 classified; 5 unclassified, and 24
employed on field agreements. This brings the total enrollment to
991 employees.
104366—38------ 15
206 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
FINANCES
The total funds available to the Bureau of Mines for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1938, including direct appropriations, departmental
allotments, reappropriated balances, and sums transferred from other
departments for service work, were $2,421,880.61. Of this amount
$2,368,863.25 was spent, leaving an unexpended balance of $53,017.36.
On the regular work of the Bureau, $2,291,514.45 was expended. This
figure is subject to slight corrections due to unpaid obligations.
Table 1 presents classified and complete information regarding the
financial history of the Bureau since its establishment in 1910.
Tables 2 gives a statement of the distribution of Congressional
appropriations to the branches and divisions and the expenditure of
these funds in 1938, by Bureau divisions.
TABLE 1.—Bureau of Mines Appropriations and Expenditures, Fiscal Years Ended
June 30, 1911-38
Fiscal year
Appropriated
to
Bureau of
Mines
Departmental
allotments
i
Funds
transferred
from other
departments
2
Total funds
available
for expenditure
Unexpended
balances
Total expenditures
Expenditures
exclusive
of
service
items3
1911 $502,200.00 $34, 200.00 $536,400.00 $22,818.27 $513, 581. 73 $513,581.73
191/2 475’ 500.00 45’ 640.00 521,140.00 6,239.77 514,900.23 514,900. 23
1913 583,100.00 47', 850.00 630,950.00 4,087.20 626,862.80 626,862.80
1914 664,000.00 57', 307.79 721,307.79 4,678. 29 716,629. 50 716,629.50
1915 730, 500 00 55,424.60 785,924.60 4,178.11 781, 746.49 781, 746.49
1916 757,300.00 48', 710.87 806,010.87 9,058.63 796,952.24 796,952. 24
1917 981,060.00 52^ 400. 00 1,033,460.00 48,588.10 984,871.90 984,871.90
1918_______ 1,467,070.00 51i 901.98 4 $3,062,000.00 4, 580,971.98 395,745.10 4,185, 226.88 1,172,939.64
1919 _____ 5 3,245,285.00 49,542.86 6 8,600,000. 00 11,894,827.86 2,452, 236.78 9,442, 591.08 1,137,471.37
1920 1,216,897.00 52,800.00 1, 269,697.00 9,592.18 1, 260,140.82 1,245,891. 36
1921______ 1,362,642.00 62, 618.72 666, 720. 00 2,091,980.72 13,985.89 2,077,994.83 1,412,923.15
1922_______ 1, 474,300. 00 59,800.00 182,200.00 1,716,300.00 52,120. 45 1,664,179. 55 1,483,038.47
1923_______ 1,580,900. 00 70,814. 30 97,100. 00 1,748,814. 30 10,959.08 1, 737,855. 22 1, 640,840. 57
1924 ____ 1,784,959.00 50,710. 00 347,820.00 2,183,489. 06 38,085.43 2,145,403. 57 1,804,800.41
1925 ______ 2,028, 268.00 57, 500.00 236,465.86 2,322,233.86 107, 743. 20 2, 214,490. 66 1,998,669.20
1926_______ 1,875,010.00 81, 220. 00 510, 501.15 2, 466, 731.15 28.891.78 2,437,839.37 1,841,150.80
1927_______ 1', 914,400.00 94,443.39 325,000.00 2,333,843.31 44,871.29 2,288,972.10 1,926,910.12
1928 _____ 3,025,150.00 113, 266.45 328, 000. 00 3,466, 416.45 736,235.62 2,730,180.83 1,997, 270.66
1929_______ 2, 725,118.00 103,000.00 205, 500.00 2 3,753,094. 67 8 152, 701.34 3,600,393. 33 2,280,960.68
1930_______ 2, 274, 670. 00 123,300. 00 166,200.0C s 2,684,386.38 o 135,714.93 2,548, 671.45 2,216,995.72
1931_______ 2.745,060.00 120,680.91 166,500. 00 2 3,134,595.1C io 195, 534.37 2,939,060.73 2,304,121.45
1932 ______ 2', 278,765.00 137,866.48 194. 500.00 io 2,770, 712.18 H 344, 689.43 2,426,022. 75 2, 186,799.92
1933_______ 1,860,325.00 75,100.00 184,000.0C H 2,361,138.96 12 475,895.41 1,885.243. 55 1,710,949. 42
1934_______ 1, 574,300.00 50, 230.00 17,000.0C 12 1,872,586.04 13 397,131.28 1,475,454. 76 1,-254,846.72
1935 ______ i; 293,959.07 50,000.00 126,513.1C 13 1,520,472.17 1< 34,154. 47 1,486,317.70 1,349,490.11
1936_____ 1,970, 311. 00 69, 500.00 47. 570. 00 2,114,966.51 is 14. 074.34 2,100, 892.17 2, 052,751.87
1937 ____ 2,093,200. 00 69,000.00 65,000.00 is 2,229,812.45 io 8,132.14 2,221,680.31 2,162,887.03
193$______ 2,222,450. 00 83,000.00 62,300.00 io 2,421,880. 61 22 53,017.36 2,368,863. 25 2, 291,514.45
1939 2 898 735 00 87,790. 00 60,000.00 i" 2,998,221. 70 is 2,358,550.00
i Includes printing and binding, stationery, and contingent funds.
a Includes proceeds from sales of residue gas. .
3 Service items include Government fuel yards, helium, and other investigations and services for other
departments.
4 Includes gas investigations for War Department.
5 Includes $1,586,388 for Government fuel yards.
c Includes War Minerals Relief Commission, $8,500,000.
’ Includes $719,476.67 unexpended balance reappropriated.
8 Includes $120,216.38 unexpended balance reappropriated.
«Includes $102,354.19 unexpended balance reappropriated.
Includes $159,580.70 unexpended balance reappropriated.
n Includes $241,713.96 unexpended balance reappropriated.
12 Includes $231,056.04 unexpended balance reappropriated.
is Includes $50,000 unexpended balance reappropriated.
ii Includes $27,585.51 unexpended balance reappropriated.
is Includes $2,612.45 unexpended balance reappropriated. .
io Includes $3,819.17 unexpended balance reappropriated and $40,311.44 receipts from sale of helium and
Other products.
17 Includes $41,696.70 unexpended balance reappropriated.
18 Estimate.
BUREAU OF MINES 207
TABLE 2.—Bureau of Mines Expenditures, Fiscal Year 1938
T otal
$12,038
10,712
22, 750
95, 069
92,078
187,147
2, 725
425,937
94,586
302, 516
197,811
146, 289
315, 731
7,520
1,490,390
C o n tin -
gent
$4, 987
4,987
P rin ting
and
b in d in g
$1,932
5,793
7, 725
12, 255
1,290
4,132
4, 217
42
5,062
26,998
D evelop- m en t and o p eratio n
helium
properties
(special
fund)
$5, 949
5,949
A ppreciation
of foreign
cu rrency
H eliu m
p ro d u ction
$3, 546
3,546
COO II O 1
of lI
52,939
Gas
p ro d u ction,
helium
plants
$4,954
4,954
Acquirem
ent of
land,
helium
p lan t
$9,961
9,961
Care,
etc., b u ild -
ings and
grounds, P ittsburgh,
Pa.
$641
4, 662
SOS ‘S
82,136
82,136
E conom -
ics of
m ineral
in d u stries
$6, 672
9,195
15,867
Expenses
m ining
experim
ent
stations
$874
310
I 8 l‘l
6,134
10,142
16, 276
3, 064
175,427
16,471
146, 247
341,209
Oil and
gas in -
vestigations
$2, 513
13,159
15, 672
•
236,866
236,866
M ineral
m ining
investigations
________
$1,000
16,642
17, 642
|
122,957
122, 339
7, 520
252,816
T esting
fuel
$843
13,029
13,872
236,175
236,175
O perating
rescue cars
and stations
and
investigations
of
accidents
$64
742
806
25, 061
16, 472
41, 533
2,725
95,371
90, 232
54, 784
240, 387
G eneral
expenses
$11,100
9, 660
20,760
41, 740
2,984
44,724
B ranch or division
Office of th e D irecto r. _
Office of the A ssistant
to th e D irecto r____
T o tal___________
A d m i n i s t r a t i v e B ranch:
Office A dm inistra- tio n D ivision _
Inform ation D iv ision__
________
T o tal___________
C hief M ining E n g in
eer______________
Technologic B ranch:
Coal D iv isio n _
Explosives D iv ision___________
M etallurgical D ivision_________
M ining D iv isio n . _ N onm etals D iv ision___________
P etroleum a n d N a t u r a l G a s
D ivision___
P rincipal M ineral
T echnologist__
T o tal___________
208 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
TABLE 2.— Bureau of Mines Expenditures, Fiscal Year 1938— Continued
T o tal
$26, 069
114,683
51, 435
25, 556
38,057
57, 897
313, 697
302,778
49,377
352,155
2,421, 880
2, 368,863
53, 017
C o n tin -
gent
—
§ 00
© o
CO
P rin ting
and
b in d in g
$386
26, 514
1, 111
37
463
717
29,228
13,652
396
14,048
78, 000
77, 998
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$40, 311
5,949
34,362 J
A ppreciation
of foreign
cu rrency
$400
s
2,300
400
1,900
H eliu m
p ro d u c- tion
11I 111 111 11t 111 111
i
$63,819
56, 485
7, 334
Gas p ro d u ction,
helium
plants
11I 111 111 111 111 111
$12, 000
4,954
7,046
, o ® _r S
<4 B
111 <11 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 1
$10,000
9,961
CO
C are,
etc.,
b u ild -
ings and
grounds, P ittsburgh,
Pa.
111 111 111 1t1 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 111 1 1 1 1 1 1
1 ; 1
$87,690
87,439
OM
E conom -
ics of
m ineral
in d u stries
$25, 683
88,169
50,324
25,119
37, 594
57,180
284, 069
300, 000
299, 936
S
I'Sa S■£g -BS
H" w
111 IIIlllllliii 111 tIIillllllii 111 IIIlllllliii
$359,000
358, 669
CO
Oil and
gas investigations
111 IIIlllllliii 111 1II ll1 ll1 ii1 111 IIIlllllliii
$253, 000
252,538CM
CD
M ineral
m ining
in v estigations
I11 IIIlllllliii 111 IIIlllllliii 111 IIIlllllliii
$270,860
270,458
CM
T esting
fuel
111 IIIlllllliii 111 IIIlllllliii 111 tIIillllllii 1 Illi i i
$250,400
250,047
CO
co
,y c3 S3 pl bfD o Pl
C/3 "-4-2 C/2 9^
1S 02 r-T2 02 0
Q  -4-0.54 93
111 1II1ll4ll ii1 11I IIIlllllliii 111 IIIlllllliii 11 |Illllli
$289,126
48, 981
00
co
624,000
623, 558
CM
G eneral
expenses
111 lItllillllil 111 lltllillllll 1I |l l1 l1 lI
$65, 500
65,484
CO
B ran ch or division
Econom ics and S tatistics
B ranch: C o a l Econom ics
D ivision----
M ineral P ro d u c -
tio n and E conom
ics D ivision.
N onm etal E c o -
nom ics D ivision-
Foreign M inerals
D ivision_____ M etal Econom ics
D ivision----------
P etroleum E c o -
nnrm’ns D ivision.
T o ta l___________
H ealth and Safety
B ranch:
Safety D ivision— H ealth D iv isio n—
T o tal___________
T o tal a p p ro p ria tio n ...
T o tal expenditures___
B alances_______

Pue blo Women Making Bow ls . Their Pro du ct s Are Sold Thr ough the
Ind ian Art s an d Cra fts boa rd .
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS
John Collier, Commissioner
In ALL our colorful American life there is no group around which
there so steadfastly persists an aura compounded of glamour, suspicion
and romance, as the Indian. For generations, the Indian has been,
and is today, the center of an amazing series of wonderings, fears,
legends, hopes.
Yet those who have worked with Indians know that they are neither
the cruel, warlike, irreligious savages imagined by some, nor are they
the "fortunate children of nature’s bounty” described by tourists who
see them for an hour at some glowing ceremonial. We find the Indians,
in all the basic forces and forms of life, human beings like ourselves.
The majority of them are very poor people living under severely
simple conditions. We know them to be deeply religious. We know
them to be possessed of all the powers, intelligence, and genius within
the range of human endowment. Just as we yearn to live out our
own lives in our own ways, so, too, do the Indians, in their ways.
For nearly 300 years white Americans, in our zeal to carve out a
nation made to order, have dealt with the Indians on the erroneous,
yet tragic, assumption that the Indians were a dying race—to be
liquidated. We took away their best lands; broke treaties, promises;
tossed them the most nearly worthless scraps of a continent that had
once been wholly theirs. But we did not liquidate their spirit. The
vital spark which kept them alive was hardy. So hardy, indeed, that
we now face an astounding, heartening fact.
THE INDIANS ARE NO LONGER A DYING RACE
Actually, the Indians, on the evidence of Federal census rolls of the
past 8 years, are increasing at almost twice the rate of the population
as a whole.
With this fact before us, our whole attitude toward the Indians has
necessarily undergone a profound change. Dead is the centuries-old
notion that the sooner we eliminated this doomed race, preferably
humanely, the better. No longer can we, with even the most generous
intentions, pour millions of dollars and vast reservoirs of energy,
sympathy, and effort into any unproductive attempts at some single,
209
210 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
artificial permanent solution of the Indian problem. No longer can
we naively talk of or think of the “Indian problem.” Our task is to
help Indians meet the myriad of complex, interrelated, mutually dependent
situations which develop among them, according to the very
best light we can get on those happenings—much as we deal with our
own perplexities and opportunities.
We, therefore, define our Indian policy somewhat as follows: So
productively to use the moneys appropriated by the Congress for
Indians, as to enable them, on good, adequate lands of their own, to
earn decent livelihoods and lead self-respecting, organized lives in
harmony with their own aims and ideals, as an integral part of American
life. Under such a policy, the ideal end result will be the ultimate
disappearance of any need for Government aid or supervision. This
will not happen tomorrow; perhaps not in our lifetime; but with the
revitalization of Indian hope due to the actions and attitudes of this
Government during the last few years, that aim is a probability, and
a real one.
Such being the policy, expressed necessarily in general terms, let us
see, concretely and specifically, how, and to what extent, this policy
has been approached during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938.
In looking at the Indian picture as a social whole, we will consider
certain broad phases—land use and industrial enterprises, health and
education, roads and rehabilitation, political organization—which
touch Indian life everywhere, including the 30,000 natives of Alaska
for whose health, education, and social and economic advancement
the Indian Service is responsible.
Lastly, this report will tell wherein the Indian Service, or the
Government’s effort as a whole for the Indians, still falls short.
INDIAN LANDS
So intimately is all of Indian life tied up with the land and its utilization
that to think of Indians is to think of land. The two are inseparable.
Upon the land and its intelligent use depends the main
future of the American Indian.
The Indian feels toward his land not a mere ownership sense but a
devotion and veneration befitting what is not only a home but a
refuge. At least 9 out of 10 Indians remain on or near the land.
When times are good, a certain number drift away to town or city to
work for wages. When times become bad, home to the reservation
the Indian comes, and to the comparative security which he knows is
waiting for him. The Indian still has much to learn in adjusting
himself to the strains of competition amid an acquisitive society; but
he long ago learned how to contend with the stresses of nature. Not
only does the Indian’s major source of livelihood derive from the land,
but his social and political organizations are rooted in the soil.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 211
A major aim, then, of the Indian Service is to help the Indians to
keep and consolidate what lands they now have and to provide more
and better lands upon which they may effectively carry on their lives.
Just as important is the task of helping the Indian make such use of his
land as will conserve the land, insure Indian self support, and safeguard
or build up the Indian’s social life. Many subsequent chapters
of this report deal with this latter task.
In 1887, the General Allotment Act was passed, providing that after
a certain trust period, fee simple title to parcels of land should be given
to individual Indians. Individual proprietorship meant loss—a paradox
in view of the Indian’s love for the land, yet an inevitable result,
when it is understood that the Indian by tradition was not concerned
with possession, did not worry about titles or recordings, but regarded
the land as a fisherman might regard the sea, as a gift of nature, to be
loved and feared, to be fought and revered, and to be drawn on by all
as an inexhaustible source of life and strength.
The Indian let the ownership of his allotted lands slip from him.
The job of taking the Indian’s lands away, begun by the white man
through military expeditions and treaty commissions, was completed
by cash purchase—always of course, of the best lands which the
Indian had left. In 1887, the Indian had remaining 130,000,000 acres.
In 1933, the Indian had left only 49,000,000 acres, much of it waste and
desert.
Since 1933, the Indian Service has made a concerted effort—an
effort which is as yet but a mere beginning—to help the Indian to
build back his land holdings to a point where they will provide an
adequate basis for a self-sustaining economy, a self-satisfying social
organization.
By the close of the fiscal year 1938, the area of the lands held in trust
for the Indians by the Government had been increased to approximately
51,540,307 acres—approximately 67 percent tribally owned,
and 33 percent in allotments held in trust for the benefit of individuals.
A BEGINNING IS MADE
Under authority of the Indian Reorganization Act, Congress appropriated
$1,000,000 for the acquisition of land during the fiscal year
1936. For the fiscal year 1937, the sum of $1,000,000 was again
appropriated, and in addition the Secretary of the Interior was authorized
to contract for an additional million dollars worth of land.
The sum of $950,000 was subsequently appropriated to meet these
contractual obligations. During the fiscal year 1938, only $500,000
was made available. As the result of these appropriations, there have
been acquired for the Indians 169,769.83 acres, at a cost of $2,207,-
145.40. Of these totals, 64,354.85 acres were purchased during the
last fiscal year, at a cost of $1,216,725.14.
212 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Also since the passage of the Indian Reorganization Act, 392,487
acres of former Indian lands which had been opened to sale or entry
have been restored to tribal ownership and reservation status of this
amount 38,279 acres were restored during the fiscal year ending June
30, 1938.
From 1935 through the fiscal year 1938, 30 purchase projects have
been conducted by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in cooperation
with the Governmental agencies now merged in the Farm Security
Administration. Options in the amount of $3,521,057, covering
1,207,916 acres in 11 States, have been accepted, and purchases have
been completed to the extent of 94 percent. By Executive order, on
January 18 and April 15, 1938, the President transferred jurisdiction
over approximately 791,405 acres of these lands from the Department
of Agriculture to the Department of the Interior. Another Executive
order is pending, transferring an additional 132,329 acres. Administrative
jurisdiction over the remaining 285,222 acres will be retained
by the Department of Agriculture, subject to further study concerning
the proper utilization of the land.
CONSOLIDATION AND SPECIAL PURCHASE PROJECTS
Consolidation of Indian lands is an important corollary of land
acquisition. Negotiations are under way in South Dakota to exchange
scattered Indian tracts for State and county lands, so that the
holdings of the Indians’ of the State and of the counties may be
blocked into usable units. On the Cheyenne River Reservation, the
exchange program involves approximately 133,000 acres of tribal
allotted lands; on the Pine Ridge Reservation approximately 14,150
acres of tribal lands; and on the Standing Rock Reservation approximately
24,770 acres of tribal land. In working out these exchanges,
the South Dakota authorities have been most cooperative.
In Florida, an exchange of 3,170.13 acres of scattered Seminole
Reservation lands for other lands better suited to Indian purposes is
nearing completion. The former State Seminole Reservation, comprising
99,000 acres in Monroe County, Fla., has been abolished by
the State, and in its stead a new State reservation of 104,800 acres
has been established in Broward County, adjoining Federal reservation
lands in Hendry County.
The purchase of lands under the Arizona Navajo Boundary Extension
Act of June 14, 1934 (48 Stat. 960), was continued with the
purchase of 10,486.98 acres at a cost of $17,159.45, bringing the total
purchases under this act to 334,390.97 acres.
One hundred and twenty-nine acres of land were purchased for
the Capitan Grande Indians of the Barona Ranch, Calif., at a cost
of $2,100.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 213
Continued progress has been made in the purchase of land within
the various pueblos in New Mexico with funds awarded pursuant to
the Pueblo Lands Board Act, as amended. Purchases of 3,495.44
acres were completed involving an expenditure of $57,534.36.
The act of May 31, 1938 (Public, No. 569, 75th Cong.), authorizes
the Secretary of the Interior to withdraw and reserve permanently
small tracts of not to exceed 640 acres each of the Alaskan public
domain for schools, hospitals, and other purposes necessary to aid
the Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts of Alaska. This authority is proving
of material assistance in the development of the Alaska program.
THE INDIANS DO THEIR PART
The Indians themselves are beginning to realize the folly of parting
with their land holdings. Only four patents in fee were issued during
the year to Indians, to relieve conditions of distress or because the
land was needed for public or private projects.
A number of Indians have deeded their surplus or inherited lands
or portions of them to the United States in trust for other Indians;
usually for relatives who were landless or whose own lands were not
suitable as home sites. Two Indians have deeded lands to the United
States in trust for the tribe to which they belong. This, it is hoped,
may be the beginning of a voluntary partial solution of the allotment
situation.
A number of allotments have been exchanged between Indians in
order better to consolidate their holdings or to acquire agricultural
and grazing lands. Especially has this type of exchange been carried
out on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, where many Indians
have wished to acquire more and better farming lands, while others
preferred to depend on larger grazing revenues.
Permits and leases for business purposes have increased somewhat
since sales and patents in fee have been limited. On those reservations
under the Indian Reorganization Act such permits and leases
on tribal lands are now usually made by the tribal council.
COURT CASES AND TAX TROUBLES
During the fiscal year, 389.22 acres of land were restored to their
original trust status through cancelation of five patents in fee issued
to Indian allottees during the trust period without their application
or consent. Cases involving approximately 75 allotments are pending
in the Department of Justice, the majority of them cases in
which it is sought to recover taxes illegally collected.
These cases do not include lands of the Five Civilized Tribes in
Oklahoma, where suits have been instituted to remove clouds from
the title and to recover possession of allotted or purchased lands for
Indians.
214 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
As the result of the appropriation of $25,000 made in pursuance of
the provisions of the act of June 20, 1936 (49 Stat. 1542), needed
relief has been given a number of Indians by the payment of past due
taxes on properties purchased with trust funds and held under restricted
deeds; the buyers having believed at the time of purchase
that the property would be nontaxable.
A revision of the regulations to govern the sale of Indian lands,
the issuance of patents in fee, and the purchase of lands with trust
funds, including the Five Civilized Tribes in Oklahoma, was approved
in the Department on May 31 of this year.
NAVAJO LEASES—NAVAJO BOUNDARY BILL
During the year an aggregate of 499,522.75 acres of white-owned
land was leased for the benefit of Navajo Indians at an annual rental
of $16,273.96. The lands were leased pending acquisition, by purchase
or exchange, of lands in Arizona under the provisions of the act of
June 14, 1934 (48 Stat. 960), and the enactment of similar legislation
applicable to New Mexico. The Arizona exchanges under the 1934
act are receiving attention at the present time, and it is hoped that they
may be completed without much more delay. Legislation to extend
the Navajo boundary in New Mexico will again be presented to Congress
at its next session.
EXTENSION OF TRUST PERIOD
Trust periods were extended automatically by authority of the
Indian Reorganization Act for all tribes which accepted that act. As
a protection to those tribes which did not accept the act, the period
of trust on lands which otherwise would have expired during the
calendar year 1938 was extended by President Roosevelt on September
29, 1937, for a further period of 25 years.
EASTERN CHEROKEE CASES
On June 6, 1938, the contention of the United States on behalf of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, regarding title
to certain lands claimed for the Indians, was sustained by the United
States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Although the
amount and value of land involved in the particular case was not large,
the questions decided were important, since title to some 2,000 acres of
land claimed for these Indians may depend on the determination of
similar issues. A total of approximately 50 cases involving title to
Cherokee Indian lands have been submitted to the Department of
Justice, where they are under active consideration.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 215
INDIAN TRIBAL CLAIMS
Final judgments in favor of the Klamath Tribe of Oregon and the
Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, Wyo., in the amount
of $5,313,347.32 and $4,408,444.23 respectively, were rendered by the
Court of Claims. Funds in satisfaction of these judgments were
appropriated by the Second Deficiency Appropriation Act, fiscal year
1938, approved June 25,1938 (Public No. 723, 75th Cong., 3d sess.).
The decisions in favor of these tribes in June, 1937, were appealed
by counsel for the United States to the Supreme Court, where the
decisions of the Court of Claims were affirmed.
In affirming the decisions of the Court of Claims in these two cases,
the Supreme Court rendered decisions of great importance to the
Indians. These two cases settled the question as to the scope of the
title of an Indian tribe to the reservation set apart for it by treaty. In
the Shoshone case, the Supreme Court held that the tribe’s right of
occupancy was as sacred and as securely safeguarded as in fee-simple
absolute title, notwithstanding the fact that the United States retained
the fee. Following this theory, it was held that the tribe’s right of
occupancy in perpetuity included ownership of the land, mineral
deposits, and standing timber on the reservation, and an award was
made accordingly. Interest on the sums found to be due at the time
the reservation lands were taken was awarded both tribes as a part of
just compensation for a taking of property by the United States in
the exercise of its power of eminent domain.
Approximately 65 cases are now pending in the United States
Court of Claims involving Indian tribal claims. Reports were made
during the year to the Department of Justice and to the Court of
Claims on seven cases. The court dismissed five cases with decisions
adverse to the Indian tribes.
LEGISLATION
Reports were prepared and sent to the committees of Congress on
some 300 bills relating to Indian affairs. Notable among the acts
passed by the third session of the 75th Congress are the act of April 8,
1938 (Public, No. 474), amending the Menominee Jurisdictional Act of
September 3, 1935 (49 Stat. L. 1085), to permit the filing of separate
suits in the Court of Claims; the act of June 15,1938 (Public, No. 632),
to divide the funds of the Chippewa Indians of Minnesota between
the Red Lake Band and the organized Minnesota Chippewa Tribe;
the act of June 28, 1938 (Public, No. 754), conferring jurisdiction
upon the Court of Claims to hear, adjudicate, and render judgment on
the claims of the Ute Indians against the United States; and the act
of June 28, 1938 (Public, No. 755), authorizing the Red Lake Band of
Chippewa Indians to file suit in the Court of Claims.
216 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
IMPROVEMENT OF LAND RECORDS
During more than a century, approximately 15,000 maps, graphs,
tracings, and similar records relating to Indian lands have accumulated
in the Indian Office. The methods used for filing these records
have not been adequate for their proper preservation. In April,
1938, a project was inaugurated for the repair, preservation, recording,
indexing, and filing of these maps. The work of repairing and preserving
the maps is being done under the direct supervision of the
Division of Repair and Preservation of The National Archives.
It has not been possible heretofore to index adequately the records
of deeds and similar documents relating to the status of Indian lands.
As part of a Works Progress Administration project a comprehensive
index of approximately 25,000 deeds is being prepared. Other
records of the Records Section are also being carefully indexed.
PROBATE WORK
Due to legislation affecting Indians, the adoption of constitutions,
bylaws, law and order regulations, and the establishment of tribal
courts, the probate work of the Indian Office has grown greatly and
its problems have multiplied.
The past year saw a considerable increase in probate output both
in number of estates and value. Even so, a large number of estates
still await action.
Indian Probate Work
Probate cases handled outside the Five Tribes and Osage Nation,
1937-38___________________________________________ 1, 793
Wills considered for form and approved------------------------------ 431
Wills considered for form and rejected--------------------------------- 85
Appraised value of estates probated------------------------------------$3, 357, 314. 80
Fees charged against estates--------------------------------------------- $46, 675. 00
Average value of estates-------------------------------------------------- $1, 872. 45
Average fee for probate--------------------------------------------------- $26. 03
A conflict in the regulations covering allowance of claims against
living Indians, and the allowance of creditors’ claims against their
estates, after they are dead, is now being studied with the purpose
of making these regulations uniform. This situation has, in the past,
caused considerable confusion, as it has been the practice to allow
claims against an estate that have been denied against the living
Indian.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 217
Probate Work—Five Civilized Tribes
Total number of cases submitted__________________________ 423
No intervention____________________________________ 250
Probate attorney appeared_________________________________ 83
Transferred to Department of Justice for intervention_____ 37
Tax and attorney fees_____________________________________ 53
Number of cases pending:
Civil_____________________________________________ 171
Probate___________________________________________ 2, 231
Number of court appearances____________________________ 1, 698
Number of deed and lease approvals_______________________ 354
Amount involved in court appearances_____________________ $3, 829, 670. 97
Amount saved Indians__________________________________ $255, 289. 55
The work of the Five Civilized Tribes, passing through the Indian
Office, is separately reported to the Department by the supervising
probate attorney.
Work has continued in connection with Federal estate taxes in
the Five Civilized Tribes. Practically all such cases have been concluded
so far as adjustment with the Treasury Department is concerned,
and court proceedings are now contemplated and in preparation
on such matters as were impossible of settlement.
From Osage, Okla., 102 cases have been handled. Many of these
are will contests involving large amounts of money. Some have
required months of study, conferences with attorneys and other
bureaus of the Department, and extensive correspondence.
CONSERVATION OF INDIAN RANGE AND FOREST LANDS
Of the lands remaining to the Indians, some 46,000,000 acres are in
forest and range. As guide and supervisor in the field of forest and
range management, the Indian Office, has, therefore, responsibility
over a territory larger than the entire State of North Dakota.
The income from timber sales and the money value of timber used
on the reservations, the income from grazing leases and permits, and
the money value of free grass consumed by Indian livestock, constitute
together one of the Indians’ major sources of revenue.
Indian Forest Resources
Area:
Timberland--------------------------------------------------acres.„ 6, 000, 000
Woodland--------------------------------------------------- do___ 8, 000, 000
Total forest area---------------------------------------- do___ 14, 000, 000
Timber:
Volume--------------------------------------------------- ft. b. m._ 33, 000, 000, 000
Value------------------------------------------------------------------ $90, 000, 000
Timber production and sales, 1938:
Total volume cut--------------------------------------- ft. b. m__ 426, 210, 000
Gross income from timber___________________________ $1, 175, 620
218 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Conservation, for the benefit not only of the Indian, but of the whole
Nation, is, of course, the controlling policy in the administration of
Indian grazing and forest lands. In no other field, through no other
Federal bureau, does the Government enjoy such an opportunity to
prove what can be accomplished in the way of conservation and proper
land use as it does in the supervision by the Indian Service of the
Indian domain. The Indian Service, through its position as guardian
over Indian lands, can apply a concentrated technical knowledge and
action directly to the problem.
Inevitably, of course, certain of the rules and regulations requisite
to proper conservation and land use run counter to individual Indian
interests. The Indian owner of a well-watered allotment may resent
the order of the agency superintendent which prohibits him from
leasing his land for the higher rental paid for agricultural land and
requires him to reserve it as the key tract of a range unit and to take
the lower payment per acre for grazing lands. Indian livestock
owners fortunate enough to possess more than an average number of
cattle and sheep are sometimes annoyed when told that, for the sake
of their neighbors and for the preservation of the range, they must
curtail their holdings. But the Indian country over, such instances
of complaint and objection are comparatively few. The Indian
tradition of common action for the common good is reborn, once the
problem and the goal are understood. The Indian probably surpasses
his white brother when it comes to accepting individual restraints in
order that the community may prosper.
RANGE MANAGEMENT
The objectives sought in the management of Indian range resources,
as stated in the General Grazing Regulations, may be concisely put as
follows:
1. The preservation through proper grazing practice of the forest, the forage,
the land, and the water resources on Indian reservations, and the building up of
these resources where they have deteriorated.
2. The utilization of these resources for the purpose of giving the Indians an
opportunity to earn a living through the grazing of their own livestock.
3. The granting of grazing privileges on surplus range lands not needed by the
Indians in a manner which will yield the highest return consistent with undiminished
future use.
4. The protection of the interests of the Indians from the encroachment of
unduly aggressive and antisocial individuals.
Indian Range Lands
Total acreage---------- ------------------------------------------ acres-_
Great Plains: North and South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming________________________________________
acres__
Intermountain: Idaho, eastern Washington, and Oregon_do-----
40, 000, 000
13, 000, 000
4, 000, 000
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 219
Indian Range Lands—Continued
Southwest: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico----------------------------
,------------------------------- acres._ $23, 000, 000
Open range---------------------------------------- --------------- do___ 32, 000, 000
Woodland, grazed----------------------------------------------- do___ 8, 000, 000
Grazing Income and Livestock, Fiscal Year 1938
Income of Indians from grazing:
Total income from grazing__________________________ $1, 420, 767
Number of Livestock Grazed on Indian Land
From lands grazed under paid permits or leases_____ 693, 197
Cash value of free grazing by Indians_____________ 727, 570
Average income per acre__________________________cents __ 3%
Under permit
or lease
Free, by
Indians Total
Cattle____________ ______________________ 152,873
603,860
2,562
158, 274
680,126
98,084
311,147
1, 283,986
100,646
Sheep__________________________
Horses_______________ ____________
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938, the Indians enjoyed a
gross income from their range lands of more than $1,400,000; somewhat
less than one-half of this amount coming in in cash payments
paid by Indians and non-Indians for grazing privileges, and something
more than one-half being made up by the money value of the grazing
privileges enjoyed free of charge by Indian livestock operators.
TIMBER FOR TODAY—AND TOMORROW
In the management of the Indians’ forest resources, as in the
management of the range lands, conservation is the watchword.
Wherever practicable, the cutting of timber is conducted strictly
according to sustained yield practices. That is, the depletion of the
timber supply is geared down to the rate of reproduction so that the
Indians may enjoy their forest resources in perpetuity. In certain
cases, unfortunately, sustained yield practices cannot be followed.
Overripe timber or trees damaged by fire or insects must be cut.
The demands of Indians owning timbered allotments cannot always
be rejected, and the timber must be turned into the cash which the
owners insist upon having. The goal, however, remains a sustained
yield policy extended over all Indian forest lands.
Of an estimated 33,000,000,000 feet of timber on Indian lands,
approximately 426,000,000 feet were cut during the fiscal year 1938,
bringing to the Indians a gross income of approximately $1,175,000.
During the year, new contracts were completed covering the sale and
future cutting of 270,290,000 feet of timber on seven units located on
four reservations.
220 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
During the fiscal year, range investigations and timber surveys
initiated during 1937 were continued and completed. The policy of
selective logging on Indian lands was standardized and strengthened
through the formulation of standard marking regulations which
promise a more effective balancing of age classes. In cooperation
with the Civilian Conservation Corps—Indian Division, pine beetle
control work has been continued on the Klamath, Warm Springs, and
Yakima Reservations. Favorable weather conditions made this
work particularly effective, especially on the latter two reservations.
A serious pine beetle epidemic still exists at Klamath. The current
timber sale policy, however, is resulting in the salvaging of a substantial
volume of mature timber annually, and the elimination of trees
susceptible to beetle attack.
SAWMILL OPERATIONS
Fourteen Indian sawmills were operated during the year. These
sawmills gave employment and training to a large number of Indians.
Much of the lumber produced was used in building homes and other
improvements. The two largest units, the Menominee Indians Mills
in Wisconsin and the Red Lake Indian Mills in Minnesota, are operated
on a commercial basis for the benefit of the Indians, under specific
authority from Congress. During the year, the Menominee Indian
Mills manufactured 18,001,076 feet of lumber and shipped 14,898,571
feet. In addition, a large quantity of byproducts was sold. Over
6,000,000 feet of hemlock which had been killed by the hemlock
borer was also salvaged and sold to pulp and paper companies. The
lumber manufactured at the Red Lake Indian Mills during the year
amounted to 7,151,490 feet and 4,136,013 feet was sold and delivered.
On May 6, 1938, the Interstate Commerce Commission, after hearings,
authorized the abandonment of the Minneapolis, Red Lake and
Manitoba Railroad. The loss of this railroad will seriously handicap
the operations of the Red Lake Indian sawmill and the Red Lake
Indian fisheries.
FIGHTING FOREST FIRES
Forest-fire control on Indian lands was effectively reorganized during
the fiscal year under revised regulations embodied in the Hand Book
of Fire Control for the Indian Service, which was approved May 22,
1937. The organization of fire-control work by regions and the delegation
of increased authority to the regional foresters not only provides
closer supervision over the fire-control organizations on the
various reservations but furnishes the reservation personnel with
teclmical assistance and direction during periods of high fire hazard.
The efficiency of fire-control work has been materially increased
through projects undertaken by the Civilian Conservation Corps—
Indian Division. Many truck trails, lookout towers, and telephone
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 221
lines have been constructed. The communication system has been
greatly strengthened through the intensive use of semiportable and
portable short-wave radio sets.
Forest Fire Record, 1938
Number of forest fires_________________________________________ 1 085
Area burned over---------------------------------------------------------- acres. _ 10, 950
Amount of damage____________________________________________ $19; 659
Cost of suppression____________________________________________ $47, 137
Average burn--------------------------------------------------------------- acres __ 10
Damage per fire______________________________________________ $18. 19
Cost of suppression per fire____________________________________ $43. 44
A QUESTION CONCERNING ADMINISTRATIVE COST
An analysis of the business aspect of forest and range management
on Indian reservations shows an administrative cost that is extraordinarily
low. The question is, however, raised as to whether this low
administrative cost, which necessarily means a smaller, less effective
administrative organization, is truly economical. The ratio of 1938’s
administrative cost of $412,000 to 1938’s gross revenues of $2,596,387
from forestry and grazing is only 15.8 percent, and the administrative
cost spread over the 46,000,000 acres under management reflects a
cost per acre of less than nine-tenths of a cent. Such conservative
administrative cost becomes overconservative when the question is
regarded from the standpoint of the $100,000,000 in property values
involved and the danger of sustaining serious losses by reason of the
failure to provide sufficient funds for adequate supervision and
protection.
Judged by standards obtaining in other services of a similar nature,
appropriations averaging less than nine-tenths of a cent per acre for
all administrative purposes, including protection, are inadequate, and
the ratio of cost to income of less than 16 percent is unreasonably low.
For example, the Canadian Government for the administration of
Crown forests authorizes the expenditure of 25 percent of the gross
income. The act of August 28, 1937 (50 Stat. 874), provides 25
percent of the gross income for the administration of the “Revested
Oregon & California Railroad and Reconveyed Coos Bay Wagon
Road Grant Lands of the State of Oregon.” The conservation of
Indian forest and range resources justifies the expenditure of a larger
amount of money than has heretofore been provided.
IRRIGATION'S PART IN INDIAN LIFE
With most of the Indian reservations in the arid or semi-arid region,
irrigation is vital to Indian life. Certain southwest tribes have been
appropriators of water from times of remote antiquity and were
working extensive irrigated farms when found by the Spaniards during
the middle of the sixteenth century. The Indian Service not only
104366—38—16
222 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
greatly extended and improved these old irrigation systems, but has
built new projects on practically every reservation throughout the
western arid territory. These irrigated areas range from small subsistence
gardens of a few acres to highly developed reclamation projects
of 100,000 acres or more. Not all of the larger projects are confined
to Indian-owned lands. Privately-owned areas contiguous to the
reservations have been included in order to round out the projects.
The earliest irrigation construction work for the Indians was done
by the Reclamation Service in 1902, and taken over by the Indian
Service in 1909.
RECENT DROUGHT EXPANDS IRRIGATION ACTIVITIES
The severe and widespread drought of the past 5 or 6 years has not
only accentuated the need of larger irrigation facilities in arid Western
States, but also has created many demands for irrigation works in the
Great Plains area, including principally the Dakotas, eastern Montana,
and Minnesota. As a consequence of this demand, Indian
Service irrigation activities have been extended to these areas and a
number of subsistence gardens have been constructed and other water
supply developments, principally for stock and domestic use, have
been completed. The orderly expansion of Indian irrigation is essential
to afford means and opportunities for self-support, as well as to
preserve Indian water rights, which are increasingly being jeopardized
as development of the country takes place.
SUBSISTENCE GARDENS PROVE SUCCESS
The community subsistence garden program which was started in
1935 with funds provided by the Public Works Administration and
continued during subsequent years with funds regularly appropriated
has proved highly successful. Further construction of these gardens
during the past year has increased the number to 98. The C. C. C.—
Indian Division has participated in practically all subsistence garden
construction work. Crop returns from these developments during
the calendar year of 1937 amounted to $61,600. This represents a
gross return of 32 percent on a total construction investment of
$191,284. More than 1,600 Indian families and three large Indian
schools derive a large part of their subsistence requirements from these
gardens.
IRRIGATED ACREAGE INCREASES
Indian irrigation reports show that there are approximately
1,200,000 acres of irrigable land within the present Indian irrigation
projects, of which area 800,000 acres are under constructed works, and
full irrigation facilities have been provided for approximately 550,000
acres. The area irrigated by Indians shows an increase of 17,000
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 223
acres over the previous year and an increase of 1,600 families devoting
attention to farming operations. A tabulation showing comparative
statistics on Indian Service irrigation projects for the past 4 calendar
years follows:
Acreage irrigated
Year
By Indians Indian land
leased
White owned
land Total
1934 ________________________________ ____ 140,788 108, 435 198,088 447, 311
1935 ______________________________________ 147: 264 117; 178 197; 995 462; 437
1936 __________________________________________ 150,940 130,353 206,702 487; 995
1937-------------------- ------- ------------------------------------ 168, 360 13< 689 220; 126 523; 175
Construction costs to date have amounted to approximately
$54,000,000 with an estimated additional amount to complete all
projects of $46,000,000. These amounts, with an estimated further
sum of $5,000,000 with which to assist in the subjugation of Indian
lands, make a total average cost of less than $100 per acre.
CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM
The construction and water development program was maintained
at approximately the same level as during recent years. Work of
considerable magnitude was done on 6 of the larger projects and continued
construction of smaller works was carried on on 14 reservations.
Additional subsistence gardens were constructed in Oklahoma,
New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, and North, and South
Dakota. Water supply development for both stock and domestic use
was continued in the Navajo, Hopi, Pueblo, and Papago areas in New
Mexico and Arizona.
Appropriated and other funds available for construction, operation,
and maintenance during the fiscal year amounted to $4,121,995. Of
this sum $1,579,498 was appropriated for regular maintenance and
operation and an amount of $185,000 was left over from Public Works
allotments. All construction appropriations were made reimbursable
by the land benefited, although under the Leavitt Act of July 1,
1932 (47 Stat., 564), these charges are not collectible so long as the
lands remain in Indian ownership. Annual operation and maintenance
charges are collected from all white users and from all Indians
financially able to make payments.
MAJOR PROJECTS
Of the major projects now being undertaken, that on the Colorado
River Reservation in Arizona is the largest. This work contemplates
the construction of an irrigation system to supply water from the
Colorado River to 110,000 acres. Irrigation works will include a large
224 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
diversion dam? across the river, together with appurtenances and a
complete canal system. Plans and specifications were completed
during the year and a contract for construction was awarded on June
28. Work on the other large projects consisted of the completion of
the storage dam on the Owyhee River, Western Shoshone Reservation,
Nev.; the completion of a storage reservoir and the commencement of
a large pumping plant on the Flathead project, Montana; continuation
of work on the Fort Peck, Mont., pumping plant; and preliminary
work on the construction of a large storage dam on the Crow Reservation,
Mont. Miscellaneous, but extensive, construction activities
were continued on the Navajo and Pueblo Reservations in Arizona
and New Mexico.
PARTICIPATION IN CONSTRUCTION COSTS WITH OTHER AGENCIES
With the purpose of obtaining additional water supplies for several
Indian projects, the Indian Service is sharing in the cost of construction
of four large storage dams. Three of these are being constructed
by the Reclamation Service and will supply additional water as in the
case of the Southern Ute Reservation in Utah, under the Pine River
Dam; the Salt River Reservation under the Bartlett Dam in Arizona,
and the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana, under the Milk River
Dam. A contract is being negotiated with the Montana State Water
Conservation Board and the Tongue River Water Users Association
to participate in the construction cost and receive storage right benefits
from a storage dam now being constructed on the Tongue River in
Montana. This will supply additional water for the Tongue River
Reservation.
ECONOMIC SURVEY AND MISCELLANEOUS INVESTIGATIONS
An economic survey to investigate and adjust irrigation charges pursuant
to an act of Congress has been in progress during the fiscal year.
This investigation will cover all features affecting the economic status
of irrigation projects so that definite recommendations can be made to
Congress. The field work on this activity has been confined during
the year to the Uintah Reservation in Utah and to the Fort Hall
Agency in Idaho. Surveys and investigations have also been made
looking to the protection of water rights on a number of reservations
and projects including especially New Mexico Pueblos and Indianowned
land in Oklahoma. Investigations and studies were made on
prospective irrigation projects and developments in Montana, Oklahoma
and the Dakotas. A number of these investigations are being
made in cooperation with other agencies both Federal and State.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 225
MAKING A LIVING
When a white extension worker deals with white rural groups he
oan often get cooperation for a good program within 2 or 3 weeks.
He is speaking to people who have his own ambitions and whose
fundamental reactions to life, often, are his own. When he tries to
make effective an equal plan for Indian people, it is another story.
Nearly 300 years of deeply rooted distrust, and an attitude toward
life which does not regard the piling up of material means as a first
consideration, or of bulwarks against the future as of major significance,
make the extension worker’s Indian task much more complicated.
What he can do with a white group in 2 weeks may, for these
reasons, take him a year, or even more, with an Indian group.
John Eagle Eyes, as he listens to an Indian Service worker talk of
the profits of a certain type of agriculture or grazing, does not easily
forget that his own grandfather gave 20 years of his life toward
building up a farm only to be driven from that land by an Executive
■order. Centuries of a hunting life are in John Eagle Eyes’ blood and
being, influencing him always. His whole countryside and all its
hunting and fishing once belonged to him and his people. These are
now gone. A succession of new ways of living which were laid out
for him never equalled what he once had, in his opinion; for him no
incentives that he considered essential urged him to adopt our ways.
An increasingly important part of the Indian Service task, thus, is
to work out with the Indian (who is predominantly rural and nonindustrialized)
his own plans, and to help him clearly see what he is
really going after. What does he want in terms of his own Indian
life? What are the best methods, for him, of effectively adapting himself
to white man’s civilization?
In 1938 this Office has 311 men and women trained and experienced
in essential rural activities living in every corner of the Indian country.
Their lives are devoted to helping the Indians help themselves, by
example, leadership, and actual shoulder-to-shoulder working with
them. These workers have various official capacities, but they do not
limit themselves to the formal label of their jobs. They “pitch into”
every phase of Indian life and make themselves useful in everything,
literally, which helps the Indian more effectively to make his living.
It is worth mentioning, in passing, that Indian Service workers
generally, whether they be administrators, teachers, doctors, or
technical experts, have always found it necessary to step frequently
outside their own specialties to lend a hand to some urgent human
problem needing the aid of the nearest capable person.
Within the last few years, a whole new world of credit and finance
has been opened to Indian people. Reimbursable loans are made
possible to all Indians living under the Indian Reorganization Act.
The decision as to whether an individual Indian or a group will be given
226 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
a chance to borrow money rests with the workers in the field. These
loans must be discussed carefully with each individual or group, for
the loan goes far beyond a mere financial transaction.
Our experience shows repeatedly that the social and economic
pattern of Indian lives often depends upon the intelligent use of
borrowed money and the obligation upon the Indian to repay it.
With the use of credit now a reality to an increasing number of Indians,
cooperative leadership on our part is increasingly superseding the oldtime
dominations and those who urgently tried to sell a white man’s
idea for a nonwhite environment. Cooperative work in the Indian
Service is essential now, toward effective help for the Indian in terms
that mean something to him.
When we translate these various social forces into measurable
reality, the following facts of last fiscal year’s activity show some concrete
and hopeful results. This is particularly true if the objective
data here given is viewed in terms of what has just been said.
Livestock
Cattle: 1936 1937
Number of Indians owning cattle______________ 21, 635 21, 287
Number of head of live animals sold------------------ 48, 133 69, 388
Pounds of dressed meat sold------------------------------- 616, 088 704, 639
Total income from cattle_____________________ $1, 251, 371 $2, 190, 620
Sheep and goats:
Number of sheep units____________________ — 942, 177 960, 725
Receipts from wool and mohair________________ $614, 516 $792, 556
Total income from sheep and goats------------------- $1, 142, 118 $1, 519, 251
Other livestock:
Number of horses, mules, burros sold-------------------------------- 5, 311
Number of Indians owning horses, mules, and burros--------------- 28, 610
Number of horses, mules, burros owned----------------------------- 134, 905
Poultry:
Number of birds owned by Indians_______________________ 362, 732
Number of Indians owning poultry----------------------------------- 15, 176
Cooperative livestock associations:
Number of associations_______________________ 119 124
Total membership___________________________ 4, 476 5, 047
Number of cattle owned______________________ 123, 061 127, 275
INDIANS GRADUALLY RETURNING TO FARM ECONOMY
It has been encouraging to see a slow steady increase of Indians
returning to their farms. The following facts show the trend:
1936 1937
Number of acres cultivated_______________ _______ 514,529 544, 893
Acreage planted to cereal crops------------------ _______ 244, 135 245, 330
Yields in bushels from cereal crops-------------- _______ 2, 091, 360 3, 681, 731
Yields in tons from forage crops___________ _______ 198,074 278, 841
Acreage planted in cotton________________ _______ 16, 682 17, 508
Yield in bales from cotton crops___________ _______ 3,470 6, 026
Acreage planted in sugar beets------------------- _______ 191 265
Yield in tons from sugar beets_____________ _______ 2,077 4, 077
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 227
INDIAN BOYS AND GIRLS AT WORK
The following table gives the facts relative to 4-H Club work:
1936 1937
Total project enrollment_________________________ 5, 758 6, 853
Total projects completed_________________________ 4, 222 4, 936
Number of different members enrolled______________ 3, 881 5, 156
Number of different members completing projects____ 2, 740 3, 512
Percentage of completions________________________ 73. 3 72. 17
Number of clubs________________________________ 328 387
MODERN PRACTICES IN INDIAN HOMES
A growing number of the most intelligent women workers we can
find are going into the Indian homes and working with Indian women.
These workers are invariably trained in home economics and, much
more important, they are trained in those things essential to happy,
well conducted homes. If it is not easy for the average white wife,
who is probably a high school graduate and who has lived in the very
midst of white civilization, to run a home efficiently without some
training, it is certainly no easier for Indian women.
During the year 1937 there was a total of 10,871 meetings held by
Indian Service home economics workers with Indian women, on
canning, drying, clothing, home improvement, nutrition, child care
and recreation. Objective progress over the previous year is shown
in the following figures:
1936 1937
Number of quarts of fruits, vegetables, and meats
canned______________________________________ 765,051 1,898,579
Number of pieces of clothing made under auspices of
home extension groups_________________________ 142, 710 182, 415
SUMMARY
Helping the Indian help himself, therefore, has become the aim
of all Indian Service work. It is pleasant to talk of spiritual development,
moral awakening, and educational growth, but unless the
Indian has enough to eat and enough to take care of the normal,
decent clothing and shelter needs of himself and his family, he has
little heart or spirit, or even strength, to give to other things. There
is no more significant and essential task confronting the Indian
Service than helping the Indian get on his own feet. After this, other
things follow as they already are following.
CONSERVATION WORK REBUILDS INDIAN LANDS;
GIVES WORK RELIEF
Conservation work on Indian lands, as carried out by the Civilian
Conservation Corps—Indian Division, is entering its fifth year.
C. C. C.—I. D. work, during the recent years of drought and depression,
has been almost the backbone of life itself. More than a source
228 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
of relief, however, the program has brought far-reaching improvements
to Indian forests, ranges, and farm lands. The cumulative effect
has meant better distribution of stock on Indian ranges; the opening
up, through urgently needed water development, of additional
range; better forage through fencing and reseeding; fire protection
truck trails, fire breaks, fire towers, and telephones; checking of
erosion through check-dams; and the elimination of pests.
Since able-bodied Indians, irrespective of age, can be employed,
the work has been widely spread. The average daily number of
of employed enrollees during the year was 6,907. Employment had
to be rotated at some agencies, so that approximately 9,500 participated
in the program during the year. Although curtailment of the
program meant a reduced personnel overhead, Indian preference
in supervising and facilitating positions continued wherever possible.
Four hundred and thirty-eight Indians held such positions during
the year as against 344 whites.
TRAINING PROGRAM FOR ENROLLEES
During the past year, the C. C. C.-I. D. has emphasized instruction
and welfare for its enrollees. The programs, which are carefully
integrated with other Indian Service work, have varied according to
local needs. Supervising employees have given generous voluntary
support and time to the instruction program, which includes physical
training and sports, individual counsel, placement work, training in
personal health and hygiene, and training in various vocational and
cultural subjects.
SAFETY PROGRAMS CUT ACCIDENT RATE
Our C. C. C.-I. D. death-from-injuries rate was cut almost in half
during the past year—from 11 in 1937 to 6 in 1938. This may be
laid, in part, at least, to the safety program, which has included
weekly meetings, frequent inspection of projects, men, and equipment,
and the sustained emphasis upon first-aid and aquatic safety
instruction. Proper handling of automotive equipment, hand-tools,
and explosives, has been insisted upon. All supervisory and facilitating
personnel, as well as leaders, assistant leaders, truck drivers,
and machine operators, are required to work for Red Cross standard
first-aid certificates. Over half already hold these certificates and
the others are working toward them. Some 25 percent of the enrollees
have also passed the Red Cross examinations for certificates.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 229
1938 Production Accomplishments
Civilian Conservation Corps—Indian Division
Telephone lines--------------------------------------------------------------miles. _ 668
Fire breaks_______________________________________________ do__ 95
Truck trails_______________________________________________ do__ 733
Horse trails_______________________________________________ do__ 237
Fences----------------------------------------------------------------------------- do__ 860
Springs, small reservoirs, and well development______________ units. _ 552
Impounding and large diversion dams_________________________ do__ 142
Insect and tree pest control________________________________ acres._ 66, 661
Erosion control check dams:
Permanent--------------------------------------------------------------- units.. 3, 003
Temporary------------------------------------------------------------------ do__ 397
Vehicle bridges____________________________________________ do__ 56
INDIAN INCOME
Popular ideas concerning the economic condition of the Indians
vary widely. Those who have come into contact with the few Oklahoma
Indians who struck it rich in oil, fancy the Indian as an opulent
nabob. Those who have seen some of the homeless Crees and
Chippewas picking over the refuse in the alleys of some Minnesota town
picture the Indian as a starving waif. As usual, the truth lies somewhere
in between; though much nearer the lower extreme than the upper.
The average Indian family lives above, but not far above, the
minimum of subsistence. Cases of wealth are few; instances of
critical poverty are many.
During the past year an effort was made to obtain more reliable
and comprehensive information concerning Indian economic life.
Estimates of the aggregate income of Indians living on reservations
for the calendar year 1937 were requested from agency superintendents.
From a preliminary tabulation of the data contained in these
income statements which were received from 52 agencies, representing
131 reservations and approximately 162,000 Indians, a sample was
obtained sufficiently large and geographically so distributed as to
give a fair cross-section of Indian income and wealth.
The average Indian family of four persons enjoyed an estimated
income for the year 1937 of approximately $600. This figure comprises
earned income and unearned income. It includes non money
income, as well as money income.
Thus, the average Indian family belongs very definitely in the
lower third of the American population, as divided by size of income.
Of the 131 groups reported on, only 15 (some very small) showed
estimated incomes of more than $1,000 per family; only 4 were in
that estimated tenth of the population receiving family incomes of
$2,500 or more; and only in 3 groups, the Five Civilized Tribes,
Osages and Quapaws, was there a considerable number of families in
that magic 2 percent of the citizenry receiving family incomes of
$5,000 or more a year.
230 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Of the total income received by Indians, approximately two-thirds
was individually earned by the Indians themselves. Relief, both
work relief and direct relief, made up a dismayingly large percentage
of the income of many groups.
A valuable test of Indian economic progress lies in the year-by-year
measurement of income, particularly the income earned by Indians
through their own efforts at self-support. The Indian Office plans,
therefore, to continue collecting and interpreting income data and to
expand the scope of its statistical inquiries into Indian economic life.
INDIAN REHABILITATION
Thanks to the continued provision of emergency funds, the Indian
Service was able to go forward with its attack on one of the major problems
of Indian welfare—the lack of housing which meets even minimum
standards of health and comfort, and the lack, general throughout the
Indian country, of physical facilities for the conduct of community
enterprises.
Housing, or the lack of it, carries, among the Indian population, an
economic as well as social implication. Without a decent dwelling,
without essential auxiliary farm buildings, the Indian family cannot
live on and use its one principal resource—the land. The result, an
inevitable drift to the vicinity of the agency with its work relief,
rations, and fuel; the gradual springing up, near the agency, of a pauper’s
village of tents and shacks.
Help was extended the Indians, early in 1936, by an allocation of
Emergency Relief funds for the initiation of a program of Indian
rehabilitation.
Concentrating on the construction and repair of houses, farm buildings,
and community buildings, and the financing of self-help enterprises,
this program has had a triple aim: To provide some of the
neediest Indians with houses and necessary farm and community
buildings; to restore the Indians to the land and to a self-sustaining
level; and, with the achievement of these first goals, to relieve the
Federal Government, by that much, of the burden of caring for helplessly
destitute, hopelessly dependent Indian wards.
Early in the fiscal year of 1938, the sum of $1,055,000 was made
available to the Office of Indian Affairs for the continuation of this
rehabilitation program. The new allocation was made from funds
provided by the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1937, by
means of transfer from the Farm Security Administration.
In the operation of the rehabilitation program, Indians have shown
themselves eager to use every chance for self-improvement. They
have seen in this work an opportunity, through their own efforts, to
make fuller use of their resources. For example:

Progr es s in Ind ian Hous ing . Befor e and after at Yak ima , Wash .
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 231
A REVITALIZED INDIAN COMMUNITY
In 1936, when rehabilitation funds were made available to the
Office of Indian Affairs, it was determined to establish a small community
on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota for the purpose
of providing homes and an opportunity for self-support for a limited
number of young Indian families with children, for whom no land was
otherwise available. The families selected had been living with their
parents under crowded conditions in inadequate homes, and there
seemed to be no other opportunity for them to establish themselves
as separate family units.
The Grass Mountain community is situated on the Little White
River. Some 600 acres of fertile land located on the river were
available. Fourteen acres were devoted to irrigated gardening. A
stand of timber furnishes the community with fuel. There are also
from 250 to 350 acres of range land which, added to adjacent grazing
land which may be rented, will permit the community to develop a
livestock herd.
From its start in the early part of 1937, into and through the past
year, the Grass Mountain community has made progress. The community
has utilized the opportunities provided under the Reorganization
Act by organizing under the name of the Grass Mountain Deveopment
Association; and has borrowed from the Revolving Credit Fund
the sum of $3,500. With this money it has purchased three teams of
mares, wagons, hay-making machinery, chickens, and milk cows, and
will later lease additional grazing land.
Under the rehabilitation program facilities were installed for
12 families, consisting of a house, poultry house, and toilet for each
family; three community wells were drilled; a canning kitchen and root
cellar were constructed. During the first year in which the community
was in operation, foodstuffs produced in the irrigated gardens and
preserved in the canning kitchen totaled 6,050 cans of various
vegetables.
Delegations of Indians from various parts of the Rosebud Agency
and from other agencies in adjoining States have visited the new
community. So impressed have they been with the success of this
group and the improvement in their morale and physical well-being
that a number of them have applied for an opportunity to develop
similar communities.
Indians at several jurisdictions, due to improvements installed under
the rehabilitation program, have announced that they are now in a
position to provide food supplies, and in some cases clothing, for their
own aged and indigent members. At other agency jurisdictions,
because of rehabilitation work done, the superintendents have advised
the Washington office that no further rehabilitation work is required.
232 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Rehabilitation work during 1938 was conducted at 28 agencies
situated in 18 States. The projects undertaken with the funds allocated
during the past fiscal year were reduced in number in an attempt
to concentrate this necessary work at fewer agencies, in order that
more substantial results might be accomplished. During this year,
employment reports showed as many as 1,986 needy Indians at one
time being given work in carrying out the program.
Rehabilitation Projects in Progress, 1938
Individual units:
Houses, new______________ 359
repaired___________ 965
Water development__________ 469
Toilets_____________________ 573
Barns, new_________________ 78
repaired______________ 106
Poultry houses______________ 139
Hog houses_________________ 30
Cattle sheds________________ 50
Root cellars_________________ 140
Gardens____________________ 265
Fencing units_______________ 60
Kitchen ranges______________ 28
Community improvements:
Self-help project buildings,
new__________________ 30
repaired________________ 14
Equipment for self-help buildings,
new_____________ 8
repaired___________ 21
Outbuildings (3 barns; 1
poultry)________________ 4
Community improvements—
Continued
Root cellars_______________ 1
Shop buildings____________ 4
Implement sheds---------------- 6
Grist mill_________________ 1
Flour mill________________ 1
Self-help laundries_________ 2
Combination slaughter and
smoke house__________ 1
Livestock pens and exhibit
hall__________________ 1
Stock watering units________ 2
Dipping vats (6 new; 10 repaired)_______________
16
Buck herds purchased______ 3
Canning and sewing projects. _ 100
Arts and crafts projects_____ 3
Sawmills__________________ 4
Storehouses and tanneries------ 2
Land improvement_________ 30
Gardens and hot beds---------- 25
Agricultural equipment-------- 17
ROADS FOR INDIAN NEEDS
laying upon reservations and, generally, in remote, sparsely populated
sections, Indians have no need for the class A super-highways of
our crowded cities. Indian Service roads thus are deliberately built
to give the greatest number of usable miles per dollar while observing
technical standards of safety, and economy in construction, and future
maintenance.
For the last fiscal year the Congress appropriated $3,000,000 for
Indian roads. The money was used as follows:
Roads:
Improved_______________________________________ miles _ _
Surfaced________________________________________ do------
Maintained and repaired---------------------------------------- do------
Bridges:
620. 25
476. 87
5, 811. 43
94
357
Constructed___________________________________________
Repaired______________________________________________
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 233
Culverts:
Constructed and installed________________________________ 1, 740
Maintained and repaired_________________________________ 1, 071
Total number of people employed on road work during year_________ 7, 954
Total man-hours of work furnished during the year________________ 3, 064, 977
Average earnings per hour___________________________________ $0. 46
Two factors are especially important in considering the Indian
Service road program. One is that roads must specifically further the
economic and social development of the reservation life and culture;
Indians must be able to move reasonably freely from their homes to
the day schools, hospital and health centers, marketing, and agency
communities. Secondly, Indian roads must give a maximum amount
of work to employable Indian people.
Since the Indian is not exempt from the payment of gasoline tax,
which is the source of revenue of most of our roads, he is entitled to
have his road needs fully considered and acted upon.
Superintendents of Indian reservations have conservatively estimated
that during the next 5 years, 6,872 miles of construction and
improvements are needed to help the Indian reasonably effectively
utilize and develop his land and resources. If this program were
realized it would call lor an expenditure of approximately $7,000,000
annually. Increasing amounts of the road appropriation must go
each year to the maintenance and the preservation of roads already
built since it is cheaper by far to maintain roads than to rebuild them.
As provided by law, the Bureau of Public Roads continues to
approve the location, type, and design of Indian Service road construction
and the relationship of this recognized road-building agency
of the Government, with the Indian Service, has been very friendly
and cooperative.
ARTS AND CRAFTS AS SOURCE OF INCOME
The vitality and integrity of Indian arts and crafts still persist.
Evidence is the fact that many of the Indians’ finest creations are
stilj made for ceremonial and personal use. From the point of view
of income to the Indian, however, Indian arts and crafts have suffered
from several handicaps: limited markets, lack of standards, demand
for low-priced, rather than quality goods; and lack of concerted effort
to establish public interest in superior and authentic products. Primarily
to increase income to the Indians from the sale of their arts
and crafts products, the Indian Arts and Crafts Board was established
2 years ago, with a modest appropriation. Since the Board’s inception,
standards of genuineness and quality for various arts and crafts
products have been put into effect and the search for new markets has
been vigorously pushed.
It is the Board’s policy in developing markets for Indian goods to
stimulate, guide, and protect that work now being done by Indians
234 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
which satisfies the needs of the present market; further, to stimulate
supplementary production of superior merchandise for the discriminating
market. This course it is felt will establish a reputation of fine
craftsmanship for Indian goods and will give the best artists an
opportunity to exploit their abilities.
In furtherance of this policy, the Board is endeavoring to help the
Indian producer and the trader to present Indian wares in an attractive
manner, and to participate in various Indian exhibits featuring the
use of Indian craft objects in modern settings.
Various specific projects have been initiated by the Board during the
past year. These have included a system for the marking—to prove
authenticity and quality—of Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo silver, and
of Navajo textiles; the development of a home spinning industry in
eastern Oklahoma, with an organization of 75 spinners (all of whose
output has been marketed); and the formation of arts and crafts
groups on three South Dakota reservations, which have been developed
with the aid of a Board staff member. Survey work looking toward
improved production of Indian arts and crafts has been carried on in
North Dakota; in Alaska—where superb crafts objects are still being
made; and in eastern Cherokee, North Carolina, where the shortseason
tourist market for basketry, woodwork, and pottery needs
expansion. In cooperation with private persons, an arts and crafts
project is being developed at DeSmet, Idaho, and improvement in
the quality of goods produced has already become evident.
EXHIBITS AND EXPOSITIONS
Exhibits and expositions offer a powerful instrument of public
education in the beauty and usefulness of Indian arts and crafts
products. Board staff members have spent considerable time in
the gathering of vivid, authentic exhibits for three expositions which,
at the close of the fiscal year, were still in the future: The Intertribal
Ceremonial at Gallup, N. Mex., in August, where, for the first
time, the importance of display in the sale of Indian goods was to be
stressed, and the theme of the usefulness of Pueblo arts and crafts in
the modern home was to be demonstrated; the American Indian Exposition
in Tulsa, Okla., scheduled for October; and the Golden Gate
International Exposition to be held in San Francisco in 1939. This
last-mentioned exhibition will be of especial importance in furthering
interest in the Indian cultural heritage and in Indian crafts.
The Indian Arts and Crafts Board does not wish to delude the public,
the Indians, or itself into assuming that increased arts and crafts
production is the answer to the Indians’ economic problems. The
number of Indians interested in, and capable of, superior arts and
crafts work cannot be indefinitely expanded; and there is a limit also
to the amount of the goods which the market can absorb. But this
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 235
much is certainly true: that the top limit has not nearly been reached;
and in reaching it, a number of Indians can support themselves in
crafts work, and a much larger number, especially of women, can
augment their incomes from this source.
ENFORCING LAW AND ORDER
Upon Indian Service and the organized Indians falls the grave
responsibility of law and order on Indian reservations and on Indian
restricted land. Also primarily an Indian Service responsibility is
the enforcement of statutes against the sale of intoxicating liquor to
Indians.
Liquor and its control continues the major problem in the field of
enforcement among the Indians. From Indian groups have come
requests for a modification of the present statutory prohibition against
the sale of alcoholic liquor to Indians. Noteworthy among these
requests during the past fiscal year were those from the Klamath
Tribe of Oregon and from the Flathead Indians of Montana. Bills
were introduced in Congress to repeal the statutes which prohibit the
sale and possession of liquor on Indian reservations insofar as they
apply to and affect the reservations of these two tribes. The Indian
Office and the Department gave pronouncement to a policy decision
of major importance in sending to Congress a favorable report on the
Klamath repeal bill. Recommending certain amendments designed
to place the major responsibility upon the Indians themselves and to
establish a system of control by permit and license, the report stated
plainly a belief that the present prohibitory laws applying to Indians
are quite unenforceable on many Indian reservations, which are mere
islands within the surrounding white life. It was explained that on
some of the closed reservations the Indian liquor laws may be enforceable,
but that on others where Indian lands are scattered among white
holdings and where Indian traditions and Indian blood have been
diluted by contact with the whites, a vigorous public opinion,
hostile to the liquor laws, has developed among the Indians and
a resentment has grown up against what the Indians hold to be a
discrimination against them and a stigma of inferiority. Neither
the Klamath bill nor the Flathead bill made progress in Congress, but
it is felt that a sign post has been set up pointing the way, it is to be
hoped, toward a statutory formula which will bring about a realistic
handling and an effective control of the liquor traffic among the
Indian population.
The law and order problem is the combined one of education, of
development of Indian responsibility, and of enforcement of the law.
Indians in general are as law-abiding as their white neighbors. As
has been pointed out, most of the serious crimes committed by Indians
have intoxicating liquor as a contributing cause. No small part of
236 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
the Indian Service law enforcement problem lies in the failure of many
whites to recognize the validity of the Indians’ property and personal
rights.
Except for the 10 major offenses of murder, manslaughter, rape,
incest, assault with intent to kill, assault with a dangerous weapon,
arson, burglary, robbery, and larceny, Indian law and order cases are
tried in tribal courts by Indian judges. A number of tribes, by authority
of the tribal constitutions adopted under the Indian Reorganization
Act, or as one of their inherent powers, have written their own
law and order codes. Until they have adopted their own codes, tribes
are subject to the general law and order regulations of the Department.
A tribe may substitute its own code, subject to departmental
approval, for the general code. These codes are, in their own areas,
the law of the land.
The division of authority between State areas and Indian areas has
in some places, especially on reservations broken up by allotment,
created problems of jurisdiction; these are gradually, however, being
clarified. The Indian tribes of one State have definitely recommended
that they and their reservations be made subject to the State
criminal laws and the State courts.
The adoption of tribal law and order codes brings to the fore the
problem of training Indian police officers and judges. In this problem,
the Indians must have, and are receiving, help from the Indian
Service. Continued effort, both by Indians and by the Service, is
essential in obtaining capable and well-informed Indian personnel
and successful handling of this phase of self-government.
Prevention of delinquency, so inevitably bound up with economic
factors, is ever-present in our thinking, and needs more attention in
Indian Service law-enforcement work. So meager are our funds for
law enforcement work, however, that in general only the prosecution
of violations, rather than their prevention, can be undertaken by
the law-enforcement division. Preventive work is being done on a
number of reservations in the schools and the agency forces.
Thirty special officers and deputy special officers were employed during
the past fiscal year; others were deputized as special officers in
connection with their own regular duties; there were 198 Indian policemen
and 67 Indian judges. Fines were collected in the amount of
more than $31,000; 2,313 criminal cases were instituted by regular
Indian Service officers, of which 90.34 percent resulted in convictions.
A large proportion of these were not offenses by Indians, but by whites,
against the property and personal rights of Indians. Cases involving
the sale of intoxicating liquor by whites to Indians were, as usual,
numerous. Several thousand gallons of intoxicating liquors were
seized, and 7,000 pounds of marihuana.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 237
INDIANS AND SOCIAL SECURITY
The Indian, like everybody else, grows old and helpless. The
Indian, too, deserves at least a degree of economic security in his old
age.
In even the short time it has been available, the public assistance
of the Social Security Act has been an important help to the Indian.
It has helped, first and fundamentally, in meeting the Indian’s actual,
and often acute, subsistence needs. Secondarily, the collateral case
work of State and county public welfare departments has helped the
Indian to make many necessary adjustments.
There have been difficulties due to the status of Indian property as
well as to the status of the Indian himself. Tax-exempt Indian land
has created a problem in those communities where the public assistance
programs are financed partly from county funds which, in turn,
are based on property taxes. Several States have solved the problem
by using State funds to pay both the State’s and county’s share of
assistance to Indians.
A certain amount of delay in certifying eligible Indians to the
program has been due to a confusion which Miss Sue M. White, attorney
in the General Counsel’s office of the Social Security Board,
deplores as “an erroneous generalization that Indians already receive
help from the Federal Government.”
In her study, Indians in Social Security, Miss White traces this to
“an honest misunderstanding of the extent to which the Indian Service
has been enabled to grant direct relief from appropriations greatly
inadequate for the purpose.” She further points out that the administrative
agents of Federal-State assistance are, in increasing
numbers, beginning to look specifically at the facts in each case, rather
than to accept “a mere general impression that all Indians are adequately
provided for out of some special appropriation separate and
apart from the general Social Security program.”
The Indian’s status as a ward of the Government is sometimes misinterpreted
as grounds for ineligibility for benefits. The absence of
individualism of Indian family life is another barrier to effective local
administration of the program.
EXTENT OF PARTICIPATION
In spite of these difficulties, progress is being made.
At the present time, throughout the United States and Alaska
Indians are participating in the public assistance program.
In a survey of October 15, 1937, the Superintendents of the Indian
agencies reported that 6,451 Indians were being helped by Social
Security. Today, the actual figures are considerably higher than
these because, since the above computation was made, participation
104366—38------ 17
238 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
has materially increased; and many Indians, not affiliated with any
agency and, therefore, not included in the report, are receiving public
assistance under the Social Security Act.
In certain of the States, Indian children are sharing extensively in
specific State social services—maternal and child health, work for
crippled children, child welfare, vocational rehabilitation—sponsored
by the Children’s Bureau, and the Office of Education, but administered
(title V, Social Security Act) by the States.
In all this work the Indian Service personnel act as the liaison between
the individual Indian who asks assistance and the county and
State public welfare departments who administer assistance through
the Social Security program.
The goal proper and possible, is that the Social Security Act shall
operate as fully for the needy Indian citizen as for any other needy
citizen.
INDIAN HEALTH
Through hospital and sanatorium service, nursing work, immunization
programs, clinical work and health education, the Indian Service
is working to better the Indians’ health. In areas where other service
is not available, which means most Indian areas, the Indian Service
does this work itself. In a few areas where Indians live scattered
among whites, the Indian Service has worked out cooperative arrangements
with States and counties for health service.
The Indian Service during the past year maintained 79 general
hospitals with 2,968 beds and 362 bassinets, and 14 sanatoria with
1,342 beds. A total of about 1,850 health workers were employed.
TUBERCULOSIS STILL GREATEST INDIAN SCOURGE
Tuberculosis continues to be the most dangerous enemy to Indian
life. There are, however, heartening indications that a natural
immunity is gradually developing among the Indian people. Reports
from the Phipps Institute in Philadelphia, where many thousands of
X-ray films are read and interpreted, apparently point to the fact
that a number of cases of tuberculosis have resulted in natural cures
without the patients’ having known of their tuberculous condition.
An apparent increase of tuberculosis on certain reservations can be
traced to the greater effectiveness of surveys. For example, a survey
completed on the Pine Ridge Reservation where 17 percent of 3,700
Indians examined showed some type of chest lesion, resulted in the
classification as tuberculous of 60 Indians who were subsequently
sent to the new Sioux Sanatorium at Rapid City.
The tuberculosis vaccination program is making progress. The
vaccinated and control groups are being followed up and illnesses are
being checked. To date, 1,559 children have been vaccinated and an
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 239
equal number of controls are being watched. This work is now in
progress at the following agencies: Pima, Ariz.; Wind River, Wyo.;
Rosebud, S. Dak.; and Turtle Mountain, N. Dak.; and among the
Alaskan natives near Juneau.
INDIAN SERVICE PIONEERING IN TRACHOMA RESEARCH
The eye disease, trachoma, prevalent among Indians, has been a
major field of Indian Service medical research during the past fiscal
year.
What is believed to be the actual cause of trachoma, a filterable
virus, has been demonstrated as the result of cooperative work by
the Indian Office and Columbia University at the Trachoma School
on the Fort Apache Reservation, Arizona. The important findings
were reported before the Ophthalmological Section of the American
Medical Association at San Francisco in June 1938. The conclusion
was presented that “trachoma is a virus disease and that its epithelial
cell inclusions consist of masses of virus embodied in a matrix consisting
largely of glycogen.”
Startling reports were received from doctors working on the Rosebud
Reservation of apparent cures or arrestments of trachoma obtained
by the oral administration of sulfanilamide. The reports stimulated
intensive study of this treatment. Results so far have been encouraging.
Experiments on baboons at the Fort Apache Research Center
have resulted in rapid improvement. Findings were presented in
the form of a progress report before the American Medical Association
at its June meeting.
The year showed continued improvements among the children at
the Fort Apache Trachoma School. Similarly encouraging results
were obtained at the Indian School at Chemawa, Oreg., where emphasis
is being placed on the care of the trachomatous child.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES FOUGHT
Immunization programs against contagious disease were carried
forward. There were reported 754 cases of chicken pox, 865 cases of
measles, and 261 cases of whooping cough. These totaled less than
during the previous year. Cases of influenza were somewhat more
numerous, approximately 14,168. In no instance, however, did influenza
become a serious epidemic. The number of small-pox cases
reported was 24.
The Navajo Reservation was visited by several diseases in epidemic
proportions. During the fall and winter, 45 cases of typhoid developed,
with 9 deaths. The probable source of the disease was ditch water
which was found to be heavily contaminated. The bacteriological
laboratory of the George Washington University in Washington,
240 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
D. C., aided materially in combatting the epidemic by examining
cultures and laboratory specimens which were sent to Washington by
airplane, packed in dry ice. Typhoid vaccine was liberally supplied
by the Army Medical School, Washington, D. C., and 2,880 Indians
were inoculated.
Rabies (hydrophobia) among dogs appeared on the Navajo Reservation
in January. Four Indians and eight whites were bitten; 11 of
these persons were known to have been bitten by rabid animals.
All persons bitten received the Pasteur treatment and none has
developed the disease. In all, 26 dogs were killed on the reservation
and others in whom the disease was suspected were impounded as a
precautionary measure.
COOPERATION WITH STATES STRENGTHENED
The advent of the Social Security Act entailed a revision of existing
cooperative programs with State health departments. In Minnesota,
for example, the Indian Office took advantage of the appointment of
one or more public health nurses in Cook, Lake, St. Louis, and Carlton
Counties who worked under the supervision of a full-time health
officer and a full-time nursing supervisor. The Indian Office added
to the State budget the sum of $2,400 which had heretofore been used
to maintain one Indian Office nurse who had attempted to serve the
many Indians in this large area. In return for this contribution, the
county nurses now render service to whites and Indians alike.
Another service financed entirely by the Indian Office has been the
establishment of a district unit under the Five Civilized Tribes,
Muskogee, Okla. An Indian Service nurse has been made nursing
supervisor of this area. The plan calls for a county nurse to
be placed in each of the counties involved. It is hoped to develop
this area as a teaching field for field nurses new to the Indian Service.
Closer cooperation has also developed with existing Federal nursing
services in program development. There has been an increase of Civil
Service transfers to the Indian Service from other Federal agencies.
This has made it possible to fill some of the existing vacancies in both
hospital and field positions.
During the year five additional Indian Service physicians were
appointed, with the approval of the Secretary, as Deputy State
Health Officers, bringing the Indian Office into very close relationship
with State health organizations. The District Medical Directors
are in constant contact and association with the State health authorities
and have been of material assistance in bringing about these
helpful cooperative relationships.
Cooperative relationships were continued with the Public Health
Service and the De Lamar Institute of Public Health, Columbia
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 241
University, in the investigation of epidemic diarrheal disorders in
the United Pueblos areas, where the infant death rate and morbidity
rate for all ages, from dysentery, has been extremely high. It has
been found that the Shiga bacillus is the agent chiefly responsible,
although many persons have been found to be carriers of the amoeba
histolytica. At public expense, during the winter insanitary privies
were replaced by sanitary types. During the following summer,
1937, the total incidences of diarrheal disease were low and the carriers
of infectious agents had declined. No such decline in incidence has
taken place in areas in which only a portion of the population has been
provided with sanitary arrangements for sewage disposal. It is the
opinion of the investigators in this field that complete sanitation
appears to provide effective protection and that partial sanitation
is of little value. The results of these experiments, now that the
diagnosis and treatment have been reported, should prove effective
in the sanitation of Indian pueblos where this disease is prevalent.
ENGINEER CORPS AIDS IN SANITARY ENGINEERING PROBLEMS
The Engineer Corps of the Public Health Service continued to
render outstanding service pertaining to sanitary engineering at the
various field stations. In all, 71 agencies or institutions were visited
and surveys made. Sixty-two conferences were held regarding sanitary
conditions, 21 water treatment plans or reports were prepared,
and 25 sewage treatment plans or reports prepared. In all, 49 Indian
Service plans pertaining to sanitary engineering work were reviewed.
This service has been of immeasurable help in the improvement of
sanitary facilities at the various reservations.
DENTAL SERVICE
Dental treatment was given to 22,536 Indian patients by field
dentists and to 4,779 patients by resident dentists; 48,708 treatments
were given. Of special interest is the fact that the Navajo Tribal
Council petitioned Congress to set aside $5,000 of their tribal money
for the development of a dental unit in the new hospital at Fort
Defiance on the Navajo. This was done and the Indians expect to
reimburse the tribal fund by the payment of dental fees.
NEW HOSPITALS OPENED
Three new hospitals were opened during the fiscal year: That at
Warm Springs, Oreg., with 21 beds; the Sioux Sanatorium at Rapid
City, with 112 beds; and the Navajo-Hopi Medical Center at Fort
Defiance, Ariz., with 126 beds. The opening of the hospital at Fort
Defiance was unusual in that representative Navajo medicine men
participated, with healing chants, speeches, and offers of cooperation.
242 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
The medical personnel of the Indian Office at the close of the fiscal
year included 10 administrative and supervisory physicians, a supervising
dentist, 9 supervisory nurses, 159 whole-time and 96 part-time
field physicians, a special expert in tuberculosis, 3 special physicians
for tuberculosis, 12 special physicians for trachoma, 23 consultants,
15 whole-time and 11 part-time dentists, 111 field nurses, 441 hospital
nurses, 16 nurses at large working with special physicians, 9 assistant
medical technicians, and more than 900 other employees. These
show an increase of about 200 over 1937, due in large part to the
opening of new hospitals, with some additional employees to provide
better service at existing facilities.
HEALTH WORK AMONG ALASKA NATIVES
The Indian Service is charged with the task of promoting health
work among natives of Alaska. For this work, the Indian Service
maintains a technical staff of 63 health workers, made up of a director,
a dental supervisor, a supervisor of nurses, 10 full-time physicians,
6 part-time physicians, 30 field nurses, and 20 hospital nurses. In
addition, there are subordinate hospital employees, most of whom are
natives. The vast distances, the cold, and the poor economic conditions
in many of the native villages complicate the problem.
The Service operates 7 hospitals in Alaska; and in addition makes
use of 12 private hospitals on a contract basis. Two additional
Government hospitals in Alaska also furnish hospitalization to natives,
and two Indian Service hospitals in Washington accept Alaska natives
as patients. Preliminary planning work has been completed on a new
hospital at Bethel. Construction on the new hospital at Point
Barrow is nearing completion; finishing materials are being sent up on
the Indian Service steamer North Star during the summer, and the
hospital will be completed by January 1, 1939.
Dental service is furnished under contract on a fee basis by 16 local
dentists. Most of these men visit nearby native villages at intervals
as well as provide dental service at their own offices. The dental
supervisor does dental work in districts not reached by the contract
dentists.
The survey of dental conditions and research work among Eskimos
in the Kuskokwim River region carried on in past years by Dr. L. M.
Waugh of Columbia University and the Indian Service was resumed
during the closing months of 1938 by Dr. Donald Waugh. The dental
supervisor has been taking an active part in this work.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 243
FIGHTING TUBERCULOSIS IN ALASKA
Tuberculosis continues to ravage Alaskan natives, whose death rate
from this disease is about 10 times that for the United States as a
whole. Since the number of sanatorium beds available in Alaska, 32,
is insufficient to make any real impression on the situation, increased
efforts have been made to locate the open cases and to teach the
natives the importance of segregation of those infected, and particularly
the importance of protecting young children. Living conditions
of natives make for tremendous difficulties in dealing with the
disease; educational work, however, is gradually showing some results.
At the two vocational schools, Wrangel and Eklutna, the plan for
retaining early cases for treatment at school, inaugurated at the close
of last year, was continued with excellent results. A number of
children were kept at school under treatment during the summer with
the result that most of them were able to return to school work in the
fall.
The Territorial Health Department again has carried on the tuberculin
testing and X-ray survey work which has included natives. Of
1,009 natives X-rayed and examined, 134 were diagnosed as positive
for tuberculosis.
The vaccination program was inaugurated in southeastern Alaska,
with the cooperation of the local health personnel. A total of 497
children were vaccinated with the Calmette vaccime and 447 were
classified as controls.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Among other communicable diseases, the continued occurrence of
epidemic meningitis in the lower Kuskokwim region was striking.
Strenuous work by Indian Service personnel curbed the spread of the
disease. As the constant recurrence of isolated cases seems to indicate
the presence of carriers, plans were made and work launched in
cooperation with the Territorial Health Department for a careful
survey and laboratory investigation of this problem.
Whooping cough reached serious proportions in the Cook Inlet and
Kodiak areas; mumps was widespread, but not severe. No diphtheria
or smallpox was reported, satisfying evidence of the efficacy of the
vaccination program against smallpox and the immunization of
children against diphtheria. Venereal diseases have been common in
the larger towns, and are being treated vigorously. There are few
cases in the remainder of the Territory.
244 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
FIELD NURSING SERVICE
Field nursing work must vary in accordance with local conditions;
in general, however, we try to conduct a broad public health and
educational program in addition to giving medical relief. Midwife
training has been given special attention, and first-aid instruction with
teachers and help in school health programs has been stressed.
COOPERATION OF OTHER AGENCIES
The United States Coast Guard has rendered invaluable aid in this
scattered field, in transportation, and in actual health treatment work,
including surgery. The Territorial Health Department has continued
its close cooperation with the Indian Service, and the two organizations
are carefully coordinating their programs.
Immunizations Against Contagious Disease During Fiscal Year 1937
Number of persons
immunized
Smallpox____________________________________________________ 11, 498
Typhoid_____________________________________________________ 10, 609
Diphtheria___________________________________________________ 8, 384
Rocky Mountain fever_________________________________________ 1, 146
Tetanus_____________________________________________________ 224
INDIAN EDUCATION IN 1938
It is the task of the Indian Service to build upon the Indians’ past,
and upon the whites’. Both backgrounds have given richly to the
world in material development, in spiritual forces, in creative expression
of the arts. How to draw on the rich store of the past so that
the Indians’ lives today may be more satisfying and significant is the
challenge thrown down to Indian Education.
It is not enough that we try to make the Indian self-sufficient so
that, perhaps in our time, he may be economically on a par with
the rural white man. The Indian has brought into our civilized life
a philosophy of his own; an often under-rated sensitiveness to life,
to nature, and to human beings; and a whole set of values not—like
so many white concepts—based upon concern over his present needs
or fear for the future. If there exists anywhere on earth a group of
human beings attuned to nature, the Indians are that group. Yet
here they are completely surrounded and in every possible way dominated
by a civilization relatively new and in many ways alien. The
staff of Indian Education, therefore, must never lose sight of the fact
that what we give to Indian children as their basic formal education
is all that they will ever receive. The Indian Service sets the boundaries.
They, and the community, take the consequences.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 245
Indian School Population and Enrollment During the Fiscal Year 1938
Total number of Indian children reported_________________________i 86,747
Indian children 6 to 18____________________________________ 86,913
Total number enrolled 6 to 18___________________________ 65,166
Public___________________________________________ 2 33,645
Federal day______________________________________ 13,797
Federal reservation boarding________________________ 4,769
Federal nonreservation boarding_____________________ 5,412
Mission, private, and State day______________________ 2,039
Mission, private, and State boarding_________________ 4,936
Sanatoria________________________________________ 433
Special schools____________________________________ 3 135
Definite information not available_______________________ 2 8,457
Not enrolled in any school______________________________2 10,290
Eligible for enrollment_____________________________ 2 9,937
Not eligible for enrollment__________________________ 1,291
Under 6 years and over 18 in all schools______________________ 2,834
1 An apparent decrease in the number of Indian children this year from last year is accounted for by the
fact that reports for the Five Civilized Tribes Agency, Oklahoma, cover only children having one-fourth
or more Indian blood.
2 It is estimated that 10,000 of these children are enrolled in public schools away from the reservation, in
addition to the number known to be in public schools, making an estimated total of 43,645 in public schools.
3 Including colleges and universities.
Translating this into concrete reality for 1938 the following statements
of fact may convey the picture.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION STRESSED
Profiting wherever possible from the best practices in white public
and private education, the Indian Service is developing a diversified
school program aimed at the specific needs of each region in which
Indians live.
The actual adjustment of Indians to white civilization varies greatly
in different areas. Nowhere is it complete. Thousands of Indians,
for example, do not speak English. Among the Navajo, for instance,
it is estimated that more than 90 percent neither speak nor understand
English. This, itself, creates special educational problems.
Land use is another challenging problem. Until faced with the
ravages of soil erosion, due largely to overgrazing, the Navajos were
self-supporting and self-sufficient. They perpetuated their ancient
culture with a minimum of adjustment to neighboring whites. Today,
education is a powerful force in helping these people bring back their
land to its former productivity. The alternative is slow starvation.
Assimilation has become a very real problem. In areas such as
Minnesota, Washington, and California, where assimilation of Indians
is proceding rapidly, Indian children are taken care of in public schools.
In recognition of the exemption of Indian lands from taxation, the
246 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Federal Government pays the school districts for such services. During
1938 approximately $1,045,000 was spent for Indian education in
district schools and $378,000 was paid to the States.
BOARDING SCHOOLS DECREASING
Indian boarding schools have decreased in number and day schools
have greatly increased. Instead of breaking up Indian home life, the
present policy is to preserve and strengthen home ties. In 10 years,
the Indian day school population has risen from 4,532 to 14,087.
Vocational secondary education is provided for a steadily growing
number of adolescent Indians. In the last 10 years the number of
pupils enrolled in the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades has increased
from 1,409 to 3,654.
By means of educational loans 546 Indian students were helped to
go to colleges and vocational schools. By this means, more Indian
young people are helped each year for positions of leadership in their
own community.
Most of the Indian Service boarding school plants were either
inherited from the Army, whose forts were often transformed into
Indian schools, or were built in the 10 years from 1885 to 1895. The
initial construction was often poor and the buildings unsuited to
modern ideas of what constitutes a desirable structure for educational
and group use. During the last 10 years a carefully planned reconstruction
of the Indian school plants has been undertaken. Better
dormitories have been developed. A cottage type of dormitory for
smaller schools has been designed.
ADULT EDUCATION ADVANCES
Community programs have been an important part of the educational
policy of the Indian Service for the last 10 years. A modem
Indian day school contains, in addition to classrooms and living
quarters for the staff, a kitchen for the preparation of a noon lunch
and for cooking instructions for parents and children; a community
room used by adults for a wide variety of purposes; a clinic for the
use of the field nurse and traveling doctor; a laundry for community
use in areas where domestic water is scarce; and shower baths and
toilet facilities for use by pupils and adults.
In some instances adults who use the school facilities exceed in
number the children in classrooms. Confidence in the schools on
the part of the older Indians is on the increase. Improved practices
in hygiene, in sanitation, and in soil conservation are being taught—-
and accepted by the Indians. Community discussions of tribal
affairs, extension demonstrations, and similar activities are developing
at a hopeful pace.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 247
Vocational emphasis in education is increasing rapidly. For instance,
the Oglala Community High School at Pine Ridge, S. Dak., is
operating a beef herd of more than 800 head on a leased reserve of
30,000 acres. In Oklahoma, an 8,000-acre dry farm is being operated
by the students of the Chilocco Agricultural School. These are but
two of many instances of the way in which vocational education ties
in with the actual life to which the student must return. Industrial
shops training carpenters, auto mechanics, shoemakers, and similar
artisans are scattered throughout the Indian country. Today the
Indian Service operates 247 schools in the continental United States
and 103 in Alaska. In all of these institutions the same practical
objectives form a foundation.
The teaching staff in the Indian Service will stand comparison with
that of any first-class American public school system. Gradually
we are developing teaching materials fitted especially for Indian life.
Since many Indian children live in areas remote from city life and
possess citizenship relations to the State and national governments
differing from those of white children, new and original material is
needed. We hope within the coming year to publish the first of such
materials.
This, then, is a picture of the actualities, the hopes, and the ideals
which motivate the program of education for the Indian people.
REORGANIZATION AND SELF-GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES
It is necessary to restate from time to time the historical processes
underlying the administration of Indian affairs. It is necessary
because repeatedly the question is raised as to why Indian lands should
be tax-exempt, or why the United States should administer health,
education, and other social services for the Indian population. In
brief, why should the Indian be under guardianship?
WHY INDIANS1 SPECIAL STATUS?
European colonizers and their descendants brought to America
ideas of land ownership, morality, government, and religion which
were meaningless to the native American. In time these ideas became
dominant to the exclusion of Indian habits of thought. Since
we were a humane Nation and were not bent on destroying the Indians,
we assumed the responsibility of showing them how our ideas
operated. We wanted them to learn our ways so that they could
exist side by side with us. In other words, we instituted a system of
Indian education which is with us today.
We took away from the Indian all but a tiny fraction of his wealth
in land, water, and other resources, and even his food supply, insofar
as that consisted of game and wild products; and by doing so we
charged ourselves with the responsibility of keeping the Indian from
248 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
starvation. Furthermore, since the Indian’s understanding of
property differed from ours, it was obvious that he would not long
retain the little property left him if he was not protected. That made
it necessary to erect trust-barriers around him which would prevent
predatory men from making off with the means by which the Indian
was to be taught a new way of existing.
By placing trust-barriers around Indian property, we exempted his
land from State and local taxation. In taking this action we were
subjecting the Indian to possible discrimination on the part of the
States which would have resulted in leaving him without health care,
education, roads, or any of the services which a State renders its
people. States and local communities cannot furnish services without
revenue. Once again, then, it became necessary for the Federal
Government to assume an obligation toward the Indian tribes whose
property it was seeking to protect.
These are the factors which Congress and the courts have borne
in mind when they have dealt with Indian questions. The historical
process has been long and involved. A mass of rules and regulations
has accumulated and is today operative in the Indian Service. It is
not an inert mass, as so often is assumed. There are within it directional
drives, the aim of which has always been to solve or to cure
the fundamental dislocation of a people overwhelmed by a superior
force.
We are now at work developing a policy which we believe to be
broad enough and sound enough to achieve, if continued, the purpose
for which the Indian Service has always worked—the Indian’s adjustment
to his new world and a termination of his “problem.” That
policy is based on two ideas—organization, and a fuller use of land.
Out of organization will come greater participation in the management
of property and domestic affairs; and out of land use, which contemplates
the purchase of land for those now landless and credit to carry
on operations, will come better living conditions. Fundamental to
the program is a recognition of the right of Indian culture to survive
and enrich the daily life of the individual and the group. Not humanitarianism
alone, but a belief that human beings are at their best
when they are left at peace in those matters of conscience which come
closest to them, prompts this attitude.
Legislation was required to initiate the program, and in June 1934
the Indian Reorganization Act was written into the statute books.
Four years have passed since then, with some notable results.
The Flathead Reservation: An Example
The Flathead Reservation in Montana, home of the Confederated
Salish and Kootenai Tribes, was the first to be organized under a
constitution and to be incorporated. It was a typical reservation of
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 249
the Northwest, where allotment had broken up an early start in
stockraising, and later years had brought a gradual pauperization in
resources and social stamina. Of the 1,250,000 acres belonging to
the Indians in 1910 when allotments were made, no less than 750,000
of the best acres were lost within a period of 20 years. The stock
business was smashed. One-half of the 1,400,000,000 feet of merchantable
timber had been dissipated in unfruitful per capita payments.
Drought and depression in late years left the 2,900 Indians,
exhausted and ambitionless.
The Reorganization Act saved to the reservation at one stroke a
total of 192,425 acres of surplus land, land which had not been entered
by homesteaders and which the Secretary of the Interior under
the act was empowered to return to the tribe. This was not valuable
land, but at the very least it will serve as a game refuge. The tribal
council at Flathead is aware that land shortage is one of its most
serious problems. The best agricultural acres have gone into white
ownership and must be repurchased. The council is not willing to
wait for the Government to purchase land with the funds made available
by the Reorganization Act, but has already had introduced in
Congress a bill which would permit the tribe to use for this purpose
its own funds on deposit in the United States Treasury.
How successful Flathead has been in making use of the Reorganization
Act is revealed in a single detail. Under its tribal constitution,
the council has authority to meet its expenses out of available
tribal funds. During the fiscal year 1938, acting under this constitutional
authority, the tribal council submitted a budget calling for
the expenditure of $5,000 and requested the Secretary of the Interior
to make available out of tribal funds the amount called for in the
budget. The approval was given. At the end of the fiscal year a
financial statement was rendered which shows that the tribal council
spent a total of $2,250.45; received as income during the year,
$7,134.21; and at the end of the fiscal period had a balance of
$4,883.76. It is almost universally believed that Indians are improvident
with money and should not be called upon to handle
money. This probably is one of the least excusable of the misconceptions
which people have of the Indians.
Reading the minutes of the tribal council and of the credit committee
which is administering the revolving loan fund of $65,000,
one is repeatedly struck by the good sense shown by council decisions
and by the business-like manner in which the meetings are conducted.
Flathead definitely is clearing a way out of its particular depression.
EIGHTY-TWO TRIBES ARE ORGANIZED
At the end of this fiscal year there were 82 tribes, with a population
of 93,520 Indians, operating under constitutions and bylaws;
and of these, 57 tribes, having a membership of 64,000 Indians, had
250 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
become incorporated under Federal charters. What this means can
better be understood by explaining that these tribal constitutions
contain specific grants of power, as follows: The right to negotiate
with the Federal, State, and local governments, and to advise and
to consult with the Interior Department on all activities which may
affect the tribe; to approve or veto any sale, lease, or other disposition
of tribal property which may be authorized or executed by the
Secretary of the Interior or the Commissioner of Indian Affairs; to
advise the Secretary of the Interior with regard to all appropriation
estimates or Federal projects for the benefit of the tribe; to make
assignments of tribal land to its members; to manage all economic
affairs of the tribe, subject to the terms of a charter; to appropriate
for public purposes any available tribal funds; to devise a system of
taxation by which funds for tribal use may be obtained; to determine
its own tribal membership; to protect and preserve wildlife and natural
resources and to regulate the conduct of trade; to cultivate
native arts and crafts and culture; to administer charity and to protect
health and the general welfare of the tribe; to charter subordinate
organizations for economic purposes; to regulate the domestic relations
of its members; to regulate the procedure of its governing body.
These are powers which the tribe may exercise without interference
by any arm of the Federal Government.
Certain additional powers are subject to review or approval by the
Secretary of the Interior, including the right to employ legal counsel,
to exclude nonmembers from reservation lands, to govern the conduct
of its own members and administer justice through a tribal court, to
purchase for public purposes property under condemnation proceedings,
and to regulate the inheritance of property other than individual
allotments of land.
REVOLVING CREDIT FUND OPERATIONS
The Indian Reorganization Act, in recognition of the need of the
Indians for credit, authorized the establishment of a revolving fund
of $10,000,000 for loans to Indian chartered corporations. The Oklahoma
Indian Welfare Act extended the benefits of the revolving fund
to Oklahoma Indians, and authorized an additional appropriation of
$2,000,000. The act of May 1, 1936, also extended the benefits of
the revolving fund to Alaska. Of the amounts authorized, the following
appropriations have been made:
i Amounts included in total appropriations.
Total appropriation
Administrative
expenses1
1939 _______________________________________ __ ___________ - $400,000
520,000
980,000
2, 500,000
$120, 500
125,000
65,000
50,000
1938 _______ __________ ________ ______________ ______
1937 ___________________________________ _ ______
1936 ________ __________ _______ __ ___ _____ ___
Total _________ _ __ _____ - - - -- 4,400,000 360, 500
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 251
Of the $4,039,500 available for loans, the following advances and
commitments to organized tribes all over the country had been made
as of July 1: $4,277,054.54 committed; $1,861,605 advanced.
CHARTERED CORPORATIONS ACTIVE
Indian chartered corporations are proceeding wisely with their relending
activities. Loans made to individual members have been
principally for agricultural purposes. The main items purchased with
the proceeds of loans have been livestock, machinery, and equipment.
Although borrowers in some sections have had difficulty in making
repayments due to drought conditions, on the whole the few repayments
to the corporations which have so far fallen due have been
made as scheduled. Loans are made to individuals only on the basis
of sound plans; and unless climatic or other unforeseen factors interfere,
repayments can usually be made from the proceeds of the financed
enterprises.
A number of corporations are engaging in corporate enterprises,
which are being conducted for the benefit of the members of the tribe
as a whole.
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNES IN THE LIVESTOCK BUSINESS
The largest single undertaking is that of the Northern Cheyenne
Tribe of the Tongue River Reservation, Mont., where a steer-feeding
enterprise is being conducted. Grass is the biggest asset of this tribe,
and livestock production is the only means of securing an income
from this asset. The northern location of the reservation, and the
scarcity of hay for winter feed, limit the number of cows and calves
that can safely be carried on the range. Only about one-third of the
range has been used by the Indians in the past, and the balance has
been leased to white cattlemen.
Recognizing the desirability of utilizing its own assets to the utmost
advantage, the corporation decided to enter upon a steer-feeding enterprise.
Under the plan adopted, steers will be purchased each spring,
run on the range two summers and one winter, and sold at the end of
an 18-month period. Thus there will be twice as many steers on
the range in the summer as in the winter. A total of 2,036 steers
were purchased in the spring of 1937; they will be sold this fall. The
steers were carried through the winter with a net loss of less than 2
percent. An additional 2,150 head were purchased this spring, and
will be sold in the fall of 1939. It is planned to develop the enterprise
so that within 10 years approximately 9,700 head will be carried
on the range in the summer, and 4,800 head in the winter. Within 18
years, the corporation should be operating entirely with its own funds,
since part of the profits are annually reinvested in the enterprise.
252 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The Fort McDermitt, Nev.; Rocky Boy’s, Mont.; and Fort
Belknap, Mont., corporations, are all conducting corporate hay
enterprises. Winter feed is also the limiting factor in the development
of the livestock industry on these reservations. In recognition
of this fact, the governing bodies of the corporations are attempting
to meet the problem by raising and storing hay.
The Lac du Flambeau Indians are operating a tribal tourist cabin
enterprise. The reservation is located in the heart of the tourist
country of the Lakes States. At Jicarilla, N. Mex., the Indians are
operating a tribal store.
Tribal corporations on the whole are taking a very business-like
attitude toward credit in their consideration of applications. They
seem fully to realize that credit offers an opportunity for the improvement
of the economic status of their members, and that only by making
sound loans which will be repaid can the purpose of the revolving
fund be realized.
No loans have as yet been made in Alaska; one loan, for the operation
of a salmon cannery, was under consideration at the close of the
year.
CHARTER OPPORTUNITIES
The charter, as the term implies, is an instrument granting incorporation
which permits a tribe to function as a business enterprise.
Under its terms, which need not be repeated here, the tribes set forth
the conditions under which they shall exercise their constitutional
authority to manage their economic affairs.
One has only to review these powers to realize that immediate
opportunities exist for a tribe to participate actively in the management
of its resources and its domestic affairs. These opportunities
entail responsibilities. The tribes must learn how to secure revenue,
how to budget their funds, manage their land and other resources—in
short, how to operate as a political entity and as a business venture.
For a people who have had little experience in such matters, the task
before them is formidable.
Striking as have been some of the achievements under the Indian
Reorganization Act, its results are only at their commencement. In
50 years the current which would have destroyed Indian property and
Indian culture had swollen to flood stage. It bore down and crushed
all but those tribes which had escaped allotment. They alone—
Menominee, Navajo, Duck Valley, the Pueblos, Papago, and a few
others—stood like islands above the drowning waters. Floods cannot
easily be checked or diverted; yet, we are attempting just that. The
flood of 50 years of land losses is the problem we face.
The tribes themselves present problems of their own. Some are so
poverty-stricken and so nearly dead in spirit that they only stand and
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 253
stare at our activity. Having no money on which to operate their
government, the members of their governing bodies are likely to lose
interest quickly or are carried off by jobs that pay them a living.
The system of law and parliamentary procedure which the constitutions
and charters contemplate in some cases is too much for a dispirited
tribe to undertake. Organization field agents will continue to
work with them and in time, we hope, will help them to find a way
around their difficulties and will convey to them a sense of the opportunities
which lie waiting for them. Follow-up work of this sort is
vital to the whole program.
SOME IMPORTANT COOPERATIVE PROJECTS
Indian lands, and the use to which they are put, are never capable of
being isolated. In a number of instances, Indian reservations constitute
the predominant lands of critical watersheds. The comprehensive
land-use programs of the Government need the participation of
Indians, and have much to contribute to Indians.
Previous annual reports have recorded the development of cooperation
between the Indian Service and other Federal agencies. The
cooperation between the Soil Conservation Service and Indian Service
in the Navajo, the Pueblo, and several other areas has gone forward
successfully during the past year. The fact-finding and plan-making
work of that division of Soil Conservation Service called Technical
Cooperation, Bureau of Indian Affairs has been increasingly productive.
The sheep genetics laboratory at Fort Wingate, N. Mex., a
joint operation between the Indian Service and the Bureau of Animal
Industry, continues its work. In the Rio Grande watershed, an
Interdepartmental Rio Grande Board, whose creation was suggested
by the Indian Service, now unites for common action three units of the
Department of the Interior—the Indian Service, the Division of
Grazing, and the Bureau of Reclamation, and four of the Department
of Agriculture—the Soil Conservation Service, the Forest Service,
the Farm Security Administration, and the Bureau of Agricultural
Economics.
Seeking to develop programs of conservative land use among Indian
tribes, the Indian Service and the cooperating agencies endeavor to
subordinate technical programs viewed merely as such to Indian comprehension
and the willing participation of Indians. Conserving
Indian land is secondary to conserving Indian life; and using Indian
land is secondary to using Indian native powers. In certain areas of
Indian life, this policy has caused the land-use effort to move more
slowly than would have been possible by the method of fiat. Even in
these areas, the fable of the turtle and the hare will be illustrated if
continuing patience and resourcefulness are supplied. In other areas,
104366—38------ 18
254 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
of which the New Mexico Apache reservations and New Mexico
Pueblos are prime examples, the way of working through and with the
Indians has proved to be the swiftest way toward technical results
both brilliant and lasting.
AREA PROJECTS
Second only in importance, in land-use programs, to the participation
of the Indians themselves, is the participation of superintendents
and their local staffs. And not only with respect to land-use programs,
but equally with respect to health and school programs, and generally
to the whole of Indain Service as realized within local areas, it is a
matter of fixed policy that Indian jurisdictions, through joint action
between the Indians, the local staffs, and the technical advisers from
Washington, shall gradually forge out for themselves what are known
as area projects, and that these area projects shall be the operating
plans for the jurisdictions in question. To such area projects it becomes
the business of the Washington office to accommodate its regulations
and its overhead services. By this method, Indians gain
confidence; the initiative and responsibility of the field personnel are
increased; and stability of Indian policy, based upon realities local
to the human areas of the Indians, is insured. Outstanding examples
of the area project method, with its resultant establishment of a large
degree of local autonomy within jurisdictions, are furnished by the
Navajo and Pueblo administrations, the Five Civilized Tribes administration,
and that of a number of organized tribes in diverse sections
of the country.
Closely related to the policies and endeavors here set down are the
rise of two interesting attempts by superintendents within large
geographical areas to cooperate in the solution of their common
problems. There has been formed a Southwestern Superintendents’
Council, embracing all of the jurisdictions in New Mexico and Arizona,
and a Northwestern Superintendents’ Council, embracing all of
the jurisdictions in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. These councils,
with approved constitutions and bylaws, with officers, and with meetings
held at regular intervals, have brought to a focus many needs
which, once defined, have been recognized as true needs with feasible
solutions.
FINDING AND TESTING FUTURE ADMINISTRATORS
The Indian Service has moved swiftly from prescribed routines to
experimental methods and local adaptations. The Indian Service
administrator’s task has become one of planning and leading; and it
is a business operation of complexity and magnitude; it involves the
manipulation of a considerable number of technical services, always
with a view to their incorporation within local Indian life. Indian
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 255
administration calls for men and women with some creative endowment,
much discipline, a capacity for suspended judgment joined
with a capacity for taking action and for accepting the consequences
of one’s own initiative. It calls for an exceptional ability in dealing
with superiors, with coordinate officers, and with subordinates. And
finally, it calls for unusual endowments of efficient social and human
nature; because an Indian Service which fails to enlist deeply the
rank and file of the Indians, falls short in everything else, and enlistment
must be of the heart as well as of the head.
Is it possible to identify in advance, through methods appropriate
to the competitive civil service, those endowments, interests, psychological
traits, personality characteristics, which give promise of a successful
administrative career in Indian Service? Can past performance
supply the evidences of such fitness or want of fitness in a candidate?
How can the probationary period be so used as to reveal the presence
or absence of essential traits, the having or not having of the power to
overcome threatening weaknesses? What kind of pre-service or inservice
training is needed, in order to meet this need which ultimately
is the critical need in the Indian Service—the finding and developing
of administrators?
In the main, the question must be asked not at the top administrative
level, but at a level below the top one. The leading personnel
problem of Indian Service is to find and equip subordinate or junior
administrators, whose careers will be commenced in the local jurisdictions
among the Indians.
ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION GIVES GRANT FOR PERSONNEL
EXPERIMENTATION
To try to find answers to the questions above set down, there has
been established the Southwest Field Training School for Federal
Service, administratively conducted under the Commissioner of Indian
Affairs and the superintendent of the United Pueblos Agency.
This activity is supported by a grant made by the Rockefeller Foundation
through the Institute of Public Affairs, and the search for the
men and women to be admitted to the experimental enterprise is a
responsibility of the Institute of Public Affairs. Essential to the success
of the experiment is the placement of the so-called field aides in
positions of true responsibility, because in such situations alone can
their vital abilities be finally tested. Essential, too, is the maintenance
of performance records which shall supply an objective basis for
competitive promotion; and the keeping and making of such records
must not be confined to the members of the experimental institution,
but should be extended to the regularly employed personnel as rapidly
as knowledge is available and resources permit. A whole-time director
of training, attached to the experiment at Albuquerque, not merely
256 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
works with and upon the so-called aides, but carries out job analyses
within the United Pueblo and other jurisdictions, and it is his role to
participate in the wider experimentation with records and with inservice
training applied to the regularly employed personnel. The
“aides” are not privileged persons in any sense of the word, but must
meet, in qualifying for positions and in subsequent advancement, the
tests of civil service and of the personnel system of the Interior Department
and the Indian Office. The aides are given testing experiences
also in other Federal services local to the experimental area.
Arising initially out of interest in the experiment above described,
there has been created an Interdepartmental Committee on Problems
of Personnel, made up of representatives of the Civil Service Commission
and the Departments of Agriculture and Interior. This committee,
whose functions are not administrative but advisory, and in
the nature of research, deals with questions of personnel common to
the agencies which make it up, and especially with those questions
which lie upon that borderline where the Civil Service Commission
and the executive organizations have their problems in common.
PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION
The personnel work of the Indian Service continues to be one of the
important elements upon which the success or failure of the carrying
out of an Indian policy depends. Previous annual reports have
referred to the extreme diversity in the types of personnel needed to
carry out Indian administration.
The recruitment and training of persons for assignments to administrative
posts continues to be of paramount importance. The
drafting of civil service examinations designed to procure eligibles who
are qualified to perform the various tasks required of them and who
can make the necessary social adjustments to conditions under which
persons at the various Indian Service field stations must live and
work, has progressed with reasonable rapidity. Much work must still
be done in this field, to insure a steady improvement in the quality of
the service to be rendered by Indian Service personnel.
During the past year, the central personnel record system in the
Indian Office has been completely overhauled and a modern visible
system installed. Procedures in the handling of personnel work have
been analyzed, and changes made which it is hoped will ultimately
insure a more expeditious handling of personnel matters.
The method of evaluating quarters and other facilities furnished to
employees of the Indian Service was very carefully analyzed, and a
procedure guaranteeing a more equitable means of arriving at charges
for such services has been worked out and placed into effect at approximately
one-fourth of the field stations. It is hoped to complete
this work within the year ahead. In service training schools, starting
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 257
in the Southwest, for the development of future administrators, are
discussed elsewhere in this report.
On July 1, 1937, the beginning of the fiscal year, there were authorized
in the Indian Field Service and Alaska 6,933 positions, carrying
salaries in the amount of $11,106,562. These figures include only
permanent, year-round positions.
EMPLOYMENT OF INDIANS
From time to time, estimates have been made of Indians employed
in the Indian Service but accurate statistics on this subject have not
heretofore been available. As the result of a survey, in the course
of which all Indians in the Indian Service were requested to fill out a
questionnaire relating to their employment, it was found that as of
April 30, 1938, there were 3,916 Indians employed in the Indian
Service, of whom 3,627 were in regular, year-round positions. In
other words, approximately one-half of the regular employees of the
Indian Service are Indians. Slightly over 40 percent of the Indians
employed proved to be full-bloods, and slightly more than 70 percent
were of one-half or more degree Indian blood.
The Indian Service continued during the year to maintain a number
of employment offices devoted to the aiding of Indians in securing
employment. Some 4,000 Indians were placed in positions outside
of the Indian Service as the result of the efforts of our employment
service units. Of the 4,000 Indians placed in private employment
during the year, some 2,500 went into permanent assignments. The
demand for Indians for employment as household workers exceeds the
available supply, and placements in this field have remained constant.
There is also a continuing demand for technically trained and skilled
Indian workers.
During the past year it was deemed advisable to discontinue the
employment office at Gallup, and to establish an employment unit at
Billings, Mont. Heretofore, no direct employment service for Indians
has been available in the northern Great Plains area.
GOVERNMENT CONSTRUCTION
A total appropriation of $2,047,500 was made available to the
Indian Service for the construction and repair of buildings and utilities
during the fiscal year 1938. A large part of the appropriation was
used for making necessary repairs and improvements to water and
sewer systems in the Northwest. The largest single item was for the
construction of a hospital plant, including quarters for employees, at
Crownpoint, N. Mex., on the Navajo Reservation.
During the fiscal year 1938, numerous projects financed from the
Public Works appropriation were completed. Most important of
these projects were the sanatorium and general hospital at Talihina,
258 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Okla.; a hospital and laboratory at Fort Defiance, Ariz.; and the
construction of units for the hospitalization of Indians at the Weimar
and Wishiah sanatoriums in California.
For the fiscal year 1939, an appropriation of $2,061,000 was made
available in the regular act, and in addition the sum of $5,313,000 has
been allocated from the appropriation for the construction of public
works.
Field construction offices are maintained at Albuquerque, N. Mex.;
Billings, Mont.; and Muskogee, Okla.
INDIAN POPULATION
The statistics of the Indian population in the United States tell a
significant story. Reports submitted by Indian Agencies under supervision
of the Office of Indian Affairs show that while this vital race of
people has more than held its own in numbers, it is gradually losing its
racial identity and slowly but surely is blending with the surrounding
population.
During the past 8 years, the number of Indians on current census
rolls at Federal agencies has increased at the rate of approximately
1.2 percent per year. This compares with an average annual
increase for the population at large, as estimated by the Bureau of the
Census, of only 0.7 percent over the past 7 years.
But while the enrolled Indian population is on the increase, the
number of full-blood Indians is decreasing in proportion to the total
Indian population. In 1930, 64.5 percent of the Indians on census
rolls were full-bloods. In 1937, the figures show that the percentage
had dropped to 60.5. In other words, if the present trend continues,
the day will come—except perhaps on certain reservations in the
Southwest—when there will be few full-blood American Indians left.
The total Indian population under the jurisdiction of the Office of
Indian Affairs, as of January 1, 1938, was 342,497. As of January 1,
1937, the number was 337,366, denoting an increase of 5,131. In
addition to tliis Indian population, the Indian Office had under its
jurisdiction the education and medical relief of approximately 30,000
natives of Alaska—a total responsibility, therefore, for the welfare
of more than a third of a million Indians and Eskimo citizens.
Of the Indian population in continental United States, 96,723
Indians, or 28.2 percent, are in Oklahoma. Arizona follows with
46,255 Indians, or 13.5 percent; and then New Mexico with 36,078
Indians, or 10.5 percent. Thus, 179,056 Indians, or more than onehalf
(52.2 percent) of the total Indian population of the continental
United States are found in these three States. (See Table Q.) Next
in rank after these three States, in the number of Indians, are South
Dakota, with 28,030, or 8.2 percent; and California, with 23,637, or
6.9 percent. If the number of Indians enrolled in the five States
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 259
of Montana (16,341, or 4.8 percent), Minnesota (15,906, or 4.7
percent), Washington (13,741, or 4.0 percent), Wisconsin (12,467,
or 3.7 percent), and North Dakota (11,208, or 3.3 percent) are added,
it will be seen that nearly 88 percent of all Indians in the continental
United States are to be found in 10 States. The remainder of the
Indian population is widely scattered with less than 2 percent of the
aggregate number in any one State.
FULL-BLOOD RATIO DECLINING
It is only within recent years that statistics have been gathered
which approach reliability concerning the blood quantum among
Indians. As is to be expected, it is found that among many tribes,
particularly in the Great Lakes and the Great Plains areas, where
contact with the whites was comparatively early, the number of
full-bloods has been relatively low for some time. And it is in these
areas, of course, that the decrease in the number of full-bloods is
most marked.
Considering the Indian population at large, a comparison of the
degree of blood of Indians on census rolls at Federal jurisdictions for
the years 1930 (April 1) and 1937 (January 1) reveals a downward
trend in the ratio of full-blood to mixed-blood Indians of slightly
more than one-half of 1 percent per annum. As was noted above, the
greatest relative decline was in areas where the ratio of full-blood to
the total number of Indians was lowest. During the period from 1930
to 1937, the total Indian population on census rolls at Indian Office
jurisdictions increased over 10 percent, representing an increase
among Indians of mixed blood of approximately 22 percent, and
among Indians of full-blood of 3.5 percent.
The statistics gathered by the Indian Service are in general supported
by the findings of the United States Bureau of the Census.
According to the Census figures, during the 20-year period from 1910
to 1930 the percentage of full-blood to total Indian population declined
in all states having a large Indian population. Census figures show
that a full-blood ratio of 62 percent in 1910 dropped to 52 percent in
1930.
' Indian Office data show that the Southwest is the last stronghold of
the full-blood. Although New Mexico and Arizona contained only
about one-third of the total Indian population on current census rolls at
jurisdictions in both 1930 and 1937, more than one-half of the fullblood
Indians in both these years were in these two southwestern
States. In 1930, of the total enrolled Indian population in Arizona
and New Mexico, 98.4 percent were full-bloods, while in 1937, fullbloods
constituted 97.6 percent of the total number. The principal
tribes in these two States are the Navajo, Pueblo, Papago, Hopi,
Pima and Apache.
260 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
CHIPPEWAS’ RAPID ASSIMILATION
In contrast to the situation in the Southwest, the lowest ratio of
full-bloods to total population is found in Minnesota among the
Chippewas, the largest of the Algonquian tribes, of whom only some
15 percent are full-bloods. Illustrating the rapid decline of the fullblood
population in the predominantly mixed-blood areas, if Indians
enrolled in the States of New Mexico and Arizona are excluded, it
will be seen that the percentage of full-blood to the total Indian
population would have declined from 46.4 percent in 1930 to 41.7
percent in 1937, a drop of 4.7 percent during the 7 years.
A mixed-blood Indian may marry anyone; any resultant progeny
will be mixed-bloods. For the full-blood, if the offspring are to
maintain the tradition of racial purity, the choice of a spouse is confined
to full-blood groups. It is obvious that the full-blood group can
increase relatively only as a result of a higher birth rate or a lower
death rate, or both, than prevail among Indians of mixed-blood.
INDIANS OF ALASKA
Education and medical supervision over the natives of Alaska was
transferred to the Office of Indian Affairs on March 16, 1931. Of
Alaska’s total population of 59,278, according to the last census
enumeration of the United States Bureau of the Census taken as of
October 1, 1929, 29,983, or 50.6 percent, were recorded as Indians.
Of this number, 19,028 were Eskimauan, leaving 10,955 of other
linguistic stocks.
ERROR MARGIN CONSIDERABLE
Despite recent improvements in census taking, reporting, and
recording, vital statistics with regard to the Indian population still
contain admittedly a considerable margin of error. The vast extent
of the larger Indian reservations and the scattered and isolated
pattern of life of many of the Indian tribes make the gathering of
population data an extremely difficult task. For example, it has
been possible to gather accurate data concerning the rate of increase
of the Indian population for only an approximate two-thirds of the
total number of Indians in the United States. It is believed, however,
that the Indian groups covered are sufficiently representative to serve
as an indicator of the currently normal growth in the Indian population.
It should be noted that the data in the following table showing
Indian population by States, refer to the enrollment at jurisdictions
within each State, and not to the number of Indians actually residing
there. It is believed, nevertheless, that the Indian population of the
several States differs by an extremely small margin from the figures
presented in the table, since approximately 85 percent of all Indians
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 261
live within the jurisdictions where they are enrolled, and a great number
of the remainder have not gone beyond the borders of their States.
A check on the accuracy of the figures compiled by the Indian
Service is supplied by data from the decennial census of 1930. The
census figures correspond quite closely to the figures of the Indian
Service, so far as the ratio of Indian population in each State to the
total Indian population is concerned, though the census enumeration
of 1930, with regard to Indians dwelling in Oklahoma, Arizona, and
New Mexico, shows some departure from the findings of the Indian
Service reports. The census figures for 1930 showed only 49.8
percent of the Indians residing in these three States. It is probable
that the census percentage is lower than the one shown by Indian
Office data chiefly because Indians residing in various eastern States,
of which the Indian Office has no record, were included in the census
enumeration. Another reason for the higher Indian Office figures
for these States is that there has been a slight tendency during the
past 8 years for Indians to return to reservations.
Indian Population in Continental United States Under Jurisdiction of the Office of Indian
Affairs, by State, Jan. 1, 1938
1 Includes 8,802 on jurisdiction census rolls, and an additional 14,835 on a special roll made pursuant to the
Court of Claims Act of May 18, 1928.
2 Estimated figures for the Chetimaha Tribe under Choctaw Agency, Miss.
• Less than J4o of 1 percent.
4 Includes 1,828 Indians organized under the Reorganization Act of June 18,1934.
5 1937 estimate.
6 Includes 24,097 on census rolls and 72,626 members of the Five Civilized Tribes as reported by the U. S.
Bureau of the Census, 1930.
7 Members of the Alabama and Coushatta Tribes under the jurisdiction of the Kiowa Agency, Okla.
8 Includes an estimate of 500 members of the Cowlitz Tribe, Taholah Agency.
9 Includes 221 Rice Lake Band Chippewa (special census, July 1930) and 600 Stockbridge Indians, organized
under the Reorganization Act of June 18,1934.
State Number Percent of
total State Number Percent of
total
Total reported____ 342, 497 100.0 Nebraska _ . 4, 619 1 3
Nevada 5 370 1 6
Arizona________________ 46, 255 13. 5 New Mexico 36 078 10 5
California__________ __ 1 23, 637 6.9 New York 5 6 610 1 9
Colorado_______________ 856 . 2 North Carolina 3’ 391 10
Florida__________________ 562 . 2 North Dakota 11’ 208 3 3
Idaho______ __________ _ 4,196 1. 2 Oklahoma 6 96’ 723 28. 2
Iowa_____ _________ ___ 460 . 1 Oregon 4’ 741 1 4
Kansas______ _______... 2, 047 . 6 South Dakota 28 030 8 2
Louisiana_____________ 2 70 (3) Texas 7 326 1
Michigan___ ________ 4 2, 404 .7 Utah 2 184 ’ 6
Minnesota. ___________ 15,906 4. 7 Washington 8 13 741 4 0
Mississippi__________ __ 1,947 .6 Wisconsin 912 467 3 7
Montana_____ ________ 16, 341 4.8 W yoming 2,328 7
Note .—Data are by State of jurisdiction where Indian is enrolled except Louisiana and Texas.
WHERE INDIAN SERVICE, OR THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORT AS
A WHOLE, STILL FALLS SHORT IN MEETING INDIAN NEED
1. The Allotted Land Situation
Touched upon in successive annual reports, this situation remains
uncorrected and therefore gets worse each year. More allotted land
passes into the heirship status, and the heirship allotments become
262 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
more hopelessly subdivided; administrative costs rise higher while
allotted land yield grows smaller. Through allotment subdivision,
there passes out of effective Indian use (or, indeed, effective use by white
lessees) more land each year than can be added through new purchases
with Treasury or tribal funds.
The methods, administrative and legislative, through which the
allotted land situation can be alleviated, even cured, are known in
detail. The year ahead will witness a concentrated effort to make
decisive progress, administrative and legislative, toward solving the
allotted land problem.
2. Indian Liquor Law Enforcement Imperfect
In Alaska, as yet, there is no liquor enforcement for the benefit of
Indians. There is no legislative basis for such enforcement. In the
United States, appropriations remain indefinitely inadequate if the
effort at enforcement is to be continued throughout the Indian
country.
3. Indian Appropriations Still Are Frozen
Only negligible progress has been made in lifting from the Indian
appropriation bill the dead hand of past decades. Hundreds of frozen
appropriation items still make difficult the efficient and economical
use of Indian Service moneys. Things less important are done,
things more important are left undone, under the compulsion of the
system of frozen appropriations.
4. Uncertainty as to Who Are Indians
Due to treaty clauses, statutes, and appropriation bill clauses, it
has come about in some areas that individuals with no more than a
trace of Indian blood claim the advantages of Federal gratuity expenditure
and are, in many cases, restricted wards of the Government.
Legislation limiting the use of gratuity funds to Indians of some
specified degree of blood, preferably not too minute a degree, would
assist in the adequate serving of those Indians who unequivocally
are such, while at the same time diminishing the stress upon Federal
appropriations.
5. The Unjust, Uneconomical System of Handling Indian Tribal Claims Against the
Government Continues Unregenerate
In 1929, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs estimated that a
century must pass before Indian tribal claims could be finally adjudicated.
A century must yet pass; nor, under the system of hit-and-miss
Indian jurisdictional bills, still prevailing, will equitable adjudication
even then be attained. Legislation such as the Indian Claims Bill of
1936, defeated in Congress, is still the indicated remedy.
OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS 263
Indian Service Appropriations
A P P R O P R IA T IO N S F R O M U N IT E D S T A T E S T R E A S U R Y F O R F IS C A L Y E A R S (IN C L U D IN G D E F IC IE N C IE S )
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OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR
Nathan R. Margold, Solicitor
The tasks of the immediate staff of the Solicitor have included
the representation of the Secretary of the Interior in litigation in the
District of Columbia, the drafting of proposed legislation and reports
thereon, the preparation of land decisions and departmental opinions
and findings, the handling of legal features of Indian reorganization,
and the review and other disposition of all other legal matters as are
involved in the manifold and varied activities of the Department.
During the fiscal year the Solicitor has represented the Secretary
of the Interior in various actions contested in courts of the District
of Columbia. Of the four cases in the District Court of the District
of Columbia involving an Indian matter, the issuance of oil and gas
leases, and the validity of the regulation relating to the practice
before the Department by former employees, the Department prevailed
in three of the cases. The fourth case was discontinued.
In the same court 28 War Mineral Relief cases were disposed of, 16
by entry of consent decrees and 12 by orders of dismissal. There
are 26 remaining of record. Although an attempt is being made to
dispose of these remaining cases by agreement, it is expected that the
majority will have to be set for hearing.
Two cases were argued in the Court of Appeals for the District of
Columbia. In one case, a mandamus suit to compel the issuance of
a patent for land, the court sustained the Department on all points.
In the other, involving a question relating to the exchange of land,
the decision of the lower court, which had sustained the Government’s
position, was reversed. The decision left open, however, the possibility
of consummating the exchange in another manner.
The Solicitor and his staff have also assisted the Department of
Justice in the prosecution and defense of actions in other courts. The
Solicitor’s Office did intensive work in connection with the preparation
and trial of the important case brought by the Government against
the city and county of San Francisco to enjoin the violation of section
6 of the Raker Act and in advising and conferring with special counsel
for the Government in the Elk Hills oil case {United States v. Standard
Oil Co. of California et al.), wherein the United States sought to be
264
OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR 265
declared the owner of valuable mineral lands. Decrees in both cases
were entered in favor of the United States.
During the year the Solicitor appeared as of counsel in 13 cases
which were before the Circuit Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
on appeal from the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico and in five cases
before the Supreme Court of the United States involving the Government
of Puerto Rico or its officials. This litigation work is handled
by special counsel for the Government of Puerto Rico under the direction
and general supervision of the Solicitor.
A quantitative summary of the work disposed of in the Office of the
Solicitor during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938, is embodied in
the following table:
1 “Miscellaneous matters” include such transactions as the following: Contracts for the erection of buildings,
road construction, supplies, etc.; reports on legislation; grants, transfers, and cancelations of mineral
leases and permits; contracts with irrigation districts; grants and acquisitions of rights of way for power
lines and for ditches and canals; withdrawals and restoration of land; determination of power rates.
Land decisions
Opinions of
Solicitor
Indian
matters
Miscellaneous
matters 1
Pending July 1. 1937___________________________________
Received during year__________________________________
Total___________________________________ ____
348
598
351
490
123
8,340
122
37,381
946
776
841
697
8,463
8, 334
37, 503
Disposed of during year_______________________________ 37, 304
Pending June 30, 1938________ __________________ 170 144 129 129
Disposition was made of 776 land appeals during the year. Land
appeals arising under the Taylor Grazing Act are steadily increasing
in number and novel questions and problems are being presented for
consideration which have added to the task of the lawyers who handle
this type of work.
Solicitor’s opinions in the total amount of 697 were rendered during
the past year as compared with 561 for the preceding year. Of the
number rendered, 316 were title opinions and 295 were on damage
claims, as compared with the figures 333 and 164, respectively, for
the year ending June 30, 1937. Title opinions pending at the termination
of the fiscal year 1936-37 totaled 210 whereas only 52 were
pending on June 30, 1938. Only 65 damage claims were undisposed
of on the latter date.
In addition to these special categories, requests for opinions have
covered the usual broad range. The task of resolving new problems
arising under old statutes and of construing new statutes which multiply
the activities of the various bureaus of the Department with
each session of Congress, becomes increasingly greater with the passage
of each year. The responsibility which rests upon the legal
officers of the Department in directing and safeguarding administrative
action is evidenced by the variety and number of questions which
are submitted for opinion during the course of a year. The follow266
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ing subjects are illustrative of the submissions which were received
and acted upon in the past fiscal year:
Authority of the Secretary of the Interior, under section 9 of the Taylor Grazing
Act, to accept a contribution consisting of funds received by a State under section
10 of the act, when the contribution is offered to be made to him, pursuant to a
law of the State, by a district advisory board which, although appointed by him
and functioning under his direction, has been authorized by the State to disburse
the funds for certain specified purposes.
Construction of section 1 of the act of June 30, 1936 (49 Stat. 2040), amending
section 5 of the of the War Minerals Relief Act approved March 2, 1919.
Constitutionality of provisions of State law and State constitutions denying the
franchise to Indians.
Interpretation of a deed from the Territory of Hawaii to the United States of
America purporting to convey Government lands and to reserve to the Territory
perpetual grazing rights thereon within the Hawaii National Park and in particular
the right of the Hawaiian Agricultural Company to clear national park lands
for grazing under the terms of a lease which included an assignment of the right to
graze livestock in such area.
Whether manila rope manufactured in the Philippine Islands is dutiable under
the customs laws in force and effect for the Virgin Islands; whether such article
may be considered a product of American manufacture under the “Buy American”
provisions of the act approved March 3, 1933 (47 Stat. 1489); and whether the
Virgin Islands Company may pay the amount of the import duty which is due on
the article in the event it is dutiable.
The right and power of the Consumers’ Counsel of the National Bituminous
Coal Commission to appeal from orders of the Commission, to bring judicial proceedings
to compel the Commission to furnish information to him and to be
represented in both such proceedings by attorneys of his own choice.
Interpretation and administration of the act of September 1, 1937 (Public, No.
411, 75th Cong., 1st sess.), relating to the production and export of helium.
Authority of Secretary of the Interior to repossess or reacquire lands and
improvements thereon by certain full-blood Choctaw Indians of Mississippi
under contracts made under the authority of section 9 of the act of May 25, 1918
(40 Stat. 561, 573), and similar acts, and to hold the title thereto in trust for such
Indians as he may designate under the authority given by section 5 of the act of
June 18, 1934 (48 Stat. 984).
Responsibility of State Board for Vocational Education under the Smith-
Hughes Act (39 Stat. 929), for employing, discharging, and fixing the tenure of its
employees, and for making requisitions on the State custodian for vocational
education for the disbursement of Federal funds.
Liability of individual members of the Quapaw Tribe of Indians in Oklahoma
for Federal income taxes.
Reports on bills to Congress and to the Bureau of the Budget which
originated in or cleared through the Solicitor’s Office totaled 623 in
number. Drafts of 31 bills sponsored by the Department were prepared
or reviewed by the Solicitor’s staff. Many of the legislative
measures have required extensive research and preparation. A substantial
number of bills, either sponsored by or important to the
Department, progressed to final passage during the two sessions.
The following measures are specially noteworthy:
OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR 267
H. R. 10024, to establish the Olympic National Park in the State of Washington.
H. R. 4852, to provide for the creation of the Saratoga National Historical Park
in the State of New York.
H. R. 6652, to provide for the administration and maintenance of the Natchez
Trace Parkway in the States of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.
S. 3689, to govern the leasing of Indian lands for mining purposes.
S. 2163, to authorize the deposit and investment of Indian funds.
H. R. 7874, to provide for the leasing of State, county, and privately owned
lands for the purpose of furthering the orderly use, improvement, and development
of grazing districts.
S. 3310, to amend section 35 of the Mineral Leasing Act (which was included in
the Interior Appropriation Act).
S. 2650, to authorize the completion, maintenance, and operation of the Fort
Peck project for navigation, and for other purposes.
II. R. 8008, to provide for the purchase of public lands for home and other sites.
Work in connection with the contracts with the Los Angeles Bureau
of Power and Light and the Metropolitan Water District relating to the
sale of Boulder Dam energy, which were executed shortly after the
close of the fiscal year, required the active participation of the Solicitor
in numerous conferences and hearings which were held during the
course of the negotiations for the purpose of reconciling the conflicting
interests and resolving the many problems that were involved. The
major portion of the Solicitor’s time and efforts was devoted to the
preparation of these two contracts which will result in the accrual of
additional revenues and other substantial benefits to the Government.
Various legal problems arising with respect to the exportation of
helium under the Helium Act of September 1, 1937, have demanded
consideration. Special attention was given to the review of the regulations
governing the production and sale of helium and the preparation
of amendments thereto.
Legal questions relating to grazing matters have increased the
volume of work of the Solicitor’s staff. In addition to the preparation
of a number of opinions dealing with the Taylor Grazing Act, considerable
time was spent on the work of revising the Federal Range Code,
a matter of great importance to the Division of Grazing.
Numerous other miscellaneous legal matters arising in connection
with the various activities of the Department were reviewed and disposed
of during the year by the Solicitor’s staff.
The burden of work of the lawyers attached to the General Land
Office has increased appreciably due to the new conservational policies
that have become effective. Matters relating to the issuance of leases
under the Taylor Grazing Act and the new type of homestead work
have accounted to some extent for this increase. The new policy
affecting the management of revested grant lands inaugurated pursuant
to the act of August 28, 1937, has presented novel legal problems
for solution. Matters arising under the oil and gas and other mineral
leasing laws continue to bulk large in the work of the legal section.
268 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
A noteworthy accomplishment was the codification of the regulations
of the Land Office. These regulations are now for the first time available
for general use in an up-to-date form.
Oil and gas leasing matters, particularly the review and revision of
unit plans, continued to require the careful attention of the lawyer
assigned to the Geological Survey. For the period preceding the past
year, only 47 plans were approved, involving 662,468 acres. During
the fiscal year 44 plans involving 591,116 acres were approved, indicating
notable progress in this field of work. In addition to the regular
legal work the codification of the operating regulations of the Geological
Survey was completed.
The numerous regulations and orders governing the activities of the
Indian Service were codified during the year by the legal staff of the
Indian Office. This work will be of considerable value not only to
the Department but also to the Indians. The relationship of the Indians
to the new Government agencies created a number of special legal
problems during the course of the past year which the Solicitor’s
Office, with the cooperation of the Federal agencies directly concerned,
was able to solve.
The important business of administering the estates of deceased
Indians, other than members of the Osage Tribe or of the Five Civilized
Tribes, is handled by a staff which is still numerically inadequate.
Improved administrative measures, although increasing the work of
the probate attorneys, have resulted in large savings to the Indians.
All except two of the eight probate divisions are now in an acceptable
condition. Additional assistance would improve the situation in those
two divisions. The retention of an auditor to check all Osage guardianships
has justified expectations. The Indians’ rights are now much
better protected. During the past year certain unsatisfactory conditions
were disclosed in connection with probate matters. It is
expected that remedial recommendations which will lead to the
improvement of these conditions will result from the careful study
that is being made. The need for a revision of the regulations relating
to the sale and leasing of Indian lands was revealed by the exhaustive
study that was made during the year of Indian land matters.
As a result recommendations were made by the Solicitor’s Office
which are now being examined by the administrative authorities.
Conferences with parties interested in the various Indian irrigation
projects, with officials of the Irrigation Service and with United
States attorneys and representatives of the Department of Justice in
connection with pending litigation and the preparation of suits to be
instituted affecting the various projects, have caused an increased
demand on the time of the legal staff attached to that Service. The
lawyers of the Service actively participated in a number of cases of
importance in connection with irrigation projects. Of chief interest
is the case of United States v. Powers et al. which was decided adversely
OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR 269
to the Government on appeal. In cooperation with the Department
of Justice, counsel attached to the Service did considerable work
preparatory to the filing of a petition for certiorari in the Supreme
Court. The ultimate decision will affect practically every Indian
irrigation project in the country.
The legal work relating to Indian organization has involved primarily
the task of assisting the Indian tribes in carrying out the
powers vested in them by the Indian Reorganization Act and the
Oklahoma and Alaska amendments, although questions requiring
interpretation of the acts continue to demand consideration. Assistance
in the drafting of organization regulations and legal documents
needed in carrying out their programs was rendered to the Indian
tribes. The Solicitor’s Office contributed to the development of a
procedure intended to insure a better understanding of and participation
in the functioning of credit associations by the Indians. Several
hundred ordinances and resolutions passed under constitutions and
charters which have been adopted were reviewed and in addition 16
constitutions and 24 charters were approved. Due to the analysis
of basic legal questions, notable progress was made with respect to
the establishment of a functioning organization in Alaska.
The work of the Bureau of Reclamation has continued to require
extensive legal services in Washington and the field. Lawyers in the
Washington office approved 219 construction and supply contracts
involving an aggregate expenditure of $97,644,413.32, as compared
with 147 contracts involving $22,553,571.99 for the preceding year.
The task of drafting the complicated contracts in connection with the
Central Valley project and the repayment contract to be entered into
with the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District, involving
large sums of money required intensive work on the part of lawyers of
the bureaus and the special attention of the Solicitor.
In addition to their regular work counsel for the Bureau have
devoted a considerable amount of time to litigation. A number of
condemnation cases have been instituted in connection with the
various reclamation projects requiring the preparation and examination
of pleadings. Counsel actively participated in the trial of the
important case of United States v. Tilley which was instituted as a
result of the construction placed by the Department on the Warren
Act contracts. A member of the Solicitor’s staff was present at the
trial of this case because of its significance in relation to the case of
Nebraska v. Wyoming. In the latter case the motion to intervene
filed by the United States was granted and it is expected that two
attorneys responsible to the Solicitor will be required to spend a substantial
portion of their time on this case alone for some time in the
future because of its relation to projects on the North Platte River
and the fact that basic principles of water law are involved.
104366—38------ 19
WAR MINERALS RELIEF COMMISSION
Arthur J. Barber, Acting Commissioner
I. UNDER THE ACT OF FEBRUARY 13, 1929 (45 STAT. 1166)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES FOR THE DISTRICT
OF COLUMBIA
Within the period under review the court dismissed 17 cases and
entered 14 decrees. The status of cases filed under the act of February
13, 1929, is:
Total petitions filed____________________________________________ 348
Total cases dismissed by the court________________________________ 91
Decisions by the Secretary of the Interior under decrees:
Awards Denials
To June 30, 1937__________________________ 167 24
July 1, 1937, to June 30, 1938_______________ 12 2
--------------------- 205
Cases pending in court______________________________________ 30
Decrees entered and pending in the Commission_________________ 22
-------- 348
Under authority of decrees from the court the Secretary of the
Interior made 12 awards totalling $120,203.18, and 2 denials.
An appropriation was made in the Second Deficiency Appropriation
Act, Public, No. 723, Seventy-fifth Congress, approved June 25,
1938, to pay four awards totaling $15,126.26. Eight awards totaling
$105,076.92 w’ere certified and are pending a future deficiency
appropriation.
The Commission has further recommended one denial.
UNDER THE ACTS OF MAY 18, 1936 (49 STAT. 1355) AND JUNE 30, 1936
(49 STAT. 2040)
Under these acts, 335 applications for review were filed with the Secretary
of the Interior before December 31, 1936. Since that date the
number of eligible applications has fluctuated by reason of changes
of status and by reason of dismissals or by decrees which authorize a
review of the item of interest, coming from the Court under the act of
February 13, 1929, and by reason of late filings under the act of May
18, 1936, which may be accepted at any time since no limit for filing
was provided in that act.
270
WAR MINERALS RELIEF COMMISSION 271
Application
Accepted for review under act of May 18, 1936_____________________ 80
Accepted for review under act of June 30, 1936_____________________ 153
Acceptance pending authority to file claim________________________ 11
Dismissed by court_____________________________________________ 21
Pending in court_______________________________________________ 25
Rejected as ineligible under either act_____________________________ 48
Total as of June 30, 1938_____________________3_3_8___________
II. UNDER THE ACT OF MAY 18, 1936 (49 STAT. 1355)
This act provides that when the decree of court has authorized a
review of the loss of interest to March 2, 1919, the Secretary of the
Interior shall reconsider interest to the date of passage of the act.
The act fixes a limitation of $1,250,000 to be awarded under this
amendment. An initial appropriation of $500,000 (49 Stat. 1619,
June 22, 1936) has been disbursed, and an additional appropriation of
$650,000 was made (50 Stat. 221, May 28,1937).
Within the period under review, the Secretary of the Interior made-
25 awards totalling $378,258.63, and denied 4 claims.
In the previous fiscal year $740,412.11 was awarded and has been
paid. In the fiscal year under review 13 awards totalling $361,607.44
have been paid; and 12 awards totalling $16,651.19 have been madeand
certified, but are not yet paid.
The unexpended balance of appropriation on June 30, 1938 is
$47,980.45, which, by terms of the Appropriation Act of May 28,.
1937 (50 Stat. 221) would revert to the Treasury as of July 1, 1938..
Including the above sum, the balance of unexpended authorization is
$147,980.45.
Under this Act of May 18, 1936, the Secretary of the Interior has
considered 32 claims. Forty-eight claims are pending in the Commission;
but this number is subject to a further fluctuation.
III. UNDER ACT OF JUNE 30, 1936 (49 STAT. 2040)
This act authorized claimants who failed to file suit under the act
of February 13, 1929, or whose suit so filed abated, to petition the
Secretary of the Interior to review their claims on matters of law in the
light of decisions of the court in similar cases, and to make awards;
and provided for the rights of deceased claimants to descend to their
legal successors; and provided for the rights of dissolved corporations
to descend to any officer, director, stockholder or legal representative
who shall be entitled to the benefits of this act; provided, that such
claims be filed within 6 months of approval of this act.
272 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Under this act, 231 applications for review were filed within the
limitations of the act and prior to December 31, 1936. The status of
these applications is as follows:
Accepted for review____________________________________________ 153
Pending authority to file claim___________________________________ 11
Suits abated; grounds for reopening not established---------------------------- 21
In court under act of Feb. 13, 1929, pending decision as to the right to petition
for a review under the act of June 30, 1936----------------------------- 25
Rejected as ineligible------------------------------------------------------------------ 21
The Congress appropriated $100,000 (50 Stat. 221, May 28, 1937)
for immediate payment of claims. There is no authorization to limit
the amount which may be paid under this act.
In the previous fiscal year $45,383.84 was awarded and paid.
In the fiscal year under review, the Secretary of the Interior made
12 awards totalling $44,100.76, which have been paid; and made 15
awards totalling $38,817.24 which have been certified but remain
unpaid; and denied 15 claims.
The unexpended balance of the appropriation is $10,515.40, which,
under the terms of the Appropriation Act of May 28, 1937 (50 Stat.
221), would revert to the Treasury on July 1, 1938.
Under this act of June 30, 1936, the Secretary of the Interior has
considered 47 claims of the 153 claims accepted for review as of June
30, 1938; he has made 32 awards totalling $128,301.84, and 15 denials.
There are 106 applications accepted and pending in the Commission;
but this number is subject to a further fluctuation.
SUMMARY
Decisions by the Secretary of the Interior
Act of February 13, 1929-------------------------------------------
Act of May 18, 1936________________________________
Act of June 30, 1936________________________________
Total decisions to June 30, 1938--------------------------
Awards Denials Total
179 26 205
28 4 32
32 15 47
239 45 284
Pending Before the Secretary of the Interior
Recommendation by the Commission; 1 denial--------------------------------- 1
Under act of February 13, 1929:
Cases pending in Court________________________________ 30
Decrees pending in Commission-------------------------------------- 22
-------- 52
Under act of May 18, 1936______________________________________ 48
Under act of June 30, 1936______________________________________ 141
Total claims pending examination and decision by the Secretary
of the Interior, as of June 30, 1938______________________ 242
DIVISION OF TERRITORIES AND
ISLAND POSSESSIONS
Ernest Gruening, Director
The Division of Territories and Island Possessions has continued its
administrative functions of coordinating and supervising the activities
under its jurisdiction, which include the Governments of Alaska,
Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands; also the Alaska Railroad,
the Alaska Road Commission, Alaska insane, the Consolidated Purchasing
and Shipping Office in Seattle, the Virgin Islands Company,
and the colonization projects on Jarvis, Baker, Howland, Canton, and
Enderbury Islands.
The Director made an extensive trip to the South Seas in the fall of
1937, in the course of which he inspected Kingman’s Reef, use of which
as a station in commercial plane flights to the Antipodes had been
projected, and the Phoenix Islands, including Canton, Enderbury,
Hull, Phoenix, and Sydney. An Executive order proclaiming sovereignty
of the United States over Canton and Enderbury Islands and
placing them under the supervision of the Interior Department was
issued on March 3, 1938. At approximately the same time, colonists
from Hawaii were landed on these two islands, the American flag
raised, the construction of living quarters and lighthouses begun, and
radio facilities established. Preparation of the lagoon on Canton
Island for the use of commercial planes has proceeded rapidly since
that time. A visit to the Samoan Islands was included in this
itinerary.
The Director later left for an extended visit in the Territory of
Alaska for the purpose of making a comprehensive survey of the Matanuska
Valley colonization project and to discuss matters relating to
the Alaska Railroad, Alaska Road Commission, and other activities,
with the various officials concerned.
TERRITORY OF ALASKA
During the fiscal year 1938 the administrative functions of the Department
in connection with the Office of the Governor of Alaska, the
Alaska Railroad, the Alaska Road Commission, and the care of the
legally adjudged insane of Alaska, were performed through the Division
of Territories and Island Possessions. The Seattle Consolidated
273
274 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Purchasing and Shipping Office was placed under the administrative
supervision of the Division effective June 1, 1938. The Division cooperated
with the several branches of the Interior Department and
the other departments and agencies of the Government having activities
in Alaska, in determining matters of policy with reference to the
Territory. These activities took the form of consultation and aid in
legislative and budget matters, in aiding in the coordination of Federal
efforts for the development of the Territory, notably in detailing personnel
and supplying information to the National Resources Committee
in connection with the report, Alaska—Its Resources and Development,
prepared at the request of the President pursuant to Concurrent
Resolution 24 passed August 21, 1937.
During the fiscal year 1938 the Alaska Railroad operated a modern
transportation service the year round between Seward and Fairbanks,
a distance of 470.3 miles; also on branch lines totaling 30.5 miles into
the Matanuska and Nenana coal fields. The summer passenger-train
schedule placed in effect during June 1937 provided for three round
trips a week between Seward and Fairbanks with supplementary
service out of Fairbanks to Nenana and McKinley Park and out of
Seward to Anchorage and Palmer. Passenger train service was
reduced to two round trips each week on September 7, and was further
reduced to the winter schedule of one round trip each week on September
20. Mixed train service was operated between Anchorage and
Matanuska points on the Matanuska branch line one or two trips each
week, depending upon the volume of traffic. Freight train service
varied from one round trip to two round trips each week between
Seward and Fairbanks, governed by the volume of freight and the
steamer arrivals at Seward. River boat service was maintained during
the season of navigation with sailings from Nenana to Tanana, Ruby,
Holy Cross, and Marshall every 2 weeks.
Rail line passengers numbered 26,026; rail line passenger-miles,
4,247,677; rail line freight, 155,833 tons, of which 106,636 tons were
coal. Operating revenues amounted to $2,212,844.65 and nonoperating
income totaled $1,603.60. Operating expenses were $2,142,617.97.
With collections from the operation of ocean-going vessels amounting
to $4,873.41, the total income in excess of expenses was $76,703.69.
At the beginning of the fiscal year, there remained an unobligated
balance of $543,211 from a Public Works Administration allotment of
$737,000 made in May of 1937. On June 30, 1938, there still remained
an unobligated balance in this allotment of $124,883.92. This allotment
is being used for needed rehabilitation and improvement work
on the Alaska Railroad—the construction of a bridge across Knik
River, a tourist hotel at Mount McKinley Park entrance, ballasting,
line changes, and other items of improvement and rehabilitation. In
May 1938, $210,400 was provided by the Works Progress AdministraDIVISION
OF TERRITORIES AND ISLAND POSSESSIONS 275
tion for the employment of relief labor in ballasting and surfacing the
track and to replace deteriorated ties. The greater part of this allotment
remains for expenditure for the fiscal year 1939, but on the last
day of June 1938, 332 persons were employed on these projects.
The Alaska Road Commission is charged with the construction and
maintenance of roads, bridges, and trails in Alaska outside national
forests. The construction and maintenance of airfields, telephone
lines, and shelter cabins is also undertaken for the Territory. Funds
are made available by Congressional appropriation, from the Alaska
fund and from contributions by the Territory and others. In addition,
during 1938, $388,386 from a Works Progress Administration
allotment was available for expenditure. The total expenditure from
all sources by the Commission during the year was $1,376,792.31.
The work accomplished during the fiscal year may be summarized as
follows:
New construction:
56% miles of road of which 16% were surfaced.
54 miles of sled road and a number of bridges.
Improvement:
74% miles of road regraded and widened.
127% miles of road surfaced and 871 metal culverts installed.
Maintenance:
1,915 miles of road.
80% miles of tramway.
557 miles of sled road.
2,061% miles of permanent trail.
304 miles of temporary flagged trail.
The legally-adjudged insane of Alaska are cared for under contract
negotiated by the Secretary of the Interior. Under provisions of law,
the Sanitarium Co. of Portland, Oreg., has provided care and treatment
for a number of years. The present contract became effective January
15, 1938, for a period of 5 years, at the rate of $648 per patient per
annum. The Department continues to be represented at the hospital
by a psychiatric supervisor. At the beginning of the fiscal year 296
patients were receiving treatment. During the year 73 patients
were admitted, while those deceased, discharged or transferred, numbered
57, leaving 312 persons in the institution on June 30, 1938.
TERRITORY OF HAWAII
Commerce of Hawaii, now approaching a total of $250,000,000
annually, showed an increase for the calendar year of 1937, of $26,-
433,227 over the value of the commerce in the previous calendar
year. The Territory had a favorable trade balance of $18,406,603, the
total exports being valued at $132,239,807, while the value of imports
was $113,833,204. By far the largest share of this commerce was
between the United States and the Territory.
276 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The pineapple industry is making long strides in overtaking the
sugar industry as the primary commercial endeavor of the Territory.
The value of the shipments of canned pineapple and pineapple juice
increased by approximately $4,000,000 each, while the value of sugar
exports decreased by approximately the same amount.
The Territorial unemployment compensation law now in effect has
three primary objectives. First, it provides for the accumulation of
reserves during periods of expanding employment which may be used
for the payment of benefits to persons who may subsequently become
unemployed through no fault of their own. A second objective is the
stabilization of employment and in the third place, the unemployment
compensation law provides for the maintenance of free public employment
offices to assist workers in obtaining suitable jobs, and to assist
employers in obtaining suitable workers.
Special efforts were made in renewing cane land leases to the end
that the Territory share in the profits derived from the leased areas.
Two of the more important of such leases, covering large areas of land,
completed during the year, include the lease of Hilo Sugar Co. of
2,265.656 acres of the land of Piihonua, Hawaii, and one to the Kekaha
Sugar Co. covering 29,698 acres at Waimea, Kauai.
Collections by the Commissioner of Public Lands from all sources
during the year showed an increase of $63,605 over the preceding year.
Due to the sugar quota, several lessees of caneland have discontinued
the use of such land for cultivation and are using the same for
pasturage purposes.
The amount of sugar which may be produced in 1938 in the Territory
under the 1937 Sugar Act is approximately 1,135,000 tons raw
value. Of this amount, approximately 951,000 tons may be shipped
to the mainland and 30,000 tons may be sold locally. The difference
between the amount which may be produced and the amount which
may be marketed provides a reserve. Benefit payments to the
Hawaiian sugar growers and other farmers in the Territory during the
year amounted to approximately $4,900,000 through the Agricultural
Adjustment Administration and Soil Conservation and Domestic
Allotment Act.
Upon hearing of new possibilities for low-rent housing and slum
clearance in the Territory, the housing authority appointed by the
Governor began intensive work to have funds earmarked for Hawaii.
On April 11, 1938, there was set aside for Hawaii $2,400,000.
One of the discordant notes which occurred in the administration of
the islands during the year was the strike of interisland seamen and
drydock workers which commenced late in May 1938, and crippled
transportation between the islands for nearly 3 months. Regular
service was resumed early in August when men in most of the
departments returned to work.
DIVISION OF TERRITORIES AND ISLAND POSSESSIONS 277
Funds made available by the Public Works Administration and the
Works Progress Administration provided for construction of roads
and highways, buildings, parks, public utilities, and flood control in
the islands during the fiscal year. Besides the construction work, a
number of statistical, research, and educational projects also were
carried on, providing work for clerical and other employees.
HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION
The Hawaiian Homes Commission was created by the Hawaiian
Homes Commission Act—1920, to rehabilitate Hawaiians by placing
selected families on Government lands set aside for this purpose in
the nature of 99-year leases of farm, pastoral, and residence lots and
with long-term loans at low rates of interest.
Approximately 3,800 Hawaiians included in 650 families are now
occupying farms and lots on the Islands of Oahu, Molokai, and Hawaii.
To the 203 families on Molokai, $262,047.62 was paid for the produce
raised on their farms, consisting of corn, potatoes, pineapples, and
other food crops.
On Hawaii, $80,000 is being expended for an addition of about 175
lots to the existing 231 residence lots located at Keaukaha, a suburb
of the city of Hilo, on the Island of Hawaii. In addition to these lots,
two community buildings to be used for social, educational, recreational,
and general welfare work among the Hawaiians, have also been
constructed as part of this project.
PUERTO RICO
The finances of the insular Government are in excellent condition.
Total receipts for the year aggregated $43,298,448, while the expenditures
amounted to $41,666,329, leaving an excess of receipts over
expenditures of $1,632,119. Imports were valued at $93,314,783, of
which $84,987,994 came from the continental United States. Exports
were valued at $82,052,341, of which $79,808,113 were shipped to the
continental United States.
Various laws recommended by the Department were enacted by
the Seventy-fifth Congress: (1) Authorizing the legislature of Puerto
Rico to create public corporate authorities to undertake slum clearance
and provide dwelling accommodations for families of low income;
(2) ratification of all joint resolutions enacted by the legislature of
Puerto Rico and the former legislative assembly; (3) authorizing the
Governor of Puerto Rico to fill vacancies in the legislature of Puerto
Rico caused by death, resignation, or otherwise, of senators and
representatives, until the necessary general election; (4) exemption
of persons traveling between Puerto Rico and the continental United
States from payment of a stamp tax on steamship tickets; (5) to
278 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
correct the citizenship status of certain persons who were bom in
Puerto Rico; (6) extension of provisions of section 21 of the Bankhead-
Jones Act to Puerto Rico providing for the development of cooperative
agricultural extension work; (7) to transfer certain parcels of land
including the Escambron tract to the people of Puerto Rico. Strenuous
efforts were made to have certain provisions of the Social Security
Act extended to Puerto Rico, but without success.
Since the creation of the Institute of Tourism of Puerto Rico, an
extensive campaign has been undertaken to bring to the attention of
tourists the natural beauties and attractions of Puerto Rico, its historic
forts and other places of historical interest. The government of
Puerto Rico recently sponsored a cruise for Government employees
to the island. More than 400 persons took advantage of the opportunity,
sailing on the steamship Iroquois, spending 3 days and 2 nights
in Puerto Rico and 1 day in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Approximately
18,000 visitors were entertained during the first 5 months of
1938, as compared with 7,000 visitors for the same period last year.
A loan of $972,000 and a grant of $795,273, or a total of $1,767,273,
has been authorized for the construction of a graving dock at San
Juan. Plans and specifications are now being prepared and work on
the project will start early next fall.
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
The program of economic rehabilitation which has been carried on
for a number of years in the Island of St. Croix was seriously endangered
by a prolonged and severe drought. The sugar business,
which is the basic industry of that island, suffered a severe setback.
The benefits of increased sugar quotas under the Sugar Act of 1937
for the Virgin Islands were lost as a result of the drought. Sugar
production fell off approximately 50 percent in tonnage and approximately
60 percent in value due to low prices.
The homesteading program, which depends for the most part on
sugarcane production as a cash crop, was seriously affected by the
drought, 298 homesteaders in the island of St. Croix receiving for the
year 1938 a gross return which was only 29 percent of their 1937
income.
On the other hand, continued improvement was shown in St.
Thomas, where the shipping business is the important industry. A
total of 814 ships, with total tonnage of 3,239,975 tons, called at the
port of St. Thomas during the fiscal year. Transshipment was
inaugurated for a trial period at the port of St. Thomas of bauxite
originating in British Guiana and destined for Canada. This use of
an American port by foreign interests signalizes the advantages of
the port of St. Thomas over competing ports in the Caribbean area.
DIVISION OF TERRITORIES AND ISLAND POSSESSIONS 279
The Army Engineer Corps has continued its engineering surveys of
the harbor of St. Thomas with a view to beginning authorized harbor
improvement work in the new fiscal year.
Development of the tourist trade and winter resident trade continues
to make gradual progress. The Bluebeard Castle Hotel was
turned over to a private operator under a mutually satisfactory lease,
after advertisement for bids, on December 1, 1937. The period of
Government operation of this hotel while under construction, during
which costs were paid from income of the hotel, ended on November 30
with a slight profit which has been deposited in the United States
Treasury.
The cattle business, which is of second importance in the Virgin
Islands, was seriously endangered by the imposition of restrictions
against shipments to Puerto Rico, which is the important market for
that industry. A careful study of the cattle business was made by an
expert whose numerous recommendations are being studied with a
view to expanding the cattle business and establishing it on a firm and
economic basis.
Work-relief allocations were made which permitted the continuation
of a road-improvement program which has been of substantial benefit
to the islands. Great progress has been made in improving the sanitary
condition of the towns in the Virgin Islands, through the extension
of sewer and salt-water flushing systems in Charlotte Amalie and
through the surfacing of streets and improvements of street drains in
all the towns in the Virgin Islands.
The management of three urban housing projects constructed by
the P. W. A. Housing Division was transferred to the government of the
Virgin Islands on September 1, 1937. These housing units are now
more than 80 percent occupied and will soon be completely occupied.
Plans are now in preparation by the Procurement Division of the
Treasury Department for the major repair and reconstruction of
numerous historically and architecturally interesting Federal buildings
which were transferred to the United States Government by the
Danish Government at the time of the purchase of the Virgin Islands.
Reconstruction work will be undertaken in the new fiscal year.
Studies conducted by the Department of Labor, the Department of
State, and the Department of the Interior with respect to the enforcement
of the United States immigration laws in the Virgin Islands have
led to the administrative reorganization and improvement in the
methods and means of enforcement.
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS CO.
During the fiscal year the Company cultivated 3,000 acres of sugarcane,
manufactured 2,300 tons of raw sugar and about 100,000 gallons
of rum. It sold during the year 40,000 cases of Government House
280 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
rum, employed about 900 persons, and paid about $40,000 in taxes to
the local government.
A severe and prolonged drought caused great damage and loss to the
sugarcane crop. Many fields were lost and the crop for the year 1939
will be even less than that for 1938. Plans are under way for drilling
deep wells to provide against droughts in the future.
The company furnished a market for the cane grown by 700 homesteaders.
During the year the Angostura-Wuppermann Corporation
began the manufacture of Angostura Bitters in the Virgin Islands, and
the Virgin Islands Co. is furnishing one of the ingredients for the
bitters.
EQUATORIAL AND SOUTH SEA ISLANDS
Four cruises were made from Honolulu, T. H., to Jarvis, Baker, and
Howland Islands, during the year, under the supervision of the field
representative of the Department of the Interior, carrying water, food,
and other supplies for the maintenance of the colonists stationed
there. Early in 1938 the Division also took over the administration
of the islands of Canton and Enderbury, acting under Executive
order of March 3, 1938, and established colonies on these two islands,
similar to the ones on the other equatorial islands. High-powered
radio equipment was set up on Jarvis and Canton Islands, for the purpose
of reporting weather information daily to the United States
Weather Bureau station in Honolulu.

UPPER: A SEMIURBAN LOW-COST HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN PUERTO RICO.
Lowe r : a Cemen t Pla n t cons tru cted by the Puer to Rico Rec on str uc tion
ADMINISTRATION.
PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION
ADMINISTRATION
Miles H. Fairbank, Assistant Administrator
Estab lis hed by Presidential order dated May 28, 1935, under
the authority of the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935,
the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration has operated in the
Island of Puerto Rico since September 1935. Charged with the
responsibility of expending the emergency funds assigned to it for
the relief of the unemployed in the island it is carrying out a comprehensive
program of economic and social rehabilitation tending to
correct the unwholesome social and economic trends from which this
insular possession has suffered acutely.
The fundamental economic problem in Puerto Rico arises from the
fact that while the island is essentially agricultural, having little or
no industry, its important crops—sugar, coffee, and tobacco—because
of existing legislation or lack of markets, will not support the dense
population. In an island where every square foot of land should
be intensely cultivated, thousands of acres are either idle or inadequately
used.
The year has seen considerable progress along the many fronts on
which the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration is operating.
About 2,000 agricultural workers and their families have been established
in subsistence farms on which modest priced houses have been
constructed, and a definite trend has been started toward the growing
of subsistence crops, as well as a new type of agriculture, providing
other sources of income to supplement sugar, coffee, and tobacco.
The P. R. R. A. Service Farms throughout the island have been producing
swine, goats, and chickens for distribution in an effort to
achieve a more balanced agriculture. The marketing of new crops
through the establishment of packing houses, grading centers, and
market research, as well as the establishment of new cooperatives
and the encouragement of those already organized, has formed an
important part of the program.
Realizing that the success of this type of program depends on the
ability to develop leadership and local responsibility, P. R. R. A.
has aided the development of the educational system of the island this
year by continuing to build more schools, both primary and second
281
282 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
unit, as well as completing the building program started 2 years ago
Rt the University of Puerto Rico.
The social service program of the P. R. R. A. has expanded rapidly
and is having a decided effect upon the successful operation of the
program as a whole. Much employment has been given in the construction
of needed public works for the various municipalities throughout
the island, as well as the insular and Federal Governments. The
program for the development of the hydroelectric resources of the
island has continued throughout the year, along with the program for
soil conservation, cattle tick eradication, hurricane static research
and similar projects indirectly but vitally affecting the entire program.
There were 24,095 persons employed on P. R. R. A. works on June
30, 1938.
During the year Ernest Gruening, Director of the Division of Territories
and Island Possessions, who had also served as Administrator
of the P. R. R. A. since its inception, resigned the latter post and the
Honorable Harold L. Ickes, Secretary of the Interior, was appointed
Administrator by the President. The main office was then transferred
to San Juan, all division heads being placed under the immediate
supervision of the Assistant Administrator. Considerable reduction
of personnel was effected in the Washington office, which has become
a liaison and contact office of the Administration. These changes
and the subsequent reorganization and consolidation of various functions
have resulted in reducing the average cost of administration
from approximately $140,000 per month to an average of $65,000
without curtailing the effectiveness of the program.
RURAL REHABILITATION
For the general rural rehabilitation of Puerto Rico and in carrying
out its own agricultural program the P. R. R. A. has expended to
date the total sum of $19,389,692. These funds have been used for
the employment of agricultural workers and the purchase of agricultural
implements, fertilizers, spraying materials, and selected seeds,
thereby supplying newly created farmers with facilities to carry out
the approved agricultural projects. Large tracts of uncultivated or
poorly cultivated lands owned principally by absentees have been
purchased and subdivided into small farms. The lands acquired to
date include the American Suppliers property, formerly a 4,000 acre
farm and now subdivided into about 500 small farms; Castaner and
Elinas’ farms, totaling 1,692 acres, formerly devoted exclusively to
coffee growing as the cash crop and now divided into 200 small farms
devoted to the cultivation of diversified crops as an example of a
new type of agriculture for the coffee region; Zalduondo, originally a
farm of 1,500 acres and now subdivided into more than 200 farms from
PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION 283
1 to 20 acres, and St. Just, a farm of 433 acres and now subdivided
into 260 small farms. This latter project, close to San Juan, is an
interesting experiment in slum clearance through semiurban development.
Land subdivision has been carried on in the Lafayette district.
Five thousand acres under cane cultivation purchased by the P. R.
R. A. from Suers, de C. & J. Fantauzzi have been subdivided into 12
land cooperatives with an approximate average *4o0f 0 cuerdas each.
Of the 5,000 additional acres of marginal lands also purchased from
Suers, de C. & J. Fantauzzi, part has been assigned by the P. R. R. A.
for resettlement purposes. At the present time 405 1-acre parcels
have been segregated and low-cost concrete houses built thereon to
be occupied by Lafayette resettlers, who in turn are members of the
land cooperatives.
In Vieques, 146 small farms have been created.
Del Rio Plantation, a zone of arid land, is being converted into a
productive region by P. R. R. A. technical experts and has been
subdivided into 57 small farms. It is being used as a demonstration
project for the better utilization of the arid regions of the island.
Subdivision is being carried on also at Farm Marini, recently purchased
near Mayaguez. Eighty-nine families will soon be established
on an equal number of small tracts there. This also is a semiurban
development like St. Just, designed to provide facilities for subsistence
to workers with part-time employment.
To this must be added the land acquired from farmers of the coffee,
tobacco, and fruit regions, to whom assistance was extended, supplying
them part-time labor, fertilizers, and other aid in exchange for which
the cooperating farmers agreed to sell to P. R. R. A. land at one-half
its appraised value. In those regions the P. R. R. A. has established
approximately 2,700 new homesteaders on small tracts of land of
from two to three acres each.
Thus more than 40,000 acres located in different parts of the island
are being utilized directly in the rural rehabilitation program of the
P. R. R. A. In connection with the rural housing program, which is
aimed at substituting for the typical fragile old shack of the Puerto
Rican peasant decent facilities for comfortable living, 2,080 houses of
concrete, treated lumber and rammed earth have been constructed.
In each one of the rural resettlement projects there is a central
service farm in charge of a farm superintendent, who gives technical
advice to the resettlers and who is responsible for all administrative
matters.
The modern poultry plant established at La Plata’s central service
farm is now distributing weekly an average of 500 chickens among
homesteaders. Surplus eggs and chicks are auctioned to the public
for use in improving the breeding of poultry throughout the island.
284 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Swine and goats are also distributed by the central service farms among
the homesteaders. The P. R. R. A. imported 150 pedigreed Anglo-
Nubian goats and 60 pure-bred Duroc Jersey swine for breeding purposes.
A number of the boars and bucks has been loaned to the
Insular Extension Service for stud in different parts of the island.
The value of the P. R. R. A. activity in this direction is shown by the
fact that during tl^s past year two private poultry plants selling baby
chicks and breeding stock to farmers have been established in the
island.
One of the most important activities carried on by the P. R. R. A.
for the development of the island’s livestock, is the eradication of the
fever-producing cattle tick. This program is conducted in cooperation
with the Bureau of Animal Husbandry of the United States Department
of Agriculture and the Insular Department of Agriculture and
Commerce. Work has been completed in the western zone where
there are 315 dipping vats operating. One hundred and fifteen
thousand eight hundred and sixty-three cattle, 18,776 horses and
mules, and 79,688 goats and sheep were treated last year. In the
central zone, where vat construction was carried on during the year,
there are 282 vats completed and dipping will begin shortly. Construction
of vats has been started in the eastern and final zone.
Authorities agree that as soon as the eastern zone is covered, the
island will be totally free from fever tick.
The soil of Puerto Rico constitutes its basic wealth. In cooperation
with the United States Department of Agriculture, the P. R. R. A.
has carried on an intensive program of soil conservation. At the
Mayaguez, American Suppliers, and Zalduondo projects, terracing
and other approved methods of soil conservation constitute an important
phase of the rural rehabilitation activities. Not only are
thousands of acres in process of being restored to profitable productivity
but farmers, especially P. R. R. A. resettlers, are being trained and
educated in the application of these new methods for the conservation
and correct land utilization of their farms.
Among the activities of the agricultural development projects conducted
by the P. R. R. A., the cultivation of vanilla has rapidly increased
and will continue. A pilot plant to cure the vanilla beans
will soon be completed at Castaner farm. It is expected that by
1942, Puerto Rico will be in a position to enter into a strong competition
in the mainland markets with foreign countries now producing
vanilla oils. A part of the agricultural program centers around the
production of perfumes from tropical plants and trees planted in the
island. These projects will within a few years establish new sources
of income for Puerto Rican farmers, thereby relieving the island from
depending almost exclusively on the present uncertain coffee and
tobacco crops to sustain the mountainous regions.
PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION 285
HEALTH, SOCIAL, AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The health division of the P. R. R. A. was eliminated on August 10,
1938, that part of its activities relating to medical care being transferred
to the insular government and the social service activities
transferred to the rural rehabilitation division. As of July 30, 1938,
there were operating 21 rural medical centers, comprising 64 rural
medical dispensaries. In the urban zone 22 public health units were
constructed for the insular government in different municipalities.
In transferring the medical work to the insular government, the
P. R. R. A. turned over its buildings, equipment, and trained personnel.
Aside from the contributions to the insular government’s health
program through the construction of health units and the transfer of
its functioning rural health service, the P. R. R. A. constructed a
two-story modern sanatorium in Rio Piedras. Important works are
being carried on at the School of Tropical Medicine for repairs and
enlargement.
Stress was laid upon the prevention and eventual eradication of
malaria and of hookworm and other diseases due to intestinal parasites.
Preventive work in the rural areas against typhoid fever and smallpox
has been carried out on a large scale. The nutritional service was
continued and strengthened in an effort to convey to the country
people correct ideas on nutrition and infant feeding, enabling them
better to utilize their home produce.
The health activities of the P. R. R. A. to date cover 22,060 physical
examinations^ 27,792 treatments for malaria, 91,550 treatments for
intestinal parasites, 97,411 typhoid fever inoculations, 26,021 smallpox
vaccinations, and 212,622 laboratory examinations. Of dental services,
there have been carried out 48,499 oral examinations, 169,330
extractions, 10,513 prophylactic treatments, and 3,627 miscellaneous
treatments. There were 23,180 clinics held and 510,435 patients
attended them. Aside from the above-mentioned activities the health
division rendered a very useful service through its sanitary engineering
section, which was in charge of selecting of sites for the construction
of rural resettlement houses and supervising the sanitary regulations
to be observed.
As a part of the general work undertaken for the economic and
physical reconstruction of Puerto Rico, the social-service program,
previously conducted as a section of the health division and now
functioning under the rural rehabilitation division, has played an
important role. Social workers have been assigned to each rural
medical dispensary, community center, resettlement project, and
urban housing project. Community centers—some newly constructed,
others made over from dismantled workers’ camps or abandoned
buildings—serve as activity centers for this important work.
104366—38------ 20
286 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Social work has fostered education, outdoor and indoor sports,
music, drama, and other activities. Canning centers, instruction in
needlework and handcraft form a part of the program of the social
workers.
The encouraging of organized sports has been the most important
aspect of the recreational activities carried on by the P. R. R. A., in a
determined effort to foster the spirit of fair play and cooperation
among the people of Puerto Rico. One hundred and thirty recreational
centers have been established and were operated last year throughout
the Island for the benefit of children outside of school. Organized
sports and athletics have been carried on in places where they were
unknown before the P. R. R. A.
SUGAR PROGRAM
Sugar is the backbone of Puerto Rico’s economic life. Yet with
production limited by quotas and current low prices, the industry has
not been able to give its maximum employment or carry its share of
the island’s social problem. To point the way as to how this might be
accomplished is the purpose of the P. R. R. A.’s sugar program, which
is centered at Central Lafayette.
Central Lafayette—Puerto Rico’s first sugar enterprise to be operated
through cooperative organization—had last year the fourth
largest crop in the Central’s history. The yield of cane in sugar was
the highest the factory ever had. Wages paid were 10 percent higher
than in 1937. As a result of efficient management, and despite several
unfavorable factors, total costs remained low while labor performance
went up.
A total of 273,382 bags of sugar of 250 pounds each was manufactured
from a crop of 266,994.53 tons of cane ground. The crop yielded
12.89 percent of sugar for every hundred pounds of cane, as against
12.65 percent for 1937. This placed Central Lafayette in first place
in the island in sugar extraction and represents the efficiency with
which the enterprise is being operated.
In the Lafayette district, the P. R. R. A. carried out an extensive
resettlement program among the workers who will become members of
the several land cooperatives. Four hundred and five concrete houses
and ninety-three wooden batey houses have been constructed. A
modern two-story hospital, built for the town of Arroyo but to be
operated by Central Lafayette, will soon be functioning. Three
community centers and three vocational second unit schools have
been erected and are functioning.
Four new land cooperatives have been added to the original eight
organized among the agricultural workers of Lafayette. A program
to drain extensive swamp areas that now constitute a constant malaria
menace is under way.
PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION 287
The sugar program is steadily progressing towards three definite
goals: (a) To point the way towards a better distribution of profits
among the laborers; (b) to eliminate exploitation of colonos; and (c)
to prove that improved housing, health, and social service can be
achieved without jeopardizing the profitableness of the sugar industry.
The seriousness of the sugar situation, however, is more readily
recognized when it is revealed that over 100,000 acres of good cane
land, capable of employing over 25,000 laborers, is now lying idle in
Puerto Rico as a result of the marketing quotas. In an effort to find
a way out of this dilemma, the P.. R. R. A. has given considerable
thought to the development of byproducts that can be made from
sugarcane. A first constructive step in that direction was the administration
loan to the Asociacion Azucarera Cooperativa Lafayette,
the so-called mill cooperative, to build a plant at Lafayette for the
manufacture of solvents, principally butyl alcohol and acetone from
molasses. The distillery, having a capacity of 5,000,000 pounds of
solvents annually, is under construction and will be in operation by
January 1, 1939.
The cooperative division of the P. R. R. A. has steadily functioned
to assist existing cooperatives and to develop new organizations where
opportunities presented.
For the promotion and financing of certain types of cooperatives,
the P. R. R. A. has given guidance to the Puerto Rico Self-Help
Corporation, an Insular agency, which in turn organized and is supervising
the Cooperative Handcrafts, Inc. of Puerto Rico and the
Primus Potteries Cooperative Association.
COOPERATIVES
The Cooperative Handcrafts, Inc., of Puerto Rico is a cooperative
of needle workers, who were thrown out of employment because of the
vicissitudes of that industry. The membership includes nearly 600
women, employment for which varies from 150 to 600 according to
the demand for silk garments and hand-made gowns. During the
year, the cooperative opened a show room at 99 Madison Avenue,
New York. Because of its high quality workmanship as well as
distinctive styling, it has already made a place for itself in the garment
industry. The effect of the Wage and Hour Law, in closing many
needlework factories, will undoubtedly mean rapid expansion of this
cooperative.
The Primus Potteries Cooperative is endeavoring to develop a local
industry in handcraft, pottery, and tile. The project has moved
slowly, due to the necessity of training workers, creating designs, and
solving the many technical problems involved. It is expected that
marketing will begin within a few months.
288 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
In connection with the corn growers cooperative, a corn bin and
mill was constructed at Isabela by P. R. R. A. This cooperative will
begin active operation with the coming crop.
Functioning under the auspices of the P. R. R. A. Cooperative
Division are the Arecibo Fruit Growers Cooperative Association, the
Sociedad Agricola Cooperativa Insular, and the Puerto Rico Marketing
Association for Minor Crops. Dedicated to the processing and
marketing of the “Sea Island” cotton as one of the new crops for the
island, the last mentioned cooperative has been in operation for 3
years. Both the insular and the Federal Governments have taken
important steps to aid in its development. During the past 3 years
a total of 1,233 bales of cotton was marketed, and production is increasing.
The cotton, being of a special long staple variety, does
not compete with cotton grown on the continent.
The Arecibo Fruit Growers Cooperative Association was organized
by the P. R. R. A. to aid in the rehabilitation of fruit growers in the
northern zone of the island. A modern plant has been constructed
and equipped for the canning of grapefruits in slices or in juice. A
unit will soon be added to the plant for the canning of orange juice.
The Sociedad Agricola Cooperativa is a farmers’ purchasing cooperative
society also promoted and financed by the Puerto Rico
Reconstruction Administration. It is a young organization, not
over 10 months in existence. In this period its membership has
aggregated 240 farmers. Its efficiency is demonstrated by the fact
that the society has purchased for its members 10,021 tons of fertilizers
at a saving from about $15,000 to $17,000 to its members.
The P. R. R. A. has cooperated with every private activity or enterprise
intended to aid the cooperative movement in the island. Private
cooperatives such as Cafeteros de Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rico
Tobacco Marketing Association, and others are directly or indirectly
aided by the P. R. R. A. through its division of cooperatives.
RURAL ELECTRIFICATION
During the fiscal year 1937-38 the rural electrification division of
the P. R. R. A. continued its program centering around the construction
activities on the Garzas and Dos Bocas hydroelectric projects.
The Garzas Dam will create a lake with an area of 150 acres, 2,415
feet above sea level. The water from the reservoir will flow from tbe
north to the south side of the island through a tunnel 11,700 feet long,
then falling through a 1,200-foot pen stock to drive two horizontal,
direct-connected 5,000-horsepower over-hung impulse water wheel and
generator units at Salto Garzas Plant No. 1. The estimated annual
energy output of the plant will be 24,500,000 kilowatt-hours. The
power generated will be transmitted to the insular government power
system over six 38,000-volt circuits.
PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION 289
Construction progress during the fiscal year included the completion
of 10 miles of all-weather access roads, an activity carried over
from last year; 3,000 feet of incline railway; a diversion dam 65 feet in
height; a 12-foot diameter diversion tunnel 1,200 feet long; the
driving of 4,591 feet of power tunnel; the excavation of 50 percent of
the main core-wall trench; and the completion of practically all the
necessary camp buildings and facilities.
The Dos Bocas project is located on the Arecibo River midway
between the cities of Arecibo and Utuado on the northern side of the island,
where the prevailing northeast trade winds are responsible for the
heavy precipitation over this area. Thus, irrigation is not a factor
in the development of the project. The station will be used as a
regulating medium between the total system load and power produced
by the stations, the output of which is limited in accordance with
irrigation requirements.
The impounding dam will create a reservoir having an area of some
600 acres, extending approximately 5 miles up the river in both
directions.
The present plans call for an initial installation of two units of
8,300 horsepower and 4,150 horsepower each, with an additional
6,300-horsepower unit to be installed whenever funds are available.
The estimated annual energy output of the plant will be 30,000,000
kilowatt-hours. The powerhouse is to be located immediately
below the dam, the units being served through short pen stocks.
The construction program for the Dos Bocas project during the
year included the completion of practically all of the construction
camp buildings and facilities; construction of cofferdam No. 1;
excavation of overburden on the east and west abutments and the
erection and installation of most of the construction plant equipment.
An appreciable expansion of the distribution network has been
effected, bringing to hundreds of rural domiciles the benefit of electrical
service and thus profoundly affecting the life of these rural dwellers.
It is estimated that 1,500 radios have been installed on P. R. R. A.
built distribution lines within the last 2 years.
UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS
The building program in the university project for the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1938, included among other features the finishing work
on the auditorium. This modern structure, equipped with an up-todate
air-conditioning and ventilating system, will provide comfortable
seating capacity for 2,085 persons.
The grant of additional funds for the continuation of the building
program made possible the construction of a long-needed biology
laboratory building for the experiment station of the University of
290 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Puerto Rico at Rio Piedras. It is considered that this will be a valuable
asset in the insular field of scientific research and agricultural
advancement.
Additional funds allotted for the ensuing fiscal year will take care of
the construction of the engineering building to be located on the
grounds occupied by the College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. This building will consist of classrooms,
lecture halls, testing laboratories, and shops for civil, mechanical, and
sugar engineering courses.
The enlargement and reconstruction of the School of Tropical
Medicine at San Juan, Puerto Rico, including its adjoining hospital, is
also scheduled for the coming year.
Aside from the natural growth resulting from this enlargement of
its physical plant, the University of Puerto Rico may be expected to
develop in the future as an international educational institution where
students in South, Central, and North America will meet, thus laying
the basis for a better understanding and a more comprehensive friendship
between the Spanish and the English speaking people of the
New World. That, undoubtedly, would greatly improve the commercial
and political relations between the nations of America.
CEMENT PLANT
When the cement plant constructed at Catano, near San Juan, was
completed, the P. R. R. A. had finished one of its most important industrial
projects. It is a modern cement plant with a daily production
capacity of 1,000 barrels, a permanent employment capacity of 150
persons or more, and a monthly pay roll of about $20,000 in wages. On
February 19, 1938, under the name Puerto Rico Cement Corporation,
the insular government incorporated the plant constructed at a cost of
more than $1,400,000. The Governor of Puerto Rico was elected
president of the board of directors of the new corporation on March
15. The manager was appointed on April 6, 1938.
It is expected that under insular government operation the plant
will be able to produce cement at a lower price than that at which
foreign cements are delivered in Puerto Rico. The Government, both
insular and Federal, normally the largest consumers of cement, will
use the plant’s cement for its building projects. This will result in
a saving on all public construction. The capacity of the plant should
satisfy about one-half of the island’s annual requirements.
GENERAL ENGINEERING
The engineering division of P. R. R. A. is responsible for the construction
of numerous projects located throughout the island, providing
better conditions of life and work for a great number of unemployed
through urban and rural areas. Many of these projects already
PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION 291
have been completed and most of them will be completed in the near
future.
Agricultural industries, public activities, and public health have
been benefited by engineering projects. A building for the tobacco
institute at Rio Piedras, a cotton warehouse and gin plant and a corn
bin and mill at Isabela have been constructed, aiding the tobacco,
cotton, and corn growers. Three new city halls and seven new police
stations constructed by the P. R. R. A. have been added to the facilities
of the municipal governments. Public buildings have been repaired
in different municipalities of the island.
School construction and repairs represent one of the P. R. R. A.’s
most commendable contributions to the cultural and educational
achievements of Puerto Rico. In the urban zone, the P. R. R. A.’s
engineering division has constructed 14 new school buildings and
repaired 55. In the rural zone 169 buildings, comprising 309 schoolrooms,
have been completed. This is in addition to 11 concrete and
8 wooden second-unit or vocational schools, the latter being erected
from dismantled workers’ camps.
Construction and repairs in connection with waterworks have covered
the laying of new pipe lines, building and repairing reservoirs and
dams in 11 municipalities. Waterwork systems were constructed at
Naguabo and Quebradillas and 12 deep wells for water supply have
been constructed at the resettlement farms created under the Land
Utilization Program. In 46 municipalities, streets have been repaired.
A total of 157.6 kilometers of roads in different parts of the island were
repaired.
Funds allocated by the P. R. R. A. during the fiscal year ending
June 20, 1938, provided for long needed improvements to the military
post of San Juan. The project is to provide better facilities and additional
space for quarters for enlisted men and noncommissioned
officers, laundry, garages, shops and adequate pressure and improvements
to the obsolete water supply system.
The century old buildings known as the Santo Domingo barracks,
the Artillery Park and the old Manicomio Building are being repaired
and restored to their original appearance.
The landing pier built at Culebra for the use of the Navy has been
completed. A new naval radio station building has been recently
completed at San Juan.
Parks and recreational centers have been constructed by P. R. R. A.
engineers in several cities with the communities contributing to the
cost. A swimming pool has been constructed at Guajataca, Quebradillas;
a retaining wall at Ruiz Belvis School at San Juan; a basketball
court and grandstand at Yauco and an assembly hall for girls at
Santurce.
292 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
At Guaynabo work was started on an entire new school and dormitories
for the Boys’ Orphan Asylum. In the meanwhile the asylum
was moved to Cayey and temporarily placed in a camp loaned by the
P. R. R. A. for this purpose.
HURRICANE STATIC RESEARCH
During the past year, the study of the relationship between radio
phenomena and meteorology has continued. Puerto Rico, in the
middle of the hurricane zone, must be and is vitally interested in
everything related to tropical storms. The results of this investigation
were reported in part in a paper entitled “The Meteorological
Aspects of Certain Radio Transmission Phenomena,” which was presented
to the Section of Meteorology of the American Geophysical
Union under the auspices of the National Research Council in Washington
on April 28, 1938.
During the past year particular emphasis has been given to a study
of radio static and hurricanes with a view of determining whether or
not static originates in such tropical storms and, if so, whether it is
of sufficient intensity and frequency to permit the development of a
radio-tracking technique to supplement the classical means now employed
by meteorology for the tracking of such disturbances.
This work was carried on in collaboration with investigators at the
University of Florida and other stations under their control and with
the National Research Council of Canada.
A further report of these joint investigations was presented on
April 29, 1938, to a joint meeting of the Institute of Radio Engineers
and the International Union of Scientific Radio Telegraphy in Washington
(Static Emanating from Tropical Storms by S. P. Sashoff,
University of Florida). In both the published papers, tracks of
tropical disturbances for the 1937 season are shown. The degree of
correspondence between the paths as determined by radio methods
and those reported by the Weather Bureau is examined.
URBAN HOUSING
The development of that part of the urban housing program of the
P. R. R. A. originally aimed for the elimination of unsafe and unsanitary
housing conditions, for the provision of decent, safe, and
sanitary dwellings for families of low income, and for the reduction
of unemployment and the stimulation of business activity, was continued
during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938.
Inasmuch as the funds originally allotted were not sufficient to
accomplish the demolition and clearance of the existing slum areas,
it was deemed advisable from the beginning to apply the funds to the
construction of the tenement group, project A, situated at Barrio
Miranda, San Juan, and for the partial construction of the Eleanor
PUERTO RICO RECONSTRUCTION ADMINISTRATION 293
Roosevelt and Juan Morel Campos developments located in Hato
Rey, a suburb of Rio Piedras, and Barrio Canas, Ponce, respectively.
Eight hundred and eleven units were finished during the fiscal year,
including the partial completion of the utilities comprised in the
whole program, which ultimately is to consist of 3,004 living units.
The Eleanor Roosevelt project now contains 445 housing units;,
tenement group, project A, 216; and Ponce, 150 housing units. In
addition to this, Mirapalmeras at San Juan and La Granja at Caguas,,
two developments constructed by P. W. A. through a loan obtained
from the P. R. R. A., have been transferred to the P. R. R. A., thereby
adding 131 and 78 housing units, respectively, to the total. Construction
of all the developments mentioned has been completed during
the year, and the buildings are now occupied. Rentals range
from $6 to $12 monthly per housing unit, including some of the
utilities. Besides providing decent living quarters for families of the
lower income groups, the projects represent the early experimental
stage incident to any large housing program and thus furnish
invaluable data to be considered in connection with future housing
developments in Puerto Rico.
FORESTRY
The reforestation program initiated by the forestry division of the
P. R. R. A., in cooperation with the United States Forest Service and
the insular forest service, has continued its field work. To date land
purchased for forestry purposes has reached the total of 22,127 acres,
of which 3,364 acres were acquired during the fiscal year ended June
30, 1938.
One thousand pounds of seed have been gathered from the best
types of native trees and 1,200 pounds purchased and brought from
Panama Canal and Haiti. As usual, the types of trees planted have
been selected from among those adapted for construction, suitable
for cabinet use and quick-growing for making charcoal, which is still
the most common domestic fuel in Puerto Rico.
This year the production of trees from the Cayey and Mayaguez
nurseries reached 3,200,000. Nine new small field nurseries were
developed during the year and added to the three forest nurseries
previously existing.
The planting activities covered 1,247 acres of new areas planted
and 960 acres replanted. Work on weeding and maintenance of
plantations was carried on in a combined area of 10,162 acres.
Eight new miles of road were added to the total mileage of road
already opened in forestry lands for the improvement of communications,
and 61 miles of foot and horse trails were constructed. The
forestry division has constructed three concrete buildings for ranger
stations and two for experiment stations.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION
J. W. Studebaker, Commissioner
\A^hen from childhood through adult life the people of a Nation
are learning through effective educational processes that the conservation
of material and of human resources is necessary to the happiness
of the individual and to the preservation of the desirable things
of life for all, conservation in its broadest meaning is making progress.
It is that kind of progress which the Nation’s schools, colleges,
universities, and other educational agencies are reporting today in
greater measure it seems, than in past years. It is that kind of progress
which may be noted throughout the report of the Office of Education
for the fiscal year that closed June 30, 1938.
GENERAL EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
AN OVER-VIEW OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
In the field of elementary education, even though enrollments have
shown some decrease, it should be borne in mind that the elementary
school provides the basic education for all children and the only
education received by many.
With emphasis upon such important service has come a fuller appreciation
of some of the needs in the elementary school. These
include: Increased individual guidance; health and recreational
services,- closer cooperation between home and school; a school organization
and curriculum adjustable to individual abilities and interests;
and school building and equipment adequate to serve the community
in its present-day wide range of activities. Efforts are being made in
many school systems throughout the country to meet such needs.
The recognized social and economic losses due to first-grade failures
has been the cause of recent marked increases in adjustments of promotion
standards and school organization.
The formation of curriculum laboratories and divisions within State
and local school systems and in colleges and universities is a comparatively
recent development. Through such laboratories committee
work is guided for continuous modification of teaching materials
and helpful information is made available.
294
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 295
Enrollments
Enrollments in public schools of the United States in 1936 showed
a decline for the first time. The losses were entirely in the first six
grades, but they were sufficiently large to overbalance enrollment gains
in high schools and in upper grades of elementary schools.
More than 6 million pupils are now enrolled in the last 4 years of
public high schools. With the addition of private high-school enrollments
the total exceeds 6% million.
In addition, there are approximately 1% million persons enrolled in
night schools and in part-time schools of various kinds, and another
300,000 in Civilian Conservation Corps camps, 90 percent of whom
participate to some extent in the educational program of the camps.
Adult Education
The movement to make adult education a definite responsibility of
public education has made substantial progress. There was an increased
interest during the year on the part of States in financing and
supervising adult programs. The number of teacher-training institutions
offering professional courses in adult education and the variety
of courses offered increased noticeably. The activities of local organizations
together with the organization of numerous regional conferences
have indicated a significant interest in this field. Studies and
investigations centered largely about the social aspects of adult education,
the philosophy upon which it is based, and the development of
instructional materials.
Guidance
The importance of including all phases of guidance in a school
service provided for the adjustment of pupils has been emphasized by
educational leaders during the year. The result of a superintendents’
tour conducted by the National Occupational Conference for the
purpose of studying guidance programs and adjustment services in
some of the larger school systems, stimulated a wide interest in such
service. Considerable work was done in the development of occupational
information for vocational guidance and placement services.
Parent Education
A State-wide program of parent education was established in
Pennsylvania under legislative enactment. This is the third State to
establish a parent education program under legislative enactment.
New York and California are the two other States that have such
programs.
At least 36 cities now have parent education programs sponsored
by their public-school systems.
Universities and colleges offered an increased number of courses and
institutes in summer and in regular sessions during the year for the development
of leadership in parent education and family life education.
296 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Health Education
For purposes of safety, health, and economy a more careful selection
and training of custodians for school buildings has been developing.
The lines between physical education and recreation have seemed to
fade somewhat. Facilities and supervision for play have been more
frequently furnished. There has seemed to be a returning interest,
after a half century of decline, in the adequate instruction of highschool
students in the subject of hygiene.
Problems of conservation of natural resources have been considered
by State departments of education in plans for curriculum revision and
in preparation of teaching materials. No single practice has been
followed with respect to its introduction in the school program. Elementary
and high schools sometimes teach conservation in social
studies or science; and some universities and teachers colleges are
offering it either as a regular or a special course. The Office of
Education during the year issued publications on phases of the general
subject, and held a conference of educational leaders and of leaders in
the conservation movement at which ways of incorporating the subject
in the curriculum were discussed.
Exceptional Children
The education of children deviating from normal in mental, physical,
or emotional traits continues to be a problem of vital concern. Among
significant developments during the past year has been the interest
on the part of State authorities in effecting State organizations to
handle the problem on a sound educational basis. The education of
exceptional children is closely related to elementary and secondary education
for all children. It is increasingly recognized that, even while
needed special provisions are important, the differences between
exceptional children and so-called normal children should be minimized
and the likenesses emphasized. In line with this, the Office of Education
has recommended in its consultative services to States that regular
elementary and secondary supervisors be given a close relationship to
the program, cooperating with special supervisors of the work, or, if
special supervisors are not available, taking the lead in effecting
curricular adjustment for special groups. Specific services limited by
law to the vocational training and placement of physically handicapped
adults and young people of employable age are available from State
bureaus of vocational rehabilitation. A coordinated program among
all these agencies, without duplication or infringement of responsibilities,
is the goal to be achieved.
Rural Education
Recent rural school developments have shown increased evidence of
a more general recognition of the inadequacy of the small, local
district as a unit of school administration. Numerous studies have
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 297
been made to create units of school organization through which
children, even in the sparsely settled areas, can more easily be provided
with modern programs of public education. Such studies have been
primarily concerned with two problems: First, evolving plans for a
more equitable distribution of the burdens of financing education in
rural communities; and, second, organizing schools sufficiently large to
insure efficient use of the personnel and equipment needed for a
diversified program of public education.
Not since the early twenties have so many of the one-teacher
schools been abandoned and their activities transferred to larger
schools as during the past year. Comparatively few new one-teacher
schools have been established. Statistics now show approximately
4,000 fewer schools of this type per year. The present success in displacing
the “little red schoolhouse” with larger schools has received
considerable impetus (1) from the financial aid given by the Public
Works Administration to the construction of new school buildings, (2)
from increased road building activities, (3) from a growing demand in
rural communities for secondary education, and (4) from a clearer
realization of the needs of rural people for educational opportunities
equal to those provided in the cities.
Negro Education
The number of States that are appropriating funds to pay tuition
and traveling expenses of Negroes to do graduate and professional
work in other States when there is no opportunity to attend the
university of their home States has increased. Three States have
recently made provision for Negroes to do graduate study in their own
States. Advancement has also been noted in the tendency to improve
the salary situation among Negroes, and in curriculum studies and
school reorganizations now taking place.
Growth in vocational education for Negroes is evidenced by the
many requests which have reached the Office of Education from city
and State school systems for information and assistance in reorganizing
their programs; and by the inclusion of a discussion of the problems of
vocational education for Negroes on the programs of National, State,
and regional education associations.
Territories and Outlying Parts
In the Territories and insular possessions, as in continental United
States, there has been considerable activity in curricular adjustment
and in school organization. In Hawaii and the Canal Zone committees
of teachers and supervisory officers have been at work on activity
units on the elementary and secondary levels. The problem of
teaching English with special reference to approved methods and to
locating types of errors in order to find means by which they can be
overcome, has received particular attention in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
298 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
There has been considerable activity, especially in Puerto Rico and
the Virgin Islands, in certain types of educational work (e. g., school
buildings and adult education) through Federal emergency funds.
The special needs of children from foreign-speaking homes who are
often underprivileged due in part to social and economic and in part
to language handicaps are more clearly recognized year by year. As a
result, improvement in class organization and methods of teaching is
under way both in sections on the continent where there are large
numbers of bilingual children and in outlying parts. A number of
research studies have appeared during the year on teaching problems
with bilingual children, five of which were contributed by the Office of
Education through a cooperative project with universities and colleges
interested in this field of work.
Financing of Schools
Financing of public education was on a better foundation in a
number of States during the school year 1937-38 as a result of revisions
of State school support plans made by the respective State legislatures.
The idea that the State shall equalize the costs of a foundation education
program became more general among the States, and, consequently,
more legislation to that effect was operative during the past
year than during any previous time.
OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Enrollments in a selected list of 602 approved or accredited institutions
show for 1937-38 an increase of 3.6 percent over the preceding
year. Assuming that this increase was true of all institutions, the
total enrollment of full-time students in 1937-38 was approximately
1,300,000 and the grand total, including full-time, part-time, and
summer school students was above 2,000,000. These increases, however,
were only about half as great as corresponding increases for the
previous similar period.
The junior college has continued to grow. In 1936-37, 528 junior
colleges were reported with an enrollment of 129,106. In 1937-38, 553
were reported with an enrollment of 136,623, an increase over the preceding
year of 5.8 percent. Junior colleges are primarily coeducational;
417, or 72 percent, are of this type.
The number of higher educational institutions of all classes in this
country reported by the Office of Education for 1937-38 is 1,686,
or 2 fewer than for the year preceding.
Professional Schools
There is little indication of change in professional schools, although
increasing attention is being given to their social obligations. Important
is the completion this year of the accrediting of all but 15 of the
155 degree-granting engineering schools in this country by the EngiOFFICE
OF EDUCATION 299
neers’ Council for Professional Development. This means that the
engineering schools whose curricula are thus approved are considered
competent to prepare engineers for the professional examinations of
State Boards of Engineering Examiners which are required for license
to practice in the majority of States.
The past year has seen an exceptional amount of discussion among
leaders regarding the philosophy of higher education in its bearing on
public service.
OF LIBRARY SERVICE
Public-school libraries have made notable progress during the past
two decades and have assumed a position of importance in elementary
and secondary school education. Their present status has been
shown in part by a recently completed study on school library statistics
for 1934-35, the first in a series which will isolate public-school
library data from those of other libraries and which will build up
eventually a body of comparable data.
The tabulations for this study, based on returns from half of the
public-school systems, show 61,303 libraries in the 66,101 public
elementary and secondary schools reporting. Of these schools, 27,836
are served by centralized libraries and 33,467 by classroom collections
only. The total number of volumes in the centralized libraries is
28,346,250 and the total number of children served by them is
7,209,674, which is 57.67 percent of the pupils enrolled in the school
systems reporting.
In the college library field continued attention is being paid to
the problem of integrating the library with the teaching work of the
college. Increasing emphasis is being placed upon the reader and the
use of books rather than upon the books themselves or the technical
processes involved in their handling.
With the object of improving service, a plan is being developed by
the College Library Advisory Board of the American Library Association
to encourage college libraries to undertake self-surveys in accordance
with procedures which the Board has set up.
FEDERAL ACTIVITIES
During the year the Federal Government continued to give financial
aid in support of various educational activities. Under the Bankhead-
Jones Act of 1935 and the George-Deen Act of 1936 each State and
Territory received larger sums for various types of vocational education
for the year 1938 than for any preceding year. Allotments by
the Works Progress Administration and the National Youth Administration
to assist needy individuals to improve along educational
lines were somewhat larger than previous allotments. Grants for
school-building purposes by the Federal Emergency Administration
of Public Works amounted to nearly $50,000,000.
300 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The Office of Education through Federal emergency grants continued
four of the special projects which were in operation at the close
of the preceding year. These projects were: Forum demonstrations;
educational radio; local school administrative units; and a survey of
vocational education and guidance of Negroes. Federal educational
.activities during the year also included provisions for schools by the
Tennessee Valley Authority; and assistance granted by the Federal
Housing Authority and other Government agencies.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT
The President’s Advisory Committee on Education submitted its
report to the President, February 18, 1938, in which it recommended
the continuation of existing Federal grants and the initiation of new
grants to the States for educational purposes to begin at $70,000,000
in 1939-40 and to increase to $199,000,000 in 1944-45. The grants
recommended by the Advisory Committee would be divided into six
major funds, namely: (1) A general aid fund for current operating and
maintenance expense of public, elementary, and secondary schools; (2)
a fund to improve the preparation of teachers; (3) a fund for the
construction of school buildings; (4) a fund for the improved administration
of State departments of education; (5) a fund for civic,
general, and vocational part-time adult education activities; and (6)
a fund for rural library service.
The Committee also recommended a special Federal fund for cooperative
educational research, demonstration and planning, to be administered
by the Office of Education. The amounts recommended are
$1,250,000 during the fiscal year 1938-39; $2,000,000 in 1939-40; and
$3,000,000 during each of the succeeding fiscal years through 1944-45.
The fund would be available for expenditure under the direction of
public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies approved by the
Office of Education, on the basis of cooperative projects jointly agreed
upon.
RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION
IN ELEMENTARY AND HIGH-SCHOOL FIELDS
The Office of Education recently completed its 2-year study of
Local School Administrative Units in 10 States. This project whose
purpose was to explore the possibilities for the organization of more
satisfactory local school units—attendance, administration, and
finance—was guided and coordinated by the Office of Education
project staff and was financed by a grant of approximately $864,000
-of Federal emergency funds.
The project staff of each participating State—Arizona, Arkansas,
California, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma,
of the study in the State and made individual county reports giving
findings and proposals for counties studied. The State reports are
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 301
Pennsylvania, and Tennessee—issued a State report on the findings
available from the respective State departments of education, and
many county reports are available also from these State departments.
The Office of Education project staff prepared two publications
based on data submitted by the State projects, one of which describes
the work of the State projects, summarizes their findings and analyzes
the status of existing school units in these States, and the other of
which formulates principles and procedures for prosecuting studies of
local school units.
The States participating in the study have expressed their intention
to make further use of the project data filed in the State department
offices and to continue to study this problem. States cannot be
expected in a short period of time to put fundamental changes into
effect; but the study has contributed already by pointing out the
necessity for changes and by indicating specifically the types of
changes needed and the way in which such changes can be most
satisfactorily made.
Among other studies in public-school fields made during the year
by the Office of Education are the following:
(1) The purpose and amount of all Federal Government expenditures for
education during the 2 years, 1936 and 1937.
(2) The study of legal provisions for public-school finance which was under way
in 1937.
(3) The progress of educational legislation in the several States and in Congress.
During the year the Office of Education studied such progress. A circular was
issued on educational measures which shows the status of educational legislation
at the close of the Seventy-fifth Congress.
(4) An analysis of public funds for education in each of seven States. This
study was made in cooperation with universities.
(5) A series of study outlines inaugurated at the request of the American
Association of University Women. These outlines were used to meet the needs
of local branches of the Association interested in studying the public-school
system. The outlines were used by many other organizations. They are being
printed so as to be more widely available.
(6) The opportunities for the preparation of elementary school supervisors.
This study gives information on three questions: In what colleges and universities
are curricula offered for general and special subject supervisors of elementary
schools? What is the content and the academic level of the curricula? and,
To what extent do the curricula offered seem to meet current requirements for the
preparation of such supervisors?
(7) Curriculum laboratories and divisions, their organization and functions in
State departments of education, city school systems, and institutions of higher
education.
(8) A survey of courses of study and other curriculum materials published
since 1934. This study contains an annotated list of current courses of study.
(9) The elementary school principalship. This study describes the types of
principalships, the proportion of men and women employed as principals, the
organization for administration of elementary schools, and the opportunities for
the preparation for this field of service. It summarizes the current practices in
the certification of elementary school principals.
101366—38----- 21
302 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
(10) A study of the offerings and registrations in high-school subjects 1933-34.
This is a study of registrations in 206 different subjects offered in nearly 18,000
high schools reporting.
In addition to the studies noted, the Office compiled and codified for
the first time the published Federal rules and regulations with respect
to education. This codification is to be published in a forthcoming
publication of Federal Rules and Regulations.
IN HIGHER EDUCATION
The Office has continued its study of graduate work and research
during the past year. A final conference for the purpose of defining
the function of the graduate school in relation to the Nation’s resources,
human and material, was held in June 1938 at the Johns
Hopkins University under the direction of the Commissioner of
Education.
Among other studies in higher education fields made by the Office
during the year were the following:
(1) The economic status of college alumni of 31 colleges and universities in the
United States.
(2) A study of State programs for the certification of teachers. This presents
principles relative to the administration of certification and of its requirements in
the several States, and suggests means whereby certification systems may be
improved.
(3) Two-year terminal programs in engineering schools. These programs were
studied by the Office during 1937-38 with the cooperation of the Society for the
Promotion of Engineering.
(4) Relationship of State government to higher education. This long-time
research project into the relationship of State government to higher education was
continued during the year. Its primary purpose is to collect information and
develop principles and theories that may serve as a basis for legal enactments
improving the relationship of the State to higher education. During the past
year another bulletin was completed dealing with the status and position of educational
institutions in the scheme of State governments.
(5) Projects in aid of college students. These were studied to learn of the opportunities
provided by colleges for reducing the living expenses of students and
for providing work with which college students might meet a part or all of their
college expenses.
(6) Leading institutions of higher education in England, the Scandinavian
countries, and Paris. These institutions were studied during a field trip made by a
representative of the Office of Education.
IN SPECIAL EDUCATION
Constant demands have come during the year from school officials
for curriculum materials, especially in the newer fields. In an effort to
meet such demands several studies were prepared dealing with approved
methods of teaching and with provisions of materials. These
studies are concerned with conservation as a school activity, the contribution
of visual aids to school programs, and the use of school museums
and school excursions as educative tools with special reference to
their contribution on the elementary level.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 303
The first step was taken during the year in the investigation of the
organization of clinical facilities for the adjustment of behavior problems
of school children. This is a growing development in guidance
programs, and school administrators are eager for help in the organization
of this service. An analysis by means of a questionnaire of existing
facilities and a conference to discuss pertinent problems have
paved the way for a more thorough study of the field during the coming
year.
Other Research
The report on the National Survey of Vocational Education and
Guidance of Negroes, conducted as an emergency relief project, was
completed. Studies made in rural education problems dealt with the
economic status of rural teachers, the salary and training of rural
school personnel, and educational conditions in the Southern Appalachians.
To promote the provision of vocational training for handicapped
adolescents, an anlaysis was made of the extent and types of
occupational experiences offered them in the day schools which they
attended.
IN HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
An investigation of provisions for, and administration of physical
education in institutions of higher education was completed and published
during the year.
The study of the selection, training, duties, and supervision of school
custodians in communities having a population of 2,500 or more was
completed, and also the related study concerning personnel and provisions
for safety and sanitation in institutions of higher education.
A circular listing sources of material for the observance of May Day
as Child Health Day was prepared and published. A study in the
field of curriculum construction relative to essentials and methods in
health instruction is in progress.
IN MEASUREMENT
The Research in Universities Study on some factors in the adjustment
of college students was completed this year. It summarizes and
analyzes the research carried on in some 13 universities in an investigation
of certain factors predictive of success or failure in college.
The cumulative records of 177 school systems were analyzed and
suggestions for use of schools in setting up cumulative record systems
were developed.
An analysis has been carried on of the methods of reporting to parents.
There has been considerable experimentation taking place in
this field, and any effort to aid in this problem should be of value.
Preliminary work in the use of aptitude and other measures in educational
and vocational guidance has been under way. Intensive work
was begun on one phase of measurement of guidance—that of interest.
Preliminary plans have been made for studying new methods of
304 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
evaluation. The introduction of the objective or new-type tests has
reawakened interest in the general problem of evaluation.
IN GUIDANCE AND INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION
A report of a study on the place of industrial arts in the program of
education, which had been in progress for 2 years, was completed.
At the request of the International Bureau of Technical Instruction,
a report on technical education in this country was prepared for the
International Congress on Technical Education held at Berlin. This
report is to be included in a publication by that Bureau.
IN LIBRARY SERVICE
The Library Service Division has been working on plans to secure
comprehensive data on public library coverage, growth, use, and support,
with a view to attacking the problem of the extension of library
facilities to areas now without them.
In the field of librarianship, a study of professional library education
was completed. This investigation, undertaken with the needs of the
prospective library school student in mind, considered the preprofessional
education required, the library school curricula, and the training
and qualifications needed for the different types of professional library
work.
The textual material was prepared to accompany the 1934-35 school
library statistics which were based on returns from 66,101 schools in
the 3,130 school systems reporting.
Work has also been in progress on school library administration and
on school library legislation as well as some preliminary work on a
regional library service study.
IN SCHOOL BUILDING PROBLEMS
The Office of Education completed a study of the school building situation
in the United States which indicates (1) the need of continued
aid from the Federal Government for school building construction and
(2) the necessity for scientific long-range studies of school building needs.
This study showed that in spite of the fact that from December 1933
to December 1936 the P. W. A. allotted $244,976,114 in grants and
loans for public-school buildings, the total estimated cost of which was
$469,005,001, yet 62.3 percent of all the cities of 10,000 population and
over estimated that an additional $496,745,782 is needed for schoolbuilding
construction. The main reason for this continued need is
that the schools had not caught up with the lag in school-building construction
during the World War.
A very different kind of building from that which was erected over
30 years ago is demanded today. School buildings must now provide
not only accommodations for academic work but rooms for science,
art, music, shop work, dramatics, and play, and they must be so constructed
as to serve the community as well as the school pupils. Yet
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 305
39.3 percent of all school buildings in 506 cities of 10,000 population
and over are more than 30 years old. Such buildings cannot serve
the needs either of children, or of the youth and adults to whom the
school should offer opportunities for education in new lines of work
and for recreation during their leisure time.
Information in regard to the school plant in the United States is
extremely meager. But few States have had the funds to make the
surveys necessary to determine where new school buildings should be
erected and where existing buildings should be abandoned with a
view to reorganizing school districts into larger administrative units.
The lack of information is serious because millions of dollars are spent,
and will doubtless continue to be spent, on school building construction
every year.
It seems obvious that in providing for wise expenditure of these
large sums for school buildings it is necessary for each State (1) to
have the facts about the present situation in regard to the school
plants in both rural and urban areas; (2) to make studies of population
trends with a view to estimating where buildings are needed; and (3)
to plan school-building programs with a view to reorganizing the
many small school districts into larger centralized districts.
IN STATISTICS
The collection, compilation and presentation of data to show the
National status of education is an important function of the Office of
Education. More than 35,000 schools, school systems, and institutions
of higher education submit reports periodically by mail or through
field contacts. Studies on which material was collected or tabulated
in 1937-38 are shown in the following table, in which capital letter C
stands for data collected; T, tabulated; and C—T, collected and tabulated
within the year.
Subject of study, 1937-38
Type of study
Biennial Periodic Special
Federal: Expenditures for education, 1935-36 and 1936-37_______________
State school systems: Personnel and finances___________
City school systems:
Personnel and finances_________________________________
Per capita costs_____________________________________ ZZZ.ZZZZZ
Per pupil expenditures by type of school and size of city: '
Free textbooks______________________________________
Educational supplies_______________________ '
Operation of plant______________________________ Z.Z.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Maintenance of plant_______________________________ Z-ZZZZ
Capital outlays_________________________ Z.Z.ZZZZZZZZZZZZ---------
Administration_____________________________ Z.ZZZZZ'Z
Higher education:
Personnel and finances_________________________________________
Land-grant colleges_________________________________ Z.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZi
Receipts and expenditures (preliminary)____________________________
Elementary schools: Progress and trend in passing of small rural schools.
Secondary schools: Subject registrations________________________________
Offering of rural high school by size of enrollment_______________________
Teaching staff: Economic status of rural teacher_________________ ZZZZZZ Z
Custodial staff: School janitor or custodian_____________________________
Libraries: Public elementary and secondary school._______Z...Z-Z.ZZZZZZ
Residential schools for’exceptional children: Personnel and' finances
Negro education: Personnel and finances Z
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
C-T
306 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
IN COMPARATIVE EDUCATION
As a major piece of research and investigation for the year, the
specialist in Western European education of the Office visited the
Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands, and Finland to study the
education of elementary and secondary school teachers and to gather
official and other data relating to education in those countries. The
project included a brief period in Germany, where the Terramare
Office, the Ministry of Education, the University of Berlin, the
Technical University, and the Amerika Institute were visited.
The study, a decennial survey of education in countries other than
the United States, was completed; a manuscript on education in
Germany was also completed; and a manuscript on education in
Yugoslavia has been under way during the past year.
DEMONSTRATIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS
EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTING
Broadcasting activities of the Office of Education during the past
year were made possible under terms of the Emergency Relief Administration
Act of 1937 by an allotment of $128,698.
"Brave New World"
The high light of the radio activities carried on by the Office during
the year was the production of a series of 26 half-hour programs
entitled “Brave New World.” The purpose of the series was to
develop appreciation and understanding on the part of our own people
and to further the friendship between the United States and Latin
America by offering to radio listeners an opportunity to learn of Latin-
American history, culture, and present-day problems.
As an outgrowth of the emphasis placed at the Buenos Aires Conference
of 1936 on the importance of international understanding,
officials of the Department of State, the Pan American Union, and the
Commissioner of Education laid the basis for this series of broadcasts.
The Columbia Broadcasting Co., cooperating with the Office of
Education, provided a network of 102 stations—one of the largest
networks ever employed in educational broadcasting. This network
also contributed the services of a production director, several professional
actors, and the Columbia Broadcasting System orchestra.
More than 70,000 communications from listeners and the fact that
“Brave New World” was awarded first prize as an educational
dramatic radio series by the Ninth Annual Institute of Education by
Radio, bear testimony to the effectiveness of these broadcasts.
"The World Is Yours"
Other activities of the year included the preparation and production
of “The World Is Yours,” weekly broadcast in cooperation with the
Smithsonian Institution, over the facilities of the National BroadOFFICE
OF EDUCATION 307
casting Co. This series ran for 51 weeks in the fiscal year 1937-38.
Through dramatizations of Smithsonian activities and exhibits, it
gave the listener information and stimulated interest in the fields of
history and natural science.
Other Programs
Further, the Office of Education assisted the United States Department
of Commerce with the preparation and production of the weekly
series, “Stories of American Industry” which were released through
the facilities of the Columbia Broadcasting System.
The Office of Education also produced its regular weekly broadcast,
“Education in the News” over the facilities of the National Broadcasting
Co.
Good Will
An international broadcast on May 4, 1938, entitled “Calling All
Countries,” was jointly sponsored by the Office of Education and the
American Red Cross over the National Broadcasting Co. Red Network
facilities and over short-wave facilities of the General Electric
Co. In this program the birth of the Junior Red Cross was dramatized
in the promotion of international good will.
In addition to broadcast activities efforts were made to analyze the
radio audience, to build files of late information on educational radio
work throughout the United States, and to plan for the establishment
of a small research section to analyze the new and various problems of
radio in education.
SCRIPT EXCHANGE
Under the sponsorship of the Federal Radio Education Committee,
in cooperation with the Radio Division of the Office, the Educational
Radio Script Exchange was organized in October 1936 to serve as
a central clearing house for radio scripts and production suggestions.
By this means educational groups in various parts of the country
exchange materials and experiences, and local educational organizations
are helped to become sufficiently adept in radio broadcasting
to enable them to secure time on the air and to do a quality of broadcasting
which justifies cooperation by the local stations.
The script exchange has filled requests for more than 140,000
copies of radio scripts from schools and colleges, radio stations, civic
organizations, dramatic societies, and clubs seeking practical suggestions
for preparing and presenting educational radio broadcasts.
These groups have received more than 16,000 copies of radio manuals,
glossaries, handbooks of sound effects, and music arrangements which
serve as supplementary aids to production. Ony one copy of any
script or production aid was sent to any given organization or person
requesting material. Duplicate copies of the scripts for production
purposes were prepared locally.
308 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
While hundreds of school groups have found the services of the
exchange valuable in preparing mock broadcasts over public-address
systems, before assemblies, or from a central control room to other
schoolrooms within the school building, and have used the scripts for
study purposes and as models for writing original scripts in connection
with radio courses, many of the groups have produced the scripts over
the facilities of their local radio stations. Since October 1936 several
hundred school groups have reported the production of more than
3,000 programs based on script exchange continuities over the facilities
of some 220 different radio stations located in 43 States, the District
of Columbia, and several Territories and Canadian Provinces.
Through the services of the exchange a radio script can be used
successfully many times after it is initially broadcast. In a very true
sense, therefore, the exchange serves as an agency for the conservation
and widespread utilization of creative ability. A third edition
catalog describing the materials available in the script exchange
was issued in May 1938.
THE FORUM PROJECT
Forum demonstrations conducted under the sponsorship of the
Office were continued during the 1937-38 season in some of the smaller
communities of the country. Federal funds amounting to $260,000*
were made available to the Office of Education to finance the program
from November 1937 to June 1938.
The funds were used for three main purposes: (1) For the employment
of a Washington staff composed of an assistant administrator,
a field counselor, 3 field representatives, a senior research assistant,
3 secretaries, and 5 clerk-typists qualified by local W. P. A.; (2) for
the employment of a staff of 480 relief workers assigned to communities
throughout the country; and (3) for the employment of 13 forum
leaders who traveled from area to area, staying from 2 to 6 weeks for
each program.
Cooperative Centers
The cooperative demonstration centers, as they were named, were
in 18 areas of the country. Each area served from 5 to 10 communities.
The administrative centers for the various areas were: Jefferson
County (Birmingham), Ala.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Pocatello, Idaho; Herrin,
Ill.; Anderson, Ind.; Lexington, Ky.; Jennings, La.; Kalamazoo,
Mich.; Gulfport, Miss.; Butte, Mont.; Warren County, N. J.; Somerset
County, N. J.; Monmouth County, N. J.; Santa Fe, N. Mex.; Norman,
Okla.; Tyrone, Pa.; Columbia (University of S. C.), S. C.; Montpelier,
Vt.; Burlington, Vt.; Windsor, Vt.; Lynchburg, Va.; and Cheyenne,
Wyo.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 309
The emphasis of this program was placed on the problem of local
initiative and autonomy in organizing and administering forums in
smaller communities with populations ranging from approximately
1,000 to 25,000. The objective of the demonstrations was to assist
local authorities to plan and administer programs where several independent
school systems of limited resources might cooperate and pool
their funds to provide educational forums under qualified leadership.
The average population of the individual community was 9,089.
These cooperative forum programs have sought to demonstrate a
practical means by which a leader may be shared by several school
districts in operating a carefully planned series of forums.
Local Committees
Local advisory committees were established and usually assisted
the local superintendent and board of education in selecting the
subjects to be discussed. Such advisory committees made up of
representative citizens also helped in promoting interest in the program,
Efforts were made to acquaint audiences with suitable reading
material on public affairs; pamphlet displays were set up and bibliographies
were mimeographed and distributed. Libraries were often
too inadequate to meet the needs, but all possible cooperation with
local librarians was established.
In the 153 communities served by the forum leaders, 1,129 regular
meetings were held. The total attendance numbered 125,119, with
an average for the whole program of 110 per meeting. Attendance at
806 other than regular meetings totaled 155,191.
Ten of the original nineteen demonstrations of 1936-37 were continued
during the 1937—38 season with the assistance of relief workers
paid from the emergency funds allocated to this Office. Such centers
used leaders paid from funds made available locally or volunteer
leaders. Relief workers paid by the Office also assisted some 25 new
communities to carry on forum programs. From both these groups
a total of 1,896 meetings were held with an attendance exceeding
155,797.
State Conferences
With assistance from the Office, State departments of education
sponsored State forum conferences to promote a wider understanding
of the needs for and the problems involved in the organization and
operation of public forum programs. These conferences brought
together educational leaders from the schools, the universities, and the
community. “The purpose of these conferences was to explore the
resources, interests, and objectives involved in developing adult civic
education through forums” in each State. Thirty-five States held
such conferences with a total attendance of 1,552 and an average of 43.
310 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
As a result of the deliberation at the conferences action taken was
expressed in the following ways:
31 States appointed continuation committees for study and action.
22 States passed resolutions suggesting some definite action to advance
adult civic education.
4 States planned adult education surveys.
9 States planned to set up cooperative forums.
6 States suggested local enabling legislation.
14 States suggested training courses for forum work.
20 States urged Federal aid.
Many significant results of these conferences can never be tabulated
or analyzed. The gains made by forum demonstrations were consolidated,
the progress made in each State was more adequately
reported, the forum idea was still further promoted, and action for
State-wide programs was more specifically planned. The real results
of such a program can be measured over the years.
STIMULATING AND COORDINATING RESEARCH
THE LIBRARY
A marked increase in the use of the reading room, in circulation and
in work accomplished by the staff has been noted during the first
year in the new consolidated library quarters in the Department of the
Interior building. For the first time in its 70 years of existence, library
facilities have been adequate, and service commensurate with the
distinguished collection of books has been possible. Several collections
that had previously been stored because of lack of shelf space
are now arranged on the shelves so as to be accessible.
During the year the education division of Harvard College Library
turned over a great quantity of duplicates which have been invaluable
in completing files particularly those of reports of State and city
boards of education. Some 3,000 of these have been sorted and
cataloged and where long runs have been completed, volumes have
been bound. Consequently, this collection, so valuable for the study
of the history of education, is in far better condition than it has ever
been. In order that the collection may serve its fullest purpose, the
current issues of board of education reports have been filed in the
reading room where they may be used by anyone interested.
During the year there were 15,266 readers in the library, while
during the previous year there were but 6,785. The circulation of
books more than doubled.
Considerable progress has been made in organizing the collection
of comparative education material. With the aid of W. P. A. workers,
the bound files of the French and German periodicals were completely
cataloged this past year. The greater part of the journals in the
other languages are still to be cataloged.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 311
The collection of courses of study has been arranged in a place
convenient for use, and many teachers and students have had access
to it. A constant check has been kept of all new courses issued and
immediate application made to State and city boards of education
for them.
An unusual demand has come from curriculum committees and
librarians of boards of education for the loan of courses of study. As
far as possible this demand has been met with duplicates which were in
the collection. A plan is now projected to collect duplicates and have
them available for loan outside the library.
Early in the year there was prepared in the library a list of the
publications of the Office of Education covering the years 1910-36.
As soon as this list was printed and distributed librarians all over the
country checked their holdings and wrote for publications to complete
their files. From the collection of duplicates in the library many of
these requests could be granted, while the file itself has been replenished
by the duplicates returned by other libraries.
By gift and by purchase many rare and out-of-print volumes have
been added to the textbook collection. It is hoped that a collection
of modern children’s books may be developed which will show inquirers
of the future, the kind of books that were read by children in
the mid-twentieth century, as well as give a basis for comparison with
the nineteenth century reading.
Bibliographical materials have been prepared for the series of
Good References on the following subjects: Conservation Education
in Secondary Schools; Conservation Education in Elementary Schools;
Wildlife: Birds, Animals, Flowers; Trees and Forests; The County
Superintendent and Administration of Rural Schools; Visual Education
(Revised); Teaching of Music in Rural Schools; Teaching of Art
in Rural Schools; Education and Social Change (Revised). Miscellaneous
lists of references have been prepared upon request in many
fields of activity.
COORDINATION OF STATISTICS IN LIBRARY SERVICE
The Library Service Division has participated in the preparation of
uniform statistical report forms for public libraries and for the libraries
ih the institutions of higher education. It is hoped that the joint use
of these blanks by the State library agencies, the American Library
Association, and the Office of Education will facilitate the gathering
of comparable and adequate library data.
COOPERATION WITH UNIVERSITIES
The Office of Education completed its publication material growing
out of its cooperative research with 60 universities during the previous
year. Several of the universities which cooperated in this project
312 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
are publishing additional findings and information. The studies were
made possible through emergency funds.
COOPERATION WITH OTHER COUNTRIES
Requests for cooperation in making studies of education in other
countries totaled 190 during the past year. Classified according to
the purpose expressed, they were as follows:
Professional use__________________________________________________ 21
Doctoral dissertations_____________________________________________ 4
Masters’ theses___________________________________________________ 5
Theses, grade not given___________________________________________ 12
Reports or term papers____________________________________________ 20
Study groups____________________________________________________ 11
Purpose not given, plainly from college students---------------------------------- 33
Purpose not given, probably from college students------------------------------- 48
High-school students______________________________________________ 6
Junior high school students________________________________________ 25
Elementary school students________________________________________ 2
Libraries________________________________________________________ 3
Total_____________________________________________________ 190
Besides these studies carried on by correspondence, much aid was
given to students from nearby institutions who came to the Office for
personal direction and advice in writing papers.
UNIFORM RECORDS AND REPORTS
The Office has continued its cooperation with State departments of
education in the interest of more uniform records and reports through
visits to 25 States and Puerto Rico to assist in interpreting the new
State school system form and revising record systems to obtain the
data desired. The form for use in collecting data from public libraries
was completed and preliminary work done with the American Library
Association on a form for collecting data from college libraries.
POLICY FORMING
RELATIONS WITH STATE DEPARTMENTS
As a result of a resolution adopted by the National Council of Chief
State School Officers, the Office inaugurated a cooperative study with
that organization on the problem of accreditation of post secondary
institutions by State departments of education.
The study involved a number of different phases, such as a topical
analysis of the existing standards for accreditation; existing practices
of State departments of education in accrediting institutions for
teacher preparation and general collegiate purposes; criteria for
establishing and accrediting junior colleges; accreditation of private
schools of music, dramatic art, and physical education; responsibility
of State departments of education for assuring satisfactory standards
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 313
in private business, trade, and commercial colleges; the part played by
State departments of education in developing an adequate economical
and unified system of education including higher education in the
State; and the like.
The chief State school officers are cooperating with the Office in
collecting factual data on the different phases of the study. It is
hoped that on the basis of these data fundamental principles may be
formulated and recommendations may be made that will be useful to
the State departments of education in adopting satisfactory programs,
of accreditation.
COMMITTEES
In addition to serving on various committees which functioned
within the Office, staff members have carried a wide range of responsibilities
on policy forming committees outside the Office organization.
Examples of agencies and groups with which such cooperation has
existed are: The President’s Advisory Committee on Education;
National Education Association; International Committees on Open
Air Schools; Technical Committee on Public Health and Safety Education,
and Recreation; American Association of Health and Physical
Education; National Congress of Parents and Teachers; Progressive
Education Association; American Council on Education; American
Red Cross; American Library Association; and many others.
FEDERAL RADIO EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Of the nine major studies reported a year ago to be undertaken by
the Federal Radio Education Committee, two are under way.
One study deals with the question of evaluating radio broadcasts
for schools. An examination is being made of selected programs in
the more important subject-matter fields to ascertain what they are
accomplishing and where they are falling short. A second phase of
the study is expected to furnish guidance to teachers in selecting and
using various types of school broadcast programs. Still another phase
covers the development of techniques for evaluating various radio
programs. This entire study is being undertaken by Ohio State
University and has been financed for the first 2 years of its operation
by a grant from the General Education Board. The cooperation of
some 60 schools, located at strategic points in 4 different areas of
the United States, and representative of rural, town, and city districts
will be utilized during the progress of the study.
The second study has been initiated by Princeton University on a
grant from the Rockefeller Foundation for a 2-year period. This
study will involve many classifications of listeners representing various
ages, different cultural and economic levels, and a wide geographic distribution
of residences. It seeks to ascertain the listening habits of
these different groups, what information they have secured from radio,
314 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
and what improvements or changes such listeners feel should be made.
It is expected that one aspect of this study will also deal with the
rather critical problem raised by organizations concerned over the
influences on children of certain types of radio programs.
The remaining studies, to be supported by the broadcasting industry,
are soon to be undertaken in cooperation with the Office of
Education. Designed jointly by representatives of the broadcasting
industry and specialists in the field of education, these studies are
intended to deal with existing practical problems in this field.
It is hoped that they will indicate ways and means for working adjustments
that will lead to a wide use of the facilities of radio as a
teaching tool, both in the classroom and in programs of adult
education.
FIELD SERVICE
CONSULTATION AND ADVISORY SERVICE
At the request of the Commissioner of Education of Puerto Rico
three members of the Office staff, the chief of the statistical division,
the specialist in State school administration, and the specialist in
secondary education, were detailed to spend a month visiting schools
in Puerto Rico, observing educational conditions there, and preparing
a report for submittal to the Commissioner of Education of the
island.
Upon invitation of the South Dakota State Superintendent of
Public Instruction the specialist in school finance worked with the
State department of education in preparing materials for the State
superintendent as a basis for revising the State’s plan for school
support.
At the request of the Director of the School of Education, Hampton
Institute, Virginia, the senior specialist in elementary education spent
a week at that institute in studying its proposed program for elementary
school teachers and in advising the Institute’s staff with respect
to the proposed program.
The senior specialist in school building problems rendered consultative
services to Mount Vernon, N. Y., relative to the school building
problem, and also to Rockland County, N. Y., relative to the reorganization
of many small school districts in accordance with the survey
recommendations made by the Office of Education the preceding
year.
The Office also rendered service to the Public Works Administration,
at its request, in developing standards for the construction of
school buildings to replace buildings which were fire hazards. The
Office reviewed 46 proposed projects for the Central Reviewing Committee
of the Works Progress Administration. Fourteen members of
the Office cooperated in making these reviews.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 315
One staff member of the Office visited the Canal Zone, investigating
the system of education and consulting with educational officials.
Calls for advisory service have come to the newly organized library
service division from a wide range of places, no fewer than 41 different
States being represented and also Alaska, the Philippines, and Puerto
Rico. Among those making requests have been individual librarians,
library trustees, representatives of State library agencies, officers of
State education departments, citizen groups, and professional associations.
Advice has been sought on such subj ects as methods of organizing
libraries in small towns, regional library service, State-wide
library planning, library service for young people, school library legislation,
school library administration, and education for librarianship.
INFORMATION SERVICE
PUBLICATIONS
A pictorial presentation of the purposes and services of the Office of
Education was a unique publication of the past fiscal year. This 80-
page bulletin, entitled “To Promote the Cause of Education,” was
first issued as the February number of School Life, but the edition was
soon exhausted and the publication is now available as a bulletin,
designated as 1938, Misc. No. 2. The nine other numbers of School
Life issued during the year were devoted for the most part to: Presenting
a bird’s-eye view of important educational research and demonstrations
in all educational fields, the source materials for which are
available only in the Office of Education; and reporting upon activities
of other Federal Government agencies.
The following table shows the total number of manuscripts and
other reproduction materials that were completed for distribution
during the fiscal year:
Manuscripts and Other Materials Completed During Fiscal Year 1938
Total— Total —
Source of manuscript Printed
publications
Other
processes
Source of manuscript Printed
publications
Other
processes
Commissioner and Assistant
Commissioner_____________ 2
Consultants_________________ 11
Higher Education Division.. 9
American School Systems
Division___________________ 21
Statistical Division__________ 5
Library________________ 1
Library Service Division___ 3
Special Problems Division__ 8
Comparative Education Division_____________________
Editorial Division___________
Radio_______________________
Forums__ ___________________
C. C. C_____________________
Vocational Education Division_____________________
1
42
41
8
368
54
32
500
Grand total____________ 80 1,446
Includes all regular divisions except vocational education.
316 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The Office continued to issue a news letter, and five separate 4-page
letters were sent out during the year. These letters in addition to
their current information were utilized for announcements of the
availability of new Office of Education publications.
DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED
Approximately 782,000 documents of the Office of Education were
distributed during the year.
CORRESPONDENCE
The editorial division received during the year 46,666 communications
in regard to publications. The incoming mail for the entire
Office totaled 402,272.
EXHIBIT MATERIALS
Numerous exhibits of Office of Education publications have been
developed for educational meetings throughout the country. These
meetings included the National Education Association, the American
Vocational Association, the American Library Association, and other
major national conventions as well as State and local meetings.
Eight sets of colored stereopticon slides depicting curriculum
activities and classroom equipment in nursery school, kindergarten,
primary and upper elementary grades, and slides showing reproductions
of report cards have been loaned during the past year in 12
States to superintendents, supervisors, principals, and instructors in
teachers colleges and universities.
OTHER SERVICES
The various divisions of the Office reported more than 100 educational
meetings throughout the country in which staff members
officially participated. These meetings have included National,
State, and local organizations. The Office’s cooperation with professional
and public service groups has touched practically every phase of
educational interest.
Approximately 30 articles written by various staff members were
published in educational journals in addition to articles written for
School Life. Cooperation with newspapers and with other avenues
for “promoting the cause of education” has been emphasized with good
results during the year.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The Office of Education initiated correspondence with suitable
persons and made nominations for delegates to the following meetings
held the past year:
Second International Congress of the Anthropological and Ethnological
Sciences, Copenhagen.
Tenth International Congress of Chemistry, Rome.
Ninth International Ornithological Congress, Rouen, France.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 317
International Music Competition, Brussels, Belgium
Third International Congress of Phonetic Sciences, Ghent
Fourteenth International Conference on Documentation, Oxford, England.
Ibero-American Literature Congress, Mexico City.
Seventh International Conference on Public Instruction, Geneva.
Fifth International Congress for the Deaf and Dumb, Paris.
International Conference of Modern Language Professors, Paris.
International Folklore Congress, Paris.
International Congress of Aesthetics and Science of Art, Paris.
Second International Congress for the Protection of Childhood, Rome.
Fourth International Pediatric Congress, Rome.
Thirteenth International Congress of Sociology, Paris.
Representatives of the Office attended various important meetings
including those of the International Bureau of Education, the Inter-
American Education Conference, and others.
Considerable correspondence was carried on with the Southern
Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools in regard to accrediting
American schools abroad. The Southern Association which has the
responsibility for accrediting schools in the extraterritorial area including
Mexico, West Indies, and South and Central America, is now
taking steps to accredit schools in those areas.
The diplomatic offices in Washington both assist and ask assistance
of the Office of Education. During the year official calls at the
embassies and legations were made as follows: Czechoslovak, 3;
Dominican, 2; Egyptian, 1; Greek, 7; Hungarian, 3; Latvian, 2;
Turkish, 2; Union of South Africa, 1; and Yugoslav, 2.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPERVISORY ACTIVITIES
LAND-GRANT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
For the year 1937-38, Federal appropriations to land-grant colleges
and universities, for instruction, increased to $4,530,000. These
appropriations were $4,030,000 last year. For 1938-39 and thereafter
they will be $5,030,000. Until 1935 the annual continuing appropriations
amounted to $2,550,000, all of which was made available
through the second Morrill Act of 1890 and the Nelson amendment of
1907—$50,000 to each State, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. The
expenditures of these funds are supervised by the Department of the
Interior, Office of Education.
In 1935 the Bankhead-Jones Act authorized to be appropriated
annually supplemental funds allocated to the States and Hawaii on a
population basis increasing for 4 years until the maximum is reached
for 1938-39 and thereafter. These funds are contingent upon the
approval of Congress annually.
Federal land-grant endowment funds are invested by the States
locally and the income only from these funds is used for current
expenses in the land-grant institutions. For the year ended June 30,
1937, the endowment principal amounted to $25,038,609 not including
104366—38------22
318 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
588,918 acres of unsold land valued at $4,500,000. The income of the
1862 land-grant funds was $939,678 from invested funds and $69,895
from rentals, rights, and deferred payments. Other Federal landgrants
amount to $11,745,043 (principal) from which nearly a half
million dollars in income was derived.
The 69 land-grant colleges and universities participating in these
funds were created by the 1862 Act, 1 in each State (2 in Massachusetts)
primarily or exclusively for white students, and 17 Negro
colleges in as many Southern States. Because these institutions are
tax supported and receive more than half of their income through
governmental sources, tuitions and fees which all students pay are
held at a minimum “in order to promote the liberal and practical
education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and professions
in life.” About one-sixth of all students attending college in the
United States register in the land-grant institutions.
The staff of these institutions numbered 24,464 men and 6,047
women in the 52 institutions for white students, and 622 men and 381
women in the 17 Negro colleges.
The total resident students in 52 institutions numbered 139,636
men and 56,579 women; in the 17 Negro colleges, 4,759 men and
5,506 women.
Of the total income of the land-grant colleges, 13 percent was
derived from student fees, 3.5 percent from endowment funds, 56 percent
from governmental sources, 3 percent private gifts, 6 percent
sales and services, 14 percent from auxiliary enterprises, and the
remainder from miscellaneous sources such as rent, interest, etc. The
income was spent for the following purposes: General administration,
5 percent; resident instruction, 36 percent; organized research, 10
percent; extension service, 16 percent; libraries, 2 percent; operation
and maintenance, 7 percent; a total of 76 percent for all educational
and general purposes. Auxiliary enterprises and activities consumed
13 percent, noneducational expense 2 percent, and the remainder over
9 percent for capital outlays. The institutions paid 34 percent of all
expenditures for administrative and instructional salaries and 13 percent
for all other salaries and wages.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
The inspection of Howard University required by law was made by
the Office of Education and the report was compiled for presentation
to Congress.
AMONG NEW DEVELOPMENTS
LIBRARY SERVICE DIVISION ESTABLISHED
Within the Office one new division, the Library Service Division,
was organized. Its professional staff is composed of a chief of the
Division, a specialist and an associate in school libraries, and a
specialist in public libraries.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 319
The functions of this new division include fact-finding, research, and
experimentation in librarianship; fostering cooperation among libraries
and between libraries and schools; and encouraging the further development
of libraries throughout the country. The staff has proceeded
along these lines in its initial efforts.
That such a division within the Office of Education will have an
increasingly large area to cover is indicated by the fact that in the
field of school libraries alone, 11 States now have State supervisors of
school libraries and at least 13 other States have included supervisors
of school libraries in their recent State plans. Twenty-one States and
the District of Columbia now require certification of school librarians.
Furthermore, State appropriations for school library purposes have
been greater than in the past and are stimulating efforts to raise
standards, to improve the quality of personnel, of book selection, and of
housing facilities. State aid has also brought about an expansion in
county circulating school libraries.
The newly-organized division will seek to grow in service and to
cooperate with States and local areas in their increasing efforts to make
good library service available to all of the people.
CONFERENCES AND COOPERATION
Seeking information, cooperation, and helpful advice in various
fields, the Office of Education during the year brought many educational
leaders together in conference groups. Representative of such
conferences were those devoted to the educational problems of residential
schools for handicapped children; to the organization for
clinical adjustment of behavior problems of school children; to problems
of elementary education; and to school building problems.
The conference on educational problems of residential schools for
handicapped children was a significant step in effecting a cooperative
relationship between the Office and residential schools, many of which
have no immediate connection with State departments of education.
.Administrators attending this conference urged that the Office of
Education do what it can to secure the recognition of all institutions
for handicapped children as schools rather than as correctional
institutions. They also requested that field service and other assistance
be furnished to them by the Office in the progressive development
of their educational programs.
The conference on organization for clinical adjustment of behavior
problems of school children was called primarily to explore some of the
problems concerned with clinical organization, a study of which is
under way in the Office.
The conference on problems of elementary education brought forth
a discussion of the school curriculum, school organization, teacher
preparation, home and public relations. The conference emphasized
320 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
the immediate need for studying the problems affecting the growth
and development of children in elementary schools today.
The annual conference of the Office of Education and the National
Advisory Council on School Building Problems was held in February,
at which time the following research committees submitted reports of
progress: National committees on (1) Developing within State
Departments of Education a Division Supervising the Planning and
Construction of School Plants, (2) Coordinating Relationships between
State Planning Boards and State Departments of Education, (3) Uniform
Methods of Reporting School Building Activities, (4) Evaluation
of School Building Plans, (5) New Materials and Methods in Constructing
School Buildings, (6) Federal Aid for School Buildings,
(7) Minimum State School Building Requirements, and (8) School
Building Costs and School Building Accounting.
Many other conferences were held throughout the year from which
cooperation and specific contributions in various fields resulted.
ENCOURAGING ART
College art has been given encouragement during the year by the
establishment of a college art section in the Fine Arts Gallery of the
new building of the Department of the Interior.
The first exhibit in this gallery was opened to the public in November.
It was an exhibition of oil paintings. Other exhibits have
included architectural drawings and water colors, all the work of
college students.
The gallery has been visited daily by artists and laymen. Visitors
have come from practically every State and from several other
countries.
MUSEUM OPENED
The Office of Education completed the basic material for its exhibit
in the museum of the Department of the Interior building, and
students of education and others have had access for several months
to this exhibit. The various cases, 11 in all, depict progress in education
throughout the United States and present both historical and
current information in educational fields.
C. C. C. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
One of the major objectives of the Civilian Conservation Corps is
to provide opportunities for vocational training and general education
for the enrollees. Much personal development is carried on through
the ordinary activities of camp life. From the regular hours, outdoor
life, and good food the enrollee gains increased strength and sound
habits of health and punctuality. From his daily work he gains useful
skills and the knowledge that he is able to do a man’s work in a man’s
world. From the fact that he is supporting himself and assisting his
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 321
family he gains self-respect and a sense of responsibility for those
dependent on him. From association with his fellow enrollees and
with the supervisory personnel he learns more of how to live among
others and acquires respect for authority. Travel, contact with the
forces of nature, and association with different types of people throughout
the country likewise play important parts in arousing his ambition
and developing his abilities.
In addition to these somewhat intangible and yet highly important
values of camp life, organized educational opportunities are provided
so that when the enrollees leave the Corps, they shall be more intelligent,
self-supporting citizens in their home communities. These
educational activities are carried on during leisure time without interference
with the 40-hour work week and participation in the program
is voluntary on the part of the men.
Under the plan for the educational program in the camps, the War
Department is responsible for the administration of the program and
its professional direction is a function of the Office of Education, which
acts in an advisory capacity to the War Department. The technical
services of the Departments of Interior and Agriculture assist in the
program, particularly in the field of job training. Better coordination
of the activities of the cooperating agencies was brought about during
the past year by the reorganization of the C. C. C. Advisory Committee
on Education in Washington.
GUIDANCE EMPHASIZED
Four years of experience with hundreds of thousands of C. C. C.
men have assisted the camp personnel in forming a clearer concept of
the type of education which is most appealing and most valuable to
the camp members. In an average camp the members range in age
from 17 to 23; in education, from illiterates to college graduates; in
work experience, from no experience whatsoever to skilled tradesmen.
Some of the men may be from farms or villages; the others of the
group from small towns or large cities. In dealing with each enrollee,
therefore, the program of education must be suited to his needs,
interests, and abilities. These are ascertained by the educational
adviser and other camp personnel through counseling with the individual
men. During the past year camp officials report a total of
1,462,509 guidance interviews, or an average of 76 per company per
month.
Approximately 3 percent of the men who arrive in camp are illiterate;
38 percent had not graduated from elementary school; 48 percent
had not graduated from high school; and 11 percent had graduated
from high school and were considered to be on the college level.
Academic courses are provided for enrollees who wish to make up
their school deficiencies or to secure graduation certificates. Thirty322
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
two percent of the men (83,029) participated in academic classes as
compared with 34 percent during the previous year. Participation in
these academic activities varied markedly on each educational level.
Ninety-four percent of the illiterates attended literacy courses; 42
percent of those on the elementary level attended elementary courses;
28 percent of those on the high-school level attended high-school
courses; and 6 percent of those on the college level attended college
courses.
DIPLOMAS AWARDED
Arrangements were made by C. C. C. officials with many State and
local school systems to award elementary, high-school, and college
diplomas to enrollees who were able to qualify. As a consequence,
during the year 3,517 enrollees received elementary school diplomas;
634 received high-school diplomas; and 13 were awarded college diplomas
or degrees. Eight thousand eight hundred and seventeen illiterate
enrollees were taught to read and write during the year. Moreover,
in accordance with the congressional act of June 1937, 1,309
enrollees were granted leave of absence to attend schools and colleges.
Forty-two colleges and universities offered more than a hundred
scholarships to C. C. C. men during the year and 41 offered N. Y. A.
aid and other miscellaneous types of assistance to enrollees desiring
to attend college.
Vocational training is considered one of the major objectives of the
program and 49 percent of the educational activities are classified as
having vocational objectives. There are some 60 major types of
work in which the C. C. C. is engaged, which may be broken down
into more than 300 jobs for training purposes., Instruction on the
job is combined with courses in related subjects during leisure time.
During the year 54 percent of the men were receiving training of this
kind in the jobs they performed while in camp as compared with
50 percent during the previous year. In addition to these job training
activities, 41 percent of the men participated in other prevocational
courses, which were provided in the camps or in nearby trade schools.
There is a variety of other educational activities carried on in the
camps. For example, all camps give instruction in health, first aid,
and safety. Officers, foremen, enrollees, and other instructors in many
camps attend teacher-training, foreman-training, arid leader-training
courses. In the camp libraries there are now available more than
1,647,719 books. During the year 68,693 educational films were
shown. Seventy-one percent of the companies publish a camp newspaper.
During an average month about 8,500 lectures are delivered
in the camps. Correspondence courses are provided either free or at
reduced rates, and during an average month more than 16,000
enrollees take such courses.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 323
An unusual feature of the program is the emphasis placed on the
informal type of educational activities such as the arts, crafts, dramatics,
music, hobbies, and debating and discussion groups. During
an average month about 42,000 men (16 percent) engaged in these
activities. Since participation in the educational program is voluntary,
it must be made not only worth while but as interesting as
possible.
C. C. C. officials have continued to assist the men in finding em~
ployment and adjusting themselves to their home community when
they leave camp. This is done by providing courses in occupations
and job-getting techniques and by counseling with individual men.
In cooperation with other agencies, C. C. C. officials have assisted in
organizing State guidance and placement councils. These State
councils m turn have fostered the development of local community
councils. In many States a referral card is sent to the local Employment
Service office when enrollees return home. During the fiscal
year 48,327 men were discharged from the corps to accept employment.
In summarizing the participation of the enrollees in the educational
program, it may be stated that the average number of enrollees of
the corps was 263,906 and the average regular attendance in organized
educational activities was 229,253, or 86.9 percent. Figures computed
from the monthly camp reports indicate that the average enrollee
who participated in the program spent 5.8 hours per week in his
educational activities as compared with 3.6 hours per week during
the previous fiscal year.
During the year funds were authorized to provide space for educational
purposes. Many companies constructed school buildings with
2,600 square feet of floor space. In other camps due to the fact that
adequate space had already been provided or because enrollees were
using the facilities of local schools, smaller buildings were constructed.
A report from 8 of the 9 corps areas indicates that 842 camps now own
motion-picture projectors and that all but 2 corps areas and district
headquarters have established a film library service with suitable
educational films.
The teaching staff in the C. C. C. educational program is drawn
largely from the personnel of each camp. For example, during an
average month of the year there were 23,168 persons teaching in the
camps. Of this number 1,537 were educational advisers; 3,033 were
Army officers; 9,895 were members of the technical services; 5,767
were enrollees; 1,344 were W. P. A. instructors; 123 were N. Y. A.
students; 781 were teachers from the State and local school systems;
and 688 were citizens of nearby communities.
Most of these instructors have a practical knowledge of the subjects
they teach but some of them lack professional teaching techniques.
Teacher training therefore has been carried on in many camps.
324 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Through the cooperation of the vocational divisions of the State
Departments of Education, teacher-training programs were conducted
in all the camps of Massachusetts, Georgia, Michigan, and Wisconsin
during the past year.
COOPERATION KEYNOTE
It is the policy of the corps to utilize whatever educational facilities
are available in the States and local communities. The Works Progress
Administration made available an average of 1,344 instructors
per month and the National Youth Administration an additional 123.
The State departments of education and local schools and colleges
provided 781 instructors. The vocational divisions of the State
departments of education in 20 States have assigned vocational instructors
to the camps or have aided local schools in making their
facilities available to enrollees.
Forty-seven colleges and universities offer correspondence courses
to enrollees at reduced rates and an average of 16,164 men take these
courses each month. Hundreds of schools and colleges have placed
their facilities at the services of the enrollees and during the school
year more than 6,500 enrollees attended schools and colleges adjacent
to the camps. One State, Montana, has designated each C. C. C.
camp as a technical high school for the accrediting of vocational training
and related work.
The key to the development of the Civilian Conservation Corps
thus far has been genuine cooperation. Its success has been due to
a considerable extent to the teamwork of four departments of the
Federal Government—Labor, War, Interior, and Agriculture. Its
educational progress has been due not only to the work of these
agencies but also to the cooperation of State, local, and private educational
organizations, groups and individuals.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
The activities of the Office of Education in the fields of vocational
education and vocational rehabilitation are carried on in pursuance of
its responsibility for the administration of the following Federal acts:
The Vocational Education Act (Smith-Hughes), to provide for cooperation
with the States in the promotion of vocational education. (Approved Feb. 23,
1917).
The Vocational Rehabilitation Act (Smith-Bankhead), to provide for the promotion
of vocational rehabilitation of persons disabled in industry or otherwise,
and their return to employment. (Approved June 2, 1920, as amended June 5,
1924, June 9, 1930, and June 30, 1932.)
An act extending the benefits of the Vocational Education and Vocational
Rehabilitation Acts to the Territory of Hawaii. (Approved Mar. 10, 1924.)
An act to provide for vocational rehabilitation of disabled residents of the
District of Columbia. (Approved Feb. 23, 1929.)
An act extending the benefits of the Vocational Education and Vocational
Rehabilitation Acts to the Island of Puerto Rico. (Approved Mar. 3, 1931.)
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 325
An act (Social Security Act) authorizing additional appropriations for 193f>
and 1937 and an annual appropriation thereafter for cooperation with the States
and Hawaii in extending and strengthening their programs of vocational rehabilitation
of the physically disabled. (Approved Aug. 14, 1935.)
An act (George-Deen) to provide for the further development of vocational
education in the several States and Territories, authorizing for the year 1937-38
and annually thereafter, additional appropriations for vocational education in
agriculture, trades and industries, home economics and the distributive occupations—
and for teacher training in each of these fields. (Approved June 8, 1936.}
An act (Randolph-Sheppard) authorizing the operation of vending stands in
Federal buildings by blind persons. (Approved June 30, 1936.)
Under these acts, the Office of Education cooperates with the public
education systems in the States in promoting vocational education
in agriculture, the trades and industries, home economics, and business
education and in rehabilitating for self-supporting employment, persons
who are disabled through accident, illness, or congenital causes.
The actual work of providing vocational education is carried on by
the States, either directly through State boards for vocational education,
or by the State board in cooperation with local cities and
towns. Each State initiates and operates its own program. The
Office operates no schools and employs no teachers or rehabilitation
workers. The Office is administratively responsible for insuring the
use of Federal funds for the purposes as set forth in the Federal legislation.
Through its technical staff the Office of Education assists the
States in the promotion and development of vocational education
and vocational rehabilitation. The Office also conducts researches,
and studies and issues publications designed to assist those engaged
in the vocational education and vocational rehabilitation programs
in the States.
Before presenting in detail the principal activities of the Office of
Education in the field of vocational education it may be well to enumerate
some of the high lights of the vocational education and vocational
rehabilitation programs which have emerged as a result of
another year of effort. The factor which perhaps has had the greatest
single influence upon and has given the greatest impetus to the vocational
education program during the year has been the additional
funds provided under the George-Deen Act, which was passed June
8, 1936, and which became operative July 1, 1937.
The acceptance of the act by the 48 States, the District of Columbia,
and Puerto Rico, has placed additional responsibility upon the Office
of Education. Staff members have been called upon to assist the
States in drawing up plans covering the use of funds provided by the
act and in putting into operation new types of training programs
authorized by the act. Expansion under the act has taken place not
only as an expansion of the program already in operation, but also as
an extension of the program into areas which heretofore have not been
able to support such a program. In two fields, moreover, public
326 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
service occupations and the distributive occupations, for which training
is provided under the George-Deen Act, it has been necessary for
the States to set up entirely new programs. Setting up a program of
training for workers in the distributive occupations has been difficult
because few of the States had previously carried on any activity in
this field; and also because there were few trained persons who could
be used immediately for supervisory and teaching services.
Evidence that vocational education programs are not being conducted
on any hit-or-miss basis is to be found in the increasing demand
for vocational education surveys in cities, districts, counties, and
States. Office of Education staff members have in numerous instances
been called upon to conduct or plan such surveys.
Special attention has been directed by the Office of Education during
the year to assisting State boards for vocational education in setting
up or modifying courses for prospective teachers of vocational education.
There is a definite tendency in the States to lay greater emphasis
on teacher-training programs. The increase in the number of prospective
teachers enrolled in teacher-preparatory courses, and of
teachers already in service enrolled for professional-improvement
training, indicates that the attention given teacher-training programs
is more than justified.
Encouraging is the tendency on the part of those responsible for
vocational education programs in the States to broaden the scope of
these programs so that they will include not merely training, but also
the making of local surveys to determine the needs for specific programs
and the opportunities open to those who pursue courses under
this program; the placing of graduates from these courses; and following
these graduates up in their employment and encouraging them to
return to part-time classes for occupational improvement training.
ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
The value of advisory committees in setting up and operating programs
of vocational education, particularly in the field of trade and
industry, was recognized by the Federal Board for Vocational Education
when it inaugurated the program of vocational education under
Federal grants, in 1917.
The outline set up by the Office of Education to be followed by the
States in formulating their plans for vocational education programs
under Federal grants for the 5-year period, 1937-42, provides for the
appointment of representative State Advisory Committees.
These State committees are of two types: (1) Committees designed
to assist the State board for vocational education in the formulation
of policies and to render a technical consulting service in connection
with programs in all phases of vocational education; and (2) committees
representing each of the major fields of vocational education, trade
and industry, home economics, agriculture, and the distributive occuOFFICE
OF EDUCATION 327
pations fields. A survey recently made by the Office of Education
discloses that 21 States have general State advisory committees.
Thirty-nine States have set up advisory committees in the field of
trade and industry. These trade and industrial advisory committees
are composed of employers and workers. In addition a number of
States have set up advisory committees for portions of a State, for
counties, or for local communities.
Those committees in the field of trade and industry are usually of
three general types: (1) The general advisory committee; (2) the
industrial advisory committee; and (3) the craft advisory committee.
It has been found that committees are very helpful in advising on
such training problems as: (1) The need for training in various fields
of industry and the probable number to be served; (2) the type of
training for journeymen, apprentices, or new workers; (3) the content
of training courses; (4) the qualifications of instructors; (5) the plant
and equipment needed; (6) plans for apprentice training; (7) giving
the public a clear understanding of the training program; and (8)
securing cooperation in the training program with the various agencies
interested in vocational education for workers.
There has been a marked increase in the number of advisory committees
in the field of trade and industry during recent years and this
increase has been especially noticeable in the past year. The Office
of Education follows as far as possible this practice of soliciting the
assistance of committee groups in its administrative problems.
In June 1938, for instance, the Commissioner of Education called
together in Washington a conference group composed of a State
superintendent of schools, State directors of vocational education,
State supervisors of distributive education, and representatives of the
Department of Commerce, the retail trade, labor, and the field of
business education.
This group rendered valuable service to the Office in setting up
qualifications for State supervisors, teacher trainers, and teachers in
the field of distributive education; in formulating a teacher-training
program to be followed in that field; and in indicating the nature of
a vocational education program for workers in this field.
Twenty-four States provide in their State plans for vocational
education covering the period 1937-42 for a State home economics
advisory committee to be set up at any time the need for such a
committee arises.
The advisory committee idea has been put into operation by the
States in the field of vocational rehabilitation through the organization
of what is known as the State vocational rehabilitation council. This
council is composed of the chief supervisory officer in each State and
territory. It has an executive committee of nine members which is
available to the Office of Education for advisory purposes.
328 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
STATE PLANS
Considerable attention has been given by the Office of Education
during the year to assisting State boards for vocational education in
formulating State plans for vocational education and vocational rehabilitation
for the 5-year period, 1937-42. In some instances entirely
new plans were prepared by the States. In many cases, however, the
Office of Education was asked to approve an extension of old plans
pending the preparation of new ones based upon changes in legislation
and in economic and social conditions.
Although the general conditions applying to the use of Federal funds
have remained the same since the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act
in 1917, some new standards and types of vocational training were
introduced by the passage of the George-Deen Act. It has been
necessary for the States to take these new factors into consideration
in setting up new plans.
Past experience in training programs in the field of trade and industrial
education has shown that the best results are secured when training
objectives are clearly defined and working objectives are carefully
established. This fact as well as the realization on the part of the
States of the necessity for setting up definite standards and safeguards
for the various forms of trade and industrial education have caused
them to proceed slowly and painstakingly in setting up their new
5-year plans.
The plans for trade and industrial education have taken into account
particularly: Higher standards for teachers; training for public service
occupations; maintenance of adequate safeguards in connection with
plans for cooperative training to prevent charges that vocational
training is being employed as “a device for utilizing the services of
vocational trainees for private profit”; cooperative efforts to promote
apprenticeship and to organize related training for apprentices; local
supervision of training programs; and coordination of the training
given in classes with actual work in industry.
The provisions embodied in the 5-year plans for the promotion of
agricultural education by the States show that the additional funds
provided for this phase of vocational education under the George-
Deen Act are to be used to expand and strengthen programs already
in existence and to initiate programs in new centers and new fields
of activity. In using these funds, particular attention will be given
to programs of training for farm youth who have left school and are
not yet established in any type of profitable farming.
State plans for programs of home economics education submitted
to the Office of Education have placed particular stress upon the
development of State programs of research; summer employment for
teachers to enable them to supervise home projects; State and local
advisory committees in home economics education; and the introducOFFICE
OF EDUCATION 329
lion of apprentice teaching into home economics teacher-training
courses.
The fiscal year marked the inauguration of programs of training in
part-time and evening classes for those engaged in the distributive
occupations. State plans covering this field of vocational education
and which would serve as a basis for initiating the distributive education
program were approved by the Office of Education for 1 year
only.
On the basis of the first year’s experience these 1-year plans have
been or are now being revised to provide, among other things, for
State supervision of distributive education programs, preemployment
and in-service training for teachers of distributive occupations courses,
and part-time and evening classes for distributive workers. A significant
feature of all State plans is the requirement that supervisors,
teacher trainers, and teachers shall have had successful experience in
the distributive occupations they are employed to teach, and that the
class instruction offered shall be supplemental to and based upon the
job activities of the worker.
Regional rehabilitation agents of the Office of Education have
rendered extensive service to State rehabilitation division staffs in
preparing and providing for improvements in their 5-year plans for
administration of rehabilitation programs. A number of States have
made changes in their plans based upon the findings of surveys of
vocational rehabilitation programs made by the Office of Education
in cooperation with State rehabilitation divisions during the past
3 years.
ENROLLMENTS INCREASED
The enrollment for the year ended June 30, 1937, in vocational
schools organized under State plans, in agriculture, trade and industry,
home economics, and the distributive occupations was 1,506,824, which
was 125,123 greater than the enrollment for the preceding year.
Indications are that the record for the fiscal year just closed will
reveal a sizable increase in enrollments over 1937.
Preliminary estimates indicate that more than 1,000 new all-day
vocational agriculture departments were established in public high
schools during the year ended June 30,1938; that approximately 50,000
out-of-school farm youth were receiving instruction in part-time
classes; and that 150,000 adult farmers were enrolled in evening
■classes.
A definite improvement is noticeable, also, in the type and scope
of the instruction in agricultural education. Increased emphasis has
been placed upon supervised farm practice, required of every person
enrolling for a course in vocational agriculture, which is worked out
on a comprehensive long-time basis and is based on the problems
and conditions facing the individual student.
330 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Although there has been a gradual growth in the enrollment in
trade classes for several years, the principal increases during the past
year have taken place in classes organized for training in public service
occupations and those organized for employed workers, especially
apprentices.
In conformance with the terms of the George-Deen Act, practically
all of the States have been initiating during the year a training program
for workers in the distributive occupations. Instead of seeking
to organize numerous classes with a large enrollment, however, State
boards for vocational education have been giving major attention to
the development of a sound and constructive training program.
Classes have been organized for store workers, managers, and
owners. The instruction in these classes has emphasized sound management
policies for owners and executives of distributive businesses
and a knowledge of merchandise and efficient customer service for
store workers.
Distributive workers and executives are already recognizing the
value of this training to the producer, the distributor, and the consumer.
State and national associations are cooperating in the development
of the program. With the present impetus it is expected that a
carefully conceived and well-developed program will be put in operation
in all the States during the current fiscal year.
During the former fiscal year 11,091 disabled persons were rehabilitated
; that is, restored as far as possible physically and placed in selfsupporting
employment; and it is expected that the number for 1938
will be larger.
Small as is the percentage increase in the number rehabilitated each
year under the Federal-State cooperative program of rehabilitation, it
represents a significant accomplishment in view of the facts: (1) That
vocational rehabilitation must be done on an individual rather than on
a mass basis, and (2) that employment conditions have been so stringent
that even many able-bodied persons have experienced difficulty
in securing employment.
Rehabilitation programs are now in operation in 46 States, the District
of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Hawaii. A total of 326 persons
is employed on the staffs of State rehabilitation services and rehabilitation
offices are maintained in 169 cities.
COOPERATIVE SERVICES
Cooperative services to the States is a principal function of the Office
of Education in the field of vocational education. In addition to the
more or less routine service involved in auditing State vocational education
and vocational rehabilitation expenditures of Federal monies,
inspecting vocational schools and classes, and conferring with State
vocational education officials on administrative problems, members of
the staff of the Office render many other services.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 331
They cooperate in planning and setting up training courses for prospective
vocational education teachers; assist in local, district, and State
surveys and investigations on the need for vocational education programs
; assist in planning and improving curricula in different fields of
vocational education; plan and have charge of annual State and
regional conferences for directors, supervisors, coordinators, and
teacher trainers and other vocational education and vocational rehabilitation
workers; participate in institutes and courses for teachers of
vocational education; assist in activities in behalf of the blind; assist
in training rehabilitation case workers; and assist in various activities
carried on by emergency and recovery organizations.
IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION
The agricultural education service of the Office of Education has
devoted considerable time during the year to assisting State directors
of vocational education and State supervisors of agricultural education
in formulating their 5-year plans for vocational education in
agriculture so that they would be in keeping with the vocational education
acts and the policies of the Office of Education.
Regional conferences for State supervisors and teacher trainers in
agricultural education have been held in each of the four regions. In
addition a conference for State supervisors and Negro teacher trainers
from the 18 States which maintain separate schools for this race, was
held in Washington, D. C. State and district conferences also have
been held for teachers and supervisors of agriculture in the various
States.
Special attention has been directed to the promotion and improvement
of programs of vocational education in agriculture for out-ofschool
farm youth and adults. This phase of vocational agriculture was
stressed in 39 district conferences for teachers of vocational agriculture
from 12 States; in summer sessions attended by teachers of agriculture
where short, intensive courses dealing with problems of part-time and
evening school instruction have been discussed; and in State conferences
for vocational agriculture teachers. Approximately 1,500 teachers
have been reached through these various services.
Expansion of the program of vocational agriculture into many rural
communities has created an unusual demand for qualified teachers.
Teacher-training institutions have been encouraged to adjust their
programs to meet this demand, with the result that in practically all
of the States the teachers needed to staff new departments and to
replace persons leaving the field of vocational teaching are being prepared.
At the request of State vocational officials and colleges, surveys
have been made or assistance given by Office of Education
representatives in connection with specific teacher-training problems.
332 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The Office of Education continued to sponsor the activities of the
Future Farmers of America—the national organization of boys studying
vocational agriculture in the rural high schools. At the close of
the year there were 5,000 local chapters of this organization in 47
States, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, with a total membership of approximately
160,000.
Counterpart of the Future Farmers of America is the organization
for Negro vocational agriculture students known as the New Farmers
of America, or the N. F. A., which has a membership of more than
12,000 in 340 chapters. Through the Office of Education the new
N. F. A. Guide was published and made available during the year to
members of this organization.
IN TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL EDUCATION
Nine outstanding services to the States are reported by the trade
and industrial education service of the Office for the past year. Representatives
of the service assisted in or made surveys of school districts,
cities, counties, or States designed to ascertain the possibilities for
trade and industrial education. They made studies of single trades or
groups of trades or of industries to discover the needs for organized
vocational training in these trades. They made studies of vocational
schools and classes to evaluate specific features of the work being
done and to discover ways of improving it; and conducted or assisted
in conducting training courses for trade and industrial teachers, supervisors,
and coordinators of trade and industrial education.
State conferences were held by staff members of the Office of Education
for teachers, supervisors, and coordinators of trade and industrial
education as well as training conferences for foremen and executives of
industrial plants, and training courses for foremen conference leaders.
Continuing its practice of previous years, the Office has made analyses
of the training content of a number of additional trades. Finally, representatives
of the Office of Education have conferred with executive
officers and State directors of vocational education from time to time
during the year on special problems arising in the promotion of vocational
education programs.
IN HOME ECONOMICS EDUCATION
Special attention has been given by the home economics service of
the Office of Education in its program of cooperation with the States,
to long-time planning for the further development and strengthening
of home economics education. Emphasis has been placed on this type
of planning not only in the annual regional conferences but in four
intraregional conferences of supervisors and teacher trainers in home
economics education.
Among specific services rendered by the home economics education
service are included: Assistance in State conferences of home ecoOFFICE
OF EDUCATION 333
nomics teachers in 7 States; teaching short units of instruction on
special problems in summer schools for home economics teachers conducted
in 6 institutions; cooperating with State supervisors of home
economics education in making studies of teacher education programs
in 15 institutions; directing a 5-week training program for itinerant
teacher trainers for Negro schools; guiding curriculum studies in education
for home and family life in 16 States; assisting in setting-up
programs of research in home economics education in 9 States; and
assistance to supervisors of home economics in several cities in developing
broadened programs in family life education.
IN BUSINESS EDUCATION
In the main, the cooperative services of the Office of Education to
the States in the field of business education have consisted of assistance
in the formulation and revision of State plans covering training for the
distributive occupations; and in the preparation of instructional
material for distributive workers who are members of organized
classes.
As examples of the type of services rendered to groups in the States
in the field of business education may be mentioned assistance to the
chairman of a committee on commercial education curriculum for
small rural high schools in one State; counsel and suggestions given to a
State official in another State on the formulation of a curriculum for a
part-time program of training in the retail field; and assistance to the
chairman of a curriculum committee in a third State on the revision
of curricula for business education in the high schools of the State.
IN REHABILITATION
Throughout the year four regional and two special agents of the
Vocational Rehabilitation Division of the Office of Education were
engaged in rendering a varied type of service to State boards for vocational
education and their representatives. These services included
assistance in: (1) training new personnel, (2) planning better procedures
for handling rehabilitation cases, (3) developing more effective
administrative organizations, (4) improving cooperative working
relations with private agencies and other State agencies, and (5) making
surveys of State programs of vocational rehabilitation and formulating
recommendations for improvement in these programs, based upon the
survey findings.
COOPERATION WITH OTHER AGENCIES
In its role as administrator of the vocational education acts the
Office of Education endeavors to cooperate in every way possible not
only with State boards for vocational education, but also with other
Government agencies; with trade and professional and other groups;
104366—38----- 23
334 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
and with individuals interested in agricultural, trade and industrial,
home economics, and business education.
This cooperation has taken various forms. It has included cooperation
in planning vocational and special courses; in preparing publications
on various subjects for use by workers in the field of vocational
education and vocational rehabilitation; in preparing and presenting
radio programs; in convention and conference activities; in research
activities; and in providing services supplementary to those available
through the vocational education and vocational rehabilitation
programs.
During the past year, the Office has definitely cooperated with at
least seven different United States bureaus or divisions.
It has cooperated with the Agricultural Adjustment Administration
in the preparation of subject matter on the activities of that organization
for the use of supervisors, teacher trainers, and teachers of
vocational agriculture in explaining these activities to farm youth and
adult farmers; and in providing for discussion of the agricultural
adjustment program by representatives of the Agricultural Adjustment
Administration, at conferences of agricultural teachers.
Early in 1938, a committee consisting of educators in the fields of
agriculture and home economics, was appointed by the Commissioner
of Education to formulate a cooperative agreement between the Office
of Education and the Extension Service of the Department of Agriculture,
under which both bureaus might render greater service to
farm people. This inter-departmental group is at work on this
agreement which will cover relationships between those engaged in
agricultural and home economics extension work and those engaged
in agricultural and home economics education in the various States.
The agricultural service of the Office of Education assisted during
the year in working out with the Soil Conservation Service of the
Department of Agriculture, suggested subject-matter material for
the use of agricultural teachers in giving instruction in soil conservation.
This cooperation has resulted also in the setting up of a definite
plan for cooperation in two North Central States between the Soil
Conservation Service and agricultural supervisors and teachers.
As a result of the cooperation in various ways between the Office
of Education and the Farm Credit Administration, many agricultural
students and adult farmers have secured loans to assist them in
becoming established in farming. The Office has also cooperated
with the Farm Credit Administration in preparing publications on
farm credit for the use of vocational agriculture teachers.
Through the joint cooperation of State supervisors of agricultural
education and State directors of the National Youth Administration,
special types of part-time classes in vocational agriculture for out-ofschool
farm boys have been held at colleges of agriculture in two
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 335
western States; special farm shops have been erected and equipped;
and where facilities were available for 6 months of supervised practice
in farming, a teacher of vocational agriculture has been provided to
teach part-time classes.
In a number of instances, new school buildings provided through
the Works Progress Administration have included housing space for
departments of vocational agriculture.
The Office of Education has cooperated, also, in the program of the
Civilian Conservation Corps, as explained specifically in a previous
section of this report, as well as with the Rural Electrification Administration
and the Farm Security Administration.
Assistance was given the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the
Department of Justice by a member of the Office of Education staff in
organizing and conducting training groups of men selected from State
and local police departments in law-enforcement activities, so that
they may be able to instruct other officers in their State or local
police departments.
Special analyses were made by a representative of the Office of
Education of the jobs performed by stewards, bakers, cooks, and
custodial officers in Federal prisons, to be used by the Federal Bureau
of Prisons as a basis for training courses for these groups of employees.
Cooperating with the Navy Department, the Office of Education
has completed preliminary work involved in setting up an in-service
training program for the Department’s civilian employees, and in
training younger employees in the drafting department of one of the
principal Navy yards.
Plans are being formulated by the Office for setting up a training
course for field employees of a number of bureaus of the Department
of Agriculture.
The Office of Education has cooperated with the Federal Fire
Council in inspection and interdepartmental activities; with the Social
Security Board in its employee-training activities; with the Works
Progress Administration in trade analysis and foreman conference
work; with the Council of Personnel Administration through an interchange
of informative material; and with the International Association
of Fire Chiefs in training work for fire fighters.
Cooperative work with other agencies in the field of home economics
education has included: A joint study with the home economics
extension service of the Department of Agriculture on the present
status and needs for home economics education in two selected
counties; assistance to the Interdepartmental Committee of the
Federal Government in coordinating health and welfare activities;
participation in conferences having a bearing on home economics
education sponsored by the Children’s Bureau, Department of Labor,
American Home Economics Association, American Vocational Asso336
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ciation, National Congress of Parents and Teachers, National Council
of Parent Education, National Education Association, Association of
Southern Agricultural Workers, National Consumer-Retailer Relations
Council, and National Committee on Household Employment;
and cooperation in various ways with the Farm Credit Administration,
Federal Housing Administration, National Youth Administration,
Tennessee Valley Authority, Rural Electrification Administration, and
Works Progress Administration.
Cooperation with Government and other agencies in the field of
business education has consisted of furnishing information to trade
associations relating to the program of distributive education authorized
by the George-Deen Act. Included in the organizations to which
such information has been given are: American Retail Federation,
National Retail Dry Goods Association, Retail Druggists’ Association,
Industrial Retail Stores, Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce
of the Department of Commerce, and the Consumer Distribution
Corporation. Advice and assistance have been given to regional and
national associations of business educators in planning convention
.and conference programs and in the preparation of publications.
Various Federal acts having to do with vocational rehabilitation
either directly or indirectly require cooperation between State rehabilitation
and other departments such as workmen’s compensation,
public employment, and crippled children’s agencies. Much of the
time of Federal rehabilitation agents during the year was devoted to
promoting effective working relationships among such departments.
Ever since the Civilian Conservation Corps was organized, the
Office of Education has rendered assistance in the program of education
for C. C. C. enrollees. This assistance has continued throughout
the past year.
APPRENTICE TRAINING
As increased attention is given by employers and by workers to the
development of apprenticeship, the special functions of vocational
education are more clearly recognized.
Two distinct groups of responsibilities and functions in the promotion
and operation of plans for apprentice training are recognized by
the Office of Education and the Department of Labor.
One group of responsibilities has to do with the apprentice as an
employed worker—the conditions under which he works, his hours of
work, his pay rates, the length of his learning period, and the ratio of
apprentices to journeymen maintained for the purpose of avoiding
overcrowding or shortage of skilled workers in the trades. These
responsibilities, the Office of Education and the United States Department
of Labor agree should be carried by State labor departments
whose function it is to improve working conditions and foster the
well-being of workers.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 337
The second of the two groups of responsibilities and functions has
to do with the instructional phases of apprenticeship. Included in
this category are: Analyses of trades for the purpose of learning the
training content; planning of courses to meet the needs of workers;
organization of related subjects classes; training teachers for such
classes; and any other functions involved in giving the apprentice
technical and supplemental instruction needed to make him a proficient
worker and to coordinate his instruction and his job experience.
These educational functions, the Office of Education and the Department
of Labor believe belong to those who are responsible for vocational
education in the States.
In a number of States, special supervisors of apprentice education
have been appointed and many representative advisory committees
have been organized. In all cases, the school administration and the
members of State advisory committees in trade and industrial education
are urged to cooperate with the United States Department of
Labor and State labor departments in upholding labor standards.
Special attention has been given by the Office of Education in
cooperation with the States to the preparation of instructional material
which may be used in apprentice classes.
RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
The research program of the Office of Education in the various fields
of vocational education has been extended during the year.
Among the subjects on which studies have been made are the
following: Agricultural experiment station data and their use in vocational
agriculture classes; supervised farm practice; occupations of
out-of-school farm youth; potential departments of vocational agriculture;
factors influencing the establishment in farming of former
vocational agriculture students; teacher-training programs in agriculture;
cooperative study with American Vocational Association of
vocational education needs in Williamsport, Pa.; size of program for
agricultural education in various regions; salaries of vocational
agriculture teachers, 1936-37; vocational training for sheet metal
workers in the aviation industry; household service workers’ training
courses; apprenticeship in the plumbing trades; training for fire
fighters in Connecticut; training programs for plasterers, machinists,
and bricklayers; teacher training in the field of trade and industrial
education; membership and functions of representative trade and industrial
advisory committees; training for police service; training for
public service occupations; employment status of trade school graduates;
aeronautic engineering courses; studies and research in home
economics and home economics education in colleges and universities;
training needed by research workers in home economics; methods of
teaching home economics; educational programs in home and family
living at high-school and college levels; source units in housing and
338 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
household management in secondary school programs; responsibilities
of household employees for which training is needed; teaching of textile
and clothing courses in high schools and implications for the college
program; administration of State vocational rehabilitation programs;
rating system for the evaluation of case work in rehabilitation; mental,
achievement, aptitude, interest, and other tests for use in rehabilitation
case work; analysis of data on rehabilitated cases.
Besides carrying on its own program of research in vocational education
and vocational rehabilitation, the Office of Education has
through its staff members rendered considerable assistance to the
States in setting up programs of research. In addition, requests for
assistance in research activities in States where special research
workers have been employed have been met by aiding research groups
in each State to study the local needs for research with special consideration
for their national implications; helping set up plans for a
long-time program of research in the State; and evaulating accomplishments
during the first year in order that plans covering the next
steps in the research program in the State may be appropriately
revised.
Limited personnel has prevented the carrying on of a comprehensive
research program in the field of business education. Data
were collected on curriculum building in business education, including
distributive education, teacher training, State and local supervision;
and on distributive occupations. Assistance has been given to
research workers in the States carrying on studies in curriculum
revision, teacher training, occupational surveys, job analysis, and
methods of teaching business subjects.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
The completion of the first year of the operation of the George-
Deen Act has served to emphasize some of the new developments as
well as the outstanding needs of the vocational education program.
One of the principal developments made possible by the provisions
of the act was the organization of training on a much broader basis
than had hitherto been possible for persons already employed in publicservice
occupations.
Another development made possible is the wider use of local supervision
of vocational education programs, particularly in training on
the job of teachers of trade and industrial education, drawn from
industry.
By reason of the fact that it authorizes the payment of travel expenses
of advisory committee members, also, the George-Deen law
has made possible more effective utilization of advisory committees,
especially in the field of trade and industrial education.
A significant increase in the number of all-day, part-time, and
evening schools has been made possible through the additional funds.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 339
In the field of agricultural education the act made possible the employment
of an increased number of teachers on a full-time basis.
As a result a greater number of these teachers are able to give their
time exclusively to agricultural instruction and to include in their
activities the organization and teaching of part-time classes for outof-
school youth and evening classes for adult farmers, instead of being
required to prorate their time between agriculture and other subjects
taught in the high school. This has encouraged the raising of standards
in agricultural teacher-training institutions.
The vocational training programs for distributive workers represent
one of the significant developments in the field of vocational
education during the year. The year’s record indicates that there is
widespread interest in this type of vocational education and that the
possibilities for expanding the training program are almost unlimited.
There is an imperative need for occupational surveys, follow-up
studies, and revision of business curricula based on the findings of
research. Business teacher-training curricula in colleges and universities
need to be revised in accordance with modern requirements.
APPROPRIATIONS: 1938 AND 1939
The total amount appropriated for administering the vocational
education program carried on under the Smith-Hughes and George-
Deen Acts for the year ending June 30, 1938, was $425,000. The
appropriation for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1939, for this purpose
is in the same amount.
The appropriation for administering the Federal vocational rehabilitation
acts was increased from $95,000 for the fiscal year ended June
30, 1938, to $104,650 for the year ending June 30, 1939.
The Smith-Hughes Act appropriates $7,167,000 annually for allotment
to the States for cooperative vocational education in agriculture,
trades, and industries, and teacher training. The total amount
authorized by the George-Deen Act to be appropriated annually for
vocational education is $14,483,000. An appropriation of the full
authorization was made for the fiscal year 1938. An amount of
$12,500,000 was appropriated for 1939 with the provision that the
allotments to the States shall be computed on the basis of the total
amount authorized in the act. Appropriations for vocational education
in Hawaii and Puerto Rico are continued for 1939 in the same
amounts appropriated to these territories in 1938—$30,000 and
$105,000, respectively.
The Federal appropriation to the States for vocational rehabilitation
under the Smith-Bankhead Act of 1920, as amended, for each
of the years ending June 30, 1938, and June 30, 1939, was $1,800,000,
with the provision that the allotments to the States shall be computed
on the basis of the total amount authorized in the act. The appropriations
for vocational rehabilitation for Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the
340 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
District of Columbia, $5,000, $15,000, and $25,000, respectively, for
1939 are the same as those for 1938.
The acts authorizing appropriations for allotment to the States for
vocational education and rehabilitation provide that unexpended
balances remaining in the States at the close of a fiscal year shall be
deducted from the allotments to those States for the ensuing year.
As already indicated, appropriations made in consideration of the
unexpended balances provide that the allotments to the States shall
be made on the basis of the total amounts authorized in the acts.
Appropriations for allotment to the States and Territories are
shown in table I, total allotments to the States and Territories for
vocational education in table II, and allotments for vocational
rehabilitation in table III.
TABLE 1,—Appropriations for Allotment to the States and Territories for Vocational
Education and Vocational Rehabilitation, 1938, 1939
Act
Appropriation
Fiscal year
ended June
1938
Fiscal year
ending June
1939
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Smith Hughes Act:
Total_________________________________________________________________ 1 $7,167,000 i $7,167,000
Vocational agriculture__________________________________________________
Vocational trade, industry, and home economics________________________
Vocational teacher training_____________________________________________
3,027,000
3,050,000
1,090,000
3,027,000
3,050,000
1,090,000
George-Deen Act:
Total___________________ -____________________________________________ 14, 483,000 2 12, 500,000
Vocational agriculture__________________________________________________
Vocational trade and industry__________________________________________
Vocational home economics_____________________________________________
Distributive occupations_______________________________________________
Vocational teacher training_____________________________________________
4,067, 200
4,058, 975
4,048,825
1,254,000
1,054.000
3, 529, 300
3,503, 200
3,494, 500
954,000
1,019,000
An act making appropriations for the Territory of Hawaii:
Total_____________________________________ ____ ______________________ 30,000 30,000
Vocational agriculture__________________________________________________
Vocational trade, industry, and home economics_____________ ____ ______
Vocational teacher training_____________________________________________
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
An act making appropriations for the Island of Puerto Rico:
Total___________________________________________________________ 105,000 105,000
Vocational agriculture__________________________________________________
Vocational trade and industry__________________________________________
Vocational home economics_____________________________________________
Vocational teacher training_____________________________________________
30,000
30, 000
30,000
15,000
30.000
30,000
30,000
15,000
VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION
Vocational Rehabilitation Act______________________________________________
Hawaii_____________________________________________________________________
Puerto Rico________________________________________________________________
District of Columbia_______________________________________________________
2 1,800,000
5,000
15.000
25,000
3 1,800,000
5,000
15,000
25,000
Total vocational rehabilitation_______________________________________ 1,845,000 1,845,000
Total vocational education and vocational rehabilitation______________ 23, 630,000 21, 647,000
1 Permanent and continuing appropriation. Estimated expenditure, $7,000,000.
2 Allotments to States made on basis of $14,483,000 as authorized in the act.
• Allotments to States made on basis of $1,938,000 as authorized in the act.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 341
TABLE 2.— Allotments of Federal Money to the States and Territories for Vocational Education, Year Ending June 30, 1939
G eorge-D een A ct (authorized to be appropriated)
V ocational
teacher
training
$1,054,000.00
19,837. 46
10,000.00
13, 902. 02
42, 559. 21
10,000.00
12,046.06
10, COO. 00
11,006.36
21,803.46
10,000. 00
57, 202.79
24, 277.26
18, 523. 26
14.100.81
19, 600.13
15,754. 48
10,000. 00
12, 230. 65
31,857.00
36, 300. 23
19, 220. 53
15, 066. 51
27, 207. 35
10,000. 00
10, 329.82
10,000.00
10, 000. 00
30, 295. 64
10,000. 00
94,365.76
23, 765.80
10,000.00
V ocational
education
for d istrib -
u tiv e occupations
$1, 254,000.00
24, 429.46
10,000.00
17,120. 09
52,410.87
10,000.00
14,834. 50
10,000. 00
13, 554.13
26,850. 55
10,000. 00
70,444.17
29,897.00
22,811.05
17, 364.88
24,137.19
19,401. 35
10,000.00
15,061.81
39, 231. 31
44,703.06
23, 669. 73
18, 554.13
33, 505.35
10,000. 00
12, 720.99
10,000.00
10,000. 00
37,308. 52
10, 000.00
116, 209. 68
29, 267.15
10,000.00
V ocational
home-econom
ics ed u -
cation
$4,048,825.00
135,856.98
20, 408. 60
105,115.82
108, 333.79
36, 851.08
33,938. 47
20, 000.00
50, 602.96
143,788. 43
22, 537. 76
142,496. 48
103,044.87
106, 547. 48
82, 227.05
129,684. 62
90, 576.86
33,994. 47
46,904. 63
29,870. 92
110,019.17
93, 310. 90
119, 356.49
126,447. 79
25, 469. 58
63,704. 76
20,000.00
20, 000.00
50,149.88
22, 607.48
147, 581.33
168, 604.08
40, 538.98
Z5 T?a 6 ,2p j
.2 a ce ® ~ ©
2 o +3
So ’®O.Tg J8o‘3t lg0
> is 2fl
$4,058,975.00
55,072.91
20.000.00
30,995. 77
213, 243. 37
31, 752, 56
64,104.14
20,000. 00
50,149.93
62,833.09
20,000.00
279, 646.92
102, 283. 38
62, 961. 33
49, 499.38
60, 643. 33
53, 597. 61
26,416. 52
58,788. 05
174,008. 92
171, 207. 64
70, 365.18
27, 283.12
106,052.83
20,000. 00
33. 409. 76
20,000.00
20,000. 00
164,895. 07
20,000. 00
500,480.36
66, 222.13
20, 000. 00
V ocational
agricultural
education
$4,067,200.00
165,947. 24
20,000.00
138,607.14
76,828. 34
35,018. 40
20,000.00
20,000.00
34, 542. 21
175, 634. 20
23, 322. 53
123, 722. 64
100,662.97
121,080.05
87, 561.92
145, 672. 06
102,842.00
21,171.85
29, 400. 76
20,000. 00
96,872.60
110,858.20
168, 741. 26
137,990. 54
25, 331.93
72, 518. 94
20, 000.00
20, 000.00
20, 000. 00
20,000.00
89,138.46
198,094.85
49,191. 21
T otal
2 $14,483,000.00
401,144.05
80,408. 60
305, 740.84
493, 375. 58
123, 622.04
144,923.17
80,000. 00
159,855. 59
430,909. 73
85,860. 29
673, 513.00
360,165. 48
331,923.17
250, 754. 04
379, 737. 33
282,172. 30
101, 582.84
162, 385. 90
294,968.15
459,102.70
317, 424. 54
349, 001. 51
431, 203.86
90,801.51
192, 684. 27
80,000. 00
80, 000.00
302, 649.11
82, 607. 48
947, 775. 59
485, 954.01
129, 730.19
Sm ith-H ughes A ct (appropriated)
V ocational
teacher training
$1,089,858. 52
21, 639. 44
10,000.00
15,164.85
46,425.18
10,000.00
13,140.30
10,000.00
12, 006.16
23, 784.03
10,000. 00
62, 398.95
26,482. 55
20, 205.87
15, 381. 69
21, 380. 55
17,185. 68
10,000.00
13,341. 65
34, 750.82
39, 597. 65
20,966.48
16, 435.12
29, 678. 81
10,000. 00
11, 268.16
10,000. 00
10,000. 00
33,047. 63
10, 000.00
102,937. 72
25,924. 63
10, 000.00
"05 T33^ f3l O6 5V ej .2 a 8 2 ® §
8 s
oc g®u.SO S afl g®
> iSs ~^~ o2
$3,049, 265. 27
32,611.15
10,000.00
16,776. 23
182,301.17
22, 779. 21
49, 589. 77
10,000.00
33, 290. 52
39, 236. 98
10,000.00
246,935. 68
78, 689.02
42,908. 77
31, 978. 49
35,010. 22
36, 522.14
14, 087.15
42, 714.98
167,878. 22
144, 684.11
55,103.85
14,847. 09
81, 459. 38
10, 000.00
21,299. 32
10, 000. 00
11. 965. 26
146, 312. 71
10, 000.00
461,031.10
35,484. 35
10,000. 00
V ocational
agricultural
education
$3,018,853.83
106,018. 23
15,926.19
82,028.87
84, 540.06
28, 757.35
26, 484. 45
10,000.00
39,488.86
112, 207.67
17, 587. 72
111, 199.48
80, 412. 77
83,146. 09
64,167. 24
101, 201. 53
70, 683.15
26, 528.15
36. 602. 80
23, 310. 27
85,855. 27
72,816. 70
93,141.81
98, 675. 62
19,875. 61
49, 713.06
10,000.00
10, 714. 23
39,135. 29
17, 642.12
115,167. 53
131, 572.98
31, 635, 26
T otal
‘ $7,157,977.62
160, 268.82
35,926.19
113, 969.95
313,266. 41
61, 536. 56
89, 214. 52
30,000.00
84, 785. 54
175, 228. 68
37, 587. 72
420, 534.11
185, 584. 34
146, 260. 73
111,527. 42
157, 592. 30
124, 390.87
50, 615. 30
92, 659. 43
225, 939. 31
270,137.03
148,887.03
124, 424.02
209,813. 81
39,875. 61
82, 280. 54
30,000. 00
32, 679. 49
218, 495. 63
37, 642.12
679,136. 35
192,981.96
51, 635. 26
S tate or T errito ry
।i iI •I ।i •I ।i i। iI i• ।■ •I ii • ii ii ii ii ii ii ii ,C2D ।i |i i।I a S i « i• ii «» «i »• >• ।। »i ।• ।i ।। ।i ।i i। ii ।। »। ii ।। T7vj ।। ।i ।। ।। i। ।। ।। ^Z< ।i 1' i .Z5 । a aS
73 ' 1 ' ' 1 Z3 ' ' ] • । । • । । । । । ® ' J -^ । i ' । ft >>.2 1 g
g iGiW. i-M
1 IBS ill g| s| g 8SS| if if!
T he allotm ents to H aw aii and P u erto Rico are n o t included in the totals u n d er the Sm ith-H ughes A ct.
T1n hneii nstu man thoAf r$i1/i2n,/5I00,000 was appropriated for the fiscal year 1939, w ith the proviso th a t the allotm ent to the States and T erritories be made on the basis of $14,483,000, the
342 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
TABLE 2.—Allotments of Federal Money to the States and Territories for Vocational Education, Year Ending June 30, 1939—Continued
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 343
TABLE 3.—Allotments of Federal Money to the States and Territories for Vocational
Rehabilitation, Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 1938 and 1939
State or Territory 19.39 State or Territory 1939
Total................... ..... ......................... '$1,938,000.00 Nevada_____________________________ $10,000.00
New Hampshire____________________
New Jersey_________________________
10,000. 00
Alabama____________________________ 40, 912. 77 62, 481. 73
Arizona_____________________________ 10, 000. 00 New Mexico________________________ 10, 000. 00
Arkansas_______________ ____________ 28,671. 54 New York__________________________ 194, 619. 94
California___________________________ 87, 774.11 North Carolina___________ __________ 49, 014.59
Colorado____________________________
Connecticut_______________ *_________
16, 014.02
24,843.80
North Dakota_______________________
Ohio________________________________
10, 526. 32
102, 762.39
Delaware____________:_______________ 10, 000. 00 Oklahoma___________________________ 37,044. 38
Florida______________________________ 22, 699. 53 Oregon______________________________ 14, 746.17
Georgia____________________ _______ _ 44,967. 45 Pennsylvania_______________________ 148, 907.13
Idaho_______________________________ 10, 000.00 Rhode Island_________ ______________ 10,629.16
Illinois______________ ____ ___________ 117,975. 03 South Carolina______________________ 26,882. 47
Indiana__________ __________________ 50, 069. 43 South Dakota............ .................................. 10,711.91
Iowa-------------------------------------------------- 38,202.37 Tennessee___________________________ 40, 453. 71
Kansas______________________________ 29, 081. 51 Texas_______________________________ 90, 054. 00
Kentucky___________________________ 40, 423. 30 Utah________________________________ 10,000.00
Louisiana________ ____ ______________ 32.492. 04 Vermont____________________________ 10,000. 00
Maine_______________________________ 12, 328.69 Virginia_____________________________ 37,443.44
Maryland___________________________ 25, 224.49 Washington________ _________________ 24, 171.15
Massachusetts______________________ 65, 701.88 West Virginia_______________________ 26, 734. 67
Michigan___________________________ 74,865. 59 Wisconsin___________________________ 45, 439.00
Minnesota__________________________ 39,640.43 Wyoming_____ ____ _________________ 10, 000.00
Mississippi__________________________ 31, 073.18 Hawaii______________________________ 10, 000.00
Missouri____________________________ 56,112. 45 District of Columbia________________ 25, 000. 00
Montana____________________________ 10, 000. 00 Puerto Rico____________ -____________ 15,000. 00
Nebraska___________________________ 21,304.23
1 A special allotment of $5,000 to Hawaii and the allotments to the District of Columbia and the island of
Puerto Rico are not included in the total.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION PUBLICATIONS, 1937-38
GENERAL EDUCATION
Bulletins 1937
No.
2. Volume I: Biennial survey of education, 1934-36.
Chapter
III. Higher education, 1930-1936.
IV. Adult education.
VI. Effects of the depression upon public elementary and secondary
schools and upon colleges and universities.
VII. A survey of a decennium of education in countries other than the
United States.
VIII. A review of educational legislation, 1935 and 1936.
X. Development in educational method, 1934-36.
2. Volume II:
Chapter
II. Statistics of State school systems, 1935-36.
III. Statistics of city school systems, 1935-36.
IV. Statistics of higher education, 1935-36.
V. Statistics of public-school libraries, 1934-35.
VI. Statistics of special schools and classes for exceptional children.
3. Public affairs pamphlets. Supplement!.
9. College salaries, 1936.
10. Economic status of college alumni.
11. College student mortality.
12. Some factors in the adjustment of college students.
13. Economic status of rural teachers.
14. Successful practices in teaching English to bilingual children in Hawaii.
344 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
No.
15. Learning English incidentally: A study of bilingual children.
16. Student interests and needs in hygiene.
18. Preparation for elementary school supervision.
19. CCC camp education: Guidance and recreational phases.
20. Education and the Civil Service in New York City.
21. University unit costs.
23. Professional library education.
24. Continuity of college attendance.
25. Forums for young people.
26. Education in the southern mountains.
27. Printed page and the public platform.
28. Needed research in secondary education.
30. Occupational experiences for handicapped adolescents in day schools.
31. A survey of courses of study and other curriculum materials published since
1934. e
Preprint of Part IV. A classified list of courses of study, 1934-1937.
32. Let Freedom Ring! 13 scripts.
33. Let Freedom Ring! Manuel.
34. Industrial arts—Its interpretation in American schools.
35. School building situation and needs.
36. Guidance bibliography: 1935.
37. Guidance bibliography: 1936.
38. Vocational education and guidance of Negroes.
Bulletins 1938
1. Educational directory, 1938.
Part
I. State and county school officers.
II. City school officers.
III. Colleges and universities.
IV. Educational associations and directories.
2. The school custodian.
3. Nature and use of cumulative records.
4. School use of visual aids.
5. Bibliography of research studies in education, 1936-37.
6. Offerings and registrations in high-school subjects, 1933-34.
7. Curriculum laboratories and divisions.
8. The elementary school principalship.
9. College projects for aiding students.
10. Local school unit organization in 10 States.
11. Principles and procedures in the organization of satisfactory local school units.
12. Development of State programs for the certification of teachers.
Miscellany
1. Choosing our way.
2. To promote the cause of education.
Pamphlets
79. Legislative plans for financing public education.
81. Per capita costs in city school systems, 1936-37.
82. Physical education in institutions of higher education.
83. Handbook for compiling age-grade progress statistics.
84. Safety and sanitation in institutions of higher education.
85. Salary and education of rural school personnel—status and trends.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 345
Leaflets No.
30. Federal aid for education, 1935-36 and 1936-37.
31. Government publications useful to geography teachers.
32. Personnel and financial statistics of school organizations serving rural
children, 1933-34.
33. The housing and equipment of school libraries.
Bibliographies
24. Transportation of pupils at public expense. Revised.
27. Consolidation of schools and reorganization of school administrative units.
Revised.
28. Education and social change. Revised.
32. Visual aids in education: Motion pictures. Revised.
54. Supervised correspondence study in high schools.
55. Conservation education in secondary schools.
56. Educating for international understanding.
57. The county superintendent and the administration of rural schools.
70. Conservation education in elementary schools.
71. Conservation of trees and forests, for use in elementary schools.
72. Conservation of birds, animals, and wild flowers, for use in elementary schools.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
Agricultural Education
Bulletin No. 189. Landscaping the farmstead—Making the farm home grounds
more attractive.
Bulletin No. 196. Farm forestry—Organized teaching material. Timber farming
including woods management and forest tree planting.
Leaflet No. 2. Suggestions for teaching the job of controlling bunt (stinking smut)
of wheat in vocational agriculture classes. Revised.
Home Economics Education
Bulletin No. 194. The duties and responsibilities of the general household employee.
Some bases for determining content for vocational courses in household
employment.
Bulletin No. 195. Homemaking education programs for adults. A guide in the
development of adult education in home economics.
Trade and Industrial Education
Bulletin No. 192. Training for the public-service occupations.
Bulletin No. 193. Training for the painting and decorating trade.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Bulletin No. 113. Administration of vocational rehabilitation. Revised.
General
Digest of annual reports of State boards for vocational education to the Office of
Education, Vocational Division, fiscal year ended June 30, 1937.
RECOMMENDATIONS
On the previous pages is given an account of the work done by
the Office of Education. What is left undone by the Office, what the
rich possibilities for additional services are, stand out in my mind
346 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
in contrast with the relatively meager, although I trust effective, services
now being rendered. I wish, therefore, to include in these recommendations
brief statements of what I think the Office of Education should
be equipped to do which it cannot now do.
I. Ser vi ce s Cal lin g fo r Fede ra l Leg isl at io n .
A. THE PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION.
This committee submitted a report in March, 1938. That report
analyzes admirably the general problem of the Federal relations to
education. With the spirit and the general findings of that report, I
am in agreement. It recognizes an expanding responsibility of the
Federal Government in the field of education. It selects the areas of
education in which the Federal Government should participate and
sets forth the reasons why the development of each of these areas is a
matter of national concern.
The committee recommends that the Office of Education should
have large responsibility for the administration of the proposed laws.
Therefore, it is appropriate to name these important areas of education
and to summarize in a few words the reasons why legislation,
framed in accordance with the most satisfactory formulas for Federal-
State relations that can be evolved and designed to carry out the
Advisory Committee’s general purposes, should be passed.
1. Federal equalization fund.—The equalization of educational
opportunity among the States for elementary and secondary school
pupils should no longer be neglected. Equality of opportunity is the
most basic tenet of democracy. Furthermore, national welfare
demands that the weaker schools be strengthened. A low standard
of education in one community affects adversely all communities.
2. Teacher training.—No school program can be strong unless the
teachers are well trained. Therefore, the Federal Government, when
it contributes funds for education in the States, must take steps to
assure highly trained teachers for the schools.
3. School buildings to assist in meeting the expense of better
district organization.—Schools have been established in many States
under the small district system. Small school districts were well
adapted to earlier years, in fact they were necessary then, but today
they are inefficient and often too expensive. The most common
feature in this district system is a small and unsatisfactory building
in each district. In many cases the perpetuation of an outworn
district organization plan is due to the expense involved in providing
modern school buildings and facilities. Therefore, the Federal
Government can materially assist in remedying the existing situation
by stimulating a school building program that will enable many
communities to bring about an efficient scheme of district organization.
4. Assistance to State departments of education.—With the passing
years, more and more responsibility for an effective system of educaOFFICE
OF EDUCATION 347
tion in the several States is falling upon State departments of education.
The planning of courses of study, the certification of teachers,
and many other responsibilities which were formerly carried by the
local districts, are now handled by State departments of education.
An increasingly large share of the funds for the support of schools is
being collected and distributed on a State rather than on a local
district basis.
Many State departments are not adequately equipped to administer
their already heavy duties. If Federal funds are made available
to the States it is important that provision also be made to assist
State departments of education in carrying their ever-enlarging
responsibilities.
5. Bridging the gap between school and job.—The responsibility of
the public for the welfare and training of a youth does not end when
he chooses to leave the public school. A prolonged gap between
school and job may nullify much of the good which accrues from
attending school. The public should continue its interest in a young
person at least until he is placed in a suitable occupation where he can
be self-sustaining.
Therefore, to organize and coordinate all educational services
available for young people in each community, so that each youth
will be guided into the type of activity best suited to him, is an urgent
public duty. This service for youth is bound to be intimately related
to organized education. The administration of the program should
be integrated with the administration of education.
6. Adult education.—Nearly half the adult population of today
never completed the elementary school. Furthermore, with the
rapidly increasing complexity of social life, even an adequate education
in one’s youth no longer suffices for adult life. An adult education
program is among the most urgently needed safeguards of
democracy. The Federal Government should help to stimulate it.
7. Rural library service.—Rural people in general are out of reach
of the public libraries which serve (although only partially) the urban
population. But because of their greater isolation from social opportunities,
rural people are in at least as great need of librarv service
as are urban people. Therefore, the Federal Government may
property stimulate the States to develop a library service which
reaches the rural population.
8. Education oj children living on Government property.—There
are at the present time some thousands of children living in Federal
areas scattered throughout the country who do not have educational
opportunities, or who secure them through the payment of tuition.
The parents of these children are in most cases Federal employees
who are assigned to live in these territories.
348 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
In recent years the number and types of federally owned or controlled
reservations have greatly increased, thus removing taxable
wealth from local school districts. In some cases no school facilities
exist. In others the existing local facilities are entirely inadequate
to care for the increased numbers of children who move into the
territory by reason of the newly developed Federal activity. Year
after year these thousands of children continue without educational
opportunities. It is exceedingly important that as soon as possible
the Federal Government establish some policy which will guarantee
adequate educational opportunities for the children who must reside
on these Federal properties.
9. Educational research, planning, and leadership.—In countries having
strongly centralized governments, education is a function of
those governments. Large authority resides in the ministries of
education. Changes in the programs of the schools and colleges can
be effected quickly by edicts issued by those ministries. In the
United States the opposite system prevails and should be continued.
Education is a function of the several States and local communities
The Federal Government has little authority. Coordination of programs
among the States is accomplished by voluntary counsel and
cooperation. Under these conditions, change usually takes place
slowly. A long time often elapses before the best practices of one
locality or State are accepted in other localities or States.
While such a system is relatively safe against partisanship propaganda,
it lacks the machinery to keep education abreast of other
social and economic movements, especially those movements motivated
by profits. A democracy, if it is to be successful in its competition
with strong centralized governments, must provide itself with
machinery to facilitate the social changes which depend upon voluntary
acceptance by the people. The mainspring of that machinery is a
research program adequate to discover and verify better educational
policies and practices year after year. Well organized demonstrations
involve phases of practical research which may be of far-reaching
significance.
Operating with the research program must be adequate facilities
for counselling and planning in order to assure the most economical
and effective utilization of the results of research.
These two functions, research and planning, together with promotion
of an understanding of the findings of the former and of the
purposes and results of planning and demonstrations respectively,
are the primary purposes of the Office of Education. If the Office
can be adequately equipped to perform these functions, the United
States need not concentrate in the Federal Government administrative
control of education in the States, and yet we may be assured of
quicker adjustments of the educational systems to the needs of the times.
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 349
B. OTHER FEDERAL LEGISLATION NEEDED.
1. Public Jorums.—A special aspect of adult education which
demands consideration at this time, is the forum for the discussion
of current social, economic, and political questions. Democracy can
rise no higher than the level of the public opinion of its voters. To
enlighten that public opinion is a necessary safeguard of democracy.
The present agricultural, industrial and social programs of the
Federal and State Governments, together with many other issues of
common concern, involve policies which demand wide information
and free discussion. A vital method of spreading accurate information
among adults is the public forum, controlled by the local public
educational agencies. Experience gained during the past 3 years
with forum demonstrations carried on in many communities in 40
States and sponsored by the Office of Education with emergency
funds, has demonstrated not only their effectiveness, but their freedom
from partisan bias. Provision should now be made for extending these
experimental forum centers more widely throughout the States by the
use of regular funds instead of relief funds.
There should be appropriated a sum, which need not be very large
in comparison with other Federal grants in aid to the States, from
which each State would receive an allotment for each of 3 years
on a basis of matching which would be readily acceptable to the
States and local communities. It is estimated that such a 3-year
program in grants in aid as suggested would create an adult civic
education enterprise within each State under local management
involving in all States approximately 500 full-time forum leaders or
their equivalent. That number of leaders would be capable of conducting
almost 100,000 public forums per year in addition to giving
many other types of assistance to local programs of civic education for
adults. Such an investment would make public discussion of the
crucial problems of democracy sufficiently general and vital to the
life of our people that the principles and procedures of democratic
discussion would simultaneously become effective safeguards of the
democratic processes over all parts of the Nation. The principles
and procedures of democratic discussion and fair examination of
controversial issues would influence general public education and
would serve to promote a surer foundation for the further development
of democracy through our present 3 billion dollar expenditure for
education. At the conclusion of the 3-year period consideration should
be given to the desirable next steps to be taken.
This proposal suggests a way by which the vital sources of democratic
power may be nurtured by the application of the educative
processes to local public opinion formulation. The forum is, therefore,
not merely a desirable advance to make in the field of public education
but it is also in the nature of a national necessity made so by the
104366—38----- 24
350 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
burdens now being heaped upon public opinion by modern social and
economic problems. It is recommended as a basic means of making
democracy work and as a practical method of preventing the development
of any potential tendencies toward dictatorship.
2. Physically handicapped children.—Because of the special facilities
needed, one of the most expensive phases of education in any
local community is the proper education of physically handicapped
children. On this account and also because the number of children
so handicapped in any community is, in proportion to the total school
population, relatively small, there is totally inadequate provision in
many States and communities for the education of these children.
The Government has made provision for the physical and educational
rehabilitation of disabled adults. Under the Social Security Act,
provision is also made for the physical rehabilitation of crippled children.
Thus far no Federal assistance has been provided for the education
of physically handicapped children. Legislation should, therefore,
be passed that will provide the social security for handicapped children
which is possible only through their proper education. The Federal
Government should, through grants-in-aid to the States, stimulate a
Nation-wide development of educational opportunities for physically
handicapped children.
II. Ser vi ce s Whi ch Cal l for Addi tio nal Appropr ia ti on s to th e
Office of Edu ca ti on bu t Whi ch do no t Req ui re Fed er al
Leg isl at io n .
Many of the services suggested above under “Research, Planning,
and Leadership” could be rendered without new Federal legislation
if the Office were adequately staffed for the purpose. Some of the
more urgent needs for such additional services will be briefly mentioned
below.
A. TO PROMOTE BETTER GENERAL EDUCATION THROUGHOUT THE
STATES.
There are many ways in which the Office of Education is called
upon to help the States in their efforts to provide general education.
Among these are the following:
1. General curriculum problems.—One of the most difficult and important
problems involved in the proper development of education is
to be found in the need for a constant revision of the curriculum.
Innumerable problems involving the curriculum are constantly presented
to the Office of Education but because of a serious lack of
of personnel and facilities, it is not possible for the Office to render
the services requested. A few of the principal types of services which
the Office should be in a position to render to States and local school
systems, to professional workers in the field of education, and the
growing number of institutions and civic organizations interested in
education, are the following:
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 351
(a) Analysis and interpretation of current economic and social conditions
having significance for curriculum workers throughout the
Nation.
(6) Evaluation and interpretation of significant revisions of curricula
and methods of instruction.
(c) Stimulation and coordination of experimental undertakings
looking toward evaluation of various curricular organizations and
teaching procedures.
(d) Collection, evaluation, and listing of courses of study and supplementary
curriculum materials; establishment of a curriculum
laboratory.
(e) Consultation service on the curriculum, especially with State
departments of education.
(/) Curriculum conferences; reporting their results.
(g) Preparation, publication, and distribution of fundamental
studies concerning curricula, of descriptive accounts of outstanding
curriculum practices, and of bibliographies.
For the reasons indicated, a well-equipped curriculum division
dealing with the various subject-matter fields and educational activities
on the several levels of the school course extending from the
nursery school through the university into adult life, should be established
in the Office and supported by an appropriation commensurate
with the needs.
2. School building problems.—Every year this country spends many
millions of dollars in constructing school buildings. Several millions
of dollars could be saved by the States and local communities each
year if a more extensive technical information service on school building
problems could be made available through the Office of Education.
School building surveys and planning the modern school plant involve
highly complex problems. The solutions to these problems require
the expert services of a large number of technicians; that is, school
superintendents, economists, sociologists, State and district planning
experts, school building architects, landscape architects, heating,
ventilating, illuminating, and sanitary engineers, statisticians and
experts in finance and accounting. There is a vast amount of valuable
technical information on school building problems but usually much
of this information is not available except to large city school systems.
Such information should be available through the Office of Education.
It is obvious that the present staff of school building experts in the
Office of Education, consisting of only one person, is entirely inadequate
to serve the needs of the States and innumerable urban and
county school systems.
3. Educational administration.—'The whole field of organized education
may be divided into two large areas, the one having to do with
the curriculum and instructional techniques and the other one deal352
EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
ing with organization, administration, and supervision. While school
building problems are generally classified in the area of administration,
the previous section dealt specifically with the need for Office assistance
in connection with school buildings because services related to schoolhouse
construction and school building surveys are of unusual importance
as a basis for the wise use of the many millions of dollars
annually expended on school buildings by the Federal Government,
the States, and the local communities.
But apart from the problems of school buildings there is a veritable
maze of intricate administrative problems which require constant
study if systems of education are to be kept up to date and made
efficient. These administrative problems involve questions of support,
taxation, finance, educational legislation, personnel, pupil accounting,
organization of boards of education, of administrative and supervisory
staffs and of school schedules in various types of school systems in
rural areas, small urban communities, large cities, counties, regions
within States, and the State as a whole. The requests which annually
come to the Office of Education for assistance to States and local communities
in connection with the vital problems of administration are
so numerous that it is impossible for the Office to give the kind of
help requested in more than a relatively small number of cases. There
is great need for additional appropriations to the Office for the purpose
of providing adequate service in this broad field of administration.
B. TO PROMOTE BETTER SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND CIVIC EDUCATION.
The development of better machines for industry is stimulated by
the profit motive. What is to be done with workmen who are thrown
out of work by the machines is a problem the solution of which is
not stimulated by the profit motive. Yet public welfare is threatened
by the slowness with which this and similar problems are solved.
While industry may be expected to subsidize those sciences which
are basic to industrial development, government must see to it that
development in the social, economic, and civic phases of life keeps
pace with the industrial developments of this machine age.
The following recommendations are to be regarded as supplementary
to the one presented previously under the beading, “General curriculum
problems.”
1. The social sciences.—Better social science work in the schools
and colleges is the first and most urgent need. Competent staff
members to aid the States and local communities in improving the
instruction in these studies should be available in the Office of
Education.
2. Crime prevention.—One of the most disconcerting phenomena of
this period is the increase of crime, particularly among youth. Much
could be done in the field of crime prevention through education if
OFFICE OF EDUCATION 353
there were staff members available in the Office of Education to assist
in developing the plans for such education.
3. Safety education.—The appalling toll of lives sacrificed and injuries
sustained each year by accidents in this country is a sad reminder
of our negligence of one phase of social education. Cities
with adequate safety education programs have strikingly cut down
their accident rates. Surely the Office of Education should be in a
position to stimulate the speedy adoption in all communities of
programs of education which have been found to be effective for
accident prevention in some communities.
4. Conservation education.—A keynote of the present policy of the
Government is conservation, but the development of this policy is
slowed up in its operation if not actually threatened by general lack
of understanding among the people of the needs of conservation of
natural resources. The problem is essentially one of education. The
Office of Education should be in a position through a small staff to
advise curriculum workers throughout the country with respect to
ways in which the teaching of conservation may be infused into various
aspects of the school programs in the different levels of education.
5. Recreation. Good habits and skills in sports and other forms of
recreation should be widely developed. Many persons would enjoy
sports, hobbies, and other leisure-time activities, if they but knew how
to participate in them. There is no one in the Office of Education at
the present time whose primary interest is in education for recreation.
This need in the Office should be met.
6. Creative arts.—^Nork today offers to many workers little or no
opportunity for the expression of their creative impulses. But to
many men and women there is no satisfaction so keen as the joy of
creating something. To devise ways by which each person can learn
to do well some of the creative arts which may occupy his leisure or
help him in his chosen occupation, is one of the challenges to education
today. The Office of Education should be in position to help to
develop and to spread such a program of training in the creative arts.
With the exception of one person in the field of industrial arts, there
are no professional workers in the Office whose primary interests and
abilities are in the general field of creative arts. If this country is to
develop an appreciation of the beautiful and the means of giving
beauty the practical expression which should characterize an advancing
civilization, education must assume vigorous leadership in
creating the essential appreciations and artistic skills. To do its
part in the development of such a Nation-wide appreciation of the
arts, the Office should be provided a staff of competent persons trained
in art, music, dramatic art, and creative writing.
354 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
C. TO DISCOVER AND PROMOTE THE PROPER EDUCATIONAL USE OF
MOTION PICTURES AND RADIO.
The chief aids to education in the past have been the teacher’s
voice and the printed page. Visual materials such as maps, charts,
and pictures, have supplemented these, but have played a minor role.
Laboratories and field trips have been available to a limited extent.
But in recent years two new aids with incalculable potentialities have
become available, the motion picture and the radio. No one at present
will attempt to prophesy how powerful they may become. It is
certain that their influence is already great, even though they have
found their way into the schools only to a small extent.
During the period when the proper place and function of these new
aids to education are being determined, the Office of Education should
be in a position to assist in the research and experimentation necessary
to find the truth about their proper use. And the Office should be
equipped to carry the responsibility for a major portion of the
Federal Government’s educational broadcasting. There is no provision
in the Office of Education at the present time for a service in
the field of visual education. There is only one professional position
provided for in the regular appropriations to give assistance in the
field of radio.
D. TO STRENGTHEN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH BY A SYSTEM OF COOPERATIVE
FELLOWSHIPS
The Office of Education is to a large extent a fact-finding and factdisseminating
agency. In its fact-finding activities it cooperates with
many research agencies. It stimulates many investigations. It offers
its facilities, so far as possible, to other investigators. It advises
institutions and individuals with respect to research projects.
Graduate students in education are frequently engaged in less significant
investigations than they would like to be identified with
because these students do not have access to materials with which to
conduct more significant investigations. The Office of Education, on
the other hand, is greatly limited in its ability to carry on research
because it lacks competent, trained people in various research fields.
It would be mutually advantageous, therefore, for certain selected
students in graduate schools of education to conduct their investigations
in cooperation with the Office of Education. In several fields,
at least, better training in research techniques could be given them
than is afforded in some graduate schools of education. More valuable
results would accrue from their investigations. The research
program of the Office of Education would be greatly speeded up if
these students could be selected by the Office and assigned by their
universities to carry on the investigations required by their universities
in cooperation with the Office of Education. A small appropriaOFFICE
OF EDUCATION 355
tion should be made to the Office of Education to enable it to secure
the services of research fellows.
In all the recommendations included herewith there have been few
arguments presented in their defense. Proper arguments would require
space far beyond the limits allowed for this report.
May I be permitted to state, however, that apart from these proposals
based upon the report of the President’s Advisory Committee
on Education, the other recommendations rest in the main upon a
series of many conferences held in the Office of Education in 1936.
These conferences were organized around different subjects such as
the curriculum, school buildings, the creative arts, and the like. Each
was participated in by about 12 leaders, representing diverse agencies
and interests in the particular field which was the subject of the
conference.
At the conclusion of a 2- or 3-day session each conference group
submitted a report to the Commissioner of Education giving the views
of the conferees concerning the services which the Office of Education
should be staffed to render in the particular field. These conference
reports are available to substantiate the recommendations presented.
GENERAL EDUCATION BOARD
The General Education Board, which has as its object the promotion
of education within the United States, was created by an act of Congress
approved January 12, 1903. Section 6 of this act requires the
Corporation to file annually with the Secretary of the Interior a report
in writing, stating in detail the property, real and personal, held by the
Corporation, and the expenditure or other use or disposition of the
same or the income thereof during the preceding year.
On December 31, 1936, principal fund, belonging without restriction
to the Board, amounted to $38,916,046.24. Transactions during
the year ended December 31, 1937, resulted in a net decrease of $2,-
582,881.56., or a balance on December 31, 1937, of $36,333,164.68.
This fund is invested in stocks and bonds. In addition, the sum of
$11,230,886.33 has been reserved out of principal, of which $10,230,-
886.33 is reserved to pay appropriations to various educational institutions,
while the remaining $1,000,000 has been referred to the executive
committee for appropriation. This fund is invested as follows:
Securities $10,513,470.45, and cash on deposit $717,415.88. Lapses
on prior years’ appropriations amounted to $1,638. Payments during
the year amounted to $6,652,417.77.
356 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
The income from the above funds, together with income from undistributed
income, amounted during the year to $2,017,775.66; the
balance of income from the previous year as of December 31, 1936,
amounted to $8,232,488.88, which, together with sundry refunds
amounting to $3,343.25, increase the total to $10,253,607.79. Disbursements
from income during the year amounted to $3,352,539.40,
leaving an undistributed balance of income on December 31, 1937,
of $6,901,068.39. Of this sum $5,560,669.45 is invested in securities;
$674,641.68 in cash on deposit; and $665,757.26 representing the net
sum of advances, deferred charges, and sundry accounts receivable
under appropriations, which are to be accounted for. This balance
of $6,901,068.39 consists of: Unpaid appropriations $5,849,548.64;
amounts reserved for unappropriated authorizations $208,761; and
the sum of $842,758.75 which remains unappropriated.
There was appropriated from income during the year the sum of
$2,786,137.74. Lapses on account of prior years’ appropriations
amounted to $458,799.07, however, leaving a net increase in income
appropriations of $2,327,338.67.
The Anna T. Jeanes fund, the principal and interest of which are to
be used for Negro rural schools, amounted, on December 31, 1936,
to $15,919.21. This sum was appropriated during the year and added
to the sum of $12,500 remaining unpaid at December 31, 1936, resulting
in a total sum appropriated of $28,419.21. Payments during
the year amounted to $20,919.21, leaving the sum of $7,500 unpaid at
December 31, 1937. This amount was in cash on deposit.
The balance in the Anna T. Jeanes fund income account at December
31, 1936, amounted to $1,223.50, which consisted of unpaid appropriations
of $875, and an unappropriated balance of $348.50.
During the year this balance ($348.50) was appropriated, and the
entire fund, amounting to $1,223.50 was disbursed.
DIVISION OF INVESTIGATIONS
B. B. Smith, Director
The annual appropriation for the Division of Investigations for the
purpose of investigating official matters under the control of the
Department of the Interior for the fiscal year 1938 was $436,100.
The sum of $50,750 emergency funds was also allocated for investigative
work pertaining to emergency projects.
The number of special agents employed in the Division as of June
30, 1938, was 79, of which number 69 were regular special agents and
10 were paid from emergency funds. In addition to the special agents
there were five special agents in charge directing the special agents,
under the supervision of the director, at offices maintained at San
Francisco, Calif.; Billings, Mont.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Albuquerque,
N. Mex.; and Washington, D. C. The total force employed, including
the director, assistant director, reviewer and clerks, was 125.
Requests for investigations during the past fiscal year, originating
in the various bureaus and offices and affecting practically every
activity of the Department, showed a marked increase over those of
the preceding year. On June 30, 1937, there were 9,897 cases pending;
11,054 cases were received during the year; 9,037 were investigated;
and 11,914 uninvestigated cases were pending on June 30, 1938.
The most important work, both from a standpoint of volume and
the necessity for prompt action, arose under section 15 of the Taylor
Grazing Act. A total of 4,100 applications for lease were investigated
and reported during the fiscal year. In these cases the special agents
determined the qualifications of the applicants, the carrying capacity
of the lands, the number of head of livestock which such lands would
support each year, and the rental fees. In addition numerous other
minor factors were determined, such as the need of the lands for
stock driveway purposes or, if they contained permanent water, the
desirability of having them set aside as public water holes. A number
of cases were complex because of the large number of conflicting applications,
but in most instances the special agents were successful in
bringing about compromises between the applicants.
Field examinations were also made under section 7 of the Taylor
Grazing Act which provides for classification of lands within and
without grazing districts which are suitable for other than grazing
357
358 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
purposes. Field examinations were also made under section 8 of the
same act which provides for the exchange of State owned or privately
owned lands. Field investigations were made to determine whether
the lands involved in these exchanges were of equal value and area,
and also whether the question of public watering places was involved.
Section 14 of the above-mentioned act liberalized the previous
provisions of law with respect to purchases of isolated tracts of lands,
with the result that these cases necessitated field examinations for the
purpose of appraisal.
Notwithstanding the generally accepted belief that the withdrawal
of public lands from homestead entry has lightened the burden of the
Division of Investigations with regard to homestead cases, the work
remains at about the same figure. On July 1, 1937, there were 2,399
homestead cases pending investigation; during the fiscal year ended
July 1, 1938, 1,473 cases were received and 1,513 cases investigated;
leaving a total of 2,359 pending investigation. The large number of
homestead entries to be investigated is due principally to the regulation
of grazing on public lands which has given rise to complaints
of livestock operators who previously have been inclined to adopt a
passive attitude toward fraudulent entries involving lands upon which
grazing was not regulated. Also, it is apparent that many homestead
claimants who formerly renewed their entries under the provisions of
the act of September 5, 1914, but who are now prevented from making
such renewals by the Executive withdrawal of November 26,1934, are
inclined to attempt final proof on their entries rather than allow them
to be canceled or relinquished upon the expiration of the statutory
period allowed for compliance with homestead requirements.
During the last fiscal year a considerable number of cases were
handled for the Bureau of Reclamation, such as the examination of
lands claimed to be valuable for minerals, including the appraisal of
patented lands, as well as unpatented mining claims, involved in
new reclamation projects. Cases of this nature have been handled
and are pending in connection with the Central Valley project in
California. A reappraisal of land under the Boise, Idaho, project
was made. Test runs for gold placer gravels on approximately 1,200
acres were made on the area to be partially flooded by the Caballo
Reservoir, near Hatch, N. Mex.; as a result there was a reduction in
the claim of property owners for damage which would be caused by
flooding of the property from $200,000 to approximately $36,000.
A total of 95 cases involving coal, timber, and grazing trespasses
were investigated during the year. As a result of these investigations
$141,991.46 were recovered for the Government. In one case which
involved a coal trespass, $133,114.74 was collected under a judgment
in the Federal court.
DIVISION OF INVESTIGATION 359
The following criminal and penal code violations were investigated
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938:
Embezzlement___________________________________________________ 4
Fraud, sale of oil and homestead land_______________________________ 1
Fraud, acquisition, public land_____________________________________ 1
Perjury_________________________________________________________ 2
Grazing trespass__________________________________________________ 8
Bribery__________________________________________________________ 2
Impersonation of Federal officers___________________________________ 2
Fraud____________ ■ _____________________________________________ ]
Eleven persons were indicted during the year and eight were convicted.
One defendant was sentenced to a term of 6 to 12 years and
fined $36,000. Nine criminal cases are pending action.
A number of hearings based upon investigations and reports submitted
by the investigators were conducted in behalf of the United
States by the special agents who have charge of hearings, resulting in
the restoration to the public domain of thousands of acres of land in
cases where fraudulent final proofs were attempted and the law not
complied with.
Special agent auditors made all the audits of Indian agencies and
guardianships, as well as the audits of concessionaires operating under
contracts in the various national parks and national monuments.
Typical of other important types of accounting performed by this
Division was the audit of the sales of potash from Government leased
lands to determine the amounts due in royalties.
Official conduct and personnel cases were investigated under authority
of the Secretary of the Interior, and investigations were made
involving applications to practice before the Department.
PETROLEUM CONSERVATION DIVISION
George W. Holland, Director
I HE PETROLEUM CONSERVATION DIVISION was established
to assist the Secretary of the Interior in administering the act
of February 22, 1935 (49 Stat. 30), as extended by the act of June 14,
1937 (50 Stat. 257); to cooperate with the Interstate Oil Compact
Commission and the oil- and gas-producing States in the prevention
of waste in oil and gas production and in the adoption of uniform oiland
gas-conservation laws and regulations; and to keep informed
currently as to the movement of petroleum and petroleum products
in interstate commerce and undue burdens or restrictions thereof
which may be caused, in whole or in part, by lack of parity between
the supply of and consumptive demand for petroleum and petroleum
products, in the event that such facts may be required by the President
for the exercise of his responsibility under section 4 of said act. The
establishment of this Division was authorized by Executive Order
No. 7756, dated December 1, 1937.
The act of February 22, 1935, generally known as the Connally law,
regulates interstate and foreign commerce in petroleum and petroleum
products by prohibiting the shipment in such commerce of petroleum
and its products produced in violation of State law. It was to have
expired June 16, 1937, but was extended to June 30, 1939, by the
act of June 14, 1937. By Executive Order No. 7756, dated December
1, 1937, the Secretary of the Interior was designated by the President
to execute during the extended period certain powers and functions
vested in the President by the law, and Executive Orders Nos. 7757
and 7758 of December 1, 1937, were issued for the administration of
the law, as extended. By Executive Order No. 7759, dated December
1, 1937, the President revoked Executive Order No. 7024-B, of April
25, 1935, which created Federal Petroleum Agency No. 1 as an administrative
and investigative agency in connection with tenders presented
to Federal Tender Board No. 1, and Executive Order No. 7129-A, of
August 6, 1935, which required the submission to the Division of
Investigations, Department of the Interior, of reports of loadings and
discharges of certain cargoes of petroleum and petroleum products in
interstate commerce, said Executive orders having been superseded by
360
PETROLEUM CONSERVATION DIVISION 361
Executive Orders Nos. 7757 and 7758. By Order No. 1263, of April 1,
1938, the Secretary of the Interior prescribed and approved forms of
reports required under Executive Orders Nos. 7757 and 7758.
OPERATIONS IN THE EAST TEXAS AREA
federal Tender Board No. 1, at Kilgore, Tex., was reestablished by
Executive Order No. 7758, of December 1, 1937, under the Connally
law as extended. It operates in a designated area, known as the East
Texas field, and is required, upon application, to issue certificates of
clearance, or tenders, permitting the shipment in interstate commerce
of petroleum or petroleum products whenever it determines that the
petroleum or petroleum products do not constitute contraband oil,
as defined in the act.
During the fiscal year, 6,942 applications for tenders, of which
4,992 were for 254,614,303 barrels of crude oil and 1,950 for 27,716,209
barrels of petroleum products, were received and considered. All of
the applications were approved except 76 for 2,533,367 barrels of crude
oil and 19 for 149,935 barrels of products. Tenders were approved for
251,628,058 barrels of crude oil and 27,641,664 barrels of petroleum
products. Eighteen approved applications for tenders were reduced by
the Board in the aggregate quantity of 512,418 barrels. At the close
of the fiscal year, 25 tender applications, involving 1,793,324 barrels
of crude oil and 55,272 barrels of products, were pending. The aggregate
quantity of petroleum approved for shipment in interstate commerce
was substantially larger than that actually produced in the
East Texas field, owing to the retendering monthly of legally produced
oil held in storage and oil previously tendered but not shipped, the
approval of tenders covering oil produced elsewhere but received in
the East Texas area, and the issuance of tenders on oil interchanged
between companies operating in the area.
During the fiscal year, the reported actual production of petroleum
in the East Texas field was 158,640,553 barrels, or 434,645 barrels
daily, while withdrawals of East Texas crude oil from storage totaled
654,136 barrels, making a total of 159,294,689 barrels. Of this
amount, 150,555,255 barrels, or 94.5 percent, was shipped from the
area through the 13 trunk pipe lines; 8,637,152 barrels, or 5.4 percent,
was processed at refineries located in the field; and the balance of
102,282 barrels, or 0.1 percent, includes crude used in the field, inventory
adjustments, and losses.
There were 25,261 producing oil wells in the East Texas field on
June 30, 1938, of which 2,457 were completed during the fiscal year,
as compared with 2,128 new well completions during the previous
fiscal year. The average well density of the field was increased from
one well to 5.7 acres on June 30, 1937, to one well per 5.2 acres on
362 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
June 30, 1938. The average reservoir pressure declined from 1,163.26
pounds per square inch on June 12, 1937, to 1,120.84 pounds per
square inch on June 8, 1938, a decrease of 42.42 pounds. An average
of approximately 3,740,000 barrels of crude oil was produced for each
pound of decline in reservoir pressure.
Ten refineries were operating on Federal tenders in the East Texas
field at the beginning of the fiscal year and eight at the close. These
plants processed 9,685,205 barrels of crude oil, of which 8,637,152
barrels, or 89 percent, was obtained from the East Texas field, and
1,048,053 barrels, or 11 percent, was obtained from other fields. The
receipt of crude oil from other sources than the East Texas field
increased materially during the latter half of the fiscal year, reaching a
peak in June 1938, when 30 percent of the crude oil processed in
East Texas refineries was obtained from other fields in Texas, Louisiana,
and Arkansas.
The following table summarizes the operations, during the fiscal
year, of the East Texas refineries operating on Federal tenders and
shipping in interstate commerce.
Summary of East Texas Refinery Operations, 1938 Fiscal Year
East Texas crude charged to stills______
Southwest Texas crude charged to stills.
Louisiana crude charged to stills_______
Arkansas crude charged to stills________
Total crude distilled_____________
Products manufactured:
Gasoline and naphthas____________
Kerosene__________________________
Gas oils and distillates_____________
Fuel oil____________________________
Unfinished oils____________________
Losses in refining__________________
Total_____ ____ __________________
Barrels Percent
8,637,152 89.18
123,257 1.27
897,187 9. 26
27, 609 .29
9,685, 205 100.00
5,735, 222 59. 22
486, 742 5. 02
282, 732 2 92
2, 016, 501 20 82
722, 446 7.46
441, 562 4. 56
9,685, 205 100.00
Sixteen natural gasoline plants, connected to 23,018 wells on June
30, 1938, reported operations to Federal Tender Board No. 1 during
the fiscal year. These plants processed 49,239,915 m. c. f. of lease
and still gas and extracted therefrom 5,973,613 barrels of natural
gasoline, 496,144 barrels of butane, and 24,653 barrels of propane, or
a total of 6,494,410 barrels. This represents an average of 5.5 gallons
of natural gasoline, butanes and propanes per m. c. f. of gas
processed. The average gas-oil ratio of the 23,018 wells connected
to these plants during June, 1938, was 346.75 cu. ft. per barrel of
crude.
PETROLEUM CONSERVATION DIVISION 363
EXAMINATIONS OUTSIDE OF THE EAST TEXAS AREA
Regulation XIX, of Executive Order No. 7757, provides that the
Petroleum Conservation Division or any board established under the
Connally law, when authorized by the Secretary of the Interior, shall
make necessary investigations, within or outside of any designated
area, to accomplish the purposes of said act. Several investigations
were authorized by the Secretary of the Interior, under said regulation,
between its effective date, December 1, 1937, and the close of
the fiscal year.
On March 9, 1938, the Secretary of the Interior authorized an
investigation of certain injunction proceedings brought against the
Arkansas Board of Conservation and the status, under the Connally
law, of oil produced in the south Miller County field, Arkansas, during
the period covered by the injunction. A similar inquiry was authorized
June 17, 1938, as to certain petroleum produced in Kansas under
injunction against the Kansas Corporation Commission,
On April 7, 1938, the Secretary of the Interior authorized an
extended investigation of alleged excessive production of crude oil
in a number of fields in Southern Louisiana. On April 21, 1938, he
authorized an examination of the oil-proration procedure in the States
of Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas,
for the purpose of determining the manner in which said procedure
affects the administration of the Act of February 22, 1935, and contributes
to the ultimate recovery and the conservation of oil and gas
resources. All of said investigations were undertaken by Federal
Tender Board No. 1.
DAILY REPORT ON EAST TEXAS TANK-CAR SHIPMENTS
Regulation XV, Executive Order No. 7757, of December 1, 1937,
provides that each transporting agency, other than pipe lines, shall
make available daily to Federal Tender Board No. 1 copies of all waybills
covering the movement during the preceding day of petroleum or
petroleum products in or from the East Texas area. The information
thus obtained as to tank car shipments of petroleum products from
the area is tabulated in a special daily report, which includes the tank
car designation, capacity and contents, shipper, consignee and destination.
A copy of this report is mailed daily to designated officials
of all States in which tank car shipments of petroleum products from
the East Texas area customarily are received. Shipments as reported
in the reports are checked by the State officials against the actual
receipts and federal Tender Board No. 1 notified as to diversion of
shipments or other differences. The following table shows the trend
364 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
of gasoline production and shipments by tank car from the East
Texas area during the 1938 fiscal year:
Gasoline Production and Shipments From East Texas Field by Tank Car
[In barrels]
Shipments Produced
in East
Texas
Intra-State Coastwise Interstate Total refineries
1937:
July__________________________________ 275, 082 198,708 219, 260 693, 050 649, 000
August_________ ____________________ 245, 429 155, 238 240,160 640,827 642,131
September____________________________ 265, 559 179.115 259,057 703,731 654, 900
October.- ______ ___ --- . ------------- 231, 959 141,383 216, 574 589, 916 600, 233
November------ ---------------------------------- 180, 083 105, 057 270, 391 555, 531 579, 682
December____________________________ 182, 885 97, 628 195, 947 476, 460 480, 373
1938:
January----------------------------------------------- 132, 738 55, 542 175, 685 363, 965 395, 417
February_____________________________ 176, 775 105. 409 98,338 380, 522 330.158
March_______ __ _ . __________ ... 143, 536 68, 647 141, 239 353,422 342, 768
April_____ __________________________ 106, 509 39,156 128, 682 274, 347 386, 289
May.. ______________________________ 143,791 72,125 157, 749 373, 665 341,323
June__________________________________ 120, 833 50, 815 148, 733 320, 381 332, 948
Total_________ ____ ________________ 2, 205,179 1, 268, 823 2, 251, 815 5, 725, 817 5. 735, 222
Not e .—Coastwise shipments are those transported by tank car to the Gulf Coast for shipment by water
to Atlantic Coast. Interstate shipments are those to Midwestern States. Refinery production does not
include output of plants operating without Federal tenders and shipping gasoline by truck to points in
Texas.
REPORTS ON PETROLEUM SHIPMENTS BY WATER
Regulation XVIII, Executive Order No. 7757, dated December 1,
1937, requires the submission of reports (on Forms OCR-1 and OCR-
2) covering the loading at any port in Texas and Louisiana of petroleum
or petroleum products for shipments by water in intermediate
and interstate commerce and the unloading of said cargoes at any
port in the United States. New forms were approved by the Secretary
of the Interior for use in this connection, effective April 1, 1938.
In addition to the information required previously as to the vessel and
cargo (the OCR-1) form in use since April 1 requires the duly authorized
agent of the shipper to cite the number and date of the State
tender or the date and designation of the order of the State regulatory
commission applicable to the cargo loaded and requires the execution
of the report before a notary public.
Shipments reported to have been made under tenders issued by the
Railroad Commission of Texas are totalled and a comparison thereof is
made monthly with the tenders as issued by the commission to make
certain that shipments thereunder were not in excess of the amounts
authorized. Similarly, cargoes of petroleum loaded at ports in Louisiana
are checked against the appropriate production orders of the
Louisiana Department of Conservation. Cargoes originating in New
Mexico and Oklahoma also are checked against the production orders
of the New Mexico Oil Conservation Commission and the Oklahoma
Corporation Commission. A copy of each report covering the loading
of a cargo of petroleum products for shipment in interstate comPETROLEUM
CONSERVATION DIVISION 365
merce is forwarded, promptly upon its receipt by the Petroleum
Conservation Division, to a designated official of the State in which
the reported destination of the shipment is located, in order to provide
information as to the reported cargo in advance of its arrival. At the
close of each month, the details of each shipment, including State
tender or order number, are tabulated and a photostatic copy of the
report is sent to all interested State and Federal agencies.
These reports, covering the loadings of cargoes of petroleum and
petroleum products, provide a procedure for checking a substantial
proportion of the petroleum shipped in commerce in Louisiana and
Texas, to make certain that said shipments do not include petroleum
or petroleum products produced in excess of the amounts permitted
by State law or orders thereunder. The total of all loadings of
petroleum and petroleum products at Texas ports, reported on Form
OCR-1 during June 1938, was equal to 70 percent of the calculated
total of all oils handled in Texas during that month, including current
production, receipts from Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma,
and withdrawals from or additions to storage; while loadings at
Louisiana ports, similarly reported, were equal to 81 percent of all
oils handled in southern Louisiana.
COST OF ADMINISTRATION
The administration of the act of February 22, 1935, is essentially
a field activity. Of the 94 persons employed at the close of the fiscal
year, 76 were in the field and 18 in Washington.
The following table shows the expenditures made of available
funds:
Personal services: Appropriation
Petroleum Conservation Division_____________________________ $45, 300
Federal Tender Board No. 1_________________________________ 174, 360
Total___________________________________________________ 219, 660
Miscellaneous:
Materials and Supplies______________________________________ 12, 453
Communications____________________________________ 2, 252
Travel______________________________________________________ 8, 232
Transportation of things_____________________________________ 511
Printing and binding__________________________________________ 2, 823
Rent of buildings_____________________________________________ 6, 737
Equipment__________________________________________________ 7, 248
Total___________________________________________________ 40, 256
Total obligated_____________________________________________ 259, 916
Unobligated________________________________________________ 25, 084
Total funds available_____________________________________ 285, 000
104366—38------25
DIVISION OF INFORMATION
Michael W. Straus, Director
/A DIVISION OF INFORMATION within the Office of the
Secretary was established by administrative order No. 1213, dated
September 24, 1937.
The Division coordinates the various informational activities of the
Department and disseminates useful information developed by the
economic, research, and conservation programs of the Department.
The Division supervises preparation of publications, public announcements
and releases to the press with the exception of purely
scientific and technical papers; supervises radio programs sponsored
or authorized by the Department, and supervises the production and
distribution of official photographs.
The Division consists of the Director’s office, a Radio Section, a
Publications Section, and a Photographic Section.
366
DIVISION OF MOTION PICTURES
Randall M. White, Acting Director
SIGNIFICANT development during the Division’s fourth
year of operation has been the greatly increased interest on the part
of the general public in motion pictures dealing with governmental
activities.
The distribution of film in all fields was more than doubled during
the year. Approximately 500 Civilian Conservation Corps camps
received regular weekly service to supplement their educational
programs; thousands of schools used the same productions as integral
parts of their curricula. The size of the library was not materially
increased, but more efficient methods of handling kept 50 percent
more reels in constant circulation than during the previous year.
C. C. C. camp circuits were established to minimize time lost in transit.
Requests for films by schools, churches, fraternal and other organizations
were accommodated insofar as prints were available but the
Division was obliged to deny service to 25,000 borrowers with potential
exhibition to at least 3,000,000 people. An increase of at least 25
percent in prints of the Division’s catalog would have been required
to meet the demands during the fiscal year.
Motion-picture-making activities of the Division were confined to
the production of sound subjects for governmental agencies, both
inside and outside the Department of the Interior, on a repay basis.
“Home Rule on the Range” exemplified the workings of the Taylor
Grazing Act for Interior’s Division of Grazing. “Know Your Coal”
was produced for the Consumers Counsel of the National Bituminous
Coal Commission. “Help by the Carload” was made for the Government
Printing Office as part of its campaign to increase the sale and
distribution of public documents. “The Land—To Have and to
Hold,” for the Farm Credit Administration, deals with the problem
of agricultural credit in relation to the Federal Farm Loan Act, the
Federal land banks, and the national farm loan associations.
367
OFFICE OF EXHIBITS
G. C. Dickens, Supervisor
Govern ment participation through exhibits at national and
international expositions, State fairs, and at scientific and educational
conventions, has become an established policy. One important function
of all Government departments and independent establishments
should be to acquaint the general public with the many, varied services
being carried on by them for the benefit of the people.
Experience has proven that one of the most satisfactory methods of
informing the public is participation in expositions and the other
meetings. In this work the use of motion pictures, animated dioramas,
cycloramas and panoramas, models, stereopticon slides and
colored transparencies, and murals, has proven to be highly successful
and adaptable. In making presentations relating to our island and
Territorial possessions and the American Indian, experience has proved
that the display of native handicraft is important.
The Office of Exhibits has designed and constructed departmental
exhibits which have been displayed at the Great Lakes and Texas expositions.
In addition, one diorama has been designed and constructed
for the Division of Territories and Island Possessions, and another
large diorama, with day and night, animation, and sound effects, is in
the course of construction. The Office of Exhibits is constructing the
conservation exhibit which will be displayed in the Federal Building
at the New York World’s Fair in 1939 as well as six dioramas for the
foods exhibit at the same exposition.
368
OFFICE OF THE ADVISER ON NEGRO AFFAIRS
Dewey R. Jones, Associate Adviser
Me GRO participation in the national park recreational demonstration
program was one of the major interests of the Adviser on Negro
Affairs during the year. Other activities of the Adviser included the
publishing of reports on the survey of the training and employment
of white collar and skilled Negro workers; C. C. C. personnel problems,
labor problems on Bureau of Reclamation projects and personnel
problems within the Department.
During the past fiscal year plans have been worked out between
the National Park Service and the Office of the Adviser on Negro
Affairs which called for six demonstration projects for Negro use in
the Southern States, to be completed by the summer of 1939, as part
of the national park recreational demonstration program. Plans
have also been completed for Negro participation in other projects of
this program in northern and western States. In the last fiscal year
the Adviser made trips to Louisville, Ky., Nashville, Tenn., Birmingham,
Ala., Memphis, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., Durham, N. C., Richmond,
Va., St. Louis, Mo., Grand Rapids, Mich., Indianapolis, Ind., Cincinnati,
Ohio, and Chicago, Ill., and conferred with national park
officials in Regions 1 and 2 in connection with this program.
SURVEY
As administrator of the survey on the training and employment of
white collar and skilled Negro workers, the Adviser on Negro Affairs
continued the second phase of this program during the past fiscal year.
Statistical information on Negro urban workers, gathered in the first
part of this survey, was published as volume 1 of the report by this
office. At the same time volume 2 was at the Government Printing
Office. Begun in 1936, the survey employed 1,800 people in 86 cities
and was financed by an allocation of $476,000 from the Works Progress
Administration. Workers in this phase of the survey turned in
350,000 Holerith punch cards which furnished the data on which the
report is based. At the end of the past fiscal year 25 persons were at
work in this office taking off data from these cards which will be used
in the third volume of the series. Volume 1 of the report has already
proven of interest to social workers, those interested in labor and
racial problems, and to colleges.
369
370 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
HOUSING
The Wagner-Steagall Housing Act created the United States
Housing Authority and transferred from the Public Works Administration
its Division of Housing. One of the major interests of the
Adviser on Negro Affairs had been the Negro participation in the
P. W. A. housing program both as workers and tenants. It is estimated
that 40 percent of the money spent by P. W. A. for low-cost
housing was spent on projects to be occupied by Negroes. Of the
projects planned for Negro occupancy, at least 20 will have Negro
managers or assistant managers. With the consent and cooperation
of the Director of Emergency Personnel most of the applicants for
these places were personally interviewed either by the Adviser on
Negro Affairs or the Associate Adviser.
Contract requirements suggested by the Adviser on Negro Affairs
and carried out by the Legal Division of the Public Works Administration
specified definite percentages for Negro skilled and unskilled
labor for the construction work on low-cost housing. The final labor
report covering all projects built by the Housing Division of P. W. A.
shows that Negro mechanics received 6 percent of the money spent for
skilled labor and 40 percent of the money spent for unskilled labor.
Dr. Robert C. Weaver, Adviser on Negro Affairs since 1934, became
Special Assistant to the Administrator of the United States Housing
Authority in January 1938.
BOARD OH GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES
George C. Martin, Executive Secretary
The uni ted state s boa rd on geo graph ical name s
provides for uniformity in the use of geographic names on maps and
in publications issued by the Federal Government.
The Board also serves as an informally recognized standard authority
in the nongovernmental use of geographic names. In this
capacity it gives decisions on geographic names at the request of the
local officials of the States, or at the request of institutions, publishers,
or other individuals. Such decisions are binding equally with those
rendered at governmental request, so far as the governmental use of
the name is concerned, but they are not binding upon other users.
As the general, nongovernmental acceptance of the decisions of the
Board is based upon the prestige of the Board and upon the merits
of its decisions, rather than upon any legal basis, special efforts are
made to see that the decisions merit such acceptance.
There has been a belief that the decisions of the Board are changes
in names. The decisions of the Board, for the most part, are findings
of fact as to which of two or more conflicting names is the actual
name that has been conferred by local or other competent authority
or sanctioned by local usage. The Board very rarely changes a name,
and then only for some very compelling reason. As the main purpose
of the Board is to insure uniform usage and to prevent confusion, every
effort is made to avoid changes in names and to recognize and help
to establish appropriate existing names.
The Board consists of an advisory committee, on which various
Government departments and geographic societies are represented,
which acts chiefly through its executive committee; and of an administrative
and investigative unit, the Division of Geographic Names,
the office of the Secretary of the Interior. The personnel of the
advisory and executive committees, on June 30, 1938, was as follows:
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Lt. Ccmmander K. T. Adams, Assistant Chief, Division of Charts, Coast and
Geodetic Survey, Department of Commerce.
Mr. Clarence Batschelet, Geographer, Bureau of the Census, Department of
Commerce.
Mr. Albert H. Bumstead, Chief Cartographer, National Geographic Society.
371
372 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Mr. E. E. Carter, Assistant Forester, Forest Service, United States Department
of Agriculture.
Mr. William J. Dixon, Superintendent, Division of Postmasters, Post Office
Department.
Dr. William H. Haas, Professor of Geology and Geography, Northwestern University,
representing the Geographic Society of Chicago.
Mr. W. L. G. Joerg, Chief, Division of Maps and Charts, National Archives.
Commander J. H. Magruder, Officer in Charge, Division of Maritime Security,
Hydrographic Office, Navy Department.
Lt. Col. Lawrence Martin, Chief, Division of Maps and Incumbent, Chair of
Geography, Library of Congress.
Dr. W. C. Mendenhall, Director, Geological Survey, United States Department
of the Interior.
Mr. Raye R. Platt, Secretary, American Geographical Society of New York.
Mrs. Sophia A. Saucerman, Assistant Geographer, Department of State.
Dr. John R. Swanton, Bureau of American Ethnology, Smithsonian Institution.
Dr. Frank E. Williams, Professor of Geography, Wharton School of Finance and
Commerce, University of Pennsylvania, representing the Geographical Society
of Philadelphia.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Dr. W. C. Mendenhall, Chairman Mr. E. E. Carter
Mr. W. L. G. Joerg
The advisory committee held 3 meetings during the year and the
executive committee held 35 meetings at which 745 names were
approved. The locations of the features thus named, and the organizations
which submitted the names for decision, were as follows:
Alaska__ J'l________
Wyoming_________
Maryland_________
California_________
Utah_____________
Florida___________
Pacific Ocean______
Washington_______
New Jersey________
Maine____________
Georgia___________
Massachusetts-____
Atlantic Ocean_____
Geographic Distribution of
177 Connecticut. _______
166 Virginia____----------
144 Wisconsin__ _______
45 Oregon____________
38 Arizona__ _________
37 Mississippi________
19 Nebraska_________
16 Michigan______2___
14 Idaho_____________
11 Louisiana-________
9 South Carolina_____
7 South Dakota______
6 Missouri__________
5 Ohio_____________ 2
5 Kentucky_________ 2
5 Montana_________ 1
4 New York________ 1
4 North Carolina____ 1
3 Oklahoma________ 1
3 Pennsylvania______ 1
3 Tennessee_________ 1
3 Texas____________ 1
2 Virgin Islands_____ 1
2 Dominican Republic. 1
2 ------
2 Total_______ 745
Organizations Requesting Decisions
United States Coast and Geodetic
Survey______________________ 284
National Park Service__________ 236
United States Geological Survey. 95
United States Forest Service___ 38
United States Hydrographic Office_______________________
30
Individuals____________________ 16
Office of Indian Affairs__________ 14
State organizations____________ 11
Soil Conservation Service______ 11
Post Office Department________ 4
Resettlement Administration___ 2
Bureau of the Census__________ 2
United States Board on Geographical
Names____________ 2
Total___________ 745
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL
Winfred Overholser, M. D., Superintendent
I HAVE the honor to submit herewith my first annual report as
Superintendent of St. Elizabeths Hospital.
On March 3, 1855, the Congress, in establishing this institution,
declared its objects to be “the most humane care and enlightened
curative treatment” of the patients who should enter its walls. Under
the progressive leadership of my four distinguished predecessors, Dr.
Charles H. Nichols, Dr. W. W. Godding, Dr. A. B. Richardson, and
Dr. William Alanson White, the institution has achieved an enviable
reputation as one of the outstanding mental hospitals of the world.
Having been honored by beings elected to succeed these great men, it
will be my consistent aim and the object of my most earnest efforts to
maintain the high traditions and standards of St. ElizabethsHospital.
Psychiatry has progressed far since 1855, and is still in a state of
flux. In the past this hospital has made its contributions to psychiatric
knowledge, and has always shown a readiness to accept the
discoveries and findings of others so far as they promised to add to the
comfort and welfare of the patients. The hospital was one of the
pioneers in this country, for example, in the use of hydrotherapy, and
was the first in the United States to employ the malarial treatment of
general paresis developed so brilliantly by Wagner-Jauregg. As time
goes on, new methods of treatment will be developed, perhaps here,
perhaps elsewhere. As they are developed and appear to offer benefit
to the patients, they will be adopted. Whatever the scientific developments
in the field of psychiatry, however, one old and sound principle
will always be adhered to; that of kindness, considerateness and
courtesy in dealing with patients, their relatives, the employees and
the public, with the welfare of the patient ever paramount.
The functions of a public mental hospital do not end with “the
most humane care and enlightened curative treatment” of its patients.
Such an institution owes an obligation to the scientific world in
spreading knowledge and in carrying on research activities. The
tradition of teaching at St. Elizabeths Hospital is a long one. The
hospital is recognized by the American Medical Association and the
American College of Surgeons for the training of internes (rotating
interneship), probably being the only mental hospital in the country
373
374 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
so recognized. In addition, it is accredited for the training of residents
in psychiatry. This institution is proud of the large number of
its medical alumni who have achieved success in the psychiatric world.
The vast amount of clinical material available for teaching purposes
is likewise used in the teaching of the medical students of George
Washington, Georgetown, and Howard Universities. Postgraduate
instruction is given to officers in training in the Naval Medical School,
and in addition officers of the Army and Navy Medical Corps are
assigned to the hospital for instruction. Other teaching activities
involve college classes in psychology, and students in social work and
dietetics. It is quite likely that in the future these activities will be
extended to include students of theology and of occupational therapy.
MOVEMENT OF PATIENT POPULATION
On June 30, 1938, 5,968 patients remained in the hospital as compared
with 5,667 on June 30, 1937, an increase of 301.
The total number of patients under treatment during the year was
6,696, as compared with 6,489 the preceding year, an increase of 207.
The total number of admissions during the year was 1,029, as compared
with 1,099 the preceding year, a decrease of 70. This decrease
was due primarily to the passage of the Act on June 8, 1938 entitled
“Commission on Mental Health of the District of Columbia,” providing
for the admission of District patients. From the date of
approval of this act until appropriation was made permitting the new
Commission to function, there were no admissions to the hospital
from the District of Columbia, that is, from June 8, 1938 to June 30,
1938, inclusive.
The total number of discharges for the year was 461, as compared
with 490 in the preceding year, a decrease of 29.
The total number of deaths for the year was 267, as compared with
332 for the preceding year, a decrease of 65. It will be noted that
there is a decrease in the number of deaths, notwithstanding an
increase in population.
The total number of discharges and deaths, combined, was 728,
compared with 822 for the preceding year, a decrease of 94.
There were 64 burials in the hospital cemetery, as compared with
50 the preceding year, an increase of 14. All honorably discharged
service men are entitled to burial in the Arlington National Cemetery.
Several former service men who had been dishonorably discharged
are included in those buried in the hospital cemetery, in that part
known as the military section. The other 203 bodies were buried by
private undertakers, in military and other cemeteries in Washington
and elsewhere throughout the United States.
The daily average patient population was 5,835.7, as compared
with 5,537.6 the preceding year, an increase of 298.1.
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 375
Movement of Patient Population, Fiscal Year 1938
Male Female
Total
White Colored Total White Colored Total
Remaining on rolls June 30, 1937___ 2,854 890 3,744 1,207 716 1,923 5,667
Admitted during year ended June
30, 1938__________________________ 496 179 675 240 114 354 1,029
Total number under care and
treatment during year
ended June 30, 1938______ 3,350 1,069 4,419 1,447 830 2,277 6,696
Discharged as—
Not insane____________________ 5 1 6 0 1 1 7
Recovered____________________ 80 15 95 21 15 36 131
Improved_____________________ 104 28 132 30 7 37 169
Unimproved__________________ 96 18 114 27 13 40 154
Total discharged____________ 285 62 347 78 36 114 461
Died______________________________ 106 67 173 54 40 94 267
Total of patients discharged
and died________________ 391 129 520 132 76 208 728
Number of patients remaining on
rolls June 30, 1938_____________ 2,959 940 3,899 1,315 754 2,069 5,968
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
Medical services.—The women’s service has made several changes,
transferring the disturbed patients from C building to P building, and
changing the patients from B to C building. L building, which was
formerly an open building, is now a closed ward in order to take better
care of this class of patients. J and K buildings, formerly used for
white patients, are now used to house colored patients. This reduced
the number of patients in the Oaks buildings, which were very much
overcrowded.
All the feeble white patients have been transferred to C building.
Here it has been possible to classify this group of patients more
satisfactorily, as there are four wards in the building whereas this
group, which was formerly housed in I building and which had no
separate wards, was permitted no suitable classification. The patients
formerly in K building have been transferred to I building.
Ward No. 3 in the women’s receiving service was in use as a special
treatment ward for insulin and metrazol therapy from September 1,
1937, until June 1, 1938, when the ward was closed for the summer
months. About 100 patients were treated during the period. Prior
to the starting of the insulin therapy, Rorschach tests were made on
patients and will be checked again following completion of therapy.
Due to the excessive heat during the months of June, July, and August,
it was not considered advisable to continue the insulin treatment. It
is expected that the ward will be reopened soon after September 1,
1938, for continuation of the special treatment.
Equipment has been purchased for a beauty parlor on the colored
service. The basement of Q building is to be remodeled to house this
equipment.
376 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Tuberculosis cottages No. 4 and No. 5, formerly used for tuberculous
patients, are now vacant as these patients were transferred to Glenside
Building, formerly known as Isolation Building. The name of the
tuberculosis cottages will be changed to female cottages No. 1 and
No. 2 and be used for housing colored patients, providing 44 additional
beds for this purpose.
Studies are being carried on at present concerning the effects of
benzedrine sulphate in depressions, and of amniotin and theelin in the
depressions of later life. Investigations of the significance of hyperostosis
frontalis interna are under way.
A project on the study of the relationship between hearing defects
and paranoid tendencies has been begun.
A study of the effect of a new drug, dilantin, upon epileptic convulsions
has been started.
The colored male patients, formerly cared for in tuberculosis cottage
No. 1, have been transferred to ward No. 3 of the building for
male tuberculous patients. Following this transfer cottage No. 1
was carefully cleaned and disinfected and turned over to white nontuberculous
patients.
The names of the tuberculosis cottages No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 were
changed to male cottages 1,2, and 3.
The male Indian patients are cared for in ward C of Continuous
Treatment Building No. 2.
The quadrangle in the rear of Continuous Treatment Buildings
No. 1 and No. 2 is of great value in giving the patients in these two
buildings a sufficient amount of fresh air and exercise. They are
allowed to play ball and indulge in other suitable forms of recreation,
and seem to enjoy these privileges.
Medical and surgical service.—There is noted a marked increase in
the number of tuberculous patients admitted to the service for the
purpose of receiving pneumothorax therapy. There are listed 17
such patients and each patient has received pneumothorax a varying
number of times.
The malarial treatment of paretics has proceeded as usual, with
periodic inoculations. The type of malaria used during the past year
has been exclusively the quartan type. Toward the end of the year,
however, arrangements were made for reintroducing into the service
the use of tertian malaria to be used with those patients who did not
successfully take quartan malaria.
Greater efficiency and ease of treatment and better results in the
cases of fractures of the hip have been noted since the surgical service
acquired the necessary apparatus and equipment for the use of the
Smith-Peterson nail.
The number of operations reported by the Surgical Service for the
fiscal year was 227.
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 377
The antiluetic clinic reported 9,819 patient visits during the year.
Each of these visits was for the purpose either of withdrawing blood
or spinal fluid for serological examination, or giving intravenous or
intramuscular therapy.
A group of paretic patients who have been resistant to malarial
therapy and the usual antiluetic drugs, has been placed on a new
pentavalent arsenical known as “Aldarsone.”
During the year patients have been examined and treated in the
various special clinics as follows:
Ophthalmological_____________________________________________ 670
Otolaryngological_____________________________________________ 407
Dermatological_______________________________________________ 1 39g
Gynecological________________________________________________ 642
Urological___________________________________________________ 59g
Nine hundred and sixty-five patients have come to the physiotherapy
clinic, and these and patients in the ward have received
10,728 treatments.
During the year 4,283 radiographs were made on 2,518 patients, and
588 X-ray treatments were administered to 104 patients.
Three thousand five hundred and three patients have made 6,004
visits to the dental clinic.
Two thousand three hundred and six patients have made 4,009
visits to the minor surgical clinic.
Laboratory. Out of 267 deaths, 174 autopsies were held, a percentage
of 66% percent.
One hundred and forty-one brains were dissected during the year,
139 surgical specimens were studied, and 183 gross specimens were
photographed.
In the photographic department there were 1,308 pictures taken,
2,059 other prints, and 1,000 feet of 16 mm. motion pictures
In the clinical pathological department there were 4,834 routine
examinations of urine, 1,479 hemoglobin estimations, and 251 examinations
of sputum.
Great numbers of blood chemistry and glucose tolerance tests were
carried out preparatory to, during, and after many individual courses
of treatment.
A quotation from the report of the committee appointed by the
Secretary of the Interior, with the approval of the President, in 1911,
is timely:
It is believed that the medical staff of the hospital should do its share by scientific
research in adding to the general fund of information regarding disorders of
mind, making every effort within its power to throw light upon the complicated
problems with which it has to deal. Further than this, aside wholly from what
may or may not be accomplished in the way of adding to the fund of information
regarding mental disorder by research work, the presence of scientific research
going on in a hospital is essential at this day and age to keep the medical staff
378 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
acutely, actively, and aggressively interested in the problems with which they
come into daily contact, and it alone is capable of so improving the esprit de corps
as to increase materially the efficiency of the hospital in dealing with its patient
problems. Scientific work going on in an institution for the care of the insane is
some sort of a barometric index of the kind of care that they are receiving. Places
where scientific research is not being conducted are apt to be places where problems
of care and treatment are not being aggressively attacked and advanced,
whereas the contrary is true in general of those institutions where scientific work
is being done. The spirit that makes for progress is the spirit that is fostered by
scientific research.
The scientific work of the laboratory of this hospital has been noteworthy.
The vacancy created by the resignation of Dr. Nolan D. C.
Lewis in 1935 to become director of the New York State Psychiatric
Institute has been filled by the appointment of Dr. Solomon Katzenelbogen,
for 10 years on the staff of the Henry Phipps Psychiatric
Clinic of the Johns Hopkins Hospital, and associate professor of
psychiatry in Johns Hopkins Medical School. Dr. Katzenelbogen
is widely known as a scientist and as a valued contributor to the
psychiatric literature. He will act as Director of Laboratories and
Research.
It is my hope that the publication of the St. Elizabeths Hospital
Bulletin may be resumed as a means of making available the results of
the investigations, treatment, and research of the staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT—OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT TO
THE SUPERINTENDENT
Supplies.—The supplies produced on the hospital reservation, including
farm and garden products such as tomatoes, beans, parsley,
spinach, etc., included the following: 289,241 gallons of milk, 127,517
pounds of fresh pork, 6,867 dozen eggs, 13,801 pounds of chicken,
13,601 bunches and 68 bushels of beets, 1,501 bushels of cabbage,
41,771 bunches of carrots, 23,047 ears of green corn, 5,000 pounds of
grapes, 1,948 bushels of kale, 42,050 heads of lettuce, 72,315 bunches
of green onions, 203 bushels of oyster plant, 7,554 bunches of parsley,
873 bushels of sweet potatoes, 29,903 bunches of radishes, 486 bushels
of spinach, 327 bushels of squash and 340 single squash, 827 bushels
of Swiss chard, 1,725 bushels of tomatoes, 2,200 bunches and 1,774
bushels of turnips.
In addition to the items mentioned, there were manufactured at the
hospital 25,216 gallons of ice cream. The farm produced forage as
follows: 37% tons of alfalfa hay, 23 tons of soybean and sudan-grass
hay, 45 tons of timothy hay, 20 tons of timothy and grass mixed,
6 tons of wheat hay, 878.6 tons of corn ensilage, and 2,560 bushels of
ear corn.
The shoe shop produced 11,235 pairs of various kinds of shoes and
slippers, and in addition 2,461 pairs of shoes and slippers were repaired,
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 379
237 dozen men’s belts, 262 dozen pairs of suspenders, 2,187 brushes, and
234 floor brooms were made in the same department. The broom
shop produced 5,579 common brooms and 145 whisk brooms. There
were made in the mattress shop 2,872 mattresses and 2,636 pillows.
In the bakery there were baked 903,198 loaves of bread, 65,340
pounds of pastry, and 3,324,168 rolls. The laundry washed, dried,
and ironed 14,387,256 pieces. The power plant manufactured
545,858,000 pounds of steam; the electrical department generated
3,822,481 kilowatts of electricity; there were pumped 425,397,000
gallons of water, and the main refrigeration plant produced 7,493 tons
of ice and refrigeration. All the steam, electricity, ice, and refrigeration
used on the reservation were manufactured by the hospital.
In addition, large quantities of clothing for men and women were
made in the sewing rooms, tailor shops and occupational therapy departments.
The patients on the wards, under the direction of the
occupational therapists, made all the dresses furnished the patients,
hemmed all the sheets and blankets, assisted in making stand covers,
table covers, tablecloths, towels, wove stand covers, rugs, towels, and
similar items, and manufactured many hundreds of small toys and
recreation items, such as checkerboards, chessboards, cribbage boards,
dolls, etc.
Dairy and cow barn.—The Holstein-Friesian herd was again tested
for tuberculosis in March and found to be practically free from this
disease. While there were two suspects, which were afterwards destroyed,
there was no pathological trace of the active disease. The
herd, consisting of 252 cows, 87 heifers, 86 calves, and 8 bulls, is one
of the largest accredited herds in the country. It is bled twice yearly
to determine its freedom from Bang’s disease. All animals were
negative to the agglutination test.
The output of milk has increased but has not kept pace with the
increase of patients. By elimination of the unprofitable cows and
careful breeding and feeding the production has been increased until
during the past year it averaged more than 12,000 pounds of milk
per cow. It cannot be hoped that this output can be materially
increased without additional animals. On the other hand, we are
confronted with the proposition that there is no further room in the
present barns for additional animals. The farm land has been
gradually lessened due to taking portions of the land for the construction
of buildings, until there is practically none available for
new barns and certainly none to be used for raising of feed and for
grazing.
The shortage of milk and the necessity for the increase of farm
animals, which will require more land, has been confronting the
hospital for several years. This is the basis of the estimate for an
appropriation for additional land included in the needs of the hospital.
380 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
With the increased population the hospital would require a daily
production of about 1,000 gallons of milk, compared to the maximum
under the present conditions of 875 gallons and a minimum of 600
gallons per day. It would probably require a herd of between 325
and 350 cows to produce the estimated quantity of milk. Of this
number, from 60 to 70 would be dry, and in the excessive heat of
July, August, and September the production might drop to below
900 gallons of milk daily.
Hogs.—The herd of hogs is in excellent condition and numbers
1,065, which produced 127,517 pounds of fresh pork during the year.
Again we are confronted with the proposition of crowded conditions.
The pens are inadequate for the number of pigs raised, resulting in a
large loss of little pigs due to smothering in crowding each other in
very cold weather. Proper conditions can only be maintained by the
acquisition of additional land.
Garden truck.—Conditions for growing vegetables during the past
year were better than they have been for several years. For the past
several years all of the fall-planted cabbage has been winter-killed,
and other crops have suffered from droughts, insect pests, and similar
causes. The past year the crops which have suffered most were
squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and other cucurbits, because of the
prevalence of the cucumber beetle and the green aphis which worked
havoc with the cabbage, kale, collards, and related crops. By intensified
gardening with periodic planting we were able to increase
materially the output of most of the plants and to keep green vegetables
on the tables for the patients during most of the year.
Lawns and grounds.—The grading and resowing with grass seed
of the lawns near Oaks D and Toner kitchen have materially improved
this part of the grounds. The baseball field was regraded and filled
in where low, planted with grass seed, and a pipe railing 300 feet in
length placed along the roadside. The large pond south of Center
Building has been drained, cleaned out, and greatly improved by
repairs and larger flow of water; eight pond lilies in tubs on piers in
a circle have been put in, and an island planted with a weeping willow
tree and ornamental grasses.
A severe hailstorm visited the institution on April 29, breaking
more than 6,000 panes of glass in the greenhouses and destroying
many plants.
The hospital used 15,000 plants in flower beds and vases during
the year.
Personnel.—The total number of employees on the hospital rolls
June 30, 1938, was 1,726. There were 419 appointments during the
year, and 390 separations.
During the year 17 of the old employees were retired from the service
on account of age and disability.
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 381
Administrative promotions (salary rating increases) were granted
to 722 employees. Promotions in grade and position were granted
to 83 employees.
Among those retired, with terms of service, were:
Marshall Thomas..
Hallie M. Felker _ .
Orion J. Lawrence
Junior laborer__________________________
Attendant_____________________________
___ do_____________________________ ___
Leland M. Edelen__________
Tom Taylor_______________
Saunders Harrell___________
Elisabeth O. Robinson______
Charles Wilson_____________
William E. Moore__________
Sadie E. Dorsey____________
Ida B. Slaughter____________
Robert E. Freeland_________
Frank Swider______________
Walber L. Sanders__________
Martha A. Langley_________
Lorena D. Cropp___________
John F. Jenkins____________
------ do________________________________
Auto mechanic’s helper__________________
In charge of garden truck farm___________
Occupational therapy aide_______________
Farm hand____________________________
Junior laborer__________________________
Assistant cook_________________________
Attendant_____________________________
Charge psychiatric nurse________________
General mason_________________________
Watch engineer________________________
Forewoman, sewing room________________
Telephone operator_____________________
Assistant supervisor_____________________
Years
10
12
13
13
14
15
16
18
18
22
22
31
31
31
32
35
41
Rev. H. Waldo Manley, one of the hospital chaplains representing
the Episcopal Church, resigned, and Rev. Roy E. LeMoine, of the
same church, was appointed chaplain in his place.
During the year one colored graduate nurse and five colored attendants
have been detailed to the colored women’s service, and three
colored male attendants to the colored men’s service.
Purchases.—Supplies were ordered in the amount of $1,900,000. Of
this amount, $888,864 were open market purchases, covered by 275
formal contracts. Included in these contracts was one for Continuous
Treatment Building No. 3, $264,000; Continuous Treatment
Building No. 4, $292,850; and vehicular underpass, $42,059.
Financial office.—During the year disbursements approved through
the financial office amounted to $3,767,623.48 on a total of 4,353
vouchers. Collections received and deposited totaled $2,854,970.99.
Chiej clerk's office.—During the year 1938 in the stenographic office
18,715 letters were written, 4,077 handwritten notes typed, 16,691
dictaphone cylinders transcribed, and 4,750 notes from the laboratory
and 964 histories pertaining to patients, totaling 10,960 pages, were
written.
Post office.-—-Congress enacted legislation that permitted the hospital
to reopen the post office, which was closed July 1, 1937, under the
name of station L. This office is a great convenience to the patients,
to the administration of the hospital, and to the employees.
Fire department.—Regular inspections were made of the whole
hospital by the fire marshal for the purpose of protecting it from fire.
The 825 soda extinguishers were refilled and tops locked, and also
104366—38’ ■ 26
382 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
179 pyrene extinguishers were refilled. The fire siren is tested monthly,
and also the fire-alarm system. The fire pumps at the power-house
are tested weekly, and the triple combination pumper is tested daily
and put in service once a week. Inspections are made weekly with
officers and privates of the District of Columbia Fire Department,
and occasionally with inspectors from the fire marshal’s office. Fire
drills are held weekly in various wards of the institution.
During the year there have been 17 alarms, the property damage
amounting to $24. Approximate loss from fires from June 19, 1917,
to June 30, 1938, is $5,858.55, an average of $278.98 per year.
Continuous Treatment Building No. 3.—Work was started on the
construction of Continuous Treatment Building No. 3 on August 25,
1937, and the operation checked approximately 92 percent completed
on June 30, 1938. This building will probably be ready for
occupancy by October 1, 1938. Its completion will provide 186
additional beds.
Continuous-Treatment Building No. 4-—Plans and specifications
were prepared and a contract awarded for the construction of Continuous-
Treatment Building No. 4 as of June 30, 1938. The lowest
bid was $292,000, while the appropriation was $290,000. It was
necessary to secure a deficiency appropriation from Congress before
the contract could be executed. Arrangements are already made to
have the ground broken very shortly after July 1 in order that this
building may be completed during the fiscal year 1938.
Continuous-Treatment Buildings Nos. 5 and 6.—Congress appropriated
$580,000 for two additional continuous treatment buildings,
which will be numbered 5 and 6. Tentative plans for these buildings
have been drawn and it is hoped that the architectural employees
can be engaged in the near future to pursue this work.
Construction department.—Plans were drawn and a contract executed
for a two-way vehicular underpass under Nichols Avenue. This
work is completed and is being used for traffic. The old underpass
was built in 1903, before the popular use of the automobile was in
vogue. It was narrow and low and dangerous for foot passengers to
pass while an automobile was going through at the same time. For a
long time we have been apprehensive of possible accident and are
greatly relieved that the new underpass has been completed. It
provides a maximum of safety, and is high enough to permit the
passages of loaded trucks and fire equipment. The old underpass
will be used exclusively for pedestrians.
The hospital constructed a concrete and brick pipe tunnel under
Dawes and Garfield basements.
Concrete roads, curbs and sidewalks were constructed between the
fire engine house and Hitchcock Hall. The road and curb were
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 383
rebuilt around the triangle in front of Hitchcock Hall and from there to
C building.
The underground passageway extending from B to C building,
through the administration building, has been extended to M building,
and a dumb-waiter has been installed in the latter building. The
food service in M building has been greatly improved by this addition.
Center Building, one of the oldest structures on the reservation, is
being renovated. The iron steps and platform at the south entrance
to this building have been rebuilt with reinforced concrete, and new
rails put in place. The old wooden staircase extending from the
basement to the fourth floor has been torn down and a fireproof steel
and terazzo stairway, with metal door frames, kalamein doors and
concrete slab floors, erected in its place.
The restoration of the porte-cochere at the front entrance to Center
Building is under way and this work is approximately 75 percent
completed. The plans of the original, which stood for over 40 years,
have been largely followed. The construction will add greatly to the
appearance of this impressive old building.
One of the reception rooms in the E Nurses Home was renovated
and made into an apartment for one of the assistant chiefs of the
Training School who will reside in this building.
Among the changes on the reservation during the past year was the
razing of the water tank that stood on the administration campus in
front of L building. A new tank to replace it was recently erected in
the rear of the women’s receiving building.
The carpenter shop and the cabinet shop did all the necessary
maintenance and repair work for all the buildings in the hospital,
such as repair of broken furniture, beds, doors, windows, floors,
guards, locks, fly screens, and kitchen, laundry, farm, and group
equipment. Many new articles were made for use, such as tables,
chairs, bulletin boards, cabinets, stools, and so on.
The tin shop maintained in proper repair the roofs of all the buildings,
repaired numerous utensils, kept downspouts in full repair, and
did other work incidental to this department.
Guard force.—The guard force has been zealous in its work, being
ready to assist in keeping order and preventing losses whenever called
upon.
Laundry.—The work of the laundry has increased to such a degree
that it is difficult to see how any more pieces could be washed and
ironed without either a larger building and more equipment, or
putting the employees on two work-shifts. In the recommendations
it is noted that in connection with a new building and warehouse,
facilities should be made for a larger laundry. The laundry force
deserves especial commendation for their efficient work in the face
of serious crowding and overloading.
384 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Culinary department.—The dietetic force, like other departments,
has been under pressure due to the increased number of patients.
In addition to this, the number of special diets has increased disproportionately,
reflecting the individualized medical attention given
to special nutritional problems among the patients.
The work of extending the cafeteria method of feeding patients
continues to receive consideration.
All garbage is being weighed for the purpose of making comparison
of the waste. This seems to have resulted in a decrease in the amount
of certain classes of food needed and in a marked reduction in the
amount of garbage.
In addition to looking after kitchens and the service of food, the
dietitians give a regular course including lectures, laboratory work,
and kitchen diet work to the student nurses.
During the year the dairy department pasteurized 289,241 gallons
of milk, manufactured 25,216 gallons of ice cream, and made 20 gallons
of buttermilk daily.
During the year Mr. Elwood Street, Director of Public Welfare of
the District of Columbia, was active in organizing an informal association
of dietitians and stewards of the various institutions of the
District. Several meetings were held in various institutions, and on
April 27 Mr. Street, accompanied by a group of 35 members of this
group, came to the hospital, visited the kitchens, and had lunch at
the employees’ cafeteria.
Miss Kirkpatrick, head of the Home Economics Department at the
George Washington University, brought a class of students to visit
the kitchens and see the service of food.
Miss Barnes, instructor in food and nutrition at the University of
Maryland, brought a class in institutional management to the hospital
to see the kitchens and the service of food.
Steam connections.—The various gate houses and five of the seven
staff cottages have been connected to receive steam from the main
power plant, doing away with separate heating devices for each of
these buildings.
Glenside Building.—The old isolation building, which had been
vacant for some time, having been set aside for isolated patients who
may be affected by contagious disease, has been thoroughly renovated
and used to house the women tuberculous patients. This change
represents a substantial improvement in the facilities for the care of
this group of patients.
Radios.—Additional radio connections have been made in the
various buildings, extending the use to those patients who could
appreciate them.
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 385
Automatic telephone.—The hospital automatic telephone system
traffic amounted to 1,565,169 calls, the daily average being 4,288 and
the hourly average 178.
NEW LEGISLATION
One of the most significant events of the year was the enactment of
Public, No. 582, Seventy-fifth Congress, approved by the President
on June 8, 1938, reforming the commitment procedures. Until this
year, the District of Columbia has had the unenviable distinction of
possessing probably the most antiquated and barbaric laws relating
to the commitment of mental patients to be found in this country. A
situation in which in order to gain admittance to St. Elizabeths
Hospital a resident of the District had to be summoned, haled into
the criminal court room before a jury, there formally accused of being
a lunatic, and forced to listen to the testimony of physicians, relatives,
and friends as to his abnormal conduct and intimate details of his
life and his family finances, for many years evoked the serious criticism
of psychiatrists the country over. After several years of effort,
the Medical Society of the District of Columbia this year secured the
passage of an act whereby a fairly informal hearing by a commission
of two psychiatrists and an attorney is substituted for a court proceeding,
a jury trial being provided only on demand. There are practical
defects in the law which will presumably be corrected later, but a
major step forward has been made, a step which makes it no longer
necessary for any humane and sympathetic resident of the District
to hang his head in shame when commitment procedures are mentioned.
It is my earnest hope that eventually provision may be made
for the voluntary admission to the hospital of those patients who
recognize the need of hospital care but who have not yet reached such
a degree of illness as to constitute committability.
GROWTH OF THE HOSPITAL
In the report of the special committee of 1911, mention is made of
the policy to be adopted relative to the growth of the institution and
particularly the need of additional land. This problem not only
remains with us, but has steadily increased in importance until now
it becomes essential that additional land be secured and a recommendation
for money for this purpose is made.
In the report of 1911 the committee states:
As an illustration of the importance for outlining a definite policy with reference
to the future of the institution, it may be noted that from year to year various
bills are introduced into Congress which contemplate taking a little bit of the
hospital property here or a little bit there for public use, or running a road through
the hospital grounds at this or that point.
Not only have little bits of ground been taken on several occasions,
as cited in the report, but at the present time the hospital is con386
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
fronted with an even more serious situation, as the approaching completion
of the so-called Fort Drive, previously authorized, will take a
considerable section of the hospital ground. The proposed upper
and lower roads from Washington to Fort Washington would have
the effect of taking more land. Indeed, plans already projected for
this road-building would necessitate the demolition of some of the
semipermanent buildings, now occupied by patients, and the moving
of staff residence No. 7.
The War Department has requested permission to establish radio
towers on one portion of the farm for official use, stating that this
was the most advantageous field adjacent to Bolling Field that is
available.
The residents of Congress Heights have asked that about 12 acres
of land on the Congress Heights farm be transferred to the District,
or to the National Park Service of the Department of the Interior,
for playground purposes for the children of the neighborhood.
These requests are in addition to the great amount of farm land that
has been used in erecting new buildings. Practically all the new construction
in the last 20 years was on sites formerly devoted to farming
and truck gardening. It can readily be seen that the hospital must
oppose any use of its property for other purposes until additional land
is secured.
Farm colony.—In the report of the special committee of 1911 it was
recommended:
The acquirement of additional land in the way of both farm lands and for
buildings for patients, for the construction of a farm colony where the chronic,
custodial, and physically well patients could be sent to do the work, is most
desirable.
If the farm colony idea was desirable when this report was made, it
is much more so at the present time when the population has practically
doubled and the available land for farm purposes has been reduced
one-third. Therefore, the securing of additional land for farm-colony
purposes seems to be urgent.
RECREATIONAL, VOCATIONAL, AND OCCUPATIONAL WORK
Occupational therapy.—The number of patients enrolled in occupational
therapy totaled 1,030. The patients working throughout the
wards made 13,712 articles, besides the industrial work including
10,087 dresses, 7,666 pillow cases, 28,570 sheeets, 1,080 slips, and
22,183 tea towels.
The printing shop, located in the occupational therapy room in
the men’s receiving building, turned out 221 jobs, totaling 130,684
copies.
Red Cross.—There has been a general increase in the work of the
American Red Cross during the year.
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 387
During the year they wrote and sent out 5,893 letters and received
4,575 communications. The correspondence offers an excellent opportunity
for mental hygiene interpretation and the fact that the patients
about whom they are writing come from all over the country and from
our island possessions, is indicative of the broad reach and of the many
contacts they have made with social agencies and with individuals.
The Red Cross has continued its usual recreation program at the
hospital. During the past year they had 88 moving-picture shows,
16 band concerts, 226 parties and entertainments, 363 ward programs,
and furnished 4,430 tickets to theaters and ball games which have
been donated for the patients.
During the past year the Red Cross authorities transferred all title
to the building located at the hospital to the United States Government,
and the hospital received a deed in fee which has been recorded
in the Office of the Recorder of Deeds, District of Columbia.
The assistance of the Red Cross is invaluable and the hospital’s
deep appreciation of its services is hereby extended. No finer cooperation
could be asked from a private organization than has been
freely and enthusiastically given.
Social Service.—The social service report from July 1,1937, to June
30, 1938, shows the following:
Number of out-patients on rolls July 1, 1937_________________________ 122
Number of out-patients on rolls June 30, 1938________________________ 140
Average number on rolls per month_________________________________ 136
Number of surveys for visit________________________________________ 209
Average number of patients worked on each month___________________ 109
Libraries.—One hundred and thirty-five additional volumes have
been added to the medical library, making the total number of books
in the library at the present time 15,160. Fifty-nine current medical
magazines were received, 20 of them of foreign publication.
Some of these are sent to the various departments and the rest kept
on file in the medical library. Three hundred reprints were indexed
and bound in the patients’ library. In addition to the books in the
library, we are in receipt, through loan, of books in the Surgeon
General’s Library and the Library of Congress. The privilege of
borrowing books has been greatly extended in keeping with the expanding
activities of the hospital, and the physicians of the hospital
staff are using the library more extensively in research work. The
nurses also made constant use of the library in connection with their
instruction course. Students in fields allied to psychiatry and from
social agencies in the city and elsewhere availed themselves of the
special facilities of the medical library
One hundred and fifty books were added to the patients’ library,
making the total collection 16,530. Thirty-three popular magazines
and five newspapers, daily and Sunday, were regularly received. Many
388 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
periodicals were given by persons interested in the hospital. Newspapers
and magazines not suitable for binding are distributed to the
wards. Approximately 300 books are drawn daily, two-thirds of
them fiction, and there are about 3,600 books in constant circulation.
Training school.—Arrangements are being made to revive and reopen
the training school for nurses. The United States Civil Service
advertised an examination and requested applicants to file papers.
It is hoped that these papers will be rated and certification made to
the hospital in the near future. From the list furnished it is desired
to select 50 among those who made the highest average for the purpose
of starting the school. The courses have been rewritten and
the curriculum, not only for the school itself but for the post-graduate
course, has been changed.
The senior students in the present school of nursing will complete
their course and expect to hold graduation services in October 1938.
Arrangements are under way for making affiliation at Bellevue Hospital
or Philadelphia General Hospital for women, and similar arrangements
will be made for men.
The importance of a nurses’ training school in a large mental hospital
can hardly be overestimated. A large and well equipped hospital
such as St. Elizabeths is as competent to give a 3-year course (with
the aid of certain affiliations) as any general hospital; in addition,
the graduates of such a course are imbued from the outset with a
psychiatric attitude toward the patient, an appreciation of the patient
as a total organism, an attitude all too often lacking in the general
hospital graduate. Such training means a graduate who is well
fitted to care for the sick, and many of the graduates of this training
school have been very successful general-duty nurses. Perhaps more
important is the fact that these graduates furnish a supply of nurses
for mental hospitals, a supply which experience has shown cannot be
amply provided if the general hospitals are depended upon, even if
affiliate and post-graduate courses are in operation, as is the case in
this hospital. The opposition of the various nursing organizations
and State boards of registration to the existence of 3-year training
courses in suitably equipped mental hospitals is difficult to understand.
The need of psychiatric training of the general-duty nurse is
officially recognized (in the District of Columbia mental hospital
affiliation is required of the general hospital training schools), and the
desirability of raising the care of the mentally ill to general hospital
standards is so patent as to be beyond argument. The existence of a
training school, the presence of graduate nurses on the wards and the
teaching activities of the staff all exert a stimulating action on the
morals of the medical and nursing staffs and redound to the benefit of
the patients. St. Elizabeths Hospital would be derelict in its duty
to its patients and to its obligations to the community (in the present
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 389
state of nursing education, at least), if it did not attempt to operate
a nurses’ training school of standards equal to the best.
NEEDS OF THE HOSPITAL
An estimate of $1,251,720 for the support, clothing, and treatment
of the patients in St. Elizabeths Hospital for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 1940, is recommended. This is $69,120 more than was
appropriated for 1939, and based on an average of 1,900 patients and
on a 366-day year (1940 is leap year). On June 30, 1938, there were
1,894 patients. The average number during the year was 1,813.7.
The number estimated in view of this fact seems very conservative.
There was an increase of 301 patients in the hospital on June 30, 1938,
as on the same date of the previous year, and it is conservatively estimated
that the number to be provided for during 1940 will be 6,186.
In addition to the 1,900 chargeable to the Federal Government and
authorized under the Interior Appropriation Act, the numbers who
will be cared for in the hospital during the year 1940 are: 3,950 beneficiaries
of the District of Columbia; 90 beneficiaries of the United
States Veterans’ Administration; 140 beneficiaries of the United
States Public Health Service; 16 beneficiaries of the United States
Soldiers’ Home; and 90 beneficiaries of the Indian Bureau. The
funds for the beneficiaries of the District of Columbia will be appropriated
in the District of Columbia Appropriation Act; for the beneficiaries
of the United States Veterans’ Administration in the appropriation
act for the United States Veterans’ Administration; the beneficiaries
of the United States Public Health Service will be carried in
the appropriation of the United States Public Health Service; the
beneficiaries of the United States Soldiers’ Home will be paid for
from United States Soldiers’ Home funds; and beneficiaries of the
Bureau of Indian Affairs will be paid for by transfer from funds appropriated
for conservation of health among Indians.
The rate estimated for the care of the patients during 1940 is
$1.80 per capita per day, the same as for the past 4 years, notwithstanding
the fact that there is some increase in the cost of supplies
and that new legislation pertaining to vacation and sick leave and
additional holiday has a tendency to increase the cost.
Included in the estimate is $185,000 for repairs and improvements
to buildings and grounds, the same amount that was included in the
past several years. Out of this sum must come funds for keeping
the various buildings in repair, including plumbing, heating, steamfitting,
plastering, glazing, painting, etc., and for the repair and
widening of roads and walks.
The estimates for the fiscal year 1940 contain change of language
in two places: The first adds, after the word “purchase” in the
sentence, “including not exceeding $27,000 for the purchase, ex390
REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
change, maintenance, repair, and operation of motor-propelled
passenger-carrying vehicles,” the language “including one at not to
exceed $1,500.” Under the law as it exists at the present time,
there is a limitation of $750 for the purchase of passenger-carrying
vehicles. St. Elizabeths Hospital purchased a Cadillac limousine
in 1926. This one has had 12 years of service and is practically
without value. In order to convey the patients of the hospital who
are mentally ill it is advisable to procure a larger car, preferably a
limousine type, in order to separate these patients from the chauffeur
The small cars that can be purchased at a cost of $750 would
hardly be large enough for this purpose. Therefore, request is made
to include the suggested language so that a larger car of the class
named may be purchased.
Another change of language is the insertion of the following:
Provided further, That when specifically authorized by the Secretary, attendance
at meetings or conventions concerned with the work of psychiatry, medicine,
and other scientific subjects of interest to St. Elizabeths Hospital is
authorized, to be payable out of this appropriation.
Similar language is included in other appropriation acts, namely,
Education; in appropriations for various branches of the Department
of Agriculture; and, we believe, in appropriations for many other
Government agencies. Practically all the States have appropriations
permitting the superintendents of the various State institutions
to attend these meetings or conventions. It is for the best
interests of the officers of the various institutions to attend these
conventions where there are exchange of ideas and promulgation of
new thought upon the advanced work of psychiatry.
The hospital continues to grow. The admissions seem to be
increasing, and there is still a shortage of beds. Nine hundred and
fifty beds should be provided to cover immediate needs and to include
the replacement of the semipermanent group of buildings which
were erected in 1918, with an estimated life of from 15 to 20 years.
This semipermanent group which has 530 beds is in a more or less
dilapidated condition and not thoroughly fireproof. The cost of
repair is increasing, and the hazard from fire is considerable. I consider
this recommendation a pressingly urgent one.
The increase in population, 300, during the past year more than
offsets additional beds previously authorized. At the present time
the hospital has no available beds and it is necessary to put additional
beds on various wards to take care of the new patients as
received.
In a report of the National Resources Committee for May 1938,
on The Problems of a Changing Population, it states as follows:
More than half the occupied hospital beds in this country are assigned to
patients suffering from mental diseases. The social, economic, and medical
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 391
aspects of these diseases, whereof the causes are still largely unknown, are very
serious. They deserve the most intensive study.
The report well states the future of mental institutions, and shows
that provision must be made for additional beds, as well as for active
research.
Two of the continuous-treatment buildings are to be located
adjacent to the continuous-treatment kitchen where provision has
been made for the preparation and service of food; dining rooms
will have to be provided and a tunnel connection to the kitchen so
that the food may be brought to the building. It is planned to
have cafeteria service in the dining rooms attached to these buildings.
The same condition applies to the three buildings that are suggested
to replace the semipermanent group.
Based on bids received on the last buildings, it is believed that
$350,000 will be required for each of these buildings, which will have
a slightly increased number of beds. The first buildings of this class
erected contained 162 beds; the new buildings, it is estimated, will
have 190 beds.
There is an estimate of $140,000 for one additional 750-horsepower
boiler with the necessary utilities. The hospital recently installed
three 750-horsepower boilers, which were sufficient for its needs at
that time. Space was left for an additional boiler, which would be
required when the new buildings were erected. The growth of the
hospital requires the additional boiler as soon as arrangements can be
made for its erection.
Seven hundred fifty thousand dollars has been estimated for a
building for storeroom, warehouse, laundry, and industrial shops,
including preparation of plans and specifications, advertising, supervision
of construction, and equipment. The present storeroom was
built more than 30 years ago. Since that time the population
has very nearly tripled, but no change has been made in the storeroom
and warehouse The present storeroom, with cold-storage
equipment, is practically out of date and the storage facilities are
insufficient to care for adequate quantities of current supplies. In
order properly to house supplies that must be cared for and regularly
issued to the various buildings and industries, all sorts of out-of-theway
places have been utilized. The basements of many buildings
housing patients have been used for storing furniture. The District
Fire Department properly objects to this procedure. It is difficult
to give proper protection to articles in all classes of buildings, and
there is possibility of shrinkage.
The hospital has a shoe-manufacturing department, with 2 employees
and about 60 patients, which makes all of the shoes used
in the institution except those purchased from personal funds of
patients. A room under the detached dining room is used for that
392 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
purpose. The manufacture of shoes is increasing and more room is
required. A proper place with sanitary working conditions should
be provided, and it is contemplated to have space available in the
new store and warehouse building when authorized.
When the present laundry building was erected, the total amount
of material washed and laundered each year was about 3,000,000
pieces. This has increased until during the past year over 14,000,000
pieces were washed and laundered. It has outgrown the original
building; small additions have been put on each side, but it is necessary
to furnish more room. It is contemplated, if a new building is
authorized, to make space at one end of the first floor of this building
for the laundry. Such authorization is urgently recommended.
There is an estimate of $950,000 to purchase farm land, to construct
buildings to house patients who would work on the farm, to
construct buildings to house employees, for the farm animals, including
dairy, piggery, poultry plant, a building for pasteurizing milk, making
ice cream, and other necessary farm buildings, including expenditures
for the purchase of land, preparation of plans and specifications,,
advertising, and supervision of construction.
The hospital consists of four plots of land, in all about 800 acres.
The last land purchased for hospital use was in 1891. At that time
the hospital had about 1,500 patients, and over 600 acres were used
for farm and garden purposes. The hospital, while originally isolated
some miles from the center of the city, at the present time on
account of the growth of the city and the use of various forms of
traffic, is now adjacent to the city and is surrounded by a growing
population. The dairy and piggery are in proximity to buildings
occupied by patients, and the dairy is adjacent to Nichols Avenue,,
a thoroughfare running through this section of the city; both the
dairy and piggery are the subject of a good deal of complaint on the
part of the inhabitants of this section.
One part of the farm is located about a half mile from the main
site, in what is known as Congress Heights. Certain groups have
recommended that a portion of this ground be turned over to the
National Capital Park and Planning Commission for playgrounds for
children, and that another part be turned over to the District of
Columbia for streets and roads. Parts of this same site have been
taken by the city for widening streets. It will readily be seen that
the hospital must oppose all taking of land until additional land is
obtained.
Another plot of the hospital is about four and a half miles from
Washington; a portion of it is on low land, sometimes under water.
It is believed desirable to obtain between 5,000 and 6,000 acres of
land, to concentrate all farm projects in one place, increase the size
of the dairy herd, the piggery, and the poultry farm, and build about
ST. ELIZABETHS HOSPITAL 393
6 cottages, housing 40 patients each, on this site. This arrangement
would permit an increased number of patients who would derive the
therapeutic benefits of healthful outdoor occupation. This also
would prove an economic arrangement in that the hospital would
be able to secure sufficient milk for all purposes, to increase the
quantity of pork products and probably to cure pork products, thus
reducing the quantity of ham, bacon, and shoulder to be purchased,
and also increase the quantity of poultry products, such as fowl
and eggs.
The hospital has no site in view, but preliminary studies indicate
that such a site could be secured within from 10 to 20 miles from the
main plant.
STAFF CHANGES JULY 1, 1937, TO JUNE 30, 1938
The following appointments were made during the year:
Superintendent: Winfred Overholser. Date of taking office, October 4, 1937.
Psychiatric Residents: Irma H. Belk, Marion S. Love, Helen V. Patterson,
Burnell V. Reaney, Josiah T. Showalter, and Charles E. Vigue.
Internes: David Brezin, Bernard A. Cruvant, John W. Thomas, and Sigmund
Weiss.
The following resignations took effect during the year:
Assistant Medical Officer: Helen Yarnell.
Psychiatric Residents: Hack U. Stephenson, John M. Usow, Joseph T.
Kaminskas, and Samuel Allentuck.
Internes: William F. Murphy, Arnold H. Ungerman, William H. Vicary,
Moorman P. Prosser, Wallace E. Nissen, and Nathan N. Root.
PUBLICATIONS
Overholser, Winfred, Superintendent:
Later Criminal Careers, by Sheldon and Eleanor Glueck. (Book Review).
Boston University Law Review, Vol. 17, No. 4, Nov. 1937, p. 924.
The Mentally Ill in America, by Albert Duetsch. (Book Review.) American
Bar Association Journal, Vol. 23, No. 12, Dec. 1937, p. 982.
Legal and Administrative Problems, Mental Hygiene, Vol. 22, No. 1, January
1938, Page 20 (In Symposium, The Challenge of Sex Offenders).
The Early Treatment of Mental Disorders. (Presented before the Wayne
County Medical Society, Detroit, Mich., April 27, 1938). (Mimeographed.)
23 pages.
Mental Hygiene and the Problems of Human Nature. (Address given under
the auspices of the Mental Hygiene Committee, Michigan Medical Society,
Detroit, Mich., April 27, 1938). (Mimeographed.) 10 pages.
The Role of Psychiatry in General Medicine. (Smith-Reed-Russell Lecture,
Feb. 24, 1938). The Diplomate, Vol. 10, No. 5, May 1938. Page 164.
The Mental Hospital of Yesterday and Today. Medical Annals of the
District of Columbia, Vol. 7, No. 5, May 1938. Pages 137-144.
Ten Years of Co-operative Effort. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology,
Vol. 29, No. 1, May-June 1938. Pages 23-36.
White, William A., (late Superintendent):
William Alanson White: The Autobiography of a Purpose. New York,
Doubleday, Doran and Company, Inc. 1938. (Book, 293 pages).
(Posthumous).
394 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Karpman, Ben, Senior Medical Officer:
Crime and Adolescence. Mental Hygiene, Vol. 21, No. 3, July 1937. Pages
389-396.
"The Kreutzer Sonata”: Problem in Latent Homosexuality and Castration.
Psychoanalytic Review, Vol. 25, No. 1, January 1938. Pages 20-48.
Fong, Theodore C., Senior Medical Officer:
Study of Mortality Rate and Complications Following Therapeutic Malaria.
Southern Medical Journal, Vol. 30, Nov. 1937. Pages 108L-1088.
Hoffman, J. L., Assistant Medical Officer:
Intercranial Neoplasms: Their Incidence and Mental Manifestations: Study
Based on Clinical and Autopsy Records of 2,000 Patients of St. Elizabeths
Hospital. Psychiatric Quarterly, Vol. 11, No. 4, October 1937. Pages
228-233.
Lebensohn, Z. M., Assistant Medical Officer:
Present Status of Metrazol Therapy of Schizophrenia. Medical Annals of
the District of Columbia, Vol. 7, February 1938. Pages 33-41.
During the period of 7 months intervening between the death of
Dr. White and the assumption of office by the present incumbent,
Dr. Roscoe W. Hall, Clinical Director, served as Acting Superintendent.
The affairs of the hospital were wisely administered by him during that
interval, and he turned over to the present Superintendent a wellorganized
and well-running institution. I am deeply appreciative of
his fine work in what must have been a difficult period. Nor can I pass
without a word of tribute to Mr. Monie Sanger, Assistant to the Superintendent,
who for nearly 33 years has handled most efficiently and
ably the large bulk of administrative and budgetary detail of the
institution.
It would be pleasing if I might express thanks by name to the
many faithful and devoted employees and officers of the hospital whose
loyal labors have contributed so greatly to the successful operation
of the hospital, but space forbids. Saint Elizabeths Hospital is
justly proud of its personnel and their fidelity to the welfare of the
hospital and its patients.
The Board of Visitors has been most helpful and interested, and to
them individually and as a group I express my appreciation of their
support and assistance.
Finally, I desire to express to Secretary Ickes my deep appreciation
of the trust he has reposed in selecting me to head a great hospital.
His support and advice, whenever I have called upon him, have been
prompt, firm, and most helpful. With the cooperation of the officers
and employees of the hospital, and the continued support and assistance
of the Board of Visitors and Secretary Ickes, it will be my endeavor to
continue Saint Elizabeths Hospital in its present status as an object of
justifiable pride to the Department of the Interior and the Government
of the United States.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY
Mordecai W. Johnson, President
The YEAR 1937-38 was the seventh of the 20-year program for
Howard University approved by the Government. During this
period two major buildings were under construction. The new
library building, costing $1,105,000, was nearing completion. The new
men’s dormitory building, costing $525,000, is under construction,
representing the first major effort to improve the living conditions of
university male students since its founding. Funds for these projects
were provided by the Federal Emergency Administration of Public
Works.
Two additional divisions oj the university receive accreditment.—
During the year two additional divisions of the university were
examined and accredited by leading educational authorities. The
departments of engineering in the school of engineering and architecture
were accredited after examination by the Educational Committee
of the Engineers Council for Professional Development. The division
of oral hygiene in the college of dentistry was accredited by the
regents of the University of the State of New York.
Students.—During the year 1937-38 Howard University’s enrollment
increased 132. The total enrollment of 2,240 students was
drawn from 42 States and 17 foreign countries. Of the 89 students
entering the regular freshman classes in medicine, dentistry, law, and
religion, 64 or 72 percent entered with college degrees. Two hundred
and sixteen, or 71 percent of the 305 students in these 4 professional
schools were degree-holding students. In the entire institution
of 2,240 students 564 or 25.2 percent were persons holding one or more
advanced degrees.
Further advance in clinical 'medicine.—By the help of funds from the
General Education Board the department of medicine was reorganized
under a full-time head. The department of surgery,
reorganized under similar circumstances, during the previous year,
greatly increased the efficiency of its work, reducing its mortality
from 6.5 to 0.03 percent.
A postgraduate course in venereal-disease control was introduced
and supported by a grant of $7,500 from the United States Public
395
396 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Health Service, in order to train physicians in venereal-disease control,
particularly in the Southern States. Two grants totaling $1,000
were made to encourage investigation and testing of tuberculosis.
The graduate school.—The graduate school enrolled 326 students
during the year, an increase of 42 over 1936-37. The rapid development
of high schools in the South and the accrediting movement of
high schools and colleges by the Southern Association of Secondary
Schools and Colleges have increased the demand for teachers with
graduate training. Young State colleges have been urged to establish
graduate work when most of them are still in need of adequate
resources for their college work. The Association for Colleges and
Secondary Schools for Negroes, at its annual meeting in New Orleans,
was concerned that there should be no widespread movement toward
the hasty establishment of graduate work in institutions not prepared
to do it well. The General Education Board undertook a study of all
the factors involved. It was found that six institutions were already
undertaking graduate work in some form. Howard University is the
oldest of these institutions in the development of graduate work, the
largest in point of enrollment, and the most advanced in the matter
of resources for further development. It stands out as the most
promising center for graduate instruction in the entire field.
During the current year graduates from 59 institutions came to
Howard University for graduate instruction, 83 percent of them from
the South. It is of the utmost importance to many States that steps
be taken to place the graduate work of Howard University on a sound
and competent basis. Such a development can mean much to the
Negro race.
Faculty publications and research.—The faculty of the university
during the current year put forth 8 books, 78 scientific and scholarly
articles, and 26 book reviews. Among these contributions was the
continuous publication of the Journal of Negro Education, now one of
the ablest publications in the United States in the field of education.
Much of the research and publication of the faculties has significant
practical bearing upon the life of the people. The department of
pharmacology, for example, has discovered through careful research
that picrotoxin, which was formerly considered merely a laboratory
curiosity, is an efficient antidote for what would otherwise be a fatal
poisoning by the barbiturates, now in widespread use as sleep-producing
drugs. As a result of the department’s research in this field picrotoxin
has received international approval as the best known available
drug to combat poisoning by the barbiturates.
Outstanding needs of the university.—The outstanding needs of the
university, made increasingly clear by the work of the year, were:
(1) An increase in the number of teachers in the graduate school and
in the clinical branches of medicine; (2) an increase of 26 in the number
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 397
of mature teachers of professorial rank; (3) the sum of $100,000 to
make important supplements to the gravely deficient book collection
in our library; (4) the doubling of funds for scholarship and student
aid, especially for teachers in the South, who may not otherwise find
it possible to pursue the graduate work which they need to increase
their efficiency; (5) proper organized relationship with the Freedmen’s
Hospital so as to enable the school of medicine to operate on a sound
basis; and (7) increased funds for at least that minimum of research
which is necessary to maintain a living mind in the members of the
teaching staff.
STUDENTS
University enrollment, 1937-38.—The total enrollment of Howard
University (see table following) for the year 1937-38 was 2,240, of
whom 1,119 were men and 1,121 were women, as compared with an
enrollment of 2,108 for 1936-37, of whom 1,108 were men and 1,000
were women. This enrollment represents a net gain of 132 students,
or 6.2 percent. It represents also a total gain of 614 students since
the low point of the depression in 1933-34.
Summary of Students Enrolled in Howard University for the Years 1937-38 and 1936-37
Net enrollments
Division of the university 1937-38 1936-37 Total
gain
Total
loss
Total Men W omen Total Men Women
THE COLLEGES
College of liberal arts_____________________ 1,332 586 746 1 244 593
52
651
0
88
School of engineering and architecture_____ 50 50 0 52 School of music________________________ 2 98 31 67 75 28 47 23
Graduate school___________________ 326 121 205 284 110 174 42
Total________ ____ ________ 1,806 788 1,018 1,655 783 872 153 2
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS
School of religion______________________ 23 20 3 21 21 o 2
School of law______________________ 74 72 2 70 68 2 4
School of medicine:
College of medicine.. _______________ . 154 142 12 139 133
38
6 15
College of dentistry_____________________ 48 41 7 38 05
10
College of pharmacy____________________ 29 29 0 31 26 2
Total___________________________ 328 304 24 299 286 13 31 2
Total in regular courses_________ . 2,134 1,092 1,042 1,954 1,069 885 184 4 Special students in music, religion, law, dentistry___________________________
130 38 92 162 44 118 32
Total___________________________ 2,264
24
1,130 1,134 2,1168
1,113
5
1,003
3
148
Less duplications______________________ 11 13 16
Grand total (net)............ .......................... 2,240 1,119 1,121 2,108 1,108 1,000 132
The increase in enrollment affected all three of the major divisions
of the university, undergraduate, graduate, and professional. An
increase of 15 appeared in the college of medicine. This is the first
104366—38------27
398 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
substantial increase in the enrollment of medicine since the beginning
of the depression.
Geographical distribution.—Of the regular students enrolled for the
school year 1937-38, 95.5 percent came from the continental United
States and 4.1 percent from without the borders of the United States.
The percentage of students coming from the District of Columbia was
25.2 percent.
Forty-two States sent 2,047 candidates for degrees in 1937-38 as
compared with 40 States sending 1,871 candidates for degrees in
1936-37. The regional distribution of candidates for degrees is as
follows: From the North, 509 students as follows: New England, 58;
the Middle Atlantic States, 302; the East North Central States, 101;
the West North Central States, 48. From the South, 1,525 students
as follows: The South Atlantic States, 1,263; the East South Central
States, 151; and the West South Central States, 111. From the
West, 13 students as follows: Mountain States, 4; Pacific States, 9.
Sixteen foreign countries sent 87 candidates for degrees during the
school year 1937-38 as compared with 15 foreign countries with a
total of 83 candidates for degrees in 1936-37. As usual, the largest
group of foreign students (44) came from the British West Indies.
Nine came from the Virgin Islands, eight from British Guiana, and
eight from Panama.
Students of graduate caliber.—Two of the professional divisions,
namely, pharmacy and dental hygiene, receive students on the basis
of regular college entrance requirements. Medicine, dentistry, law,
and religion require definite amounts of college work. Of the 89
students entering the regular freshman classes of medicine, dentistry,
laws and religion in 1937-38, 64 or 72 percent, entered with college
degrees. Two hundred sixteen, or 71 percent, of the 305 students in
these four professional schools are degree-holding students. Of the
2,240 students in the entire university 564, or 25.2 percent, are
persons holding one or more advanced degrees as compared with
429, or 23 percent, in 1936-37.
Scholarships and student aid.—Scholarships within the university
continued to be administered on the basis of an allotment of 7%
percent of all student fees, as provided by the trustees of the
university.
The committee on scholarships and student aid acted upon 1,250
applications for assistance. Four hundred forty-five students, or
19.4 percent of the student body, were awarded tuition or work
scholarships. Of these 204 were helped by the National Youth
Administration, at an average of $112.22 per student. The total
amount available for scholarships from all sources was $59,995.65.
Concerning the 1,250 applications for assistance the chairman of
the general committee of scholarships states that 1 ‘about 2 percent
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 399
of the applicants were judged by the committee as being not in sufficient
financial need to receive aid from the university. More than
98 percent of the applicants are in need of aid in order to enable them
to attend Howard University. Even those assisted by this committee
receive as a rule, only a portion of their university expenses. It is
clear that Howard University must find additional aid for needy
students.”
GRADUATES
Number and distribution .—The following table exhibits the number
of graduates from each division of the university during 1937-38.
It shows that there were 250 graduates. These came from 31 States
and the British West Indies. The total of 250 students graduating
in 1937-38 represents an increase of 24 graduates as compared with
the 266 in 1936-37. There were 134 male graduates and 116 women
graduates as compared with 127 and 99 respectively, for the year
1936-37.
Honorary degrees.—Three honorary degrees were conferred at commencement
in June 1938. The degree of doctor of music was conferred
upon Marian Anderson, contralto, Philadelphia, Pa.; and the
degree of doctor of laws, upon Dwight Oliver Wendell Holmes,
President of Morgan College, Baltimore, Md., and J. R. E. Lee,
President of Florida A. and M. College, Tallahassee, Fla.
Total number of Howard University graduates.—The total number of
graduates of Howard University is now 10,266. Of this number
the registrar has over 6,000 correct addresses in 43 States, the District
of Columbia, and 15 foreign countries, classified alphabetically by
States, cities, sex, schools, and classes.
Summary of Students Graduated by Howard University for the Years 1937-38 and
1936-37
Graduates
Divisions of the university 1937-38 1936-37
Men Women Total Men Women Total
THE COLLEGES
College of liberal arts_________________
School of engineering and architecture.
School of music_______________________
Graduate school______________________
Total___________________________
PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS
School of religion______________________
School of law_________________________
School of medicine:
College of medicine_______________
College of dentistry:
4-year course______________
Dental Hygiene_______________
College of pharmacy______________
Total___________________________
Grand total (net)_______________
54
43
21
8?
82
.....
24
W9
136
46
45
W
44 64
1 _______
1 2
12 24
108
13
36
148
7
17
35
11
53
78
134 116 250 127 99 226
400 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
THE TEACHING STAFF
Objectives.—In the development of the 20-year program, the trustees
of the university have kept in mind several major objectives in relation
to the teaching staff. (1) Their first objective has been to increase the
number of teachers so as to establish the proper ratio between teachers
and students. (2) They have undertaken to increase the number of
full-time teachers and gradually to shift the major responsibility for
instruction in every division of the university upon the shoulders of
teachers giving their full-time attention to the work of education.
(3) The establishment of a salary scale for each rank of instruction,
assuring a minimum income of a definite amount to each teacher in
that rank and moving toward such an average for that rank, and
especially for the rank of professor, as will enable the teacher concerned
to devote his full time and attention to his work. (4) Advancements
in rank and salary on the basis of merit objectively determined.
(5) The gradual maturing of the staff of the university so as to have in
the topmost rank of professors and constituting at least 40 percent of
the entire group of teachers of the university, mature men and
women of sound scholarly habits. (6) The establishment and publication
to the administrative and teaching staff of sound tenure regulations,
so as to afford administrative officers and teachers a sense of
security in their positions, and so as to make clear the conditions
under which the presumption of permanent tenure may be established.
(7) The setting up of retirement regulations on the basis of which
administrative officers and teachers of the university having arrived
at a certain age, may be assured of retirement with a substantial
proportion of their annual income available thereafter. (8) the
provision of competent educational assistants, adequate equipment
and supplies to enable the teacher to use his intellectual powers to the
maximum advantage. (9) The maintenance of freedom of teaching.
No one of these major objectives has been neglected. Substantial
progress has been made in relation to each one of them.
There were 258 members of the teaching staff for 1937-38, of whom
148 were full-time teachers and 110 were rendering part-time service,
representing together a full-time equivalent of 166.43 teachers. In
1928, when the trustees began to put the 10-year program into operation,
there were 161 teachers in the university, 81 of them being on
full-time service and 80 on part-time service. It will be seen that
during the intervening period the total number of teachers has been
increased by 60 percent and the total number of full-time teachers
has been increased by 76 percent. This means that the teaching load
in the college of liberal arts, for example, has been reduced by one-half,
so that each student may now receive approximately twice as much
of the teacher’s time as in 1928. It means, further, that 90 percent
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 401
of the work of instruction is now done by teachers who are devoting
their full time to education.
There are three major points of strain in the university at which
the number of teachers now at work is insufficient. These are (1)
the graduate school, (2) the clinical branches of medicine, and (3)
the school of religion. The latter, of course, must be met from private
sources.
The maturity of the staff.—On the basis of the 20-year program, the
present staff of Howard University should have the following distribution:
Professors (40 percent) 66; associate professors (10 percent)
16; assistant professors (20 percent) 33; instructors (30 percent) 49.
The university is slightly beyond the halfway mark in the number of
mature professors. Twenty-six such men and women are now needed.
The choosing and appointment of these 26 persons, by advancement
and outside selection, constitute the most important work now waiting
to be done at the university.
Faculty publications.—One of our professors in the college of liberal
arts has made a careful study of the scholarly productions of that
faculty over a period of years, showing in brief that they have published
56 books and monographs, 469 articles and papers, 141 book
reviews, and 86 other creative contributions, such as poetry, plays,
paintings, etc. This is a highly favorable picture. In the discussion
of his result, however, the writer makes the following significant
comment:
It should be kept in mind that it has only been within the last 10 years that
the teaching load in the college has been sufficiently reasonable to allow time and
energy for scholarly productivity. At the present time, for example, the average
teaching load is 222.5 clock hours as compared with a load twice as heavy 10 years
ago- The reduced teaching load is reflected in the fact that approximately 85
percent of the contributions made by teachers during their tenure at Howard
have been produced during the past 7 or 8 years.
The publications of the university faculty during the year 1937-38
were as follows: 8 books, 78 scientific and scholarly articles, 26 book
reviews.
The practical bearing of faculty research.—In the department of
pharmacology one member of the staff has been interested in research
on the action of barbiturates (a large family of sleep-producing drugs).
Within recent years the drug market has been flooded with sleepproducing
drugs belonging to this family. In many States these
drugs may be bought without prescription. During the past few
years such drugs have been widely used in suicide attempts. Also,
cases of accidental poisoning have resulted from their use. This
member discovered that picrotoxin, which was formerly considered
merely a laboratory curiosity, is an efficient antidote for what would
otherwise be a fatal poisoning by the barbiturates. As a result of
402 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
his research in this field, picrotoxin has received international approval
as the best known available drug to combat poisoning by the barbiturates.
The antidote is now available on the market for this purpose.
THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
General trends.—The graduate school continued the unbroken trend
of increased enrollment which it has sustained since 1929-30 throughout
all the years of the depression. This has been the most significant
enrollment development in the university during these years. It has
been accompanied by an equally significant movement of steady
increase in the number of students of graduate caliber registered in
the major professional schools of the university.
This steady increase in graduate enrollment has been of a national
character. This year the students came from nearly three-fourths
of the States of the Union. While the students have come predominantly
from colleges and universities established for Negro youth, they
have increasingly come also from many of the long-established colleges
and universities in the North and West.
Two major developments designed to have a very helpful effect
upon the graduate work appeared during the year. The new library
building is about finished and will be ready for occupancy during the
first semester of 1938-39. It will provide graduate reading rooms,
seminar rooms, and cubicles for individual study in the stacks. The
new men’s dormitories, now under construction, are so arranged as
to permit an entire section to be set apart for graduate students.
Enrollment.—The total enrollment of graduate students for the
year 1937-38 was 326. This represents a net increase of 42 students
over the enrollment of 284 students in 1936-37. One hundred ninetysix
of these students were registered in the first semester, 218 in the
second semester, and 88 in the summer school. One hundred twentyone
of the total were men and 205 were women.
An average of 76 of these students were giving their full time to
their studies, that is, from 12 to 15 and more semester hours of work
during the first and second semesters of the regular school year. There
was an additional average group of 78 students who were giving halftime
and more to their graduate studies as compared with 52 such
students during the preceding year. Altogether the graduate enrollment
represented a full-time equivalent of 233 students, as compared
with 24 students in 1936-37.
Sources oj students.—The 326 graduate enrollment came from 32
States and 1 foreign country. It will be seen that 272, or 83 percent,
came from the Southern States.
These students received their first degrees from 59 colleges and
universities before coming to Howard University. Twenty institutions
in Northern and Western States sent 31 students as compared
with 20 institutions in Northern and Western States sending 22 last
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 403
year. These institutions include some of the charter members of the
Association of American Universities. Thirty-seven institutions for
Negro youth sent 295 students, or 90 percent of the entire enrollment.
Thirty-four of the students held master’s degrees as compared with
23 and 7 the 2 previous years. Seven professional degrees were listed
among the students, and one doctor of philosophy.
Department of instruction and faculty.—The 326 students for the
year 1937-38 did their work in 18 departments of instruction. One
hundred thirty-eight, or 42 percent, of the students in the graduate
school did their work in education, psychology, and philosophy.
Ninety, or 27 percent, did their work in the social sciences of economics,
sociology, social work, history, and political science. Thirty-eight,
or 11 percent, did their work in the natural sciences, in mathematics,
including bacteriology, botany, zoology, chemistry, and physics.
Fifty-two, or 15 percent, did their work in English, German, and
romance languages.
Seventy-two teachers participated in graduate instruction during
the year.
Social work.—Social work was undertaken for the first time in the
academic year 1935-36, under the direction of the department of
sociology. There were 24 students enrolled in 1935-36; 28 in 1936-37;
and an average of 34 for the current academic year. The publication
of a special bulletin of the department of social work is to be issued
during the coming year. Plans for the development of medical social
work have been undertaken by the department.
Degrees conferred.—At commencement 45 graduate degrees were
conferred on 18 men and 27 women. Thirty-five received the degree
of master of arts and 10 the degree of master of science. The number
indicates an increase of 9 in the group of graduates over the year
1936-37.
The future of graduate work.—The rapid development and accreditment
of public high schools and colleges for Negroes in the States
of their majority residence within the last 10 years have created an
acute and growing need for mature teachers with thoroughly competent
training on the graduate level. The soundness of the educational
structure throughout these States depends primarily upon the calibre
of graduate instruction which is made available to meet this situation.
Howard University is the most promising center for such graduate
work in the entire area. The steady increase in the enrollment, in the
graduate school from 43 in 1926-27 to 284 in 1936-37 is an index
both of the rapidity with which the need has developed and of the
remarkable opportunity which now confronts Howard University in
this field. It is of the utmost importance to the States of the Negro’s
majority residence that all possible steps now be taken to place the
graduate work at Howard University on a sound and thoroughly
404 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
competent basis so as to enable the university to select and to train
on the graduate level young men and women of unusual promise.
In such a program certain immediate steps are urgent: (1) The book
collection of the university should be doubled within a period of 5
years; (2) special scholarship and fellowship funds for graduate students
should be provided; (3) funds should be available for at least
the minimum of research necessary to the staff who teach graduate
students; (4) salaries of the mature teachers on the staff of the university
should be so increased as to enable them to give their entire
time to their work without worry; and (5) the number of such mature,
well-paid teachers should be immediately increased.
THE COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS
Enrollment.—The college of liberal arts enrolled 1,332 students in
1937-38. This is the largest enrollment in the history of the college.
It represents an increase of 88 over the enrollment of 1936-37, and an
increase of 176 in the enrollment of 1934-35, which was the first year
of the merger of the college of education with the college of liberal arts.
These students were at work in 24 departments of instruction.
The students in the college came from 38 States and the District of
Columbia and from 12 foreign countries.
The graduates.—The graduates of the college of liberal arts for
1937-38 numbered 136, as compared with 109 in the previous year.
Thejaculty.—There were 88 members of the faculty of the college
officially in service during the academic year 1937-38. Of these, 81
were full-time teachers and 7 were on part-time.
The following significant facts about the faculty of liberal arts are
taken from.a study made during 1937-38 by Dr. Charles H. Thompson,
head of the department of education:
(1) Of the 21 full professors, 70 percent have the doctorate degree, or more, and
no full professors possesses less than 2 years of graduate training.
(2) Of the 15 associate professors, 9, or 60 percent, have 2 or more years of
graduate training; and only 1 (an art teacher) has less than 2 or more years of
graduate training.
(3) Of the 19 assistant professors, 8, or 42.1 percent, have doctorate degrees; 7,
or 36.8 percent, have two or more years of graduate training.
(4) Of the 29 instructors, 28, or 97.6 percent, have 1 or more years of graduate
training—the median training being the master’s degree with additional graduate
training.
(5) Taking the faculty as a whole, 39.7 percent have doctorate degrees, or more;
75.8 percent have 2 or more years of graduate training; and the only persons
(three) who do not have some formal graduate training are the special cases already
noted.
(6) The members of the faculty of the college of liberal arts have put forth 752
scholarly publications, including 56 books and monographs, 469 articles and papers,
141 book reviews, and 86 other creative contributions such as poetry, plays,
paintings, etc. Eighty-five percent of the contributions made by teachers during
their tenure at Howard have been produced during the past 7 or 8 years.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 405
Faculty publications during the year 1937-38 included 5 books, 2
chapter contributions to books, 47 articles published in scholarly
periodicals, and 24 book reviews.
MILITARY SCIENCE AND TACTICS
Enrollment.—The enrollment of the department of military science
and tactics during the current academic year was 329 the first semester
and 323 the second semester, as against 215 and 312 respectively for
the last year. Forty-seven students from Howard University attended
the R. O. T. C. camp at Fort Howard, Md., June 12 to July 23,
1937, and all students successfully completed the course.
Unit rated as excellent.—Colonel Richard Wetherhill inspected the
R. O. T. C. unit May 23 to May 27, and attended its R. O. T. C. Day
on June 3, 1938. His report is as follows:
General rating of the unit—“Excellent.”
Credits allowed.—By vote of the faculty of the college of liberal arts,
the advanced courses in military science and tactics wifi hereafter
receive 1% hours of academic credit per semester. The basic courses
continue on a par with physical education and receive no academic
credit.
Commissions awarded.—Ten students were awarded commissions
as second lieutenants of Infantry, Officers Reserve Corps, United States
Army. Four additional students will receive certificates of eligibility
for commissions as second lieutenants of Infantry, Officers Reserve
Corps, upon attaining 21 years of age.
THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
Accreditment.—In October 1937 the departments of engineering
were accredited by the Engineers’ Council for Professional Development
and placed on the list of nationally recognized schools of engineering.
Enrollment.—Instruction was given to 75 students, 50 of whom were
enrolled for degrees in engineering and architecture. Three-fourths of
the students were from areas outside of the District of Columbia
Graduates and their employment.—Four students were graduated in
June 1938, three from the department of civil engineering and one
from the department of mechanical engineering. One student was
graduated with honors. Two students were employed immediately
upon graduation. Graduates receiving work appointments during
the year included one instrument man for a municipality, a supervising
engineer for a state engineering department, a division engineer for a
municipality, a tool designer for a manufacturer of aeroplane parts,
a construction engineer, engineer inspector and power plant engineer,
and a manager for a federal housing project. One graduate was appointed
to a teaching position in a land-grant college.
406 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Faculty.—The faculty of eight full-time members included one professor,
one associate professor, one assistant professor and five instructors.
There were four visiting lecturers during the school year.
One faculty member was on sabbatical leave of absence for post graduate
study. Eighty-five percent of the faculty have earned the
master’s degree or its equivalent, while one member has earned the
degree of doctor of philosophy.
Two thirds of the faculty are registered professional engineers or
architects. A number of the faculty members hold Civil Service
status with high classification.
One faculty member applied for a patent on an optical miller, a
device which already had attracted the interest of tool manufacturers.
New equipment.—Through a special grant from the Government,
several important pieces of laboratory equipment, including a steam
turbogenerator set, Diesel engine, air-conditioning unit, a theodolite
and a precise level, were acquired.
Needs.—Additional laboratory apparatus is needed for developing
the work in electronics, materials testing, and power plant science.
Three new teachers in engineering and architecture are necessary for
relief regarding the heavy teaching loads and for developing courses
in power plant operation and institutional maintenance. The departmental
housing facilities are inadequate for present enrollment,
which is double the normal capacity of the building. A new building
designed for engineering and architecture should be acquired at an
early date.
SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Number and distribution of students.—The school enrolled 222 students
during the year, as compared with 223 for the previous year.
Ninety-eight of these students were registered in the regular degree
courses. One hundred and twenty-four were registered in the junior
department. These numbers represent an increase of 23 in the regular
degree courses. This is the largest enrollment of students prepared
to pursue degree courses in the history of the school of music.
By reason of the vigorous development of the enrollment in degree
courses the numbers in the junior department during the current
year were restricted. It is the purpose of the school to continue this
restriction and to focus its attention on the selection of students of
outstanding musical talent capable of developing in a limited time
to the conservatory level.
Faculty.—There were 16 members of the faculty during the year,
as compared with 13 last year. Ten of these gave full time to the
work, while six others gave the full-time equivalent of two teachers.
No major appointment was made during the year. One member of the
faculty is on leave and is now appearing at the Drury Lane Theatre in
London, England. Four members of the faculty appeared in 14
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 407
recitals in 13 States. Two members of the faculty are engaged in
advanced study.
Graduates.—Six students were graduated at commencement time.
One received the degree of bachelor of music; five received the degree
of bachelor of school music.
Outstanding events of the year.—The concert series this year was an
outstanding success. The series was unusually well attended and was
well managed so as to yield a net income of $1,330 as a basis for the
series of the coming year.
The theory department presented its second annual recital of original
music composed and performed by students, on a much larger
basis than last year and in a much wider scope.
Five students of the school of music held positions as organists and
directors of church choirs during the current year. Twelve of them
held recitals in places other than Howard University.
The glee club rendered eight recitals over the radio, made four trips
to other cities, and gave the second recital at the White House.
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
The school of medicine is the functional organization which represents
the cooperative interests of the entire medical unit of the university
without superseding the direct authority from the independent
faculties to the board of trustees. The autonomous member units
are the college of medicine, the college of dentistry, and the college of
pharmacy. Freedman’s Hospital, an independent institution built
upon grounds owned by the university, is functionally a part of the
university medical unit.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
Outstanding events of the year.—(1) Decided progress in the reorganization
of the medical and surgical services in the Freedman’s
Hospital, and in the improvement of the teaching of medicine and
surgery under supervision of full-time professors and heads of the
departments, made possible by grants from the General Education
Board and the Rockefeller Foundation. (2) The introduction of a
post-graduate course in venereal disease control supported by a grant
of $7,500 made available from the Social Security funds by the United
States Public Health Service. The course was given by the college
of medicine in cooperation with the United States Public Health
Service, the Health Department of the District of Columbia, and
Freedmen’s Hospital. The course was designed primarily to train
select Negro physicians, particularly in the southern states. (3) The
board of trustees approved the establishment of the E. A. Balloch
student loan fund, to serve as a revolving loan fund providing small,
short-time loans to medical students. (4) A grant of $600 was given
by the National Tuberculosis Association to be used by the head of
408 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
the University Health Service for the purpose of stimulating interest,
nationally, in the health of Negro college students with special reference
to tuberculosis. (5) The general surgical mortality of the
Freedmen’s Hospital during the past 2 years has been reduced from
6.5 percent to 0.03 percent. (6) Responsibility for the university
health service was placed on the dean of the school of medicine. The
work of the year was carried through with a high degree of efficiency.
(7) The conducting of the tuberculosis case findings program among
freshmen students made possible by a grant of $400 by the Tuberculosis
Association of the District of Columbia. (8) The addition of
nine assistant residents to the house staff of Freedmen’s Hospital.
Students.—Of a total of 212 applicants, 171 presented minimum
premedical requirements for admission. Thirty-five freshmen were
admitted. The greatest number of medical students registered at
any time during the year was 139.
During the year the school of medicine furnished instruction to 298
students, distributed as follows: Medical students 133; students in
dentistry 34; dental hygiene 7; pharmacy 29; nurses 42, and postgraduates
in venereal disease control 25, making a total of 260.
Instruction was also given by the staff in mental hygiene and public
health to graduate students in sociology and social work.
The degree of doctor of medicine was conferred upon 22 graduates
at the June commencement all of whom have secured interneship
in hospitals approved by the Council on Medical Education and
Hospitals of the American Medical Association.
Fifty-nine Howard medical graduates were examined by 13 State
boards in the United States during the year. Fifty-four passed and
five failed. The percentage of failures was 8.5%.
Faculty—Qi a total official faculty of 111, 26 were full-time teachers
and 85 were part-time. There was a full-time equivalent of 37.12
persons on the faculty of the college.
One General Education Board fellow in surgery has reported to
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University for
graduate study; one General Education Board fellow is completing
the study of neuro-psychiatry at the University of Iowa. Three
associate professors were advanced to the full professorial rank in
the departments of pathology, bacteriology, and biochemistry. There
have been 20 scientific publications by members of the faculty during
the year.
COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY
General trends.—There was another increase in the enrollment in
the college of dentistry during the year 1937-38, continuing the slow
but steady increase apparent since 1934. The outlook for 1938-39
is very encouraging. The department of oral hygiene was accredited
by the regents of the University of the State of New York and enHOWARD
UNIVERSITY 409
couraging progress was made in the placement of graduates in this
new field of work at the university.
Enrollment.—Forty-one students registered for the year 1937-38
as compared with 38 for the year 1936-37. The oral hygiene enrollment
of 7 made a total enrollment of 48. At the last meeting of the
committee on admissions, 21 new applicants were approved for admission
in 1938—39. This is the best outlook for a freshman class
that the dental college has had in several years.
The accreditment of oral hygiene.—Our department of oral hygiene
was accredited by the regents of the State of New York and the
accrediting registration was dated back to include the first year of
operation by the department.
Seven students were enrolled during the year. The faculty has
set a registration of 10 as the maximum number to be admitted for
the time being.
Very satisfactory progress has been made in the placement of our
graduates in oral hygiene. In 1937-38, one graduate was appointed
in the District of Columbia public schools; another was appointed
as hygienist in the Veterans Hospital of Tuskegee, Ala.; another was
appointed in the Sea View Hospital in New York, and still another
was appointed in the private office of one of our successful graduates
of Columbus, Ohio.
Improved equipment.-—Five new units and six dental chairs were
installed in the college of dentistry, and provisions made for a new
X-ray unit.
Improved clinical performance.—The clinical classes this year earned
an average of $359.32 per student as compared with $154.56 per
student in 1929—30. While it is impossible to measure student perfoimance
in terms of dollars and cents, the enriched experience
gained from extensive achievement in the clinical specialties forms a
helpful measuring rod for professional capacity.
Graduates. At the commencement season, six graduates were
awarded the degree of doctor of dental surgery and six received certificates
in oral hygiene.
University health program.—In cooperation with the program of
the university health service, the college of dentistry has extended
its service by way of complete oral diagnosis of students in medicine
and dentistry and of all freshmen throughout the university.
Faculty. There were 13 members of the faculty during the year,
11 of whom were giving full-time work while 2 were giving part-time
service equivalent to 1 full-time teacher. Two members of the faculty
were on sabbatical leave, doing work toward the degree of master of
science in dentistry. There were three advances in rank during the
current year.
410 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
General trends.—With the discontinuance of the college of pharmacy
at Meharry Medical College, the Howard University College of
Pharmacy stands entirely by itself in Negro pharmaceutical education.
Registration.—There were 29 students registered for all classes at
the beginning of the year, 2 of whom were women. Twelve were
freshmen or beginning students, seven sophomores, five juniors, and
four seniors.
Graduates.—Three graduates in the college of pharmacy received
the degree of bachelor of science in pharmacy. This was the third
class to graduate from the bachelor of science or 4-year course in
pharmacy, adopted in 1932.
Faculty.—The faculty for the year 1937-38 was the same as the
faculty of 1936-37, with two full-time professors, two instructors, fulltime,
and one instructor part-time. One instructor was on leave of
absence without pay for the second semester, to pursue his studies
for the doctorate degree at the University of Minnesota.
Student health.—The college of pharmacy has cooperated during
the year with the university student health service in filling prescriptions
written for students and furnishing the various medical
prescriptions required. One hundred twelve prescriptions were
filled during the 5-month period from January to May. Almost
without exception, exclusive official United States Pharmacopoeia
and medical formulary preparations were prescribed.
SCHOOL OF LAW’
General trends.—The procedural course which previously has been
given only in the first year has been extended to cover both the first
and second years, and administrative law, labor law, and civil rights
have been added to the curriculum for the first time. There is a
definite tendency to raise the standards for admission to the bar.
Especially is this noticeable in the District of Columbia, where the
Bar Association has recommended that 2 years of prelegal work be
required as a condition of admission to the bar.
Enrollment.—The enrollment for this year was larger and better
equipped scholastically than at any previous time in the history of
the school. Seventy-six students were in attendance from twenty-six
States and two foreign countries. The enrollment has doubled
within the last 4 years. Forty-seven of our seventy-six students have
the bachelor’s degree, and one has the master’s degree. Thirty-nine
colleges were represented in the enrollment—25 of these colleges for
the education of Negro youth.
Twenty-one, or 77.8 percent, of the 27 entrants in the first year
class possessed 4 years or more of college training.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 411
Graduates.—Sixteen graduates received the degree of bachelor of
laws at commencement. This is three times the number awarded
degrees in 1936. Of 15 graduates, 1 had his master’s degree and 11
had the bachelor’s degree before they entered the school. All except
two had more than the minimum prelegal requirement of 60 hours of
college work.
Faculty.—The staff for the last year was increased by one assistant
professor. We now have five full-time and four part-time persons on
the faculty, distributed as follows: Professors, 1; associate professors,
1; and assistant professors, 3; all full time. Part-time staff: 2 assistant
professors, 1 professor, and 1 lecturer.
The library.—The number of volumes now in the library is 19,478;
received on purchase 421; received as gifts, 36; added as bound
periodicals, 49; different periodical titles received on purchase, 36;
different periodical titles received as gifts, 24; total circulation of
books 1937-38, 4,810; total circulation of books 1936-37, 3,647;
increased circulation of books, 1,163. The library was under the
supervision of one part-time librarian.
Official inspection—The president of the American Association of
Law Schools visited our school of law during the year and, after thorough
inspection, recommended that the school secure one additional
stenographer, one additional full-time teacher, and one full-time
library worker.
SCHOOL OF RELIGION
Financial support.—The school of religion received no aid from
Federal funds. Its work is maintained entirely by endowments and
private gifts. Two legacies approximating $2,000 each became available
during the current year.
General trends.—For 5 years our school of religion has been on a
graduate basis, allowing only college graduates to matriculate. Since
1932 there has been an increase of 500 percent in the number of graduate
students. The question as to whether a school of religion entirely
devoted to the education of students of graduate calibre could succeed,
is answered in the affirmative.
Enrollment.—In the first semester of the year 1937-38, 29 students
were enrolled in the school of religion. During the second semester
there were 32 students enrolled. This represents an increase from 9
college graduates in 1933-34 to an average of 30 in 1937-38.
The school has been interdenominational from its beginning. The
present student body is drawn from six denominations, including the
Congregational, the Baptist, the Methodist Episcopal, the colored
Methodist Episcopal, the African Methodist Episcopal, and the
African Methodist Episcopal Zion denominations. The student
body this year came from 21 colleges.
412 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
Graduates.—Nine students were graduated from the school of
religion June 10, 1938. Six received the bachelor of divinity degree
and three received the master’s degree in religious education. All
graduate work is consolidated under the graduate school. For this
reason the master’s degree in religious education is given by the graduate
school and not by the school of religion.
Faculty.—There was one new full-time appointment to the faculty.
The faculty consisted of nine members, including three full-time
professors, one part-time professor, and five part-time instructors.
Dr. W. Y. Bell, professor of old testament interpretation and
Hebrew, was elevated to the highest office of his church—the bishopric.
His position will be difficult to fill,
Library.—The school of religion library now contains 2,396 volumes.
This represents an increase of 296 volumes over last year. At least
5,000 volumes are necessary for the minimum adequate functioning
of the school.
Outlook and needs.—The dean expects 18 new students to matriculate
in the fall. This will place the enrollment at 47 persons, or 10
short of the maximum to be achieved within the next 3 or 4 years.
The quality of work done for the B. D. degree is being rapidly improved.
The university is giving careful consideration to the problem
of finding suitable quarters for the school of religion and is making
effort to secure supporters for an increased faculty, increased scholarship
funds, and a substantial addition to the book collection.
THE LIBRARY
Approaching completion oj new building.—The approaching completion
of the new library building has greatly increased interest in
the work of the library. Further progress has been made in organizing
the staff for efficient service in the new home.
Library organization and administration.—The library is now
organized in 6 departments with 12 assistants. An average of 28
students worked in the main library during the year on university
and N. Y. A. scholarships.
Library departments’ progress.—Acquisitions department reports
4,954 items accessioned, representing 2,514 items by purchase, 1,583
by gift, 477 by binding, 38 by exchange, and 342 acquired by school of
medicine. Large gifts were received from the Ministry of French
Foreign Affairs, the estate of Myra T. Spaulding, Mrs. Josiah T.
Settle, and Teachers College Library, Columbia University.
The serials division added 113 new titles, bringing its current titles
received to 570 with a periodical issue circulation of 1,410.
A total of 4,250 titles and 4,842 books were cataloged.
The circulation and reference division issued 2,652 identification
cards, reported a circulation of 70,489 books for reserve and nonreserve
books and bound periodicals.
HOWARD UNIVERSITY 413
The Moorland Foundation fulfilled 2,688 recorded book requests,
added a total of 299 items and filed about 10,000 cards in its special
catalogs, files, and indexes. The librarian gave lectures on library
usage to all freshmen. The system of interlibrarv loans was expanded,
so that 445 items were requested for Howard, while 26 requests were
received from other schools.
Special projects.—With W. P. A. assistance, the union catalog of
material by, on, and relating to the Negro was begun, an official
subject headings list for our card catalog made a reality, and nearly
8,000 unaccessioned items listed and arranged in acquisitions room.
Statistics (total).—The total number of books now accessioned in the
university libraries is 111,801. The main library handles 570 of the
808 periodical titles received and is responsible for 74,587 of the entire
circulation. Total circulation reported as 132,481 for 1937-38.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Buildings under construction.—The following table shows the list
of building projects in process during the year ended June 30, 1938.
These buildings were constructed under funds and direction of the
Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works.
Building Projects in Process, Year Ending June 30, 1938
No. Description of project Date authorized
Total appropriations
5 Construction and equipment of a library building_________________ Feb. 14,1931 $1,105,000.00
8 Construction and equipment of a heat, light, and power plant______ Feb. 17,1933 555, 576.99
9 Construction and equipment of dormitories for men_________________ Oct. 4,1935 525,000. 00
The status of the above listed projects as of June 30, 1938, was as
follows:
Project No. 5.—Construction and equipment of a library building.
Exterior walls and roof completed; interior work nearing completion.
Expected to be ready for occupancy during the first semester of 1 OSSSO.
Project No. 8.—Construction and equipment of heat, light, and
power plant. Tests completed and plant put in use throughout the
school year 1037-38.
Project No. 9.—Construction and equipment of dormitories for
men. Second group of bid proposals exceeded the appropriation.
Contract let for central unit and two of four wings. Walls halfway
completed. Application pending for funds to complete the project
as originally planned.
FINANCES
Assets —The total assets of the university at June 30, 1938, were
$9,174,836.41, exclusive of the unexpended balances of Government
appropriations for the chemistry building; the heat, light, and power
plant; the library; and the men’s dormitories. Of the total assets,
the sum of $1,201,425.70 represents assets in the physical plant exten-
104366—38----- 28
414 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
sion fund, made possible through private gifts of the General Education
Board and the Julius Rosenwald Fund, and from rentals of the
property purchased by the gifts of these funds; $1,031,401.46 represents
endowment (an increase of $71,807.92); $6,807,837.87 represents
plant fund assets (an increase of $829,600.74 since the report of June
30, 1937) exclusive of the unexpended balances of Government appropriations
for buildings, as indicated above. One thousand three
hundred twenty-eight dollars and thirty cents represents a small
loan fund for students in the school of medicine. The remaining
$232,842.32 represents assets of the current fund.
Income and expenditure.—The total income for the year 1937-38
was $1,911,755.22, including current and capital funds. This represents
a gross increase of $484,313.91 over the total income for 1936-37.
This increase is due primarily to an increase of $474,382.25 in the
income from previously appropriated Government funds for buildings.
The total income for current purposes during 1937-38 was
$1,124,283, representing an increase of $8,931.66 over the current
income for 1936-37. Of the total income for current purposes the
Government contributed $699,824.76 or $19,459.94 less than the
Government contributed for 1936-37. The income for current purposes
from private sources increased from $396,066.64 in 1936-37
to $424,458.24 in 1937-38.
Attention is respectfully directed to the fact that during the year
1937-38 the endowment of the university passed the million dollar
mark, and that there was an increase of $60,867.70 or 4.29 percent
in the amount of money spent for resident instruction.
Balanced budget.—Again as during the school year 1936-37, the
budget of Howard University was kept at balance, the income exceeding
the expenditures by $236.56. This sum was applied to the retirement
of the accumulated deficit.
The audit of funds—The auditing of all the university’s accounts
has been done by certified public accountants. All moneys appropriated
by the Congress and by the Federal Emergency Administration
of Public Works were expended under the supervision of the
Secretary of the Interior. The accounts involving these funds have
been inspected by the Government accounting officer and have been
found to be satisfactory.
APPRECIATION
On behalf of the trustees, faculties, and students of Howard University,
I wish to express to the Secretary of the Interior and through
him to the Members of the Congress and to the President of the
United States my appreciation for their thoughtful and constructive
interest in Howard University, and to all the officers and employees
of the Department of the Interior for their courtesy and helpfulness
in handling the affairs of Howard University.
FREEDMEN’S HOSPITAL
Dr. T. Edward Jones, Surgeon in Chief
F REED MEN’S HOSPITAL, in addition to affording an opportunity
to the young Negro to perfect himself or herself in the field of
medicine or in training for nurses, affords a competent center for the
treatment of human ills. Hospital facilities in many communities
being inadequate for the colored man, Freedmen’s Hospital continues
to receive approximately 50 percent of its patients from the States,
distant as well as nearby.
For the first time, the professional staff of the hospital, in keeping
with regulations governing other members of the American Hospital
Association, was during the year graded according to rank resultant
upon experience and ability. The installation of modern intercommunicating
equipment, with a minimum expenditure, added to
the efficiency of operation. The number of internes was reduced
from 24 to 16, effective July 1, 1938. In their stead, eight assistant
residents were appointed. These assistant residents have already
served a 1-year interneship. They are closely associated with the
internes following them, and in addition to improving their own
professional ability, act as a guide to their less experienced followers.
This system serves a twofold purpose. It gives added assurance
of proper patient care and at the same time affords an opportunity
for the young physician to spend from 1 to 3 years in hospital training.
Those who show superior qualifications are eligible for appointment
as residents, the sequence being interne, assistant resident, and resident.
TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES
At the beginning of our administration, we found ourselves faced
with an edict from the Nurses’ Examining Board of the District of
Columbia of a cancelation of registration of our training school for
nurses, effective September 1, 1938. Upon our appeal to the office
of the Secretary of the Interior, Miss Virginia Livesay, R. N., was
assigned to Freedmen’s Hospital as technical adviser on nurse administration
for a period of 6 months. In consequence of her survey,
reorganization of the school, and institution of a modern program for
nursing procedures, the Nurses Examining Board of the District of
Columbia, in response to our request under date of August 1938,
informed us that our registration would be continued until September
415
416 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
1, 1939, and assured us if we paralleled our progress as of today, our
registration would be still further extended. This means that additional
graduate nurses, hospital attendants, and equipment must be
secured.
We cannot commend too highly the excellent work done by Mr.
Richard Mackenzie, hospital consultant, and Miss Virginia Livesay,
technical adviser on nurse administration.
N. Y. A. AND W. P. A. PROJECTS
The N. Y. A. project within the hospital has offered an excellent
opportunity for the Negro youth to fit himself for helpful service in
the advancement of health. They learn much with reference to
proper housekeeping in regard to the sick, as well as the attention
which must be given. The hospital, in return, derives some benefit
from their services rendered.
One W. P. A. project installed July 1, 1938, is rendering valuable
aid assorting, assembling, and filing our old records. Another W. P.
A. project is giving material help in our efforts to keep the hospital
at a high standard of cleanliness.
CONCLUSION
With a sympathetic understanding and cooperative attitude upon
the part of the Secretary of the Interior and others, Freedmen’s
Hospital finds itself gradually emerging from its pauperism. It was
necessary to request a deficiency appropriation of $10,000 in order to
keep the hospital doors open for the last 6 months of the fiscal year
1937, and a deficiency appropriation of $15,000 for the fiscal year 1938.
Feeling that there might be an error in judgment upon the part of
the Chief Surgeon as to the needs of the hospital, as well as a possibility
of inexperience in hospital management, a request was made upon
the Secretary of the Interior for a survey to be made by a hospital
expert. The request was granted, and Mr. Richard Mackenzie made
the survey. His findings justified our budget estimate and revealed
that we were altogether too modest in our requests. As a result, a
supplemental budget of $196,500 was submitted for the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 1938. Of this supplemental budget $50,000 was
appropriated by Congress, along with a $15,000 deficiency appropriation
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1938. This increased appropriation
will go a long way toward improving the efficiency of the
hospital.
We still need 30 graduate nurses, 42 hospital attendants, 4 laboratory
helpers, 1 pathology laboratory technician, 1 assistant pharmacist,
4 assistant social service workers, 1 assistant dietician, 8 junior
clerk typists, 4 messengers, 6 guards, 3 elevator operators, 5 electrician
helpers, 6 cooks, 4 kitchen helpers, 2 gardeners, and 4 laundry workers.
There also should be an increase in the maintenance appropriation
to meet the increased daily census.
COLUMBIA INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF
Percival Hall, President
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938, there were under
instruction in the advanced department of the institution, known as
Gallaudet College, 82 men and 52 women, a total of 134, representing
39 States and the District of Columbia. This is a decrease of seven
as compared with the preceding year.
In the primary and grammar department, known as the Kendall
School, there were under instruction 32 boys and 41 girls, a total of 73.
This is a decrease of one as compared with the preceding year. Of the
total in this department 70 were admitted as beneficiaries of the
District of Columbia.
There were admitted to the institution 28 males and 23 females;
discharged, 17 males and 15 females.
HEALTH
Excellent health has prevailed during the year, with no serious
surgical cases and no cases of a dangerous contagious disease.
COURSES OF INSTRUCTION
Instruction in architectural drawing was resumed. A special
course was given in statistics and their graphical representation. A
course in principles of teaching, begun last year, was continued. The
rest of the curriculum remained the same.
NEEDS OF THE INSTITUTION
Special needs of the institution at the present time are new buildings:
First, a combined library-recitation building, for which over $60,000
has been given to the institution by friends and alumni of the college
department; second, addition to the present laboratory building; third,
addition to the gymnasium for basketball; fourth, new units for the
Kendall School, consisting of new dormitories, school building, and
two new cottages for resident instructors.
RESEARCH WORK
A research problem in connection with the simplest and most understandable
means of communication with deaf students has been in
progress under the direction of Prof. Sam B. Craig, with the aid of
417
418 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR
funds supplied by the National Research Council. During the year
appropriations have been made for the coming year for a regular
research worker, and a number of problems, such as the study of the
language of deaf pupils compared with that of hearing pupils, employment
of the deaf in the District of Columbia, and particular studies of
sight and hearing of pupils of the institution, are contemplated.
SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
Invitations were extended during the year for the alumni of the
college department to celebrate the seventy-fifth anniversary by a
special meeting in June at Kendall Green. The regular meeting of the
Conference of Executives of American Schools for the Deaf has also
agreed to meet in Washington in October 1939, in connection with this
celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the opening of the
collegiate department.
SPECIAL GIFTS
Special gifts were received during the year from Thomas S. Marr for
a scholarship, and from Mrs. Olaf Hanson for an annual prize in
memory of Dr. Hanson.
RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES
The total United States appropriation for the fiscal year was
$145,000, of which $141,745 was expended. Special current funds
were received to the amount of $47,289.71, with expenditures of
$43,924, leaving a balance of $3,255 to be returned to the Treasury of
the United States from the appropriation and a balance of $3,365.71
in special funds to be carried into the new fiscal year.
PRESENTATION DAY
At the close of the school year, seven graduates of the normal department
received the degree of master of arts in course, eight students
of Gallaudet College received the degree of bachelor of arts in course,
and five the degree of bachelor of science in course. The honorary
degree of master of letters was conferred upon Howard Leslie Terry, of
California, deaf author and former student of the college; and honorary
master of pedagogy upon Winfield Scott Runde, of California,
graduate of the college retiring from the teaching profession after
many years of successful service.
INDEX
A
Page
Additions to National Park System_________ vn
Appropriations:
Geological Survey_______________________ 166-167
Indians____________________________________ 263
Mines, Bureau of__________________________ 206
National Park Service_____________________ 41
Vocational Education___________________ 339-343
Arts and crafts, Indian____________________ 233-234
Alaska, natives, health work_______________ 242-244
Alaska, Railroad__________________________ 274-275
Alaska, Road Commission___________________ 275
Alaska, Territory of_______________________ 273-275
Alaska, work of Geological Survey in... 127,134-140
All-American Canal_________________________ 82
B
Baker Island________________________________ 280
Blue Ridge Parkway project_________________ 22
Board on Geographical Names______________ 371
Bonneville project___________________________ 84
Boulder Canyon project_________________ ix, 56,80
Burlew, Ebert K., First Asst. Secretary_____ xvn
c
Cadastral Engineering Service______________ 88
Canton Island_______________________________ 280
Cases, Division of Investigation___________ 358-359
Central Valley project_______________________ ix, 54
Changes in park system_____________________ 27
Charters, Indian___________________________ 251-253
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal___________________ 3,15
Civilian Conservation Corps__________ 33,49,74,89
Education activities in__________________ 320-324
Division of Grazing activities____________ 114-116
Indian Division_________________ 220, 222, 227-229
Coal, research in___________________________ 179-181
Colorado-Big Thompson project_____________ ix, 56
Columbia Institution for the Deaf__________ 417-418
Concessionaires, national parks______________ 23
Connally Act________________________________ 360
Conservation:
Branch of Geological Survey_____________ 157-168
Department, change of name______________ xvn
Education in______________________________ 353
On Indian lands_____________________ 217, 227-229
Of Indian forests___________________________ 217
Mineral, program for______________________ 174
Unified forest policy for____________________ 122
Water supply studies____________________ 145-156
Wildlife protection program_____________ 117-118
Cooperatives, Puerto Rico___________________ 287
Coos Bay wagon road grant lands___________ 90
Credit fund, Indian_______________________ 250-253
Crop results, reclamation projects____________ 66
D
Page
Deaf, Columbia Institution for the________ 417-418
E
East Texas oil area________________________ 361-364
Education:
C. C. C. activities_______________________ 320-324
Conservation______________________________ 353
Office of--------------------------------------------- xiv, 294-356
Federal activities in_____________________ 299-305
Forum demonstrations__________________ 308-310
General Board of, report_________________ 355-356
Legislative needs for_____________________ 349-350
Indian adult_____________________________ 246-247
Information Service_____________________ 315-317
Land grant colleges and universities_____ 317-318
Library work____________________________ 310-311
President’s Advisory Committee on_____ 346-348
Public school enrollment__________________ 295
Publications, Office of___________________ 343-345
Radio broadcasting_____________ 306-308
University cooperation___________________ 311-312
Vocational_______________________________ 324-343
Vocational, appropriations for___________ 339-343
Electrification, Rural, Puerto Rico_________ 288-289
Elk Hills oil case_________________________ in-v, 264
Enderburylsland________ ,_________________ 280
Equatorial and South Sea Islands___________ 280
Exhibits, Office of_________ __________________ 368
Expenditures:
Geological Survey_______________________ 166-167
Mines, Bureau of________________________ 207-208
F
Federal Buildings__________________ ____ ____ 35,46
Federal Radio Education Committee______ 313-314
Federal Range Code, Foundation of______ 110-111
Federal Tender Board, No. 1________________ 361
Fire prevention, national parks_____________ 17
Foreign minerals, study of_________________ 198-199
Forests:
Conservation on Indian lands_____________ 217
Director of__________________________ xni, 122-124
Fire statistics______________________________ 42
Protection, national parks_________________ 17
Puerto Rico____ ___________________________ 293
Forum, educational demonstrations_______ 308-310
Freedmen’s Hospital___ ____________________ 415-416
Fuel, development of, research in____________ 174
G
Gallaudet College, Columbia Institution for
the Deaf_______________________________ 417-418
General Education Board, report of_______ 355-356
General Land Office_______ _________________87,106
419
420 INDEX
Page
Geographical Names, Board of______________ 371
Geological Survey....__________________ x, 125-172
Geological Survey:
Conservation Branch, work of___________ 157-163
Work in Alaska________________ 127
Year’s activities___________________________ 126
Grand Coulee Dam______________________ in, ix, 54
Grazing Act_________________________________ 87
Grazing Districts, Enforcement in_________ 118-119
Grazing Districts, Status of__________________ 110
Grazing, Division of_______________________ 107-122
C. C. C. work in________________________ 114-116
Organization of____________________________ 110
Grazing licences, number of__________________ 107
Grazing program____________________________ xin
H
Hawaii, Territory of_______________________ 275-277
Hawaiian Homes Commission_______________ 277
Helium______________________________________ x
Helium, production of_____________________ 188-189
Historic American Buildings Survey_______________ 22
Historic sites and buildings__________________ 15
Homestead entries______________ 97
Health:
Alaska natives___________________________ 242-244
Indian___________________________________ 238-242
Indian tuberculosis________________________ 238
Puerto Rico_____________________________ 285-286
Hospitals:
Freedmens________________________________ 415-416
Indian_____________________________________ 241
St. Elizabeths___________________________ 373-394
Housing:
Indian___________________________________ 230-232
Urban, Puerto Rico_______________________ 292
Howard University________________________ 395-416
Buildings and grounds_____________________ 413
Finances__________________________________413-414
Graduates_________________________________ 399
Students________________________________ 397-399
Teaching staff___________________________ 400-402
Howland Island_____________________________ 280
Hurricane Research, Puerto Rico____________ 292
I
Ickes, Harold L., Secretary, letter to President_____________________________________
ni
Indians....____ ______________________________ xi
Adult education______ ,_________________ 246-247
Affairs, Office of___________________________ 209
Appropriations____________________________ 263
Arts and crafts___ _______ 233-234
Credit fund_____________________________ 250-253
Education_______________________________ 244-247
Employment----------------------------------------------- 257
Exhibits___________________________________ 234
Grazing, livestock and income_____________ 219
Health__________________________________ 238-242
Hospitals------------------------------------------------- 241-242
Income__________________________________ 229-230
Land irrigation__________________________ 221-224
Land, mineral development on____________ 161
Population____________ 257-261
Page
Indians—Continued.
Reclamation projects______________________ 223
Roads___________________________________ 232-233
Self-government_________________________ 247-250
Social Security___________________________ 237-238
Tribes_______________________ 213-217,220, 248-252
Tuberculosis among_________ ______________ 238
Vocational education____________________ 245-246
Information, Division of_____________________ 366
Information Service, Education_____________ 315-317
Investigations, Division of_________________ 356-359
Irrigation and crop results___________________ 67
Islands, Equatorial and South Sea___________ 280
J
Jarvis Island________________________________ 280
Jeanes, Anna T. Educational Fund__________ 356
K
Kendall School, Columbia Institution for the
Deaf.------------------------------------------------------- 417-418
L
Land grant colleges and universities, Federal
activities in___________ 317-318
Legislation, need for educational____________ 349-350
Libraries in education_______________________ 310-311
M
Maps, work of Geological Survey on________ 140-145
Mine safety work, accomplishments in_______ 173
Mineral leases and mining claims_____________ 98
Mineral withdrawals and classifications_____ 103
Minerals, foreign, study of_________________ 198-199
Mines, Bureau of, report of_____________ ix, 173-208
Motion Pictures, Division of_________________ 367
Muir, John__________________________________ 3
Museums________________ 13
N
Natchez Trace Parkway_____________________ 22
National Capital parks_______________________ 25
National Park Service________________________ 1
Additions to system_______________________ vn
Blue Ridge Parkway project__________ 22
Changes in system_________________________ 27
Buildings space control____________________ 37
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal_________________ 3,15
Concessionaires____________________________ 23
Federal buildings__________________________ 35,46
Fire protection____________________________ 17
Forest protection__________________________ 17
Historic American Buildings Survey_____________ 22
Historic sites and buildings________________ 15
Olympic National Park____________________ 2
Park attendance___________________________ 1
Proposed monuments and parks____________ 31-32
Regionalization of parks___________________ 5
Sugar pines________________________________ vi
Travel Bureau____________________________7,8,34
Negro education_____________________________ 297
Negro Affairs, Office of Adviser on_________ 369-370
Negro Schools, Jeanes Fund for________ ______ 356
INDEX 421
Page o
Office of Exhibits____________________________ 368
Office of Adviser on Negro Affairs_________ 369-370
Oil, shipments by water_____________________ 364
Olympic National Park______________________ v, 2
Oregon & California lands, forest policy in... 122-123
P
Park attendance_____________________________ 1
Patient population, St. Elizabeths_________ 374-375
Petroleum Conservation Division__________ 360-365
Pineapple industry, Hawaiian_______________ 276
Population, Indian________________________ 257-261
Population, reclamation projects_____________ 63
Potteries, Puerto Rico_______________________ 287
Proposed national monuments___________ 32
Proposed national parks_____________ 31
Public lands, minerals, oil and gas on______ 159-161
Public lands, withdrawals of_____________ 94
Public schools, enrollment in_____________ 295
Publications, Office of Education__________ 343-345
Puerto Rico_____________________________ 277-278
Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration. . 281
Puerto Rico rehabilitation________________ xvi
R
Radio, educational broadcasting___________ 306-308
Raker Act___________________________________ v
Reclamation, All-American Canal________ 82
Boulder Canyon project_______________ ix, 56, 80
Bureau of..____ ______ 51
Central Valley project________________________ ix, 54
Construction program__________________ 53
Colorado-Big Thompson project_______________ ix, 56
Crop results on projects________________ 66
Grand Coulee Dam___________________________ ni, 54
Indian projects._______ 223
Financial status________________________ 75
Population on projects__________________ 63
Secondary investigations________________ 71
Reclamation fund______________________ 58
Reconstruction Administration, Puerto Rico.. 281
Recreational demonstration area__________ 33
Regionalization, national parks___________ 5
Rehabilitation, Indian_____________________ 230-232
Rehabilitation, rural, Puerto Rico__________ 282-284
Repayment Commission_____________________vm, 60
Revested Oregon & California lands_______ 90
Rights of way_____________________________ 98
Page
Roads, Indian_____________________________ 232-233
Rockefeller, John D., Jr______________________ vi
Rum, Virgin Islands_________________________ 279
s
St. Elizabeths Hospital____________________ 373-394
Secondary investigations, reclamation______________ 71
Self-government, Indian___________________ 247-250
Slattery, Harry, Undersecretary_____________ xvn
Solicitor, Office of__________________________ 264-269
States control________________________________ 37
Statistics, Geological Survey________________ 166-172
Sugar, Puerto Rico________________________ 286-287
Sugar, Hawaiian_____________________________ 276
Sugar pines____ _____ vi
Social Security, Indian_____________________ 237-238
T
Taylor Grazing Act, receipts from....... ............ 91
Territories and Island Possessions, Division of. xvi,
273-280
Travel Bureau______________________________ 7,8,34
Tuberculosis among Indians_________________ 238
u
Universities, Federal educational cooperation. 311-
312
University, Howard (see also Howard University)------------------------------------------------------
395-416
V
Virgin Islands Co., the____________________ 279-280
Virgin Islands, the_________________________ 278-280
Vocational education______________________ 324-343
Vocational education, appropriations for___ 339-343
Vocational education, Indians_____________ 245-246
w
War minerals relief cases_____________________ 264
Water power, Geological Survey, studies on. 158-159
Water resources, studies of_________________ 145-156
Wildlife conservation, Division of Grazing
program----------------------------- 117-118
Wildlife management________________________ 13
Y
Yellowstone Lake____________________ 6
Yosemite, School of, Field Natural History__ 12
o

^V*UAL R£|»o *
OF THE
GOVERNOR OF
ALASKA
TO THE SECRETARY OF
THE INTERIOR
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED. JUNE 30
193 8
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1938
i
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Harold L. Ickes, Secretary
TERRITORY OF ALASKA
John W. Troy, Governor
For sale by the
Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C.
Price 10 cents
CONTENTS
Page
Foreword and recommendations.................................. 1
Commerce of Alaska............................................................. . 3
Alaska fund (revenues)............................................................. 5
Territorial finances..................................................................... 5
Territorial banks......................................................................... 5
Tourist travel............................................................................ 5
Alaska Railroad......................................................................... 6
National parks: Mount McKinley.......................................... 6
National monuments................................................................. 8
Roads and trails:
Alaska Road Commission...................................................... 9
Bureau of Public Roads.......................................................... 11
Territorial Road Board......................................................... 11
Fishing: Bureau of Fisheries................................................. . 12
Mining:
Geological Survey................................................................. 19
Bureau of Mines..................................................................... 26
Territorial Department of Mines.......................................... 26
Game and fur: Alaska Game Commission............................... 27
Forests:
Forest Service......................................................................... 28
Civilian Conservation Corps.................................................. 30
Lands: Public Survey Office...................................................... 30
Rivers and harbors.............................................................; . . 31
Coast and geodetic survey......................................................... 34
Aids to navigation..................................................................... 35
Coast Guard................................................................................ 36
Communication:
Mail service............................................................................ 36
Naval communications......................................................... 37
Signal Corps.............................. 37
Telephone land lines.......................... „.............................. 38
Aviation:
Alaska Aeronautics and Communications Commission ... 38
Bureau of Air Commerce...................................................... 39
Weather Bureau........................................................................ 39
in
IV CONTENTS
Education: Page
Historical Library and Museum.......................................... 40
University of Alaska............................................................. 41
Agricultural experiment stations.......................................... 41
Extension Service................................................................. 41
Livestock inspection............................................................. 42
Fur Farming .......................................................................... 42
Territorial schools.................................................................
Office of Indian Affairs......................................................... 44
Reindeer Service................................................................. 46
Health:
Indian Medical Service......................................................... 46
Territorial Department of Health.......................................... 48
United States Public Health Service.................................. 50
Alaska insane........................................................................ 50
American Red Cross................................................................. 50
Social Welfare:
Pioneers’ home........................................................................ 51
Department of Public Welfare.............................................. 51
Old-age assistance............................................................. 51
Temporary direct relief..................................................... 52
Child welfare services......................................................... 52
Unemployment Compensation Commission........................... 54
Territorial Employment Service.......................................... 54
Social Security Board............................................................. 54
Public Works Administration.................................................. 55
Works Progress Administration................................................. 55
Matanuska colonization project..............................................
Alaska Planning Council............................................................. 57
Auditor of Alaska........................................................................
Incorporated towns....................................................................
ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
John W. Troyz Governor
FOREWORD AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In practically all lines of endeavor, Alaska made substantial progress
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938.
In 1937 our salmon pack was the largest in history. The shipments
from the Territory were valued at $45,386,512. All other fish
and fish products amounted to $5,885,925. June 30, 1938, the salmon
shipped from Alaska was valued at $42,677,210, all other fish products
at $7,547,815, making a total of fish products shipped in 1937,
$51,272,437 and for 1938, $50,225,025. The perpetuation of the salmon
supply has been solved. There is no longer fear that it will
become exhausted.
Gold shipments from Alaska for 1937 amounted to $15,877,705. The
gold shipments for 1938, ending June 30, amounted to $18,575,002.
A total value of mine products shipped to the United States in
1937 was $22,736,612. Until June 30, 1938, the total mine products
was $28,693,088, showing an increase of $5,956,476 in the year.
There w’as a general increase in Alaska’s total commerce of about
5y2 million dollars.
The increase of bank deposits was about one-half million dollars
denoting a healthy banking condition.
Generally speaking, conditions in Alaska are excellent. Business
conditions throughout the Territory are improving.
There has been growth of population in all four divisions. One
of the vexing problems that has been connected with the influx of
people has been the fact that so many people have come to Alaska
unprepared to protect themselves financially or to find employment.
Increased unemployment became noticeable during the last summer,
but the outlook is brighter because of additional private employment
and projects being set up by the Public Works Administration,
where mostly needed, which will relieve problems more this coming
winter than in the past.
In the continued development of Alaska the thing of paramount
importance is to improve transportation, and the thing of paramount
importance in improving transportation is aeronautical de-
1
2 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
velopment. More scheduled air flights are needed; in order to get
them there should be further development of air mail routes. Air mail
routes require scheduled flying, and scheduled air mail routes between
Puget Sound and Fairbanks and probably Nome and other points in
Alaska are anticipated. Through our Alaska Aeronautics and Communications
Commission in cooperation with the Federal Government,
the outlook for further aerial development is very bright.
Two additional aeronautics inspectors should be stationed in
Alaska as has been recommended by the Supervising Aeronautical
Inspector for Alaska.
Trial air flights between Seattle and Juneau were made and some
time ago an air route was established between Juneau and Fairbanks,
two round trips per week being made between these points.
This service should be extended until mail shall be transported to
all the important sections of the Territory.
Health and educational factors have made giant strides over last
year through cooperation between agencies of the Federal Government
and the Territorial Government. These are treated elsewhere
in this report.
Next in importance after improvement of air mail service and
aerial navigation is the need for roads and bridges.
While the Territory has made liberal contributions to the extension
of schools and road building in Alaska, and as the present owner
of the natural resources, the Federal Government should continue
its aid to roads, schools, aeronautics, and other things of public
nature, the time has arrived when the Territory should make greater
contribution to territorial development.
The Territory established a planning council in cooperation with
the Natural Resources Board and other Federal agencies in preparing
programs for planned development. This planning commission
will report to the next session of the legislature which convenes in
January 1939 and will consider the question of taxes and development
of resources. This is treated further elsewhere in this report.
Probably the question in Alaska pressing hardest for immediate
handling is the persistently reiterated complaint that the Alaska
Indians are being destroyed through excessive drinking. There is
no doubt that this proposition has come to a point where it must be
solved.
On June 2, 1924, Congress granted full citizenship to all Indians
born in the United States. Under general laws applicable to the
Territory of Alaska, the Indians and Eskimos in the Territory are
considered as wards of the Federal Government and under the direct
supervision of the Secretary of the Interior. Congress naturally
appropriates for their health, care, and education, and it is believed
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 3
that any legislation concerning the sale of liquor to Indians in the
Territory of Alaska should be a matter for Congress, and not for the
Territorial legislature. Probably the best way to remedy the liquor
situation in the Territory of Alaska would be for Congress to reenact
section 2575 of the Compiled Laws of Alaska 1913, and if Congress
does not see fit to do this, for the legislature to take such action.
Section 2575 reads as follows:
That under the license issued in accordance with this act no intoxicating
liquors shall be sold, given, or in a’ny way disposed of to any minor, Indian,
or intoxicated person, or to an habitual drunkard.
In previous reports I have urged that the full territorial form of
government be extended to Alaska; by “full territorial form of
government,” I mean such government as was conferred on the earlier *
territories. These laws gave the territories control over all local
matters. In fact the earlier territories had control over practically
everything except they had no power to vote for President, Vice
President, or Senators and Representatives in Congress. However,
I have always urged close cooperation between the Territorial and
Federal Governments and I am still in favor of that. I believe the
Territory should have authority to act on all matters properly subject
to legislation except those things which are naturally purely Federal.
Matters of taxation, especially, should be controlled by the Territory.
As I have said before, no people are so vitally interested in legislation
as those who are subject to that legislation, and none so well
qualified to determine the effect of legislation as those affected by
it. In the last administration there has been close cooperation
between the Federal Government and its agencies and the Territorial
government and its agencies. This should be continued.
Largely due to the successful development of the Matanuska colonization
project, there has been a marked interest shown in agriculture.
Particularly is that noticeable in the Kenai Peninsula country,
where Homer is the center of agricultural development. Scores of
settlers have located there during the last year. This and other
settlements are deserving of all possible encouragement.
COMMERCE OF ALASKA
Total of commerce between Alaska and the United States for the
fiscal year 1938 shows a healthy increase over the preceding year.
Inbound commerce amounted to $81,906,036, an increase of approximately
5y2 million dollars, while the value of shipments from the
States to Alaska totaled $42,701,222, an increase of 4% million
dollars.
The balance of trade in favor of Alaska was $39,204,814, an
increase from $37,972,955.
4 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
That the percentage of increase of trade in favor of Alaska does
not follow in the same ratio as the increase of total commerce for the
year 1937, is probably accounted for by the increase in mining machinery
and other equipment for new industries shipped to Alaska.
The value of game and fur skins shipped indicates that the plan
of management is working satisfactorily as an increase in value of
approximately one-half million dollars over 1937 is shown.
Tourist travel continued to increase, and during the summer all
ships plying Alaska waters carried capacity loads. The need for
added transportation facilities is becoming more apparent each year,
and as rapidly as new ships and hotel accommodations are provided
an increase of travel is confidently expected.
Commerce and Vessel Statistics of Alaska
Value of Shipments, Alaska to United States June 30, 1937 June 30, 1938 Increase Decrease
Canned salmon___ ___________________________ $45, 386, 512 $42, 677, 210 $2, 709, 302
All other fish and fish products________________ 5,885; 925 7, 547,815 $1, 661,890
Total fish_______________________________ 51, 272,437 50, 225,025 1,047,412
Copper ore________ ________ ________________ 3,913', 217 e; 365; 857 2,452, 640
Fur skins_________________________ __________ 2,439, 013 2,987; 923 ' 548; 910
Gold _________________________________________ 15; 877; 705 18; 575; 022 2, 697; 317
Silver_______ _________________________________ ' 286', 909 ' 404', 853 11/ 944
All other products____________________________ 2, 658, 781 3,347', 356 688; 575
Grand total -- ________________________ 76,448,062 81, 906, 036 5,457, 974
Value of shipments, United States to Alaska__ 38i 475; 107 42; 70i; 222 < 226; 115 —
Balance of Trade Favor Alaska_______________ 37,972,955 39, 204,814
Statement Showing Percentage of Total Value of Commodities Shipped from Alaska
during Past 5 Years
Fiscal year—
1934 1935 1936 1937 1938
Canned salmon_____________________________________
Percent
54.7
Percent
61.4
Percent
45.9
Percent
59.4
Percent
52.1
Other fish and fish products________________________ 8.8 7.5 10.7 7.7 9.2
Fur skins___________________________________________ 5.1 4.1 4.1 3.2 3.6
Gold_______________________________________________ 28.2 23.8 28.9 20.8 22. 7
All other products__________________________________ 3.2 3.2 10.4 8.9 12.4
100 100 100 100 100
Vessel Statistics
Fiscal year 1937 Fiscal year 1938
Number Tonnage Number Tonnage
Entered from United States and foreign countries_____
Cleared for United States and foreign countries________
Vessels documented in Alaska, 5 net ton and over_____
Undocumented vessels numbered in Alaska___________
2,241
2,008
1,797
3,294
937,922
928,399
72,743
2,204
2,013
1,923
3,650
883,455
880, 385
77, 696
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA O
THE ALASKA FUND
The Alaska fund is revenue derived from licenses issued for occupations
and trade conducted outside of incorporated towns, deposited
into the Federal Treasury and disbursed by congressional appropriation
as follows: 65 percent for construction and repairing of roads
and trails, 25 percent for maintenance of schools, and 10 percent for
relief of indigents. The total receipts for the fiscal year were
$271,922.64.
TERRITORIAL FINANCES
The fiscal system of the Territory is controlled by laws enacted by
the Territorial legislature, and is separate from revenues received by
the Federal Government from occupation and trade licenses which
are covered into and disbursed from the Aaska fund in the Federal
Treasury.
There is no system of property taxation in Alaska except for
municipal purposes, but the Territory derives other revenues from
the gross receipts of railroads, from the national forests, school poll
tax, from resident and nonresident commercial fishermen, inheritance
and profit taxes, escheated estates, and industrial production
taxes.
The condition of the Territorial treasury for the year ending
December 31, 1937, was as follows:
Net cash balance on hand, Jan. 1, 1937________________________ $408, 858. 71
Receipts------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2,710,972.83
Disbursements_________________________________________ 2, 503, 215. 83
Net cash balance, Dec. 31, 1937______________________________ 616, 615. 71
TERRITORIAL BANKS
At the close of the year there were 11 territorial and 4 national
banks doing business in the Territory.
The Territorial Banking Board, composed of the Governor, the
auditor and treasurer of the Territory, maintains supervision over
the territorial banking institutions, requiring examinations and published
statements of condition at stated intervals.
Aggregate banking figures for both national and territorial banks
on June 30, 1938, were as follows: Capital, $800,000; surplus and net
undivided profits $1,078,123; deposits $15,308,175. Deposits show an
increase of $533,512 over the previous year.
TOURIST AND OTHER TRAVEL
Records of the five regular steamship companies serving Alaska
again disclose an increase in number of passengers carried—12
freighters and 21 passenger ships having carried an approximate
102243—38 -2
6 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
total of 73,209 passengers, as compared with 72,734 the previous year.
These figures do not include passengers transported by Government
vessels during that time, or vessels operated by the fishing interests
during the cannery season.
THE ALASKA RAILROAD
The summer passenger train schedule, effective June 1937 provided
for three round trips per week between Seward and Fairbanks, with
supplementary service out of Fairbanks to Nenana and McKinley
Park, and out of Sewarc] to Anchorage and Palmer. This schedule
was reduced beginning September 7.
Mixed train service was operated between Anchorage and Matanuska
branch line points variously one to two trips each week, depending
upon the volume of traffic offered for movement. Freight
train service between Seward and Fairbanks varied from one to two
round trips each week, dependent upon the volume of freight to be
handled and frequency of steamer arrivals at the interchange port
of Seward.
River boat service was maintained during the season of navigation
with bimonthly sailings from the rail head at Nenana to Tanana,
Ruby, Holy Cross, and Marshall.
The combined pay roll, including the Chicago, Seattle, and Washington
offices, was $1,771,401.05.
The number of rail-line passengers carried amounted to 26,026
with rail-line passenger-miles amounting to 4,247,677. Rail-line
freight traffic amounted to 155,833 tons, of which 106,636 tons consisted
of coal.
The total operating revenues were $2,212,844.65, while the total
operating expense was $2,142,617.97. Nonoperating income was
$1,603.60, and profit from operation of ocean going vessels in 1937
was $4,873.41. The total income in excess of expense amounted to
$76,703.69.
The railroad continued throughout the year to disseminate information
on request to prospective settlers, which was quite heavy due
to continued interest in the Government-sponsored colonization
project in the Matanuska Valley. However, few settlers acted upon
the information furnished and located in the railroad belt, due
largely to a lack of capital necessary to undertake such a venture and
the further fact that all desirable land in.the Matanuska Valley has
been withdrawn from settlement.
MOUNT McKINLEY NATIONAL PARK!
Mount McKinley National Park, situated in south-central Alaska,
is the second largest of our national parks, having an area of 3.030.46
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 7
square miles or 1,933,494 acres. The paramount feature of the park
is mighty Mount McKinley (or Denali as the Indians call it), rising
to an altitude of 20,300 feet above sea level—the highest mountain
in the world from its base to top. It is surrounded by many lower
mountains of the Alaska Range, of which Foraker, 17,000 feet high,
and Russell, 11,500 feet high, are the most notable; and many glaciers,
the largest being Muldrow, Peters, Hanna, and Herron flowing to
the north.
'Wildlife.—The northern and eastern section of the park is a natural
feeding ground for large herds of caribou and mountain sheep.
Other animals found in abundance are moose, Alaska brown bears,
grizzly bears, wolverine, wolves, coyotes, foxes, and many small fur
bearers.
The proposed lodge site at the south end of Wonder Lake will
afford tourists excellent trout fishing. Mackinaw trout average 5 and
6 pounds. Grayling, a small fish, abound in the shallow clear water
streams.
Administration.-—Administration is centered at headquarters, 2
miles from the Alaska Railroad station where are located comfortable,
modern employees’ residences and service buildings, dog kennels,
etc. The superintendent is assisted by a chief ranger, clerk, and
four park rangers. A ranger is assigned to headquarters during the
tourist season, June 10 to September 15, one of the duties being to
give illustrated lectures on flora and fauna at the tourist camp.
Fourteen snowshoe cabins are located at intervals over the park and
boundaries for the convenience of the rangers patrolling during the
hunting and trapping seasons.
A private tourist and transportation company provided adequately
for the entertainment of 1,378 visitors during the last travel year.
The main camp is located on the Savage River, 12 miles from the
railroad station. Transportation is provided by busses and touring
cars, with horses for stage coach and pack trips. There are two
airplane landing fields, one at Savage River Camp, and one at the
railroad station.
On July 12, 1937, ground was broken for construction of a new
hotel project at McKinley Park station on the Alaska Railroad.
Funds for the construction of the hotel consist of a grant of $350,000
from the Public Works Administration to the Alaska Railroad, supplemented
by regularly appropriated funds of the railroad amounting
to approximately $100,000. The main building of the unit, designed
and constructed under the supervision of the National Park
Service, contains 90 guest rooms with accommodations for 120 to
160 persons, dining room facilities, and a lobby. In addition, there
is a dormitory for employees, a power house, water reservoir, and
provisions for other utilities.
8 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
Highways.—Under cooperative agreement with the National Park
■Service, the Alaska Road Commission has charge of all road and
trail construction and maintenance in the park. A surfaced highway
extends to Mile 89 and a spur road of l1/^ miles to the proposed
lodge site on the south end of Wonder Lake. This highway opens
up many miles of spectacular mountain scenery and glimpses of
wildlife.
NATIONAL MONUMENTS
Sitka.—The Sitka National Monument, established in 1910 is situated
at Sitka, Alaska, on the western shore of Baranof Island. It is
a reservation of 57 acres of great beauty and historical interest,
which marks the scene of a massacre of Russians by the Indians in
1802; and contains the graves of a Russian midshipman and six sailors
killed in the Battle of Alaska in 1804. Among the principal
objects of interest are 16 totem poles, relics of aboriginal life in that
region, and the old blockhouse used by the Russians in the Battle
of Alaska which has been restored to its original dimensions and
appearance.
Katmai.—Katmai National Monument, established in 1919, lies
along the shores of Shelikoff Straits near the base of Mount Katmai
on the Alaska Peninsula. It contains 2,697,590 acres and includes
the famous “Valley of the Ten Thousand Smokes” with its thousands
of little volcanoes or fumeroles. An eruption of Mount Katmai in
1912 covered the vicinity with fine ash to a depth of from 1 to 3
feet, killing all vegetation and trees; how’ever, this fine pumice and
ash acted as fertilizer to the soil and the country is again covered
with vegetation and a new growth of timber. The surrounding
region contains beautiful lakes and mountain scenery; water fowl
and fish in abundance; as well as the Alaska brown bears, or
“Kodiak” bears, as they are commonly called.
This monument is practically inaccessible to any but the hardiest
mountaineer at present. Improvement of Amalik Bay harbor and
construction of a 30-mile trail inland would enable explorers and
tourists to enjoy this unusual scenery and phenomena.
Glacier Bay.—Glacier Bay National Monument was created in
1925. It comprises 1,164,800 acres in southeastern Alaska, north of
Icy Straits, and contains many square miles of glaciers and ice
covered peaks of the first rank, among them being Fairweather,
Lituya, LaPerouse. and several others unnamed. This region contains
a great variety of forest covering of young trees established since the
retreat of the ice, offering an unusual opportunity for scientific study
of glacier behavior, of resulting movements and development of flora
and fauna, and valuable relics of ancient inter-glacier forests.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 9
Laws enacted by Congress June 22, 1936, now permit location of
mining claims within the monument.
THE ALASKA ROAD COMMISSION
The Alaska Road Commission was created by act of Congress
approved January 7, 1905, as a bureau of the War Department. By
act of Congress approved June 30, 1932, the activity was transferred
to the Department of the Interior. Under orders issued by the
Secretary of the Interior, administration of the activity was assigned
to the Governor of Alaska in his capacity as ex-officio commissioner
for Alaska, with a chief engineer in direct charge of the
work under the direction of the Governor.
The Alaska Road Commission is charged with the construction
and maintenance of roads, bridges, and trails in Alaska. Construction
and maintenance of air fields, telephone lines, and shelter cabins
is also undertaken for the Territory.
Funds are made available for the work by annual congressional
appropriations, from the Alaska fund, and from contributions by
the Territory of Alaska and others. During the past year, in addition
to the above usual sources of funds, a balance of $388,386 from
an allotment from the Emergency Relief Act of 1937 was available
for expenditure.
The total costs to the end of the fiscal year were $25,250,920.44,
•of which $13,086,040.46 was for new work and $12,164,879.98 was
for maintenance and improvement.
The total expended to June 30, 1937, was $25,985,591.53. Of this
amount $19,121,570.09 was appropriated by acts of Congress, $4,761,-
807.27 was allotted from the Alaska fund, and $2,102,214.17 from
Territorial appropriations and contributions by others.
The work accomplished during the fiscal year is summarized as
follows:
New construction.—Fifty-six and three-fourths miles of road, of
which 16% miles were surfaced; 54 miles of sled road; 90 linear feet
of timber bridges over 30-foot span, 740 linear feet of steel bridges
of 80-foot span or over, 180 linear feet of steel trestle span bridges,
and 3,205 linear feet of timber trestle span bridges.
Improvement.—Seventy-four and one-fourth miles of road regraded
and widened; 127% miles of road surfaced; 871 metal culverts
averaging 20 feet in length installed principally as replacements
for wooden culverts.
Maintenance.—One thousand nine hundred and fifteen miles of
road, 80% miles of tramway, 557 miles of sled road, 2,061% miles of
permanent trail, and 304 miles of temporary flagged trail.
10 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
The cost during the year was $1,236,596.73,, of which $588,857.50
was for new work and $647,739.23 was for maintenance and improvement.
Total expenditures during the fiscal year were $1,376,792.31.
The more important projects upon which new construction was
performed are the following roads: Anchorage-Palmer, Mount
McKinley National Park, Elliott Highway, Lucky Shot Mine-Willow
Station, Bunker Hill-Kougarok extension, Teller-Gold Run,
Colorado Station-Wells Mine, Iliamna Bay-Iliamna Lake, Homer
Farm Roads, Hot Springs-Tofty, Porcupine Creek Road, Takotna-
Nixon Fork, and Peters Creek Road. Also the following airfields
were constructed or improved: Bethel, McGrath, Takotna, Ruby,
Nulato, and Tanana Crossing.
The Richardson Highway was maintained open during the entire
season. Improvement to new standard was continued, and this
road is now in excellent condition for auto traffic.
The Steese Highway was maintained in good condition. Traffic
over this route has increased to a remarkable extent. The road from
Olnes to Livengood is now surfaced wherever required so that the road
is suitable for truck freighting. Additional surfacing was placed on
the road connecting Anchorage with the new settlement around
Palmer and the road is now in good condition. Traffic over this road
has been heavy.
The work of maintenance and rehabilitation has been pushed, and
the roads and trails under the jurisdiction of the commission are in
better shape than ever before. The total mileage of roads and trails
constructed and maintained by the commission since its inception
aggregate 10,906 miles, consisting of 2,008 miles of wagon road, 80%
miles of tramway, 1,5903/4 miles of sled road, 6,923 miles of permanent
trail, and 304 miles of temporary flagged trail.
The roads and trails constructed by the Commission have not only
opened up to development nearly all sections of the Territory but
have effected large savings in freight charges. The major portion of
this freight would not have been transported without the roads, and
the indirect loss which would have been occasioned by the restriction
on output and development cannot be estimated. As a result of the
recent impetus to gold mining, demands for roads into new areas have
greatly increased in the past year.
Under a cooperative agreement with the National Park Service, the
Alaska Road Commission has undertaken the construction and maintenance
of roads and trails in Mount McKinley National Park and
the maintenance of Sitka National Monument with funds allotted by
the Park Service. In McKinley Park at the close of the fiscal year
the road had been opened for traffic from the entrance on the railroad
to the western boundary, a distance of 88.3 miles. A program of
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 11
widening and resurfacing to double width standard had been completed
over the first 33 miles. The route selected is one of great scenic
grandeur. The Sitka National Monument has been placed in excellent
condition and maintained.
BUREAU OF PUBLIC ROADS
Beginning in 1917 funds designated for expenditure by the Bureau
of Public Roads were made available for use in the Territory of
Alaska, both construction and maintenance operations being handled
by joint representatives of the Bureau and the Alaska Road Commission.
Since July 1, 1920, all roads within the national forests have
been constructed and maintained by the Bureau of Public Roads, at
first by the establishment of a branch office and, on March 1, 1927,
by the creation of district 11 with headquarters at Juneau.
Federal appropriations expended by the Bureau for roads in and
adjacent to the national forests of Alaska, under the provisions of the
Federal Highway Act and the National Industrial Recovery Act,
amount to $9,301,742. In addition, $325,108 has been made available
by the Territorial Board of Road Commissioners, making a total to
June 30, 1938, of $9,626,850. Of this amount $634,907 was expended
during the past year.
A total of 306 miles of highway has been constructed to date, of
which 238 miles are now under maintenance and reconstruction by
the Bureau. An additional 8 miles now under construction will be
completed this year, making a total of 246 miles of forest highways.
All funds have been expended on projects which are part of a highway-
development program jointly recommended by the Bureau of
Public Roads, Forest Service, and Territorial board of road commissioners,
and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture.
TERRITORIAL ROAD BOARD
Road-building activities in the Territory are administered under
three heads: the Alaska Road Commission, under the Department
of the Interior; the Bureau of Public Roads, under the Department
of Agriculture; and the Territorial road board, consisting of the
Governor, the Territorial treasurer, and the highway engineer as
executive officer.
Funds appropriated by the Territorial legislature are expended by
the road board in cooperation with the Alaska Road Commission
and the Bureau of Public Roads, and directly by the road board on
many smaller projects and those for which Federal funds are not
available.
The Territorial appropriation for the biennium ending March 31,
1939, was $400,000, to which was added $25,772 received from the
12 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
sale of timber cut from national forests and $312 as the Territory’s
share of receipts from fur-farming permits on the Aleutian Islands
Bird Reservation. Expenditures during the first year of the biennium
were $162,717, leaving a balance of $263,368 to be expended
prior to March 31, 1939. This sum will exceed any annual expenditure
for roads by the Territory during the past 10 years.
The present cost of maintaining existing roads is more than
$700,000 annually. One of the outstanding needs of the Territory is
an adequate system of roads and, despite increased expenditures, demands
for roads are not being met, with consequent lack of possible
mineral and agricultural development of the Territory.
Aviation -fields.—There are 109 aviation landing fields in the Territory,
16 new fields having been constructed during the past year and
many existing fields improved. Seaplane floats have been established
at Craig, Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Hoonah, Tenakee, and Skagway.
The lack of a complete highway system in the Territory has
developed a tremendous volume of passenger and freight traffic by
airplane, which leads to a growing demand for more and larger
airfields.
FISHING
ALASKAN FISHERIES
The yield of fishery products in Alaska in 1937, while considerably
less than that of the previous year, was well above the average. Salmon
products comprised 75 percent in quantity and 90 percent in
value of the total fisheries output, as compared with 81 percent in
quantity and 92 percent in value in 1936. Salmon, halibut, and
shrimp products showed a decline in volume but an increase in value,
while herring, clam, crab, whale, and a few of the minor fishery products
increased both in quantity and value.
In all fishing areas commercial operations were regulated to assure
appropriate escapement of brood fish. During the season the Prince
William Sound area was closed to commercial salmon fishing 3 days
earlier than originally provided, as the salmon runs there were unusually
light. The salmon-fishing season also was shortened by 1 day'
in parts of the Clarence Strait and South Prince of Wales Island
districts in southeast Alaska.
In view of the expectation of a normal run of salmon in nearly all
districts, revised regulations to be effective in 1938 contained few
changes of importance. Further restrictions were placed on herring
fishing in the Kodiak and Prince William Sound areas, while there
was some relaxation of the herring regulations in southeast Alaska.
The clam-fishery regulations were modified to permit an increased
take of razor clams, equal to 4,000 cases, in the Prince William Sound.
Copper River, and Bering River areas.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 13
Twelve statutory employees and 165 temporary employees, in
addition to the crews of 14 vessels belonging to the Bureau and 1
chartered vessel, were engaged in fishery protective work in Alaska
in 1937. Supplementing the vessel patrol, airplanes were used from
time to time for observation of fishing activities, particularly to detect
or deter illegal operations during weekly closed periods. Some
use was made of aircraft also for inspection of the spawning grounds
and for transportation of Bureau officials to isolated districts.
As in previous years, attention was given to the improvement of
conditions for natural propagation by removal of log jams and
other obstructions that hindered the passage of the salmon upstream.
Through funds provided by the Territorial legislature and by local
packers, bounties were paid in the Bristol Bay and Cook Inlet areas
for the capture of predatory trout that feed upon salmon eggs and
fry. Considerable numbers of these predatory enemies of salmon
were destroyed also in the Kodiak area by Bureau employees, in
streams where salmon counting weirs were operated.
Biological studies of the salmon and herring were continued, and
a study was begun in regard to the migratory habits of Dolly Varden
trout in order to provide a guide for a rational control program.
Weirs were operated in 12 representative salmon streams to count
the escapement of fish to the spawning grounds. The data thus
obtained are of value in connection with the life-history studies of
salmon and the regulation of commercial fishing.
STATISTICS OF THE FISHERIES
The number of persons employed in the commercial fisheries of
Alaska in 1937 was 30,331. Of these, 17,398 were whites, 6,600
natives, 3,908 Filipinos, 967 Japanese, 634 Mexicans, 556 Chinese,
and 268 miscellaneous. The total number employed in 1936 was
30,383, or 52 more than in 1937.
The total value of Alaska fishery products in 1937 was $51,743,220,
an increase of $1,287,948 over the figures for the preceding year.
These figures represent the value of the manufactured product. It
is estimated that the value of the catch, exclusive of whales, to the
fishermen was approximately $14,238,000.
Salmon
The total number of salmon taken in 1937 was 109,114,923, consisting
of 1,967,586 cohos, 8,940,514 chums, 66,175,324 pinks, 1,071,758
kings, and 30,959,741 reds. This catch is a decrease of 20,211,280
from that of the preceding year, when 129,326,203 salmon were taken.
There was a decline for all species except kings. By districts, the
102243—38------3
14 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
catch decreased about 29 percent from that of the preceding year
in southeast Alaska, 3 percent in central, and 4 percent in western
Alaska.
Of the principal forms of salmon-fishing apparatus used in Alaska,
there were operated in the 1937 season 453 traps, 995 seines aggregating
138,945 fathoms, and 4,115 gill nets aggregating 296,011 fathoms.
Salmon canning.—The pack of canned salmon in 1937 was 6,669,665
cases, valued at $44,547,769, a decrease of 1,767,938 cases from the
record pack of 1936. Red salmon comprised about 32 percent and
pinks 54 percent of the total pack in 1937, as compared with 30 and
54 percent, respectively, in the preceding year. One hundred and
thirteen canneries were operated, or 4 less than in 1936; and the
number of persons employed decreased from 25,221 to 24,865.
Mild-curing of salmon.—Products of the salmon mild-curing industry
in 1937 consisted of 6,705 tierces of kings, 33 tierces of cohos,
and 414 tierces of chums, a total of 7,152 tierces, valued at $1,064,344.
Seventeen plants were operated, and the industry gave employment
to 1,605.
Pickling of salmon.—There were 765,396 pounds of pickled salmon
produced in 1937, valued at $100,550, as compared with 872,915 pounds
valued at $96,510 in the previous year; 40 concerns employing 121
persons were engaged in the industry.
Other salmon industries.-—The output of fresh and frozen salmon
was incidental to other branches of the fisheries in southeast Alaska.
These products in 1937 amounted to 3,421,129 pounds of fresh salmon,
valued at $292,316, and 5,344,666 pounds of frozen salmon,
valued at $431,614. In addition, 59,750 pounds of frozen salmon,
valued at $634, was used for halibut bait. The production of dried
salmon was 1,148,000 pounds, valued at $79,900; dry-salted salmon,
11,725 pounds, valued at $1,900; and canned kippered salmon, 7,536
pounds, valued at $1,794. Byproducts of the salmon industry
amounted to 1,972,000 pounds of fertilizer, valued at $29,151, and
78,100 gallons of oil, valued at $23,956.
Herring
A marked increase in the manufacture of herring meal and oil in
1937, particularly in central Alaska, resulted in the largest volume
of herring products ever recorded for the Territory. Saltery operations,
on the other hand, were sharply curtailed, chiefly because of
unfavorable market conditions, although there undoubtedly would
have been a larger production in western Alaska but for the failure
of the herring runs on the north side of the Alaska Peninsula where
gill-net fishing is conducted. Most of the Scotch-cured herring was
produced in the Kodiak and Prince William Sound areas, these localiREPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 15
ties accounting for 70 and 25 percent, respectively, of the entire
output. Of the herring meal, 42 percent was produced in southeast
Alaska, 38 percent on Prince William Sound, and 20 percent in the
Kodiak area. The proportionate output of oil by districts was 35
percent in southeast Alaska, 39 percent on Prince William Sound,
and 26 percent in the Kodiak area.
Twenty plants were operated in 1937, or 7 less than in the preceding
year, and the number of persons employed dropped from
1,111 to 988. The total value of herring products in 1937 was $2,891,-
854, as against $2,075,632 in 1936. Scotch-cured herring declined
from 11,413,225 pounds in 1936 to 2,098,040 pounds in 1937, and herring
for bait declined from 6,298,105 pounds to 5,238,172 pounds;
while oil increased from 3,736,173 gallons to 5,569,192 gallons, and
meal from 28,385,068 pounds to 37,632,534 pounds.
Halibut
Operations in the halibut fishery were again governed by a voluntary
production-control program and by regulations of the International
Fisheries Commission. The regulations were modified somewhat
under the provisions of the new halibut treaty between the
United States and Canada w’hich became effective on July 28, 1937.
Two major changes made possible by the new treaty were (1) the
legalization of the sale of halibut taken by vessels fishing for other
species in an area closed to halibut fishing, and (2) the prescribing
of the final date of departure of a vessel from port, instead of specifying
the closing date of the season. The latter change permits a
vessel on the banks to remain at sea until a full catch is made.
There were 697 persons employed in the halibut industry in 1937.
Landings of the Alaska fleet, which comprises American vessels that
land more than one-half their catch in Alaska or British Columbia
ports, amounted to 13,281,681 pounds, valued at $931,629. The landings
in Alaska totaled 8,705,204 pounds, valued at $557,911, including
3,000 pounds valued at $190, landed by Canadian vessels. In
1936 the landings of the Alaska fleet totaled 13,566,340 pounds, valued
at $889,454, while landings in Alaska amounted to 8,658,774 pounds,
valued at $507,484.
In addition to the above halibut landings, approximately 146,000
pounds of halibut livers, valued at $73,000, were landed in Alaska
in 1937.
Cod
Cod fishing from shore stations in Alaska was carried on by several
small outfits, chiefly in the Shumagin Islands region and in the
vicinity of Unalaska. The products amounted to 203,327 pounds,
. 16 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
valued at $10,338, as compared with 249,331 pounds, valued at $11,881
in 1936.
Whaling
Whaling operations in 1937 were controlled by joint regulations
issued by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Commerce
on October 9, 1936, under the provisions of the international
convention for the regulation of whaling and the act of May 1, 1936,
giving effect thereto. Besides restricting their capture and requiring
that the fullest possible use be made of all whales taken, the act
provides that annual licenses must be obtained for each whaling
vessel and reduction plant. Biological data regarding the whales
taken, together with statistics of the products at each factory, were
submitted for communication to the International Bureau for Whaling
Statistics at Oslo, Norway.
Two whaling stations were operated in Alaska in 1937, employing
222 persons. Three hundred and seventy-six whales were taken, the
products of which consisted of 715,150 gallons of whale oil, valued
at $400,484; 168,250 gallons of sperm oil, valued at $45,832; and 1,205
tons of fertilizer, valued at $32,805—a total value of $479,121, as
compared with $334,461 in 1936.
A correction has been made in the catch figures for 1936 to show
a total of 372 whales taken, instead of 385, the original reports having
included by mistake 13 embryo whales.
Clams
The bulk of the output of canned clams in Alaska in 1937 was
produced in the Prince William Sound area by four plants which
also engaged in other branches of the fisheries. Operations were
again facilitated by favorable weather conditions, both in the spring
and fall seasons, and the clam beds were apparently in good condition.
Although the regulations had been modified to permit a
catch of 1,040,000 pounds of clams, round weight, in the first half
of the year, as compared with 920,000 pounds formerly, the catch
limit was reached by May 10. No change was made in the quota of
280,000 pounds for the fall season, beginning on August 16, and that
limit was reached after 10 days digging. Small packs of butter clams
were prepared in southeast Alaska and on Cook Inlet, and a few
cases of razor clams were produced in the Kodiak area.
The number of persons engaged in the industry was 384, as compared
with 393 in 1936. Products consisted of 31,800 cases, or 816,942
pounds, of canned clams (of which 804,078 pounds were razor clams
and 12,864 pounds butter clams), valued at $240,392. This is an
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 17
increase of about 5 percent in quantity and 19 percent in value, as
compared with the production in 1936, when 780,264 pounds of clam
products were prepared, valued at $201,887.
Shrimps
Four plants in southeast Alaska and one in the central district
engaged in the shrimp industry in 1937, the operations at two of
the plants being in conjunction with the crab fishery. Products consisted
of 453,744 pounds of cold-packed shrimp meat, valued at $161,-
679; 6,567 pounds of frozen shrimp meat, valued at $2,627; 26 pounds
of fresh shrimp meat, valued at $10; 2,160 pounds of fresh shrimp in
the shell, valued at $321; and 37 cases, or 888 pounds, of canned
shrimp meat, valued at $296—a total of 463,385 pounds, valued at
$164,933, as compared with 478,749 pounds valued at $162,274 in
1936.
Crabs
A marked expansion in canning operations, chiefly in the Cordova
district, brought the total output of crab products to a level well
above the previous record of 1934. The production of cold-packed
crab meat, however, was the smallest since 1923. Of the total crab
products in Alaska, in 1937, 69 percent were from the vicinity of
Cordova and nearly 31 percent from southeast Alaska. A small
production was reported from the Cook Inlet area.
Products of the industry consisted of 625,429 pounds of canned
crab meat, valued at $251,248; 62,047 pounds of cold-packed meat,
valued at $22,826; 467 pounds of crab meat in bulk, valued at $233;
and 871 dozen whole crabs in the shell, valued at $1,792—a total production
of 711,318 pounds, valued at $276,099, as compared with
473,245 pounds, valued at $158,874 in 1936. Except for 3,120 pounds
of canned king crab, valued at $910, the entire production was of
Dungeness crab.
Miscellaneous
Trout products amounted to 61,999 pounds fresh and frozen, valued
at $4,848. The output of fresh, frozen, and pickled sablefish was
2,033,385 pounds, valued at $63,480, and there were 69,582 pounds of
sablefish livers, valued at $27,833. Other miscellaneous products
were 16,843 pounds of frozen rockfish, valued at $336; 180,000 pounds
of fresh flounders, valued at $4,500; 743 pounds of frozen “lingcod,”
valued at $15, and 2,264 pounds of “lingcod” livers, valued at $906;
and 275 pounds of frozen smelt, valued at $8.
18 REPORT OE THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
FUR-SEAL SERVICE
There were 55,180 fur-seal skins taken at the Pribilof Islands in
1937, of which 44,068 were from St. Paul Island and 11,112 from St.
George Island. Insofar as possible, killings were from the 3-year-old
males, and a suitable number of this age class were reserved for
breeding stock.
The computation as of August 10, 1937, showed 1,839,119 seals
of all ages and classes in the Pribilof Islands herd, an increase of
149,376 over the computed number in the preceding year.
Two public auction sales of fur-seal skins were held in the fiscal
year 1937 by the Fouke Fur Co. at St. Louis, Mo., and 874 Pribilof
Islands sealskins were disposed of at special sales.
At the sale on September 27, 1937, 19,727 sealskins from the
Pribilof Island were sold for a gross sum of $420,640. Of these
7,000 dyed black brought $157,452.50, 12,580 dyed Safari brown
brought $263,114, and 147 miscellaneous skins brought $73.50.
At the sale on May 2, 1938, 19,949 sealskins taken on the Pribilof
Islands were sold for a gross sum of $432,622.25. Of these, 7,100
dyed black brought $160,323.75, and 12,849 dyed Safari brown
brought $272,298.50.
Sealskins disposed of at private sales during the year under special
authorization by the Secretary of Commerce consisted of 474 dyed
black, 398 dyed Safari brown, and 2 raw salted skins, which brought
a total gross sum of $21,102.81.
There were also sold at public auction 1,000 blue and 12 white fox
skins taken on the Pribilof Islands in the 1936-37 season. It should
be noted that this is one more blue skin and one less white skin than
the number previously reported taken in that season, the difference
being due to the fact that one of the skins originally listed as white
was a freak skin, more blue than white, and it was included with
the blue skins in the sale. At the September sale 499 blue fox skins
were sold for $13,511, an average of $27.08 per skin, and 11 white
fox skins were sold for $131, an average of $11.91 each. At the May
sale 500 blue fox skins brought $12,383, an average of $24.77 each,
and 2 dressed fox skins, 1 blue and 1 white, brought $40 and $15,
respectively.
In the 1937-38 season 231 blue and 15 white fox skins were taken
on St. Paul Island, and 616 blue fox skins and 1 white fox skin were
taken on St. George Island—a total of 847 blue and 16 white skins.
At the byproducts plant on St. Paul Island, 1937, there were produced
29,830 gallons of fur-seal oil and 165 tons of meal. Except for
small quantities retained at the islands for fox feed, these products
were shipped to Seattle, where the oil was sold for commercial purREPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 19
poses and the meal was transferred to the Division of Fish Culture
for use as fish food in Federal hatcheries throughout the country.
On St. Paul Island, work was begun on the foundations for a new
machine shop, and a new salt-water intake system for washing sealskins
was completed. No major construction projects were undertaken
on St. George Island. Considerable work was accomplished on
both islands in the extension and resurfacing of roads. A substation
was established on one of the western Aleutian Islands for the expansion
of sea-otter investigations and patrol.
The killing of sea otters along the American side of the North
Pacific, both in Territorial and extra-Territorial waters, has been prohibited
for nearly three decades, and these animals are slowly being
reestablished in certain sections of Alaska. A new edition of the circular
containing regulations for the protection of walruses and sea
lions was issued as of July 1, 1937, prohibiting the killing of these
animals until July 1, 1939, except under certain specified conditions.
Custody of the naval radio station on St. Paul Island was transferred
to the Department of Commerce on August 10, 1937, under a
revocable permit, and its operation on a reduced scale has been continued
by the Bureau of Fisheries.
Property devoted to the fur-seal service at the Pribilof Islands,
including buildings, roads, and other structures, machinery and other
equipment, and stores, was valued on March 31, 1938, at $891,473.28
for St. Paul Island and $259,011.30 for St. George Island, a total of
$1,150,484.58. Buildings alone were valued at $347,118.98 on St. Paul
Island and $137,686.71 on St. George Island, a total of $484,805.69,
as compared with $417,835.03 on March 31, 1937. The foregoing figures
include the radio station transferred from the Navy Department,
valued at $153,547.13, of which $65,486.98 represents the value
of the buildings. The value of the substation for sea-otter patrol is
not included in the above-mentioned property.
MINING
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
The annual collection of records regarding the production of minerals
from Alaska mines has long been performed by the Geological
Survey, and the following summary statements are based on those
records.
The total value of the mineral production of Alaska from 1880, the
earliest year for which records are available, to the end of 1937 was
$749,211,000.
Of this total about 65 percent was furnished by the gold lodes and
placers and about 30 percent by copper lodes. The following table
20 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
shows the distribution of the total output of minerals from Alaska
by substances:
Total value of mineral production of Alaska, by substances,
4880-1937:
Gold__________________________________________________ $489,487,000
Copper________________________________________________ 224, 402, 400
Silver_________________________________________________ 13,177, 000
Coal__________________________________________________ 11, 003, 500
Lead__________________________________________________ 2, 377, 200
Tin___________________________________________________ 1, 457, 400
Other minerals products (including platinum metals)--------- 7,306,500
Total________________________________________________ 749, 211, 000
Mines in Alaska produced minerals worth $26,989,000 in 1937, as
against $23,594,000 in 1936. The total value of the mineral output
of the Territory since 1880 is $749,211,000 or more than 100 times
the price paid to Russia for the entire Territory at the time of purchase
in 1867.
The following table shows in summary form the mineral output of
Alaska for 1937 and, for comparison, the production of the same
minerals in 1936.
Value ol mineral output of Alaska in 1937 and 1936
1937 1936
Gold __________________ $20, 373, 000 $18, 433, 000
Silver __ _________ 384,000 369, 000
Copper.____ _ ______ 4, 741, 000 3, 720, 000
Lead_____ - _______ - 120, 400 99, 500
Platinum metals_____ 397, 600 241, 900
Tin, metallic___________ 202, 300 105, 000
1937 1936
Coal____________________
Miscellaneous mineral
products, including
antimony, limestone,
$552, 700 $573, 7C0
quicksilver, etc_______ 218, 000 51, 900
Total___26,_ 989_,0_0_0_ 23, 594,000
In all the computations of value the average selling prices for the
year have been used rather than the prices actually received by the
producers. Furthermore, the quantities mentioned in this statement
relate to production and not to sales, shipments, or some other perhaps
equally significant basis by which the industry might be gaged.
The increase of nearly $3,400,000 in the value of the mineral commodities
produced by Alaska mines in 1937 is of itself good indication
that the industry enjoyed a prosperous year. That this high
production, which has been exceeded in only 4 years since mining
began in the Territory, was not due to any temporary cause or to a
combination of favorable factors that are not likely soon to be repeated
is clearly shown by the fact that none of the large mines
that were operating in 1937, except certain of the copper mines,
has given any indication of having reached the peak of potential
production. Then, too, adverse as well as favorable factors affected
•REPORT OP THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 21
the industry in such ways that their combined effects, although on
the whole favorable, were not so overwhelming that they made the
year far from normal. Among the adverse factors may be noted the
continuation of the shipping strike that began in the preceding
October, lasted into the early months of 1937, and not only directly
affected transportation to and from Alaska during that period but
led to abandonment or postponing of some mining plans that had
been in contemplation for the season; the general business uncertainty
and recession, which made it difficult to start new enterprises
or to make extensive commitments far ahead of restricted needs
on old prospects. The favorable factors included the general much
higher selling price of the metals other than gold and silver that
come from Alaska mines—some of the increases amounting to 10 to
40 percent more than the prices for the same commodities in 1936;
the general abundance of labor available and few interruptions
caused by failure to settle questions of employment amicably; and
the increased utilization of mechanical equipment, even at some of
the smaller properties, which enabled the operators to handle much
moie material more cheaply and thus mine deposits that otherwise
would have been unprofitable. Weather conditions, which control
certain phases of mining work, such as length of season and abundance
of water supplies, appear to have been normal, though varying
in different parts of Alaska. Thus, in western Alaska rainfall
and, consequently, water supplies were deficient during the early
part of the open season but were good later, whereas in the eastern
part of the Territory the supplies were good during most of the
mining season. All the foregoing facts point to the conclusion that
excellent as was the production of minerals from Alaska in 1937 it
was at a rate that can be maintained or bettered in succeeding years.
Gold Lodes and Placers
The output of gold from Alaska comes from both lode (hard
rock) and placer mines. In 1937 this output was distributed between
these types of mines in the proportion of about 38 to 62_
$7,718,000 from lodes and $12,655,000 from placers. The producing
gold lodes are widely distributed through the Territory, but nearly
77 percent of the output in 1937 came from lodes in southeastern
Alaska, where accessibility to deep-water routes of communication
and other favorable conditions have permitted the successful mining
of immense tonnages of low-grade gold ore. The other lodegold
producing districts of Alaska were the Willow Creek district,
in the Cook Inlet-Susitna region; the Fairbanks district and the
Nabesna district, in the Yukon region; the area near Valdez and
adjacent parts of the Prince William Sound region; the Kenai
22 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
Peninsula district; and the Nixon Fork district, in the Kuskokwin
region. In addition to these areas prospecting for gold lodes was
in progress at many other tracts in the Territory, but at none of
them was any significant amount of gold ore mined except such as
was taken out in the course of the exploratory work.
Hundreds of camps contributed to the output of placer gold, but
those in the Yukon Basin mined the greatest amount, and those in
Seward Peninsula came next. Nearly 69 percent of the total placer
production of the Territory was mined by dredges of which 41
(exclusive of 1 platinum-mining dredge in the Kuskokwin region)
were active during 1937-38 in the Yukon Valley, 21 in Seward
Peninsula, and 2 in the Kuskokwin region. Together these dredges
produced gold to the value of $8,743,000. They are estimated to
have handled about 16,684,000 cubic yards of gravel, and the gold
recovered averaged about 52.4 cents a cubic yard. The longest season
reported for any of the dredges in 1937 was 266 days, and the
longest season reported for dredging in Seward Peninsula, in 1937,
was 185 days. Two dredges that were mining in 1936 were idle in
1937, but four new dredges were in operation in 1937.
Silver
None of the Alaska ores are now mined solely for their content of
silver. As in the past, most of the silver recovered in 1937 was a
minor constituent in the copper ores. The silver recovered from
these copper ores amounted to 285,000 ounces, valued at $221,000.
Some silver is obtained as a byproduct from the lodes in which the
principal valuable metal is gold, and some silver is also recovered
from the bullion and dust produced from the gold placers. In 1937
silver to the value of about $121,000 came from the gold-lode mines
and about $42,000 from the placer mines. The total output of silver
(495,000 ounces) thus had a value of $384,000. The quantity of
silver from both the gold-lode mines and the placers showed a
marked increase. The special price paid by the Government in 1937
for silver that qualified under the law as being newly mined from
domestic deposits was 77.57 cents an ounce. As it appeared that all
the silver from Alaska conformed to those requirements the foregoing
statistics are based on that price rather than on 45 cents an
ounce, which was the current selling price of silver that did not so
qualify.
Copper
The output of copper from Alaska mines in 1937 was 36,007,000
pounds, as contrasted with 39,267,000 pounds in 1936. However, the
much higher average price for copper that prevailed in 1937 (about
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 23
3% cents a. pound higher) made the total value of the lesser output
in that year about $1,000,000 more than the total value of the output
in 1936. The present high rate of output of copper from Alaska
is apparently doomed to very drastic reduction soon, due to exhaustion
of potential ore reserves. The closing of these mines probably
during 1938 will seriously affect the Alaska mineral industry.
The Alaska copper production in 1937 came from large mines near
Kennecott, in the Copper River region, together with smaller mines
from whose ores copper is recovered as a byproduct. Among the
districts whose lode mines yield principally gold but which furnished
concentrates from which some copper was obtained are the Nabesna
district, of the Yukon region, and the Ketchikan district, of southeastern
Alaska.
Lead
The lead produced from Alaska ores in 1937 amounted to 2,004,200
pounds, which at the average selling price for the year was worth
$120,400. Most of it was recovered as a byproduct in connection with
the mining of gold ores in southeastern Alaska. The quantity of
lead was about 112,000 pounds less than in 1936, but the average
price of lead was slightly more than 6 cents a pound, or about 1.3
cents higher than in that year, so that the total value of the lesser
quantity of the output in 1937 was considerably greater.
Platinum Metals
The foregoing table lists as a single item the complex group of
metals known by the general term “platinum metals.” Several
different metals make up this group, including platinum, iridium,
osmium, ruthenium,- and palladium. The total quantity of this
composite material produced from Alaska mines in 1937 was 8,131
ounces, valued at $397,600. By far the greater part of the production
came from placers in the Goodnews district and a lode mine
in the Kasaan Peninsula of southeastern Alaska. The mining of
platinum metals in the Goodnews district showed a very great increase,
which was in part brought about by the coming into production
of the dredge that was built during 1937 and ran a few
weeks late in the season to supplement the normal production from
the dragline plants. Palladium is the principal metal of the platinum
group recovered from the lode mine mentioned.
Tin
The tin ore recorded came entirely from placers, the most productive
of which are in the extreme western part of Seward Peninsula.
These and other Alaska deposits in 1937 yielded more tin
24 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
than during any year since tin mining started in the Territory in
1902. The tin ore recovered in 1937 is estimated to have contained
372,400 pounds of metallic tin, worth $202,300. The tin-mining
industry in Alaska has been increasing rapidly during the last few
years but has not yet reached anywhere near the limit to which it
could probably be successfully expanded.
Coal
Coal to the value of $552,700 was produced in 1937 from Alaska
mines, principally in the Matanuska and Healy River fields. In
quantity the output of coal was 131,600 tons, which, except for a
production of 136,600 tons in 1936, is the largest amount of coal
produced by Alaska mines in any year since coal mining has been
in progress in the Territory. No Alaska coal was exported, but
21,930 tons was imported from the States, chiefly from Washington,
and 9,626 tons from foreign countries, chiefly British Columbia, so
that the total consumption of coal in Alaska in 1937 amounted to
about 163,156 tons. A serious explosion in the principal producing
bituminous coal mines in October resulted in suspension of operations
there throughout the rest of the year. To furnish coal for
the Government railroad during the time this mine was closed the
Alaska Railroad opened up its mine at Eska, which had been kept
in a stand-by condition to meet emergencies.
Miscellaneous Mineral Products
Many other minerals, including such metals as manganese, arsenic,
bismuth, chromium, iron, molybdenum, nickel, tungsten, and zinc,
and such non-metallic minerals as asbestos, barite, clay, garnet,
graphite, jade, limestone, marble, mica, stone, and sulphur have been
found in Alaska. Possibly small quantities of practically all these
materials wTere “produced” in the broadest sense of that term, but
so far as shown by the records of the Geological Survey the only
ones that were produced in quantities worth as much as a few
hundred dollars were antimony, limestone, and quicksilver. The
mining and shipment of considerable antimony ore from a property
in the Kantishna district in the northern foothills of the Alaska
Range was one of the significant new mineral developments of the
year. The principal antimony mineral in the ore is the sulphide
stibnite. The mine is some 60 miles from the railroad, so that
much of the hauling of the ore is done during the winter, when conditions
for transportation are especially favorable. The antimony
ore credited to 1937 was mined during the winter of 1936-37. Limestone
from quarries on Dall Island, in the Ketchikan district of southeastern
Alaska, was shipped to the States for use as a constituent
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 25
in the production of cement. Some quicksilver ore was mined in
the Kuskokwim region. No petroleum was produced in Alaska in
1937, though some new drilling for oil was done on the Alaska Peninsula
in the Iniskin-Chinitna district. The marble quarries in southeastern
Alaska, which have long been consistent producers of stone
that is much in demand on the Pacific coast for interior trim, were
temporarily inactive in 1937.
Mineral Investigations
The work of the United States Geological Survey in Alaska is
directed primarily toward aiding in the development of the mineral
resources of the country. This has necessitated field investigations
throughout the Territory, in the course of which all the known productive
camps have been examined and nearly 300,000 square miles,
or about half the area of Alaska, has been mapped geologically and
topographically. The results of these investigations are available
in the form of maps and reports.
For the field season of 1937 five field projects were carried on by
the Alaskan branch of the Geological Survey. Of these three were
concerned principally with geologic investigations relating to the
mineral resources of the Territory and two were primarily topographic
surveys. The areas in which the principal new geologic
projects were undertaken were on Admiralty Island and adjacent
tracts in southeastern Alaska; in the Alaska Range near the head
of the Copper River, and in the vicinity of Goodnews Bay near the
mouth of Kuskokwim River in western Alaska. The surveys on
Admiralty Island were designed to afford information regarding the
possibility of the area containing deposits of nickel that might be
of national importance, as well as to obtain additional facts regarding
the occurrence of lode-gold mineralization that has long supported
the small but constant production of gold from the island.
The part of the Alaska Range that was surveyed is among the least
known areas, so that the principal object of the work there was to
determine what the general features of the geology were. The work
near Goodnews Bay focused on a study of the platinum deposits that
now form the principal domestic source of platinum metals in the
United States. The topographic projects included reconnaissance
surveys in the parts of the Alaska Range near the head of Copper
River, and detailed and reconnaissance surveys in the platinum fields
and adjacent areas of the Goodnews Bay district.
After completion of the field work on these projects there is need
for much office and laboratory work in analyzing the specimens collected,
identifying by microscopic and other means the rocks and
minerals found, perfecting the field sketches and drawings, and in26
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
terpreting the various geologic phenomena observed, so that the significant
facts are determined and can be intelligibly expressed by
maps and reports that are published and become the records which
are of use to the public. In addition to the office work based on
projects involving new field work there was one office project undertaken
that, while not directly related to new field work, was closely
tied to familiarity with the mining industry of the Territory. Thisi
was the annual canvass of the production of minerals from the
Territory.
BUREAU OF MINES
The mine-safety service was continued by an assistant mining engineer
assigned from the Bureau of Mines staff. The purpose of this
service is to safeguard the lives and health of those engaged in mining
and related activities by giving to miners and mine officials training
in approved mine-rescue and first-aid methods, followed by field
contests; also instruction in accident prevention; and maintaining in
condition for service the rescue apparatus provided by the Bureau.
A total of 1,089 persons were given the course in first-aid; 6 groups
of miners the mine-rescue course; first-aid instructor’s certificates
were issued to 9 men. In addition to miners and prospectors, these
totals include firemen, Boy Scouts, members of Civilian Conservation
Corps camps, Federal and Territorial employees, and school students,
all of whom benefited from the instruction in first aid.
TERRITORIAL DEPARTMENT OF MINES
The Territorial laws relating to mining are administered by the
commissioner of mines, assisted by three associate mining engineers,
three assayers, and a chief clerk.
Field work during the year covered examination of more than 250
mining properties, of which sketch maps displaying the principal
geologic features are available from this department.
At the beginning of the year the department assumed charge of the
public assay service formerly conducted by the United States Bureau
of Mines and later by the United States Geological Survey at the
University of Alaska. Additional public assay offices were established
at Ketchikan and Nome. Extensive use has been made of
these facilities by the public, a total of 5,121 assay determinations
having been made during the year. In addition, minerals contained
in more than 2,000 specimens submitted by the public for identification
were determined. Many municipal water analyses were also
made in the laboratory at College.
Under a cooperative arrangement with the Geological Survey the
commissioner of mines supervised all coal-mining operations in the
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 27
Territory, which are conducted under the provisions of the Federal
Coal Leasing Act.
Safety examinations were made at all of the operating lode and
coal mines and at many dredges and other placer-mining operations.
This department also cooperated with the United States Bureau of
Mines in carrying on its program of first-aid, mine-rescue, and safety
instruction.
Gratifying expansion in the mining industry was noticeable by
substantial increased production throughout the Territory, by
numerous new enterprises and a marked increase in the amount of
mining equipment and supplies shipped into Alaska. The total
mineral production for the year 1937 was valued at $26,989,000, an
increase of $3,395,000 over 1936.
It is estimated that more than 5,000 men were gainfully employed
in mining during the past year, as compared with 4,500 in 1936. In
addition, probably more than 500 prospectors were engaged in searching
for new mineral deposits. Labor conditions have been more satisfactory
than during the 2 previous years and no disturbances of any
consequence were recorded.
Extension and improvement of transportation facilities in the
form of roads to mining camps and lowering of transportation costs,
especially by rail, continue to be the outstanding needs of the mining
industry. Improvement in landing fields and other facilities for
airplane operation is also an urgent need for further development.
GAME AND FUR CONDITIONS AND ADMINISTRATION
ALASKA GAME COMMISSION
Wildlife resources of Alaska are administered by the Alaska Game
Commission and the Bureau of Biological Survey, under jurisdiction
of the Department of Agriculture. The Alaska Game Commission
is composed of five members: One from each of the four judicial
districts, and a fifth member, who is regional director of the Bureau
of Biological Survey in Alaska and acts as executive officer of the
commission.
Heretofore, the activities of the commission have been limited by
law to enforcement of the Alaska game law and regulations made
pursuant thereto. An amendment to existing legislation was enacted
by the last Congress on June 25, broadening the powers and duties
of the commission to include wildlife investigations, restocking, emergency
feeding, and other fields of endeavor necessary adequately to
protect and conserve the wildlife resources. The Secretary of Agriculture
is given authority, under the amended act, to require persons
to reside in the Territory 3 years, instead of 1 year, to become eligible
for a resident trapping license, whenever such action appears neces28
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
sary to protect native Indians and Eskimos, or fur and game resources,
from an influx of nonresident trappers.
During the past year the commission employed 11 full-time Alaska
wildlife agents. A total of 346 violations, resulting in court cases
or seizures, were reported. Fines in the amount of $13,468 and jail
sentences totaling 3,845 days were assessed. Sales of licenses, payment
of fines, and sale of seized furs and firearms brought total income of
$50,222.08, which was divided equally between Territorial and Federal
Treasuries.
Fur farming continues to be an influential industry in the Territory,
with mink, blue and silver foxes the most important species. Fur
farmers of Alaska comment favorably regarding the Territorial Experiment
Fur Farm Station being constructed at Petersburg.
Furs valued at a total amount of $2,312,865.70 were shipped from
Alaska during the calendar year 1937, an increase of nearly $400,000
over the previous year.
The season on all fur bearers, except black bear and wolverine, will
be closed in southeastern Alaska and the taking of marten in all parts
of the Territory will be prohibited next year. There will be an open
season on beaver in fur districts 4, 5, 6, and 7, with a limit of 10 beaver
to each trapper.
One principal biologist and assistant were employed in Alaska by
the Bureau of Biological Survey, who carried on scientific research
work, particularly food habits and disease affecting big game species,
during the past season.
The predatory animal situation in Alaska continues to present a
serious problem, despite the large amount of cooperative control work
performed by the Territory, Bureau of Biological Survey, Alaska
Game Commission, Reindeer Service, Indian Service, and Civilian
Conservation Corps.
FORESTS
FOREST SERVICE
The two national forests of Alaska are the Tongass, comprising
practically all of the first division, or southeastern Alaska, and the
Chugach, located in the Prince William Sound region. The net area
of the former is 16,549,947 acres and of the latter, 4,798,548 acres.
They are administered by the regional forester, with headquarters
at Juneau, and rangers located at Ketchikan, Petersburg, Juneau,
Cordova, and Seward.
Timber.—The Forest Service estimates the timber stand on the two
forests to be 84,000,000,000 board feet. Three species occur in about
the following percentages: Western hemlock, 73; Sitka spruce, 20;
western red cedar, 3; Alaska cedar, 3; other, 1. The timber is sold as
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 29
needed to wood-using industries in appropriate-sized units, and now
supports a growing sawmill industry developed under rules which
insure a renewal of the forest crop on the cut-over areas. Net receipts
from the sale of timber are increasing annually, the amount for the
past fiscal year being $51,683.
The manufacture of pulp and paper will be the ultimate development
of the local timber resources. The predominating wood species
are known to be particularly adapted to the manufacture of newsprint
paper and the possible sustained yearly cut of 1,000,000,000
board feet is sufficient to produce not less than 1,300,000 tons of this
product. Cheap water power and year-round water transportation
are attractive factors.favoring such development.
Water power.—Many excellent water-power sites, which can be
easily and cheaply developed for industrial use, are located in southeastern
Alaska. The outstanding features of these sites are the high
“hanging lakes” located close to tide water; ample water storage for
low-water periods during the winter months; and short transmission
lines due to the fact that good locations for industrial plants are
frequently adjacent. The Forest Service has continued its field investigations
of these sites and additional data will soon be published
as the result of a hydraulic-engineer’s work in this respect during the
past year. The Federal Power Commission is represented in Alaska
by the Forest Service.
Roads and trails.—Forest highways are constructed and maintained
by the Bureau of Public Roads, Department of Agriculture, with
funds appropriated under the Federal Highway Act, and to a small
extent with cooperative Territorial funds. These highways are located
adjacent to communities and the steady development and home
building which has taken place along their right-of-way has fully
justified their cost. In addition, they are heavily used by recreationists
and form an important connection between isolated agricultural
settlements, small towns, mining districts, and main traveled waterways.
Forest development roads, truck trails, and trails are constructed
and maintained by the Forest Service to the extent of about
$40,000 annually. These serve to open mineralized regions to prospectors
and otherwise facilitate use of forest areas by the public
and assist in forest administration. Over 900 miles of trails have
been constructed to date.
Other activities.—Homesite tracts were authorized by the act of
March 3, 1927. Groups of such areas have been surveyed adjacent
to settlements and have been in demand to the extent where 178
permits are now in effect and, in addition, 137 permittees have fulfilled
3 years’ residence and other requirements and their areas have
been eliminated from the national forests so that patent could be
30 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
applied for. Many other tracts and islands are under special-use
permit for canneries, residences, and fur farms. All are at nominal
yearly rentals, or in certain instances, free of charge. At the close
of the fiscal year 1938 the following permits were in effect in addition
to the homesites mentioned above: 121 fur farms; 382 residences and
summer homes; 31 fish canneries and salteries; 439 miscellaneous—
a total of 1,151 permits embracing a total area of 95,000 acres.
Receipts.—The total net receipts from all sources on the Alaska
national forests were $61,820 during the past fiscal year. Of this
amount, 25 percent is paid into the Territorial treasury to be used
for roads and schools, while 10 percent is added to the trail-building
fund of the Forest Service. The totals to date of these payments
are $519,837 and $199,889, respectively.
Civilian Conservation Corps.—In the beginning of the fifth year of
the Civilian Conservation Corps activities in the Territory, a quota of
600 man-years was established and $720,000 made available to finance
the program. Operations were extended to the entire Territory in
order to give Indians and Eskimos a chance to engage in Civilian Conservation
Corps work. A quota of 110 was established for the
Kotzebue division and work was started on September 1, 1937. This
work consisted principally of reindeer-range improvements, predatory-
animal control, landing-field construction and maintenance, and
village-sanitation improvements.
Later that fall, camps were opened in all towns on Cook Inlet,
including Anchorage, also at St. Michael on Norton Sound. This
spring a camp of 40 enrollees was established at Fairbanks.
In the national-forest areas camps were operated in practically
all towns on or adjacent to the forests.
Operating costs for the year were $717,000, and 615 man-years of
enrollee employment were secured.
Principal lines of endeavor in the “interior” will be fire prevention
and suppression, landing-field development, road work, and
development of recreational areas. Seven hundred and fifteen thousand
dollars is available for the fiscal year 1939 program.
LANDS
PUBLIC SURVEY OFFICE
Organization.—The Public Survey Office in Juneau functions
under the Commissioner of the General Land Office in Washington,
D. C., and under direct supervision of the supervisor of surveys in
Denver, Colo. At present, there are four field engineers, one office
engineer, one draftsman, one clerk-stenographer, and one district
cadastral engineer. In addition all deputy mineral surveyors and
deputy surveyors (General Land Office), engaged in surveying minREPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF AT,ASKA 31
ing or other private claims, perform their duties under instructions
from the district cadastral engineer. No official survey can be made
until authorized by the Public Survey Office.
Records.—The Public Survey Office in Juneau contains the original
plat and field notes of every patented survey made in the
Territory. Plats of each township in the rectangular system are
on file and copies may be purchased, but if information is desired
regarding the status of the land within any survey, inquiry should
be addressed to the registrar of the United States Land Office in
Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Nome, Alaska.
Survey program.—Vwwag the fiscal year 1938, the field work of
the Public Survey Office included surveys in all districts from
Ketchikan to Point Barrow. The rectangular surveys were extended
over approximately 20,500 acres in the Goldstream Valley
along the Alaska Railroad and 10,000 acres on Kosciusko Island in
southeastern Alaska. In addition to the rectangular surveys 353
tracts were included in isolated surveys. The isolated surveys included
mineral claims,, homestead, homesites, trade and manufacturing
sites, soldiers’ additional homestead, Indian allotments, school
reserves, and administrative sites. Four field engineers and about
thirty field assistants were engaged in the work. Plats and field
notes for 170 surveys were completed and transmitted to the Commissioner
of the General Land Office.
Program for 1939. The program for 1939 includes homesite surveys
at Sitka, Port Alexander Killisnoo, Hood Bay, and Hoonah;
coal-land surveys on Admiralty Island; timber lands in southeastern
Alaska; agricultural lands on the Kenai Peninsula; and isolated
surveys in many sections of the Territory.
RIVERS AND HARBORS
The Territory of Alaska is included in the Seattle, Wash., engineer
district of the War Department. Following is a brief description
of the various works of improvements in Alaska under
supervision of the Board of Engineers, which were under construction
during the past fiscal year and which have been authorized and
are awaiting allotment of funds:
Dry Pass.—TXxs improvement provides a dredged channel 60 feet
wide and 6 feet deep at mean lower low water between Prince of
Wales and Kosciusko Islands, connecting El Capitan Passage and
Shakan Strait. The project was adopted in the River and Harbor
Act of August 30, 1935. The work was completed in 1937 at a cost
of $58,665.32.
Sitka IIarbor.-—The original project provides for the improvement
of western channel by dredging and rock removal. A clear
32 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA
channel 22 feet deep and 150 feet wide on the easterly side of Harbor
Rock and the removal of Indian Rock in the harbor area are the
features of the improvement. The work was authorized by the
River and Harbor Act of August 30, 1935,, and the project was completed
in December 1937, at a total cost of $64,650. A modification
of the original project was adopted by the River and Harbor Act
of August 26, 1937, which provides for the construction of a smallboat
basin, 6% acres in area and 10 feet deep, in Japonski Island
lagoon, protected by a system of rock mound breakwaters between
the several offshore islands. No funds have been allotted for this
modification of the project.
Juneau Harbor.—A project for the improvement of Juneau Harbor
was adopted by the River and Harbor Act of August 26, 1937. The
improvement provides a small-boat basin in Gastineau Channel, north
of the Juneau-Douglas Bridge, approximately 11% acres in area and
12 feet deep, protected by two rock-mound breakwaters. No funds
have been allotted.
Skagioay Harbor.—Improvement of Skagway Harbor to provide
for the construction of a rock, brush, and earth training dike on the
left bank of thet Skagway River, extending from the highway bridge
downstream 6,700' feet, and a rubble mound breakwater 1,800 feet
long across the tide flats in a southerly prolongation of the training
dike, was adopted in the River and Harbor Act of June 20, 1938. No
funds have been allotted.
Cordova Harbor.—Construction of a sheltered small-boat basin in
Cordova Harbor was authorized in the River and Harbor Act of
August 30,. 1935. This project provides for a dredged basin approximately
8% acres in extent, protected by north and south breakwaters
of rubble mound design, 1,100 and 1,400 feet in length. The work is
being performed under contract awarded July 22, 1937. The total
costs to June 30, 1938, are $68,730.25.
Valdez Harbor.—Adopted by the River and Harbor Act of June
20, 1938. Provides for a small-boat and seaplane basin, approximately
3 acres in area and 12 feet deep at mean lower low water in the tideflat
area between the wharves at Valdez. No funds have been allotted.
Seward Harbor.—A harbor of refuge for small boats has been developed
in Resurrection Bay under authority of River and Harbor
Acts adopted July 3, 1930, and August 30, 1935. The improvements
consist of a basin 5 acres in area dredged to a depth of 12% feet
and protected by two rock-mound breakwaters, 580 feet and 950 feet
in length. The project was completed in 1937 at a total cost of $154,-
153.67. Maintenance costs have been $9,198.31.
Kodiak Harbor.—The River and Harbor Act of August 30, 1935,
adopted a project for the improvement of Kodiak Harbor by widening
and deepening the existing north channel, subject to certain inREPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF ALASKA 33
dustrial development specified in House Document No. 208, Seventysecond
Congress, first session. This condition has not been complied
with by local interests.
Egegik River.—The provision of a marked channel 5 feet deep at
low water and 100 feet wide through the rapids near the outlet of
Becharof Lake was authorized by the River and Harbor Act of
August 30, 1935. No funds have been allotted.
Unalaska {Iliuliuk) Harbor.—The River and Harbor Act of June
20, 1938, provides for the improvement of Iliuliuk Harbor by removal
of Tuscarora Rock and the southern extremity of Iliuliuk Reef
to afford an entrance channel not less than 350 feet wide and 25 feet
deep at mean lower low water. No funds have been allotted.
Nome Harbor.—The original project for Nome Harbor provides for
two parallel jetties at the mouth of Snake River, extending seaward
about 400 feet and spaced 225 feet apart, and the dredging of a channel
75 feet wide and 8 feet deep at mean lower low water from Norton
Sound up Snake River to the mouth of Dry Creek, ending in a smallboat
basin of the same depth. The project was completed in 1923.
Annual repairs and redredging have been performed as required. A
steel and concrete design has been adopted for replacement of the
timber jetties, damaged by storm in 1937, and reconstruction of the
east jetty is now under way. The total cost of this improvement to
June 30, 1938, is $692,989.79. Modification of this project to provide
for enlargement of the small-boat basin was adopted in the River and
Harbor Act of August 30, 1935. No funds for this feature have been
allotted.
Lowell Creek {-flood control).—A project for the control of floods
in Lowell Creek was adopted August 25, 1937. It provides for the
•construction of a diversion dam in Lowell Creek Canyon and a
tunnel through Bear Mountain with suitable intake and outlet works
to divert the floodwaters of Lowell Creek into Resurrection Bay
southeast of the town site of Seward. The act stipulates that local
interests shall provide all easements and rights-of-way necessary for
-construction; hold and save the United States free from damages due
to construction work; and maintain the works after completion.
Bunds are available for prosecution of the work when the conditions
of local cooperation have been met. Under a previous project flood
control was effected by means of a diversion dam at the mouth of
Lowell Creek Canyon and a timber flume through the town site
of Seward. This project was completed in 1929 and the structures
are now beyond economical repair.
Tanana River and Chena Slough.—A project for the control of
floods of Tanana River and Chena Slough in the vicinity of Fairbanks,
Alaska, providing for the construction of an earth and rock
*UAL R£,,O^Z
r* »
OF THE
GOVERNOR OF
HAWAII
TO THE SECRETARY OF
THE INTERIOR
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
193 8
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON •. 1938
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Harold L. Ickes, Secretary
TERRITORY OF HAWAII
Joseph B. Poindexter, Governor
For sale by the
Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C
Price 1 5 cents
CONTENTS
Page
Agricultural Adjustment Administration.................................. 35
Agricultural extension service...................................................... 36
Agriculture and forestry............................................................. 34
Archives, public......................................................................... 29
Attorney general’s department.................................................. 44
Auditor........................................................................................ 10
Automobiles................................................................................ 56
Aviation, commercial................................................................. 56
Birth registration, Hawaiian .................................................. . 6
Civilian Conservation Corps...................................................• . 39
Commerce.................................................................................... 11
Courts:
Territorial courts..................................................................... 45
Land court............................................................................. 46
Federal court............................................... 46
Domestic relations................................................................. 47
Education. (See Public instruction.)
Fair commission......................................................................... 41
Farm Credit Administration...................................................... 38
Harbor commissioners............................................................. 58
Hawaii National Park.............................................■................ 39
Hawaiian Homes Commission .................................................. 32
Health, board of......................................................................... 14
Health Service, Federal Public.................................................. 16
Home for feeble-minded............................................................. 28
Home Owners’ Loan Corporation.............................................. 53
Housing Administration, Federal.............................................. 52
Housing Authority, Hawaii................................................... . 51
Industrial schools, board of...................................................... 27
Internal Revenue, Federal.......................................................... 12
Lands, public............................................................................. 33
Leprosy........................................................................................ 16
Libraries.................................................................................... 29
Lighthouses, nineteenth district.............................................. 59
National Guard......................................................................... 31
Pineapple industry...............................,.................................. 37
Planning Board, Territorial...................................................... 43
in
IV CONTENTS
Page
Population and race statistics.................................................. 3
Postal Service............................................................................. 14
Prison......................................................................................... 43
Public instruction..................................................................... 23
Public utilities............................................................................. 50
Public works................................................................................ 41
Retirement system..................................................................... 60
Telegraphs and telephones......................................................... 57
Tourist trade............................................................................. 53
Transportation facilities............................................................. 55
Street railroads................................................................. 56
Steam railroads................................................................. 57
Treasurer.................................................................................... 8
Unemployment compensation.................................................. 20
University of Hawaii................................................................. 25
Weather Bureau, United States.............................................. 60
Welfare board, public................................................................. 19
Workmen’s compensation.......................................................... 60
Works Progress Administration.............................................. 7
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
Joseph B. Poindexter, Governor
EXECUTIVE CHAMBERS
Honolulu, Hawaii, September 6, 1938.
The Sec re ta ry of th e Int er io r :
Sir : Pursuant to instructions contained in your letter of June 23,
1938, I have the honor to submit the following report of the affairs
in and of the progress and development of the Territory of Hawaii
during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938.
Ernest Gruening, Director of the Division of Territories and Island
Possessions, visited the Territory during the fall of 1937. Representatives
of the Social Security Board also visited Hawaii, and their help
in organizing the Territorial program was of great value. The Director
of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Assistant Director of
the National Park Service were also visitors to Hawaii in the interests
of their respective departments.
The Works Progress Administration program for the Territory was
transferred on April 1, 1938, from the civilian director to the district
engineer of the United States Army.
Collections in this office for the issuance of passports showed a
marked decline from the previous year, due largely to the hostilities
in China. In the fiscal year 1937 this office issued 710 passports, while
in 1938 the number dropped to 531. Passport renewals in 1937 numbered
82 and in 1938, 63, with 22 amendments during each period.
A strike of interisland seamen and dry dock workers, commencing
late in May 1938, crippled transportation between the islands for
nearly 3 months. Regular service was resumed early in August when
men in most of the departments returned to work.
The cause of equal rights for Hawaii—the effort to obtain treatment
for the Territory by the Federal Government on the same basis as
that accorded the 48 States—made more progress in the fiscal year
ending June 30, 1938, than has been achieved in all of the rest of the
two score years since the voluntary annexation of the islands to the
United States.
1
2 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
The high light of the year was the appointment of the Joint Congressional
Committee on Hawaii, the visit of the 20 members of that
body to the Territory late in 1937, and the rendering of the committee’s
findings on February 15, 1938, by Senator William H. King, of
Utah, chairman.
The report of the joint committee marked the high point to date of
35 years of efforts to obtain treatment for the Territory equal with the
States from the Federal Government and recognition of the islands as
“an incorporated Territory of the Union and an integral part thereof.”
The recommendations of that report, containing as they do a clear-cut
recognition of Hawaii’s true status, and strong assurances that the
citizens of the islands will be treated on the same basis as the citizens
of the several States, will be of tremendous value for effective quotation
by the equal rights commission in the future in the fight to guard
the interests of Hawaii against any discrimination.
The Hawaii Equal Rights Commission has continued its efforts to
overcome the vast amount of misinformation, misconceptions, and
ignorance extant on the mainland regarding Hawaii, by writing letters
to many mainland publications which printed errors of fact or conclusion
relating to the Territory and conditions in the islands, and
noted that these communications were printed in a number of mainland
publications.
The committee also made an attempt to correct a resolution which
had been adopted by the National Grange, 71st annual session, held
in Harrisburg, Pa., in November 1937. The original resolution read
as follows:
Since a major portion of the population of the Territory of Hawaii is composed
of those who are ineligible to become citizens of the United States, we are opposed
to the admission of the Territory to statehood.
The commission sent letters to the officers of the National Grange,
as well as to the masters and secretaries of the Grange of 35 States,
pointing out that the premise of this resolution was in error in that
78.4 percent of the 396,715 residents of the Territory as of June 30,
1937, not only were eligible to become citizens of the United States
but were, in fact, citizens of the United States under the Constitution.
Efforts were also made by the commission to correct statements
appearing in a resolution adopted by the California Society, Sons of
the American Revolution, opposing statehood for Hawaii. As copies
of the California society’s original resolution had been sent to the
national officers of the Sons of the American Revolution, as well as
to each of the 22 members of the California delegation in Congress, a
copy of the commission’s letter of correction also was sent to each of
those individuals.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 3
POPULATION AND RACE STATISTICS
The population of Hawaii as of June 30, 1938, reached an all-time
record high of 411,485, an increase of 14,770, or 3.73 percent during
the fiscal year ending on that date.
During the fiscal year the number of American citizens in the
Territory increased from 310,956, or 78.4 of the population as of June
30, 1937, to 328,185, or 79.76 of the entire population on June 30 last—
an increase of 1.36 percent. The number of aliens in the Territory
decreased from 85,759, or 21.6 percent of the entire population, to
83,300, or 20.24 percent of the population. Thus, with a gain of
17,229 in the number of citizens, and a decrease of 2,459 in the number
of aliens, there was a net gain during the year of 19,688 American
citizens resident in the islands.
All counties registered gains in population during the year except
the county of Kalawao (Kalaupapa), which showed a decrease of
3, from 524 to 521. The other counties and their increases
during the year were: Honolulu, 8,333; Hawaii, 2,463; Kauai, 1,619;
and Maui, 2,358.
By counties, the 1937 and 1938 estimated populations and the
increases during the year were:
1 Decrease.
1937 population
1938 population
Increases
City of Honolulu___________________________________________________ 147, 450
71, 357
16, 015
62,474
524
38, 295
60, 600
153, 073
74,067
16,459
64,493
521
39, 914
62, 958
5, 623
2, 710
444
2,019
1 3
1,619
2,358
Rural Oahu______ _________________ ____ _______________
City of Hilo______________________________________________ .
Rural Hawaii____ ________________________________
County of Kalawao______________________________ ......
County of Kauai___________________________________________ ... .
County of Maui___________________________________
Total- ____________________ ________________ ... 396, 715 411, 485 14, 770
Of the increase in citizens, the Caucasian classification furnished
by far the largest number during the year, 10,503, with a decrease of
286 aliens during the year in that classification. Among the residents
of Japanese origin, the number of citizens increased by 3,295, while
the number of aliens decreased by 897. The number of citizens of
Filipino origin increased by 879, while the number of aliens decreased
by 1,104.
In connection with the statistics on the Filipino residents, the
52,810 estimated population of that race on June 30 represented a
decrease of 13,239 from its 1931 peak population of 66,049. In that
year, the Filipino residents represented 17.6 percent of the entire
population of the Territory, while the 52,810 on June 30 last represented
only 12.83 percent. This heavy decrease was laid to the
4 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
effects of the depression and the large exodus of Filipinos to their
homeland following 1931.
The 1938 population of the Territory by racial origins and segregated
into the numbers and percentages of citizens and aliens of each is
shown in the following table:
Race Total population
Percent
of whole Citizens Percent Aliens Percent
Japanese_______________ ___ __________ 153,539 37.31 116,584 75. 93 36,955 24.07
Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian__________ 62; 135 15.10 62; 135 100. 00
Caucasian____________ ___________ __ __ 106, 999 26. 00 103, 988 97.17 3 011 2 83
Filipino________________________________ 52', 810 12. 83 16,201 30. 68 36, 609 69 32
Chinese________________________________ 28; 380 6. 90 24', 097 84. 91 4 283 15 09
Korean________________________________ 6; 707 1.63 4; 355 64.93 2,352 35 07
All other_______________________________ '915 .23 '825 90.16 90 9. 84
Total____________________4_1_1_,48_5__ 100. 00 328,'185 79. 76 83,300 20.24
CAUCASIAN BY RACIAL ORIGIN
Spanish________________________________
Portuguese_____________________________
Puerto Rican__________________________
1,248
30,406
7,639
67, 706
0. 30
7.39
1.86
16.45
1,069
28,898
7,639
66,382
85.67
95.04
100. 00
98.03
179
1, 508
14.33
4. 96
Other Caucasian_______________________
Total____________________________
1, 324 1.97
106,999 26.00 103,988 97.17 3,011 2.83
HAWAIIANS AND PART-HAWAIIANS BY RACE
Hawaiian______ ________________________ 21,268
20,507
20,360
5.17
4.98
4. 95
21, 268
20. 507
20, 360
100. 00
100. 00
100. 00
Caucasian-H awaiian__________________
Asiatic-H awaiian______________________
Total____________________________ 62,135 15.10 62,135 100. 00
By racial origin the trend of population in the Territory in the
fiscal year is shown in the following table:
Trend of Population 1937-38
CAUCASIAN BY RACIAL ORIGIN
Race
Total population
1937
Percent
of whole
Total population
1938
Percent
of whole
Percent
increase
Japanese____________________________________ 151,141 38 14 153 539 37 31 1 0 83
Caucasian______________________________________ 96 782 24 39 106’ 999 26 00 1 61
Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian___________________ 60, 546 15.19 62’ 135 15 10 1 09
Filipino_____ 2__________ .. _______________ _ 53, 035 13 39 52 810 12 83 1 56
Chinese__________ _____________________ . 27 657 6 99 28’ 380 6 90 1 09
Korean_________________________ 6 678 1 68 fi’ 707 1 64 1 04
All other________________________________________ '876 .22 '915 ;22
Total___________________________ __________ 396, 715 100. 00 411,485 100.00
HAWAIIAN AND PART-HAWAIIAN BY RACE
Spanish________________________________________ 1, 233 0 30 1 248 0 30
Portuguese_______ _____________________ 30,130 7 60 30’ 406 7 39 1 0 21
Puerto Rican_____________ ________ 7 529 1 90 7’ 639 1 86
Other Caucasian_______________________________ 57, 890 14. 60 67,’ 706 M 45 1.85
Total_____________________________________ 96, 782 24. 40 106,999 26. 00 1.60
i Decrease.
Hawaiian________________________________ 21,389
19, 890
19, 267
5. 39
5.00
4. 80
21, 268
20, 507
20, 360
5.17
4. 98
4. 95
1 0. 22
1.02
. 15
Caucasian-Hawaiian____________________________
Asiatic-Hawaiian_______________________________
Total_______________________ 60, 546 15.19 62,135 15.10 1.09
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 5
In the 8-year period since the 1930 Federal decennial census, the
Board of Health estimate showed that the Territory has gained
43,149 from the 368,336 population of the Federal census, or an
increase of 11.71 percent. The Caucasian classification, with an
increase of 26,626, showed by far the heaviest growth of all the racial
aggregations, while residents of Japanese origin showed an increase
of 13,908 in the 8 years. The Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian classification
showed a gain of 11,275 from 50,860 in 1930 to 62,135 in 1938.
In 1930, the Caucasian group comprised 21.82 percent of the entire
population, while at present it comprises 26 percent of the entire
population of the Territory. In 1930 the Japanese group comprised
37.91 percent of the entire population, while at present this group
comprises 37.31 percent of the whole. In 1930 the Hawaiian and
part-Hawaiian group comprised 13.82 percent of the whole, while at
present this group comprises 15.10 percent of the whole. The Filipino
group fell from 17.11 percent of the whole in 1930 to 12.83 percent at
present; the Chinese group fell from 7.38 percent in 1930 to 6.90
percent at present; while the Korean group fell from 1.75 percent in
1930 to 1.63 percent at present.
The changes in the racial make-up of the Territory’s population
since the Federal census of 1930 and the present estimate of the
Bureau of Vital Statistics are shown in the following tables:
Changes in Racial Make-up, 1930-38
Race 1930
census
Percent
of whole
1938
estimate
Percent
of whole Increase Percent
increase
Japanese_____ ____________________________ 139, 631 37. 91 153, 539 37 31 13 908 1 0 60
Caucasian_________ ______________________ 80^ 373 21.82 106, 999 26 00 26, 626 4 18
Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian__________ __ 50’ 860 13. 82 62’ 135 15 10 11 275 1 28
Filipino______2___________________________ 63,052 17.11 52 810 12 83 1 io" 242 1 4 28
Chinese________________ „ __ 27, 179 7. 38 28 380 6 90 1’ 201 1 48
Korean_______ ___________________ . _ . 6, 461 1. 75 6 707 1 63 ’ 246 1 12
All other______ __________________________ 780 .21 915 .23 135 .01
Total______________________________ 368, 336 100. 00 411,485 100 00
CHANGES IN CAUCASIAN MAKE-UP
Spanish_____________ ________________ ... 1,129 0 33 1 248 0 30 119 1 0 03
Portuguese_______________________________ 27’ 588 7. 49 30, 406 7. 39 2 818 1 10
Puerto Rican_______ _____________________ 6, 671 1. 91 7, 639 1 86 ’ 968 1 05
Other Caucasian_________________________ 4< 985 12. 19 67,706 16. 45 22, 721 4.26
Total______________________________ 80, 373 21.92 106, 999 26. 00 26, 626
i Decrease.
102525—38----- 2
6 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
By racial origin, the changes in the citizenship and alien status
during the fiscal year are shown in the following table:
Changes in Citizenship-Alien Status
CHANGES IN CAUCASIAN CITIZEN-ALIEN STATUS
Race 1937 1938 Increase 1937 1938 Decrease
citizens citizens citizens aliens aliens aliens
Japanese_______________ -_________________ 113, 289 116, 584 3, 295 37,852 36, 955 897
Caucasian_______________________________ 93,485 103, 988 10, 503 3,297 3,011 286
Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian____________ 60, 546 62,135 1,589
Filipino__________________________________ 15, 322 16,201 879 37, 713 36, 609 1,104
Chinese__________________________________ 23,246 24, 097 851 4,411 4,283 128
Korean__________________________________ 4,269 4, 355 86 2,409 2,352 57
All other_________________________________ 799 825 26 77 90 1 13
Total______________________________ 310,956 328,185 17, 229 85, 759 83,300 2,459
i Increase.
Spanish__________________________________
Portuguese_______________________________
Puerto Rican____________________________
1,051
28,507
7,529
56, 398
1,069
28,898
7, 639
66, 382
18
391
110
9, 994
182
1,623
179
1,508
3
115
Other Caucasian_________________________
Total______________________________
1, 492 1, 324 168
93,485 103,988 10, 513 3, 297 3,011 286
Changes in Hawaiian, Part-Hawaiian Make-up, 1930-38
Race 1930
census
Percent
of whole
1938
estimate
Percent
of whole Increase Percent
increase
Hawaiians ___ ________________ ______ 22, 636
15, 632
12, 592
6.15
4. 25
3. 42
21, 268
20, 507
20, 360
5.17
4. 98
4. 95
i 1, 368
4, 875
7,768
i 0.98
.73
1. 53
Caucasian-Hawaiian. _________________
Asiatic-Hawaiian _____ ________________
Total____________________5_0_,8_6_0_____ 13. 82 62,135 15.10
i Decrease.
HAWAIIAN BIRTH REGISTRATION
A total of 646 certificates of Hawaiian birth was issued during the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1938, by the office of the Secretary of
Hawaii.
This brought to 28,162 the number of such certificates that have
been issued by the office of the secretary since the inauguration of the
system in 1905. This number included 408 renewals, while 790
applications have been denied in the past 33 years and 420 cases are
being held for decision and further investigation. In the fiscal year
four applications were denied.
By racial origin, the certificates were granted as follows during the
year: Chinese, male, 42; female, 40; part-Chinese, male, 4; female,
4: Japanese, male, 232; female, 213; part-Japanese, male, 4; female, 1;
all others, male, 61, female, 45; total, male, 343; female, 303. Previous
certificates had been granted to 3,559 Chinese males, 1,758 females;
159 part-Chinese males, 64 females; 14,637 Japanese males, 5,824
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 7
females; 39 part-Japanese males, 23 females; 592 “All others” males,
453 females; or a total of 18,986 males and 8,122 females.
WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION
Works Progress Administration expenditures of $3,147,616.39,
plus local sponsors’ contributions of $1,150,341.32 allowed the Federal
relief authorities to keep gainfully employed an average of 3,754
workers during the twelve months preceding June 30, 1938.
Total expenditures of Federal funds for the operation of non-
Federal projects amounted to $1,720,690.61, of which $1,581,937.97
was for labor and $138,752.64 for materials, equipment, rentals, etc.
Supplementing these expenditures by the Federal Government,
local sponsors contributed $1,150,341.32 for labor, materials, and
rentals, making a grand total expenditure of $2,871,031.93 for WPA
non-Federal projects operated in Hawaii during the year.
Expenditures of WPA funds allotted to the Army during the period
amounted to $1,149,925.78 and to the Navy $277,000, making total
expenditures in the Territory of $3,147,616.39 exclusive of the sponsor’s
contributions.
This money provided work for an average monthly employment
for the year on non-Federal projects as follows:
Oahu____________________________________________________________ 1, 042
Hawaii__________________________________________________________ 658
Maui____________________________________________________________ 329
Kauai___________________________________________________________ 172
Molokai___________________________________________________________ 79
Average monthly WPA employees__________________________________ 2, 280
Average monthly Army WPA employees_____________________________ 1, 110
Average monthly Navy WPA employees_____________________________ 364
Total average monthly WPA employees_______________________ 3, 754
The average monthly expenditure per man-month for WPA, exclusive
of Army and Navy, was $57.82 for labor and $5.07 for nonlabor
costs—a total of $62.89.
The total expenditure of $1,720,690.61 was distributed over the
following types of work:
Works Progress Administration Expenditures
Pay roll Materials,
etc. Total
Roads and highways_____________ __________________________ $874,822. 04
89, 041. 29
89,035. 55
230,478. 50
134,452.46
164,108.13
$99,763. 77 $974, 585.81
89, 041. 29
108,129.08
248, 568. 51
136, 242.03
164,123.89
Buildings______________ _________
Barks__________________________________________ ___________ 19,093. 53
18,090.01
1, 789. 57
15.76
Public utilities______________________________________________
Blood control______________ _____________ _____ _
Miscellaneous_________________________________
Total_________________________________________ ____ __ 1, 581,937.97 138, 752. 64 1, 720,690. 61
8 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
Besides the construction work prosecuted by the Works Progress
Administration during the year a number of statistical, research, and
educational projects also have been carried on, providing work for
unemployed clerical and other workers.
These projects have been of great benefit to the different governmental
departments, such as the Territorial Tax Office, Archives of
Hawaii, the libraries, the Bureau of Vital Statistics, the Department
of Public Instruction, and the Recreation Commission.
TERRITORIAL TREASURER
In the Territorial Treasury, total cash balances in all Territorial
funds on June 30, amounted to $9,214,393.73, as compared with
$6,745,807.96 on June 30, 1937.
By funds, the cash balances—general, $2,716,550.53; sinking,
$241,255.90; revolving, $441,544.22; trust, $3,352,032.37; loan,
$616,605.90; special expendable, $1,845,075.15; clearance, $1,329.66.
Net cash in the general fund available for expenditure in the current
fiscal year amounted to $2,577,327.21.
Investments on hand in the sinking fund account on June 30 had a
par value of $9,469,300.00, and an investment value of $9,582,637.82,
or an accretion of $113,337.82.
Total assets of the sinking fund on June 30 were $9,710,555.90,
consisting of a cash balance of $241,255.90 and bond investments at
par value of $9,469,300. Against this total was a $10,661,521.59
reserve required for redemption of term bonds, or a “paper” deficit
amounting to $950,965.69.
The aggregate outstanding bonded debt of the Territory on June 30
was $36,167,000. The gross assessed value of real and personal
property on that date amounted to $392,976,235, as compared with
$394,159,873 on June 30, 1937. By islands, the gross assessed valuations
were: Oahu, $275,554,448; Maui, $42,868,861; Hawaii, $46,-
861,789; Kauai $27,691,137.
Revenue receipts of the treasury during the year amounted to
$627,550.88, as compared with $544,677.25 in the previous fiscal
period—an increase of $82,873.63.
The number of domestic corporations authorized to do business in
the Territory as of June 30 was 947 with a total capitalization of
$358,087,758.
Of these, 84 with total capitalization of $182,124,000 were classed
as agricultural; 240 with total capitalization of $78,861,588 were classed
as financial; 82 with total capitalization of $12,545,800 were classed
as manufacturing; 182 with total capitalization of $20,789,882 were
classed as miscellaneous; 39 with capitalization of $41,195,648 were
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 9
classed as public utilities; and 320 with capitalization of $22;570,840
were classed as retail and wholesale.
The insurance business in the Territory improved over that of 1936,
but was not quite equal to the amount transacted in the calendar year
1935. In 1937 a total of $7,554,389.18 was paid by citizens of the
Territory for insurance protection. Of this, 47.20 percent was for
life insurance; 16.42 percent for fire; 14.17 percent for automobile;
7.50 percent for workmen’s compensation; and 6.17 percent for ocean
marine. The 1937 premiums showed an increase of $863,960.61 over
total premiums for 1936.
On this insurance, the Territory collected $189,106.30 in taxes,
while the same source in 1936 produced only $167,472.37, an increase
of $21,633.93 for 1937. In license and filing fees the treasury collected
$11,503.18, as compared with $9,098.90 in 1936.
Total deposits in the 7 banks and 21 branches doing business in the
Territory on June 30 amounted to $108,450,660.03, as compared with
$103,200,576.38 on June 30, 1937, an increase during the year of
$5,250,083.65. Of the June 30 deposits, $31,017,633.24 were demand
or commercial deposits; $59,766,292.56 were time or savings deposits;
$15,649,549.61 were governmental deposits; and $2,017,184.62 were
classed as “all other” deposits.
Total assets and liabilities of all Territorial banks and trust companies
amounted to $138,876,408.59 on June 30 as compared with
$134,944,616.78 at the close of the previous year, an increase of
$3,931,791.81.
There is some concern felt over the growing bonded indebtedness
of the Territory. The following public improvement issues have been
made possible only by acts of Congress specifically authorizing said
issues, which in effect have constituted amendments to the Organic
Act and have allowed the Territory to issue bonds in excess of the limit
authorized under the Organic Act. These issues are:
Date Amount Interest
rate
Dec. 31,1935_______________________ ______ $1, 750,000
274,000
100,000
3, 300,000
Percent
33
3
3.10
Dec. 1, 1936______ ________________________
June 15, 1937________________________________
Nov. 15, 1937 _______________ _____________
This is a total of $5,424,000. In addition to this, on July 10, 1938,
the Territory issued $2,286,000 in 2% percent public improvement
bonds, or a grand total of $8,310,000. The importance of financing
projects in the Territory which qualify for Federal grants is, of course,
realized.
10 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
There is a growing feeling that the Territory should operate on a
“pay-as-you-can” basis in regard to financing public improvement
projects and it is hoped that the legislature may devise some means of
raising the necessary revenue to finance important and necessary
projects out of general Territorial realizations rather than by authorization
for the issuance of additional public improvement obligations
of the Territory.
Section 8000, Revised Laws of Hawaii, authorizes the issuance of
Territorial bonds not exceeding a total outstanding bonded debt of
$32,750,000, excluding refunding issues.
TERRITORIAL AUDITOR
The Territorial general fund had, on June 30, total available resources
and estimated revenues of $14,685,775.01, and was faced with
total obligations of $14,843,999.78, which would result in a theoretically
estimated deficit on June 30, 1939 of $158,224.77.
It is anticipated, however, that the unrequired balances of appropriations
of the general fund as of June 30, 1939, will offset the estimated
deficit of $158,224.77.
Available cash on hand at the beginning of the current fiscal year
amounted to $2,577,327.21, while estimated revenues accrued and to
be collected amounted to $4,161,554.16, and estimated revenues to be
accrued or collected amounted to $8,238,960.85.
Due the general fund from other funds was a total of $280,890.00,
while other investments of the Territory at par value were worth
$1,955.39.
Unallotted appropriations for the current fiscal year under the head
of obligations amounted to $11,481,983.45, unexpended allotments
amounted to $285,156.23, and reserves for contracts were set at
$97,487.45. For redemption of serial bonds, there was set aside
$277,364.36; expenses of the 1939 legislature were set at $100,000.00;
contingent appropriations were set at $37,960; tax reimbursements at
$112.76; and due from the general fund to other funds, $2,563,935.53.
In the general fund the sources of revenue receipts making up
$12,772,141 during the past fiscal year were:
Taxes, special assessment and special charges, fines, forfeits, and
escheats_______________________________________________ $10, 645, 603
Subventions and grants, donations and pension assessments_______ 216, 018
Rents of investment properties, and interest___________________ 685, 267
Earnings of general departments and public service enterprises from
fees, charges, rents, and sales_____________________________ I, 225, 263
Under the heading “Governmental costs” the Territorial government
expended from the general fund during the past fiscal year, the
sum of $11,656,721, made up of the following amounts:
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 11
General government___________________________________________ $900, 158
Protection to person and property______________________________ 406, 834
Conservation of health and sanitation___________________________ 1, 472, 145
Development and conservation of natural resources_______ ________ 268, 145
Highways____________________________________________________ 2, 836
Charities, hospitals, and corrections_____________________________ 1, 086, 018
Education___________________________________________________ 6, 346, 707
Recreation___________________________________________________ 22, 795
Miscellaneous________________________________________________ 300, 582
Public service enterprise_______________________ 304, 575
Interest______________________________________________________ 545, 925
COMMERCE
Commerce of Hawaii, verging closely now on a total of $250,000,000
annually, showed an increase in the calendar year 1937 of $26,433,227
over the value of the commerce in the previous calendar period.
In the calendar year 1937, the value of all Territorial imports and
exports was $246,073,011, as compared with a total valuation of
$219,639,784 in 1936.
The Territory had a favorable trade balance of $18,406,603, the
total exports being valued at $132,239,807, while the value of imports
was $113,833,204. Exports of the Territory consisted of $130,138,166
to the continental United States and $2,101,641 to foreign countries.
Imports from the United States were valued at $104,180,911, while
imports from foreign countries were valued at $9,652,293.
Receipts of the customs service from all sources during the calendar
year covered by the report amounted to $2,458,214.42.
The pineapple industry is making long strides in overtaking the
sugar industry as the premier commercial endeavor of the Territory.
The value of the shipments of canned pineapple and pineapple juice
increased by approximately $4,000,000 each, while the value of sugar
exports decreased by approximately the same amount.
The value of canned pineapple shipped in 1937 was $42,705,114, as
compared with the 1936 valuation of $38,835,794. The value of
pineapple juice shipments in 1937 was $16,689,976, as compared with
$12,616,689 in 1936. Thus, the total valuation of shipments of pineapple
was $59,395,090 in 1937.
The value of the 1937 sugar shipments was $63,575,478, composed
of $62,633,228, unrefined, and $942,250, refined. The value of the
1936 sugar shipments was $67,975,548, composed of $66,309,641, unrefined,
and $1,665,907, refined.
Thus, while the value of pineapple shipments in 1937 showed an
increase of $7,942,607 over that of 1936, the value of shipments of the
sugar industry in 1937 showed a decrease of $4,400,070 from that of
1936.
12 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
This left the sugar industry with a lead in 1937 of $4,180,388 in the
value of its shipments over those of the pineapple industry.
The 1937 export shipments of fiber insulating board and of molasses
increased by approximately $250,000 each over those of 1936.
More than half of the Territory’s entire foreign imports of $9,652,293
came from Japan and Canada, those from the former country being
valued at $3,890,275, and those from the latter country being valued
at $1,435,187, or a total of $5,325,462. This is largely accounted for
by the importation of foodstuffs from those two countries during the
Pacific maritime strike when no vessels except Government ships
were plying between Pacific coast ports and Hawaii.
The tremendous influence of the sugar industry upon Hawaii’s
imports was displayed in the fact that those from British India
amounted to $967,329, chiefly for jute sugar bags, while the Territory’s
imports from Chile amounted to $753,404, chiefly for elements
for fertilizer.
The United Kingdom maintained its position as the Territory’s
best foreign market, as exports to that country were valued at $584,-
473, although this figure showed a decrease of $244,271 from the
$828,744 valuation of the Territory’s exports to that country in 1936.
The total value of the Kona coffee shipments throughout the year
was $833,559, of which $439,439 went to the mainland United States
and the remaining $394,120 going to foreign countries. This represented
an increase of $99,650 over the $733,909 valuation of the 1936
crop.
UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE
The total amount of money collected in the Territory of Hawaii
by the United States Internal Revenue Service since the organization
of the Territorial government is $170,145,363.96. Total disbursements
during the same period, including salaries, incidental expenses,
and refunds, have been $1,370,822.69, leaving net collections of
$168,774,541.27.
Internal Revenue Receipts and Disbursements, Fiscal Years 1937 and 1938
1937 1938
Collection on lists:
Corporation income tax______________________________________ _____ $5,0fi5,581.52
55, 646.49
3,846,219. 66
310,801.89
546,010.79
333,254.32
11, 637. 88
1,103.13
577.00
74. 78
$5,730,426.47
109, 204. 88
4,454,200. 50
1,010,185. 28
546,157.93
209,108.73
9,941.46
943. 66
3,771. 00
Corporation excess-profits tax________________________ ___________
Individual income tax_________ ____ ____________________________ __
Estate tax_______________________ ____________________________________
Capital-stock tax________________________________ ____________ _ _
Gift tax___________________________________________________ _
Unjust enrichment tax__________________________________ _______
Distilled spirits__________________________________________ __________
Narcotics____ ___________ ______________ ________________
Dividend tax___________________________________ _____________ __ _
Railroad employment compensation tax____ _________________ ... _ 51,901. 66
11,335.99'
39,402.53
Miscellaneous income taxes__________ __________________________ 811.20
Miscellaneous_________________________ _______ ______________________ 5,969. 26
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 13
Internal Revenue Receipts and Disbursements, Fiscal Years 1937 and 1938—Continued
1937 1938
Collection on lists—Continued.
Manufacturers’ sales on sugar tax_____________________________ _ $166,236.09
954,815. 35
229,548. 73
Social-security tax, title VIII________ _______________________________ $402,481. 55
316,814. 73
76,302. 56
1, 406,48
86.55
26,799.07
50,587.12
3, 719. 06
3,318.40
295.64
25,338.98
95, 523.69
8,851.20
4, 787. 03
63.98
78.31
Social-security tax, title IX__________________ ______________
Carriers’ tax_________________________________________________________
Tobacco.. _ ______________________ ____________________________ . 1,542. 35
70.73
31,766.14
60,190.85
4,174. 31
3,425.50
425.95
21,987.54
111, 744. 21
9,751.00
4,818.36
Cigars and cigarettes_______ ________________________________________ .
Special taxes________________________________________________ ...
Documentary stamps... ____ __ ______________________ .
Documentary stamps—stock transfer__________________________
Playing card stamps________________________________________________
Tax on lubricating oils_______________________________________ .
Tax on matches___________ ____________________________ . .
Tax on electrical energy_____________________________________ _
Tax on telephone calls. _______________________________________ ________
Tax on toilet preparations_______ _________________________ _ _ . _
Tax on jewelry______________________________________________________
Tax on sesame oil________________________________________ ...
Tax on coconut oil___ _ ____________________________________________ 346.50
37,694.07
2,912.13
1,919.93
Distilled spirits, tax paid_______________ ______ 41, 701.88
1, 686.39
1, 702.95
191. 35
4,847.80
319,177.00
.73
14.00
1,749. 55
65, 911. 66
1,978. 58
.65
382.75
11, 633,487. 56
69,099. 66
11, 564,387.90
Rectified spirits___ 1___________________________________________ .....
Wine stamps______________________________________________ . .
Grape brandy.___ _ ____________________________ ... .
Distilled-spirit bottle stamps______________________________ . 3,966.40
388,139. 55
24.78
12.50
1,316.91
69,962.81
2,369.45
Fermented-liquor stamps______________________________________ ...
Opium stamps___________________________________________ ...
Opium order forms_________ __________________________________________
Manufacturers’excise taxes __ ________________________ ... . _
Admissions and dues taxes_______________________________________ .
Leases on safe-deposit boxes_______ _________________________ .
Tax on gasoline_______ ____________________________________ . .
Advance collections for stamps ___________________________________ _ . 913. 97
14,286, 656. 20
86, 207.48
14, 200,448. 72
Total receipts... _______________ _______ __________ . .
Total disbursements, including salaries, incidental expenses, etc_________
Special Tax Stamps and Certificates of Registry, 1938
Wholesale liquor dealers___________________________________________ 61
Retail liquor dealers______________________________________________ 655
Retail dealers in medicinal spirits___________________________________ 19
Rectifiers________________________________________________________ 1
Brewers_________________________________________________________ 7
Wholesale dealers in fermented liquors______________________________ 16
Retail dealers in fermented liquors__________________________________ 103
Temporary retail dealers in fermented liquors________________________ 1
Retail dealers in uncolored oleomargarine____________________________ 299
Wholesale dealers in uncolored oleomargarine_________________________ 3
Importers, manufacturers, etc., of narcotics__________________________ 2
Wholesale dealers in narcotics______________________________________ 10
Retail dealers in narcotics__________________________________________ 21
Practitioners, hospitals, of narcotics_________________________________ 306
Dealers in untaxed narcotic preparations_____________________________ 68
Manufacturers of playing cards_____________________________________ 2
Peddlers of tobacco_______________________________________________ 14
Practitioners in marihuana_________________________________________ 5
Total_____________________________________________________ 1, 593
102525—38------3
14 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
HONOLULU POSTAL SERVICE
A new all-time high record for gross receipts of the Honolulu post
office was established during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938, at
$920,871.30. The figure compared with gross receipts of $845,714.92
in the previous fiscal period. Thus, the receipts last year were $75,-
156.38 over those of the preceding period and forecast that the gross
postal receipts of the Honolulu post office might attain a total of
$1,000,000 in the current fiscal year.
Other new high postal records established during the year, according
to the report of the postmaster, were: Domestic money orders issued,
$2,794,781.33; domestic money orders paid, $2,108,845.65; international
orders issued, $75,075.03; international orders paid, $7,577;
international money orders certified to Japan, $278,849.17; international
money orders certified to China, $3,457.23; international money
orders certified to New Zealand, $629.62; international money orders
certified to Australia, $1,080.07.
Registered articles at the Honolulu post office numbered 92,457
with 116,009 articles insured, and 25,526 articles sent C. O. D., during
the year.
BOARD OF HEALTH
The death rate for the Territory in the fiscal year ended June 30
dropped from 9.28 per 1,000 for 1937 to 7.91 per 1,000 population.
There were 3,219 deaths from all causes in the Territory during the
year, a decrease of 465 deaths, or 12.6 percent.
There were 8,986 births, an increase of 223, or 2.5 percent over the
preceding year. The annual birth rate, corrected for residence, was
22.21.
There were 532 deaths of infants under 1 year of age, a decrease
of 119 deaths, or 18.3 percent. The infant mortality rate for the
Territory per 1,000 live births was 59.20, as compared with 74.29
for the preceding year.
There were 30 deaths of mothers from all causes of the puerperal
state, as compared with 42 deaths for the year 1937, a decrease of
12 deaths, or 28.6 percent. The death rate in the puerperal state,
corrected for residence, per 1,000 live births and stillbirths, was 3.34,
as compared with 4.68 for 1937.
There were 195 stillbirths, a decrease of 10, or 4.9 percent. The
annual stillbirth rate per 1,000 live births and stillbirths was 21.26,
corrected for residence.
There were 3,739 marriages, an increase of 313, or 9.1 percent.
The marriage rate per 1,000 population was 9.25, as compared with
8.67 for 1937.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 15
The total number of cases of communicable diseases for the year
decreased from over 20,000 in 1937 to nearly 13,000 in 1938. The
number of deaths from communicable diseases decreased from 861
to 575.
There was a sharp epidemic of whooping cough, principally on
Kauai, during November, December, and January. An epidemic of
influenza occurred during August and September 1937. There were
more than 4,600 cases in 1938 as compared with 1,280 in 1937. Two
cases of human anthrax were reported on Oahu, neither of which was
fatal. Three cases of smallpox on arriving vessels were reported by
the United States Public Health Service. There was a decrease in
deaths from lobar pneumonia from 131 to 98. Diphtheria increased
from 129 in 1937 to 167 in 1938, but the number of deaths decreased
from 11 in 1937 to 5 in 1938.
The reporting of venereal diseases shows its importance and necessity
for control. Over 1,000 cases of syphilis were reported in 1938,
as compared with 563 in 1937, and more than 1,100 cases of gonorrhea,
as compared with 326 in 1937. Syphilis was the third greatsst cause
of death among the communicable diseases, being exceeded only by
tuberculosis and lobar pneumonia.
The large increase in cases, however, did not necessarily mean
that these two diseases had become more prevalent during the year,
but was taken as an indication that practicing physicians are cooperating
closely with the board of health in reporting cases of these two
diseases.
A training course was given at the University of Hawaii for public
health nurses, but the class is still inadequate to fill the increasing
needs of the bureau of public health nursing. Therefore, it has been
necessary to bring qualified public health nurses from the mainland
but it is increasingly difficult to obtain such qualified personnel
owing to the enlargement of all health activities on the mainland, due
to the Social Security Act.
The lowest death rate from tuberculosis in the history of the Territory
was recorded by the tuberculosis bureau during the fiscal year
1938. Of the 3,077 active cases carried by the tuberculosis bureau, it
is significant that 109 of the 907 new cases reported were reactivated
cases. Deaths from tuberculosis totaled 280, being 71 less than the
number for 1937. The death rate for the fiscal year was 69.29 percent.
While the gains seem commensurate with the coordinated practices
of case segregation and treatment, care of dependents, case finding and
educational efforts (particularly among contacts and other groupsimminently
endangered), there still remains a high number of cases
reported after or near death. The trend of tuberculosis, together with
16 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
the marked decline in infection rates, gives reasonable implication
that with adequate application of proper preventatives and diagnostic
means, tuberculosis could be reduced to a minimum within the next
decade.
The Territorial hospital for the insane had 893 patients at the beginning
of the year and 941 at the end, an increase of 48. The average
daily number of patients was 870, as compared with 823 for the previous
year. The per capita cost of patients was $1.18.
FEDERAL PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
A total of 230 in-patients received 3,082 hospital days’ care, and
1933 out-patients were given a total of 5,741 treatments, by the
Hawaiian office of the United States Public Health Service during the
fiscal year ending June 30, 1938. During the year, 769 physical
•examinations of seamen were made, 19 foreign seamen received 28
•out-patient treatments, and 14 dependents of United States Coast
'Guard personnel received 26 out-patient treatments. Twelve first-aid
Certificates were issued, and medical advice by radio was rendered to
13 ships at sea. At the Hilo branch station, 21 Coast Guard personnel
were given 48 out-patient treatments and 12 days’ hospital care.
The quarantine station maintained at Honolulu, is the first United
States port of entry for east-bound aircraft and for most of the vessels
coming from the Orient to the continental United States.
The importance of the station has been considerably increased
during the past fiscal year due to the prevalence of cholera, smallpox,
and typhus fever in oriental ports. New buildings are now being
constructed at the quarantine station, including a detention hospital,
attendants’ quarters, and kitchen and toilet buildings. They are
about half completed.
BOARD OF HOSPITALS AHD SETTLEMENT
Hawaii is making slow but sure gains in its age-long battle against
the dread scourge of leprosy.
The Board of Hospitals and Settlement report the continued decrease
to a new low record in the total number of active leprous patients
at Kalihi Hospital and at Kalaupapa Settlement. Also the number
of children in the Kapiolani Girls’ Home (for nonleprous children of
leprous parents) has been further decreased.
A comparison of the number of patients under the jurisdiction of
the board as of June 30, 1938, and of June 30, 1937, showed the following:
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 17
1938 1937
Kalaupapa Settlement, active patients__________________________________________________
Kalihi Hospital, active patients_________________________________________________________
Total active patients_____________________________________________________________
Patients on temporary release_________________ ____ ____________________________________
403
82
407
98
485
164
505
148
Total in segregation and under control_________ ____ ______________________________ 649 653
Thus, the total number of active cases showed a decrease of 20 during
the year and the number of patients on temporary release or parole
showed a gain of 16, or a net decrease of 4 in the number of patients
under the control of the board. The number of children in the
Kapiolani Girls’ Home showed a decrease of 23, from 40 to 17.
During the past 15 years there has occurred a definite decline in the
number of new cases in the islands. During the period from 1934 to
1938, there were 23 percent fewer new cases than in the period 1924-28.
The greater percent of this decrease has occurred during the past 5
years. During the period 1929 to 1933 there were but 6.9 percent
fewer new cases than during the period 1924-28, while during the
period 1934-38 there have occurred 17.3 percent fewer new cases
than during the preceding 5-year period.
It must be remembered, in considering the problem of leprosy in
the Territory, that all cases of leprosy developing among residents
did not contract the disease in the islands. For many years people
have come into the Territory from other countries. Most of these
aliens have come from areas in which leprosy is endemic and which
have a high incidence. There is no doubt that the majority of cases of
leprosy in these foreign-born individuals contracted the disease before
coming to the Territory. With few exceptions leprosy becomes evident
several years after the individual has become infected, and
many believe the disease is contracted, in the majority of instances,
in childhood.
During the past 15 years more than 28 percent of all new cases have
been found among these foreign-born individuals. It can safely be
estimated that one in every four cases of leprosy occurring in the
Territory during the past 15 years did not contract the disease in these
islands.
It can safely be stated that there is no place in the world where the
problem is handled as well as it is in Hawaii, both from the standpoint
of protecting the public and the welfare of the patient.
The public is protected by the hospitalization and segregation of all
known infectious cases and the keeping in segregation of all cases as
long as they are considered infectious and capable of transmitting the
disease to others.
18 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
As for the protection of the patient, before an individual can be
segregated, he is examined by a board of three physicians of the
Territory and not until in the opinion of this board he is suffering from
leprosy is he placed in segregation.
The Territory of Hawaii considers anyone suffering from leprosy as
one ill with a disease and in need of hospital care, as is the case of
other ill individuals. It also believes that they should have the
advantages of hospitals modernly equipped with facilities necessary
for the treatment of sick people. Such hospitals have been provided
by the officials of the Territory.
Kalihi Receiving Station in Honolulu is well equipped with all of the
essentials of a modern hospital. The personnel consists of three fulltime
physicians, officers of the United States Public Health Service, six
trained nurses, a dietitian and others. It is equipped with modern
surgical, physiotherapy, and X-ray equipment. All equipment
essential for the surgical and medical treatment of the patients is
available. Under the supervision of a trained dietitian a well balanced
diet is furnished the patients. The patients are not only treated for
their leprosy but for any other illness with which they might be
suffering and which required medical or surgical care. Children of
school age attend school as do other children and are taught by a
teacher furnished by the Department of Public Instruction and the
classes are held in a separate school building.
Kalaupapa Settlement, on the island of Molokai, has a somewhat
different status than the Kalihi Receiving Hospital. It is a settlement
where the individuals are permitted to live their lives pretty
much as they wish. They maintain their own homes in separate
cottages and may have a garden, raise chickens, and live under conditions
similar to those elsewhere. For those who are in need of
medical and surgical care a well equipped infirmary or hospital building
of 52 beds is furnished. The patients at Kalaupapa, as at Kalihi, are
under the care of full-time physicians and trained nursing service.
For those who require domiciliary care, but not hospitalization,
homes with supervision and care are furnished.
It is interesting to note that many patients have requested transfer
to Kalaupapa where they have friends and where they can live a less
restricted life.
It must also be remembered that the living conditions and the
supply of food, clothing, and care are superior to what many were
accustomed to outside of the settlement.
The board had available for the requirements of its several institutions
and divisions for the 1937-39 biennial period a total of
$1,206,361.60, provided for as follows:
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 19
General appropriations_____________________________________ $974, 710. 00
Public memorial to Father Damien__________________________ 2, 469. 03
Kalihi Hospital rental______________________________________ 3, 240. 00
Governor’s Contingent Fund for temporary assistants__________ 942. 57
981, 361. 60
For new buildings, additions, repairs, improvement to buildings
and ground, and furnishings and equipment for Kalaupapa
Settlement, Kalihi Hospital, and Kapiolani Girls’ Home_____ 225, 000. 00
Total----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1, 206, 361. 60
Of the total $981,361.60 for general appropriations, $487,172.88
has been expended during the year ended June 30, 1938, showing a
balance of $494,188.72 available for the ensuing year, which in comparison
with a present forecast of requirements registers a 5-percent
reserve. The board has endeavored throughout the past fiscal year
to maintain such a reserve to care for unforeseen emergencies, increased
costs, and new activity, rather than to operate on a close financial
schedule.
In the three institutions Kalaupapa Settlement, Kalihi Hospital,
and Kapiolani Home, the direct institutional per capita cost per day
was 65 cents for personal services, the same as the past year, and
$1.44 for current expenses as compared with $1.21 for the previous
year. The total for all purposes $2.09, the year before $1.86. This
rise is attributed, first, to the drop of 10,000 inmate days brought
about by the discontinuance of the Kalihi Boys’ Home and the placement
of children from Kapiolani Home and, second, to the rise in
expenditures at Kalaupapa and Kalihi primarily in the increased
values of rations and allowances provided by the last legislature.
The outstanding improvements under the improvement program
at Kalaupapa include the completion of new features, additions and
improvements to the water system, extensive planting and improvement
to grounds, the construction of barracks for noninmate workmen,
an addition, exclusively for patients, to the general warehouse,
a new corporation yard and garage, material shed and concrete hollowtile
plant, rock crusher, remodelling and improvements of about 40
patients’ cottages, all of which cost in the neighborhood of $125,000,00.
PUBLIC WELFARE BOARD
The Territorial Board of Public Welfare has been obliged to practice
the strictest economy during the past fiscal year and it has become
evident that a satisfactory discharge by the board of the duties laid
upon it by the Public Welfare Act cannot be accomplished, even with
all of the collections under the present one-half of 1 percent tax
20 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
allocated to it; this is a situation which will have to be met by the
1939 legislature.
The number of cases of need coming to the organization has
increased so that the cases in June 1938 numbered 3,750, an increase
of 828 over the same month of 1937. It is known that this increase
does not represent all that should be cared for, especially in the field
of needy children.
On June 1, 1937, the Public Welfare Act became effective. In the
brief period between its approval on May 18 and June 1, it was necessary
for the Governor to make the necessary appointments and for the
board and the county commissions to organize and be prepared to
discharge their duties. The situation did not permit of delay or of
taking time out to perfect the organization.
On June 1, 1937, a total of 2,922 cases, many of them comprising
several persons, were turned over to the new organizations by the
former boards of child welfare and old-age-pension commissions of
the several counties, which were abolished by the Public Welfare Act,
and by other organizations which had been caring for the needy with
public funds supplied by the former Territorial Relief and Welfare
Commission.
There were 813 old-age cases, 740 child-welfare cases, and 1,369 in
the third group mentioned above. These people were in no position
to look out for themselves and their care had to be continuous without
regard to what organization was responsible for it.
The problem of providing the necessary funds to carry out the
purposes of the act was a difficult one for the legislature to solve.
There was too little basis of experience to allow accurate budgetary
planning. The one-half of 1 percent tax on all salaries and wages
and on corporation dividends which had been in effect, primarily for
relief of unemployment, was continued.
From the proceeds an appropriation at the rate of $650,000 per year
was made available to the board of public welfare, and it was provided
that the Governor could, in his discretion, allocate to it any part or
all of the surplus of collections over the $650,000. The board was
instructed to expend the funds in such a manner as to secure the
financial assistance available under the Social Security Act. A
separate appropriation was made for sight conservation and work
with the blind to be administered by the board.
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION
A total of $2,412,367.01 had been collected in the Territory by the
unemployment board.
Of this total, $449,022.95 represented a refund of taxes paid under
title 9 of the Social Security Act for 1936; $943,612.88 was collected
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 21
on wages payable in 1937, and $1,019,731.18 on wages payable in the
first 6 months of 1938. The trust fund also received $6,583.70 in
interest from the United States Treasury as of March 31, 1938, and
this interest, added to the contributions which had been received, made
a grand total of $2,418,950.71 available as of June 30 for unemployment
compensation payments to eligible unemployed workers.
The unemployment compensation division of the board is collecting
contribution reports from employers on an average of 118,884 workers
in the Territory.
The total earnings of all employees covered by the board, on which
the contributions were based, amounted to $94,503,269.14 in the
period covered by the report.
Although the unemployment compensation division was engaged
primarily in assisting in the collection of contributions from employers
and in setting up individual employee earnings records, during the 9
months of its operation it was necessary that it prepare for benefit
payments, which, according to the law, are to begin after January 1,
1939. As a consequence, the division began in the early summer of
1938 to study the problem of benefit payments and to develop procedure
for making benefit payments. After the procedure and the plan
of organization are approved, it will be necessary to develop an organization
which will be ready to operate on January 1, 1939.
The board has under consideration several amendments to the law
to present to the next session of the legislature in 1939. The board
is required to make a study of the subject of merit rating before the
next legislature convenes, and to make recommendations to that body
concerning the possibility of amending the unemployment compensation
law in this respect. The law further requires that studies be
made which will guide the board in a program designed to promote
employment stabilization. It hopes to initiate such studies in the
near future.
Basically, the Territory unemployment compensation law has three
primary objectives. First, it provides for the accumulation of reserves
during periods of expanding employment which may be used for the
payment of benefits to persons who may subsequently become unemployed
through no fault of their own. These reserves are accumulated
through taxes levied on employers. Employees do not make
any payments to the unemployment compensation fund. The payment
of unemployment compensation benefits will tend to lighten the
burden of the greatest hazard which workers must face—the hazard
of the total loss of income through unemployment.
A second objective is the stabilization of employment. It is believed
that a measure of stability of employment will result from the
102525—38----- 4
22 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
maintenance of purchasing power, through the payment of benefits in
periods of declining business activity. The division proposes to conduct
research which will guide it in promoting employment stabilization
throughout the Territory in every feasible way.
In the third place, the unemployment compensation law provides
for the maintenance of free public employment offices to assist workers
in obtaining suitable jobs and to assist employers in obtaining suitable
workers.
The accomplishment of two of these objectives—promoting the
stabilization of employment, and the payment of benefits to those
who, through no fault of their own, are temporarily without jobs—
provides the Territory with a necessary and socially desirable element
in its social security program.
A public employment office of the employment service division of
the board was established in Honolulu. Thus far employment service
activities have been confined to Oahu because funds were not available
to make possible the establishment of employment offices on Hawaii,
Maui, and Kauai.
However, the board at its June meeting deputized the directors in
charge of the compensation offices already established on these three
islands to act as employment service representatives. This will make
possible the expansion of the employment service to these three
counties. It is anticipated that well established employment service
in these counties will be in effect before the end of the current year.
Through the facilities of the Honolulu office is provided and maintained
a single, efficient channel through which available workers and
available job openings pass, and makes possible the matching of these
job opportunities with the best qualified workers of the entire available
supply in the community. Having registered 6,194 applicants for
work and with an active file of 5,230, here in one office and available
to the entire community, is the most up-to-date cross section of employables
in Honolulu. Classified, as they are occupationally, on the basis
of their previous work history and further coded according to their
vocational and educational status, it presents to the employer for his
use a truer picture of the potential worker than can be acquired
elsewhere.
The Honolulu office opened February 10, 1938. Since that time
there has been a continual stream of applicants being registered or
reinterviewed, workers referred for placements, and employers and
individuals with job openings seeking suitable help. As was expected,
the peak months were February and March, with 1,224 for the former
and 1,726 for the latter. April showed a tapering off which began
about the 9th of the month. Total for April was 1,332, for May a
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 23
drop to 927, and June a slight increase to 985. Of the 6,194 applicants
registered, 5,554 were men and 640 women. Veterans numbered 371.
Verified placements through the Honolulu office totaled 3,889,
divided as follows: Private, 472; public, 1,014; and 2,403 other, or
relief. Only verified placements actually made through the office are
considered.
While “other” (relief) placements have shown a tendency to fluctuate
from month to month, and “public” (PWA and governmental)
placements to maintain an almost even level except for a slight drop
in May and June, “private” placements, with 9 in February, the
first month, have steadily crept up with each succeeding month to a
new high in June of 202.
It is in this latter category, namely, placements to private industry
and individuals, that the employment service is more than anxious to
place as many workers as possible, for it means a return to normal
work channels of these registrants and is the ultimate goal of all
employable persons. The steady increase from month to month of
verified placements to private industry is most gratifying.
PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
The peak of the public-school enrollment has passed out of the
elementary grades and into the high schools. Enrollment at the close
of school in June reached a total of 88,885. This was an increase of
2,499, or 2.89 percent over the enrollment of the previous year.
In each of the elementary grades there has been a decrease excepting
in the sixth grade. The total decrease in these grades was 689 or
1.23 percent. On the other hand, the traditional high-school grades
(grades 9 to 12) increased from 14,333 to 16,993—a gain of 2,660 or
18.56 percent.
More of Hawaii’s children of school age are actually in school than
ever before. This is due largely to the fact that equality of educational
opportunity is being rapidly realized. Only a few years ago
schooling above the eighth grade was confined to Honolulu and Hilo
and a few other communities. There are now 34 rural districts where
work above the eighth grade is offered. Ten of these are senior high
schools. Fourteen others are intermediate schools. Under present
plans at least five of these will become high schools within the next 2
years.
It is significant that whereas a decade ago the heavy increase was in
the lower grades, it is now in the upper grades. On the basis of birth
statistics during recent years, it is obvious that the enrollment in the
elementary grades will continue to fall. For the next 3 or 4 years
there will continue to be a marked increase in the upper grades, after
24 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
which the peak will be passed and a decrease experienced. There is a
probability that within the next decade the total enrollment will decrease
by 12,000 to 15,000 children or even more. This prediction is
reasonable in light of the fact that the recorded births for the 3 calendar
years 1933, 1934, and 1935 were 28,145 or 9,657 fewer than the 37,802
for the 3 years 1924, 1925, and 1926. Obviously, such a decline in the
number of births must affect school enrollment.
There are a number of reasons why the increase is so heavy at present
in the upper grades. The most important are:
1. Increased opportunity for school attendance in the upper grades in rural as
well as urban communities.
2. Raising of the age of compulsory attendance by the 1937 legislature had a
psychological as well as a legal effect. This law gave increased governmental
approval to school attendance and with other community influences gave
emphasis to the importance of young people continuing in school.
3. Children born during the period when the annual number of births was highest
are now passing through the secondary schools, thus making the increased
enrollment inevitable.
With this growth in enrollment and the more extensive grade offering
in the rural districts has come an enriched curriculum. Patrons of
these schools are more and more insistent that attention be given to
■chorus, orchestra, and band, to elementary art and home beautification,
and to a recreational program that will make the rural areas attractive
and desirable for youth.
In the development the most significant social fact is that these
changes are taking place because the people—parents, civic leaders,
and industrialists—are demanding them. They believe that these
changes will help to bring about a better Hawaii for everyone. Public
officials, particularly the members of the 1937 legislature, have assisted
in making these changes possible and in bringing about needed
developments.
School people may be gratified at the growth which has taken place,
but they realize it has no significance unless the educational program
offered is socially sound and points to the right kind of development
for the individual and for the community. There are some parts of
the program about which they are reasonably certain. They know, for
instance, that the young people who come from the schools today are
reading more than ever before (library records show this); that they
are more familiar with the world in which they live; that in the main
they have a better understanding of the community in which they
live. But this is not sufficient. They want to feel that the school
is right in its consideration of the fundamentals of life.
They believe that the school is right in its attitude toward the child.
The school believes in the child’s right to a sound mind in a sound
body, to wholesome recreation, to desirable moral environment, to
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 25
vocational opportunity and efficiency, and to a place in the social and
economic order that will make for happy productive living. It believes
in youth—sometimes even more than does the church or home.
It knows that there are differences among individuals and that it is
important to give consideration to these physical, mental, or emotional
differences. This attitude toward youth makes education a
science which must be based on study, investigation, and experience.
Only in this way can the money spent bring young people into a life
of happiness and social helpfulness.
The school is also right in that it is concerned more than ever with
the attitude of youth toward life. Its chief concern is to help young
people become good neighbors, effective workers, intelligent citizens:
with an appreciation of all that is good in Hawaii, and the desire to
work with others in improving community life.
This topic was recently discussed by a committee of civic and
industrial leaders who, in a meeting with school officials, listed the
following recent changes in the schools as having a bearing on the
development of a spirit of understanding and cooperation:
1. Adoption by the commissioners of an educational policy which relates the.
curriculum to the local environment.
2. A better understanding on the part of principals and teachers of both the major
and minor industries of Hawaii, and a desire to participate more actively in
the life of the school community.
3. Care in selecting teachers with a longer period of professional training, who
have a feeling of security and who are sensitive to the educative factors in
community life.
4. Extension of the educational program, particularly in rural areas, thus making
for greater equality of opportunity.
5. Increased confidence of parents in rural schools and interest of children which
has resulted in larger numbers remaining in school with a feeling of satisfaction.
6. Frequent discussions in the school and in community forums of the problems
and opportunities of employment in Hawaii.
7. Development of an extensive vocational program in the trades, agriculture,
and homemaking, in addition to the more traditional school subjects and
activities.
There are reasons for believing that these developments within the
school, in conjunction with related trends in industry and each community,
are building an attitude that is wholesome and constructive
both for the individual and for society.
THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII
Regular undergraduate enrollment in the University of Hawaii
increased in the 1937—38 school year by 18 percent over the enrollment
in the preceding year, which in turn had shown an increase of about 15
percent over 1935-36.
26 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
It is expected that there will be similar annual increments for perhaps
7 or 8 years more, for the population of this Territory is still
abnormal in its age distribution and will not attain normalcy until
about 1945 or later.
The 1937-38 enrollment figures were: Post-graduate students, 498;
regular undergraduates, 1,637; unclassified and noncredit, 623;
summer session, 1,294. Of the regular undergraduates 609 were
freshmen; 438 were sophomores; 313 were juniors; and 277 were
seniors.
At the 1938 commencement, 19 Master degrees and 297 Bachelor
degrees were awarded; also 71 certificates for the fifth year course in
teachers college, and 5 certificates for the course in public health
nursing.
A large number of our students find it necessary to earn some money
in order that they can maintain themselves in the university. The
university’s personnel office assists such students to find part-time
jobs, either on the campus or elsewhere. During the year some 452
students wore thus assisted, the majority of them having been handled
through the National Youth Administration which spent
$14,302.34 for this purpose for our university students.
Scholarships, some cash and some tuition exemptions, were given to
56 needv undergraduate students, the individual awards varying from
$50 to $150, to a total value of $4,670 or an average of a little over
$83 each.
The university library now has a total of more than 426,769 items, of
which 114,976 are bound books and 311,793 are pamphlets and periodicals.
This represents a very substantial increase over the preceding
year.
The psychological clinic is performing a very important function in
the Territory, helping courts, schools, and other institutions in the
handling of many hundreds of problem cases. While it is probable
that there is need for a psychiatrical clinic, it is strongly urged that
it should not be allowed to diminish the effectiveness of the university
clinic, whether by unnecessary duplication or overlapping of functions,
or by competition for public financial support.
Agriculture rightfully claims a large part of the university’s time
and attention, both in teaching and in research. Practically all graduates
in this general field find employment soon after completing the
course here, some in the sugar or pineapple industries, some in teaching
vocational agriculture, and some in some other related line.
In the research field, the most notable development is the ending of
the transition period for the experiment station. In 1929 the former
Federal station, established in 1901, entered a progressive coalition
with the university’s agricultural research department by a plan
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 27
which was to occupy a period of several years in consummation.
This period ends with this year, and hereafter the Hawaii Experiment
Station is to be on the same status as are the several State stations.
In other words, our experiment station will be a Territorial institution,
an integral part of the University of Hawaii and directed by the
university, but with a portion of its supporting funds derived from
the Federal Government, through the several Congressional acts
which extend Federal aid to the States, namely, the Hatch, Adams,
Purnell and Bankhead-Jones Acts.
Expenditures by the university last year, exclusive of loan fund and
Federal PWA items, were $1,094,179.68. Of this $417,431.79 was
derived from Territorial appropriations, $280,016.64 from Federal
appropriations, and the balance, $396,731.25 from student fees, gifts,
sales of goods, and other nonpublic sources.
BOARD OF INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS
The home placement program of the board of industrial schools for
both boy and girl inmates of the institutions passed the experimental
stage in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938, and has proved to be a
decided benefit to the youthful delinquents.
The board also realizes the need for a coordinated plan for follow-up
work in a rehabilitation program for the boys and girls when they
leave the school.
Considerable improvements to the plants of both the Kawailoa
and the Waialee Training Schools are in prospect, plans now being
ready for a gymnasium, laundry, and cafeteria building at Kawailoa,
and kitchen, dining room, and shop buildings at Waialee.
These buildings will aid materially in the educational program outlined
for the schools.
WAIALEE TRAINING SCHOOL FOR BOYS
A net gain of 7 in the population at the boys school was noted in the
report, there having been 150 inmates as of June 30, 1938, compared
with 143 as of July 1, 1937. During the fiscal year, 71 boys were committed,
93 were released, while 29 were recommitted. Of the dismissals,
61 were paroled, 1 was placed on deferred parole, 16 were
placed in private homes; 8 were released, having attained their majority,
4 were sent to the city and county jail, and 3 to Oahu Prison.
Of the 71 new commitments, 29 were charged with larceny, 22 with
incorrigibility, 9 with burglary, 8 with malicious conversion, 2 with
criminal assault, 1 each with assault and battery and forgery, and 1 on
unstated delinquency.
The age of 14 years appeared to be the “problem period” for boys
of the Territory during the year, as 23 of the 71 new commitments
28 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
were of that age. Next came the age of 13 years, with 12 commitments.
The ages of 15 and 16 years were given for 10 each of the
new commitments, while 9 of the new inmates were 12 years old
and 7 were 17.
KAWAILOA TRAINING SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
A total of 250 girls were cared for during the calendar year 1937
at the Kawailoa Training School for Girls.
There were 141 inmates in the school on January 1, 1937, with 30
others on parole. New commitments during the period totaled 79,
while 3 former inmates were recommitted. Oahu furnished 2 of these
recommitments, with Maui supplying the other. Of the new commitments,
62 came from Oahu, 9 from Maui, 5 from Hawaii, and 3 from
Kauai.
Releases during the year numbered 37, while 130 other inmates
were placed on parole. Incorrigibility resulted in the transfer of 3
girls to the city and county jail, while 66 others were returned to the
school for violation of their parole.
The ages of 13 and 14 years appeared to be the problem period for
the girls of Hawaii during the year, as 16 new inmates were committed
at each of these ages. Of the other new commitments, 15 were 15
years old, 13 were 16 years old, 10 were 17 years old, 4 were 12 years
old, 3 were 18 years old, and 2 w’ere 19 years old.
A significant element in the report was that 50 of the 79 new commitments
had both parents living; 13 had the father only living; 8 had the
mother only living; and the remaining 8 were orphans.
Of these 79 new commitments, 33 were based on incorrigibility, 20 on
immorality, 11 on delinquency, 5 on larceny, and 4 on statutory
offenses.
Produce of various kinds raised on the school farm during the year
was valued at $16,934.20 at the quotations contained in the University
of Hawaii market letter.
WAIMANO HOME FOR FEEBLE-MINDED
There is pressing need for plant improvements at the Waimano
Home for Feeble-minded Children. The institution is filled to capacity
and many are awaiting admission. The following is a list of
much-needed improvements: An auditorium and school building for
the boys’ department, a septic tank for the girls’ department, and a
new dairy barn, a central dining room and kitchen, a new dormitory,
and an auditorium for the girls’ department. There was recently
prepared for the Territorial Planning Board a tentative plan for a
10-year program for improvements for the home.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 29
Statistics of the institution showed the following: Capacity, 161
male, 207 female, total 368; number enrolled, June 30, 1937, 168 male,
210 female, total, 378; number present, June 30, 1937, 144 male,
198 female, total, 343; admitted during the year, 7 male, 22
female, total 29; discharged during year, 1 male, 1 female; died during
year, 4 male, 5 female, total 9; number on parole, 16 male, 13 female,
total 29; number escaped, 15 male, 12 female, total 27; enrolled
June 30, 1938, 153 male, 210 female, total 363; number present,
June 30, 1938, 148 male, 206 female, total 354; number absent, June
30, 1938, 6 male, 4 female, total 10.
By counties as of June 30, 1938, the quotas and number of inmates
were: Hawaii, quota 73, inmates 75; Kauai, quota 36, inmates 43;
Maui and Molokai, quota 56, inmates 56; Oahu, quota 203, inmates
195.
By racial origin, the inmates as of June 30, 1938, were listed as:
Hawaiian 82, Japanese 81, Portuguese 51, part-Hawaiian 47, Puerto
Rican 37, Filipino 18, Chinese 16, part-Portuguese 10, Korean 8,
part-Puerto Rican 7, Caucasian 6, part-Filipino 4, Mexican and
part-Japanese, 1 each.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
For the first time in the history of the Library of Hawaii the increase
in the number of volumes loaned in 1 year exceeded 100,000.
The total circulation, however, is still 8,000 below the peak recorded
in 1932.
The 894,910 volumes issued were borrowed from 70 distributing
agencies throughout Oahu, including the main library, 4 branches,
39 stations, and the book car which regularly serves 26 rural schools.
The most encouraging aspect of the tremendous increase in circulation
is that the children are once more making the Edna Allyn
Room of the main library a favorite port of call. After a 4-year slump,
the books borrowed from the children’s room skyrocketed upward by
31,782 in the past 12 months.
While the reading of nonfiction comprises 53 percent of the total,
it is believed the 47 percent of good fiction read has been a valuable
source of recreation and inspiration.
Librarians in the outside counties also reported increases in circulation
and reading interest.
PUBLIC ARCHIVES
A decided increase in the work accomplished and in the public’s
use of the records in the Archives of Hawaii was noted during the
past year.
102.525—38----- 5
30 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
Not only do residents and visitors seek information from this bureau,
but requests are being received from all parts of the globe. Territorial
and city and county departments have long used the archives,
and the divisions of the Federal Government are finding the records
of more and more value. This is especially true of the United States
Immigration and Naturalization Service, whose officers cooperate
in every way with the archives’ staff. Instructors and students from
the University of Hawaii and from mainland colleges spend days and
weeks in searching archive resources, while writers find a wealth of
material for articles and books.
During the year ended June 30, 1938, 2,991 individuals were personally
furnished information, and 250 by letters. A total of 35,480
records were used. Certificates of arrivals and departures numbering
416 were used, including 33 to the United States Immigration Service
and 26 to the public welfare commission. Cards typed numbered
50,193, including indexes to newspapers, foreign offices, and the Interior
Department files; 35,480 cards were revised, and a total of
85,673 filed. Chinese records numbering 26,059 were indexed and
filed, including immigration and naturalization certificates, passports,
residence bonds, and fire claims. This work has necessitated extensive
cross-indexing due to the English spelling of the Chinese names,
as well as the Oriental custom of transposing names.
An index has been compiled of all passenger lists filed in the archives
carrying Oriental and Portuguese passengers. A total of 667 items
were repaired and rebound. A total of 10,223 pages of letter books
were typed and proofread, and 3,500 were translated. All election
records have been arranged in chronological order, and 7,305 index
cards typed for applicants for registration.
Accessions during the year included 5 items by purchase and 143
gifts. The harbor master, collected and deposited in the archives all
available records pertaining to that office. The only harbor master
records now missing from the archives are the ones listed in the Stephen
Reynolds’ Journals and those of Captains Meek and Holdsworth.
A group of local businessmen purchased 34,000 negatives of old
pictures from Williams Studio, and these have been deposited temporarily
in the archives with the provision that they may be used
if one print of each negative used is added to the collection. This
collection includes pictures of local people as well as events and scenes
of historic interest over a period of more than 50 years.
After years of searching, the original design of the coat-of-arms of
the Kingdom of Hawaii was located at the College of Arms, London,
England, and a copy has been ordered. The original design was
traced through a note of R. C. Wyllie, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 31
and the cooperation of Archibald G. B. Russell, Lancaster Herald,
College of Arms.
Photography is playing a more and more important part in the
recording of old documents, and the archives should be equipped
with a microphotographic outfit. This method is in use in Great
Britain and in both the Library of Congress and the National
Archives.
The assistance rendered by the Works Progress Administration
has been of material value, enabling the archives to complete several
important tasks and to start others. The suspending of this project
has greatly curtailed the work and it is sincerely hoped the project
will soon be approved.
The aims of the Public Archives of Hawaii are to give accurate
information and efficient service; to collect material relative to the
government and the rulers of Hawaii; and above all, to carefully
preserve the records of Hawaii.
HAWAII NATIONAL GUARD
Federal funds amounting to $287,365.34 and Territorial funds of
$71,751.55, or a total of $359,116.89 were expended on the Hawaii
National Guard in the last fiscal year.
One of the outstanding events of the year in the training program
of the guard, was the test mobilization which took place on February
27. Organization commanders were given 12 hours in which to
assemble their units at designated assembly points. The percent
attendance, which was commendable, was as follows:
Percent
Territorial staff and detachment___________________________________ 100
298th Infantry__________________________________________________ 73. 12
299th Infantry__________________________________________________ 86. 77
All Units------------------------------------------- 1-----------------------------■______ 86.63
As compared with an authorized strength of 122 officers, 2 warrant
officers, and 1,819 enlisted men, the actual strength of the guard on
June 30 was 1,848 active officers and men, and 274 inactive officers
and men, the active list showing a gain of 4 officers and 97 enlisted
men over the strength on June 30, 1937.
The five leading racial origin classifications of the guardsmen were
listed as follows:
Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians____________________________________ 786
Portuguese__________________________________________________________ 313
Chinese___________________________________________________________ 265
Caucasians________________________________:________________________ 217
Puerto Ricans______________________________________________________ 107
32 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
During the year, the number of Japanese members of the guard
showed a decrease of 27, while the Caucasian classification decreased
by 19. On the other hand, the major increases by racial origin during
the year were Hawaiians and part-Hawaiians, 61; Chinese, 52;
Portuguese and part-Portuguese, 38; and Puerto Ricans, 29.
The new Wailuku Armory on Maui, constructed at a cost of
$102,632, was officially opened on December 4, and houses the headquarters,
headquarters company, and companies B and D of the
First Battalion of the 299th Infantry.
During the year new radio equipment was added to provide transmitting
and receiving sets at the Honolulu, Wailuku, and Hilo
Armories. It is expected that similar equipment will be installed
soon on Molokai.
The Federal Government expended 4 dollars for every dollar
expended by the Territory in the support of the guard during the year.
The condition of property and property accounts in the guard has
improved. All outstanding claims of the Federal Government for
lost property have been settled. N ew tables of basic allowances issued
by the National Guard Bureau for all units contained many drastic
changes and as a result there is at present much surplus property on
hand.
HAWAIIAN HOMES COMMISSION
Pineapple production from homesteaders’ fields and various blocks
at Hoolehua, Molokai, aggregated 23,203 tons with a gross valuation
of $502,461.61 in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938.
In net proceeds the homesteaders received $232,047.60. There
were 1,571 acres planted to pineapples on June 30, 1938, while another
block of 250 acres will be planted to pineapples this fall.
A total of 776 acres was planted to diversified crops with encouraging
results during the year. Of this total, 469 were planted to corn,
the average yield being 1 ton per acre for which the homesteaders
received favorable prices. Irish potatoes were successfully produced,
but prices obtained were not so favorable as in previous years because
of the unusually early potato harvest on the mainland. A total of
64 acres of potatoes were planted and harvested. Due to inclement
weather conditions, homesteaders, with one or two exceptions, lost
their entire melon crops.
Cattle sales for the year brought $1,088. There were 510 head of
cattle stocked in 2 of the commission’s community pastures on
June 30, 1938. The third pasture has not been used for the past 2
years on the recommendation of the University of Hawaii agricultural
department because of intensive grazing in previous years.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 33
A contract for the development of water supply and necessary
piping to furnish the Nanakuli homesteaders with domestic water
was awarded by the city and county in May. The commission will
contribute $68,000 toward the cause of this improvement.
With the beginning of the fiscal year the commission entered into
an entirely new financial set-up. The 1937 legislature appropriated.
$150,000 from the general fund for the operation of the commission
during the 1937-39 biennium. An appropriation of $80,000 was also
made available for the development of the Keaukaha area at South
Hilo, Hawaii. Prior to July 1, 1937, and dating back to the inception
of the commission in September 1921, all of the operating costs and
development work of the commission were financed out of its revolving
fund.
PUBLIC LAND ADMINISTRATION
The total value of the 1,588,430 acres of Territorial public lands on
June 30 was estimated at $112,547,827.90.
The area consisted of 41,070 acres of agricultural lands valued at
$275 an acre, or a total of $11,294,250; 637,840 acres of pasture land
valued at $25 an acre, or a total of $15,946,000; 22,870 acres of homestead
lands valued at $35 an acre, or $800,450; 1,000 acres of home and
business lots at $2,000 an acre, or $2,000,000; 37,755 acres of reservation
for public purposes at $2,000 per acre, or $75,510,000; 698,216
acres of forest reservations at $10 an acre, or $6,982,160; and 149,679
acres of waste land at 10 cents an acre, or $14,967.90.
Special effort was made during the year to collect delinquencies
owing by homesteaders and a study as to how and what may be done
to correct homestead delinquencies, not only in payments, but in
compliance with other homesteading requirements as well. To this
end considerable progress has been made by many of the homesteaders
realizing that it would be best for them to surrender their homestead
holdings and thus relieve themselves of the delinquent payments.
Most of these homesteads which were surrendered are leased and made
revenue-bearing rather than to rehomestead same, and thus create
uncollectible accounts.
Special effort was also made in renewing cane land leases to the end
that the Territory share in the profits derived from the leased areas.
Two of the more important of such leases covering large areas of land
which were completed during the year include the lease to Hilo Sugar
Co. of 2,265,656 acres of the land of Piihonua, Hawaii, which was
leased for $10,955.50 per annum, in addition to which the Territory
will receive 20 cents per acre per annum for each $1 increase in the
price of sugar, commencing at $50 per short ton.
34 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
The other was the lease to Kekaha Sugar Co., covering 29,698 acres
at Waimea, Kauai, which was leased for $130,000 per annum, in addition
to which the Territory will receive $6,500 per annum for each $1
increase in the price of sugar commencing at $50 per short ton, up to
$70 per short ton, and thereafter $4,000 per annum for each $1 increase
in the price of sugar.
It is gratifying to note that the collections by the commissioner of
public lands, from all sources during the year, totaled $957,210.62, an
increase of $63,605.53 over the preceding year. Of this amount,
$658,882.11 was for land rentals; $112,485.60 was for water and land
licenses; $147,125.61 was for sales of public lands; $26,997.52 was for
interest on sales of public lands; $9,300.33 was for fees; $243.45 miscellaneous
revenue; and $2,176 was for improvements on lands.
Due to the sugar quota, several lessees of cane lands have discontinued
the use of such land for cultivation and are using the same for
pasturage purposes. Because of this change as to use, it is quite
difficult to properly classify Government lands at this time. It has
been noticed also, that large areas of Government land heretofore
used for the cultivation of pineapples have been discontinued as such
and have been permitted to go back to pasture. But every effort is
made, nevertheless, to keep under lease all available Government land
for revenue-bearing purposes and at the same time, offer for sale, in
accordance with the law, to individuals such small areas as can be
developed into home lots in order to encourage home ownership.
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
A total of 1,652,437 trees were planted on 3,835 acres of land within
the forest reserves on the 5 main islands in the Territory by the
Board of Agriculture and Forestry during the fiscal year ended June 30.
From the nurseries of the board were distributed a total of 2,356,797
trees. During the year, the board planted a total of 59,314 fruit trees.
This number far exceeded that of any previous year.
In addition to the regular patrol of the 415 miles of fence, protecting
forest reserves, the board constructed 13.91 miles of new fence; rebuilt
14.29 miles of existing fence and repaired 24.57 miles of old
fence. During the same period a total of 8,269 wild animals were
killed within and adjacent to forest reserves. These consisted of
3,670 goats, 2,199 pigs, 2,380 sheep, and 20 cattle.
The system of forest trails and roads is now practically complete.
During the year a total of 21.73 miles of new horse and foot trails
and a total of 7.71 miles of truck trails were built and a total of 61.14
miles of horse and foot trails and a total 56.17 miles of truck trails
were maintained.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 35
Only one small forest fire occurred during the year within the
Nanawale reserve on the island of Hawaii. Only two acres were
burned over and the fire was put out quickly.
The Civilian Conservation Corps continues to supply the main
source of labor and during the year they expended a total of 98,869
man-days on work projects on all of the islands. The authorized
strength has been held to 600 enrollees but this has recently been
increased to 675 effective July 1, 1938. Considerable improvements
have been made to several of the existing CCC Camps and one new
subcamp has been constructed for 60 men on the island of Oahu.
The Works Progress Administration also has assisted the board
during the year particularly in plant nurseries where they have helped
out with routine nursery work. On several of the islands they have
assisted with tree planting in the field. All support from this Federal
relief organization has recently been withdrawn from the forestry
projects. The board’s forest force has been enlarged so that it now
has a total field force of 29 men.
The activities of the division of animal industry during the year
have been directed toward the conservation of the livestock industry
of the Territory by preventing the introduction of contagious and
infectious diseases from abroad, and by the control and eradication
of such diseases in the herds within the Territory.
The board carried on its usual routine activities in tuberculosis control
among cattle, bureau of bacteriology and pathology, plant inspection
and quarantine, insect pest control, and the division of fish and
game.
AGRICULTURAL ADJUSTMENT ADMINISTRATION
Federal Government benefit payments to Hawaiian sugar growers,
from September 1, 1937, to the end of that calendar year, amounted
to $4,175,000 and are expected to increase to approximately $10,000,-
000 for the calendar year 1938.
The amount of sugar which may be produced in 1938 in the Territory
under the 1937 Sugar Act is approximately 1,135,000 tons, raw
value. Of this amount, approximately 951,000 tons may be shipped
to the mainland, and 30,000 tons may be sold locally. The difference
between the amount which may be produced and the amount which
may be marketed provides a reserve.
The Sugar Act of 1937 provides for quota restrictions of sugar from
all sources supplying the continental market in order to maintain a
satisfactory price level. Further assistance in the form of payments
is provided for American producers of sugar crops. These payments
are made to farmers upon the conditions, among others, that child
36 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
labor be eliminated from the production of sugar crops, and that fair
and reasonable wages be paid to those employed in the production of
sugar beets and sugarcane.
The Secretary of Agriculture, after public hearings and investigation,
in accordance with the provisions of the act, has established fair
and reasonable wage rates for the period from September 1, 1937, to
December 31, 1937, and for the calendar year 1938.
Additional benefit payments of approximately $760,000 also came
to more than 5,200 farmers in Hawaii in 1937 under the Soil Conservation
and Domestic Allotment Act for carrying out farming practices
which tend to improve soil fertility and to retard soil erosion, both of
which are also under the jurisdiction of the AAA.
The programs under this act, for farmers in the Territory, correspond
in purpose to the general agricultural programs for farmers
on the mainland. A program similar to that of 1937 is in effect and
available to farmers in the Territory this year.
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE
The Hawaii Agricultural Extension Service has continued its program
of assistance in rural communities by organized work with the
members of the farm family.
In the present set-up, a central office is maintained at the University
of Hawaii in addition to seven county offices with a corps of workers
known as county agents.
To a greater extent than ever before, the agricultural extension
service, while maintaining its established projects in home economics,
agricultural economics, grading and packing, truck crop reporting
and production, agronomy, horticulture, poultry husbandry, animal
husbandry, etc., through the 4-H Club, Junior Farm, Junior Home
Demonstration, and Farm and Home Demonstration Club work, has
been called upon to assist a number of other national programs such
as the Farm Security, Rat Abatement, Agricultural Conservation,
Farm Credit, Soil Conservation, and others.
The specialists staff, located in the central office on the university
campus, has cooperated with other Territorial agencies in helping to
develop and solve the problems of diversified agriculture and of the
rural home in the Territory.
Each week the agricultural extension service issues a market letter
with a record of current prices of fruits and vegetables on the wholesale
market, of shipments to and receipts from the mainland as well
as the off islands. This report is mailed to over 1,100 interested
persons. For the first time an annual summary of fruit and vegetable
unloads in Honolulu was issued in conjunction with this report.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 37
A monthly crop estimate is issued which gives acreage and production
of the most important fruits and vegetables grown in the islands.
This is mailed to 710 producers each month. Truck crop enumerators
located on each island keep close check on acreage and production
trends. This information is extremely valuable to farmers, wholesalers,
and others interested in the Territorial food problem.
Territorial improvement of dairy herds, swine raising, poultry
production, truck crop growing, pastures, marketing, grading, and
packing are all included in the program of work developed by the
specialists and agents.
In the field of home economics, continued emphasis has been placed
on the improvement of rural living conditions. The betterment of
living conditions, beautification of homes, teaching of home industries,
and other projects of this nature have all contributed to the general
welfare and contentment of the people in the rural areas. The program
has met with enthusiastic response from the young people
particularly.
These programs have been largely of an educational nature, and
carried on by means of demonstrations.
Special work is being done to rehabilitate the rice industry on
Kauai and to relieve the economic condition in the coffee industry in
Kona. Plans for diversification of crops in the Kona district are
developing rapidly.
The agricultural extension service has functioned in the Territory
for 10 years. The first Federal appropriations of $37,275 were
made available for work in 1928; $7,316.66 was appropriated by the
lerritory. A staff of 15 was appointed to inaugurate projects of
improvement for the farm.and home. This year the Federal Government
appropriated $118,794.31 and the Territorial appropriation was
$39,229.34.
The present staff of 59 is still working on the foundation started in
1928. It is hard to measure from day to day what has been accomplished,
but a retrospective view of the projects shows a steady
improvement.
PINEAPPLE INDUSTRY
The pineapple industry has just completed another year of successful
cooperation. The industry has given continuous employment
to approximately 14,000 persons and during the summer harvest
this number was increased to about 35,000 men, women, and
students over 16 years of age.
In keeping with recent trends in prices of competitive canned
fruits it was felt advisable late in the fiscal year to reduce the prices
■of pineapple products approximately 10 percent. It is gratifying
38 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
to report that the high wages paid to workers in the industry have
been maintained and that the thus narrowed margin for profit has
been met by more economical production methods.
Great advances have been made in agricultural technique and in
cannery practices through which steadier and more continuing employment
has been offered labor. Living and working conditions
for both plantation and cannery workers have reached an exceptionally
high level.
Increased efficiency has been gained by concentration of activities
in plantation and cannery units of the industry.
The pineapple companies are certain that the price adjustment and
economical production together with excellent industry cooperation
which results in aggressive advertising and sound marketing methods
will keep Hawaii’s second industry in a financially strong position.
FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
Approximately $50,000 had been loaned to small farmers in Hawaii,,
chiefly coffee growers in the Kona district, by the Farm Credit Administration
in the Territory in the fiscal year ended June 30.
Collections have been exceptionally good, and unquestioned benefit
has been enjoyed by farmers qualifying for and using this type of
credit, these farmers having no other source of credit; and the loans
taking the place of the so-called seed loans which had been made
from annual appropriations by Congress on the mainland for some
time.
The credit union section of the Farm Credit Administration (the
second activity under this organization) began its activity here in
the fall of 1936. This section charters and supervises Federal credit
unions and the activity has enjoyed a rapid and remarkable growth
since its inception.
As of June 30, 75 charters had been approved and 73 units were in
operation on the 5 major islands of the group, with the field of membership
extended to an estimated 42,968 people. In this total chartered
field 14,694 active accounts showed a total accumulated savings
balance of $666,834.14 and total assets of $764,219.90 as of June 30.
Since the fall of 1936, these units, most of which were formed in 1937,
have made 13,940 loans to their members totaling $1,471,893.33, at
rates of interest not exceeding 1 percent per month on unpaid
balances.
Credit unions have been formed by all Federal, Territorial, and
city-county employees in Honolulu, including fire and police departments.
All employees of the department of public instruction
throughout the islands have operating units, as well as all county
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 39
and Territorial employees on Hawaii, Maui, and Molokai. Most of
the larger industrial groups, including communications, steam and
street railways, merchandising and shipping firms have encouraged
the plan for their employees, including the sugar and pineapple
plantations.
The formation of new units is continuing, and from the present
trend it appears that within a short time a considerable majority of
wage-earners in the Territory will have the benefits of the credit
union plan brought to them.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
During the year, the Civilian Conservation Corps enrollees planted
1,560,358 trees on an area of 4,265 acres in Territorial forest reserves.
In addition to these new trees, 3,896 acres of previously planted trees
were cleared and maintained, 3,636 rods of new fence were constructed,
and 8,643 rods of existing fence were maintained and repaired.
Other activities of the Civilian Conservation Corps during the year
included the destruction of 5,141 wild animals, construction of 25.7
miles of trails, clearing and maintaining of 117 miles of existing trails,,
and construction of 9.4 miles of telephone lines.
The Civilian Conservation Corps also maintained 19.4 miles of fire
breaks, reduced 109 acres of fire hazards, and collected 904 pounds
of hardwood seeds.
Expenditures of the organization in the Territory during the year
totaled $536,592.54.
The United States Army cooperated fully throughout the year in
the use of Army planes in broadcasting tree seeds on Oahu, Kauai,,
and Hawaii. Army planes also flew around Mauna Kea to observe
the wildlife conditions and the location of wild sheep in order that
conducted drives by the CCC might be staged to eradicate these
animals.
The CCC enrollees also broadcast 2 tons of molasses grass seed
on Molokai, Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai in areas where such vegetation
was considered necessary.
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK
Steps have been taken by the National Park Service to preserve
regions of historic, archeological, and scenic interest in the Territory
by adding to the Hawaii National Park the so-called Kalapana and
Footprint areas.
The agreement by both the House and Senate on June 15, 1938, to
the conference report on the bill to extend the Hawaii National Park
to include these areas, and the subsequent signing of this legislation
40 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
by the President, was of great importance to the future development
of the park. This bill, besides providing for the addition of approximately
55,070 acres of land to the park, including 12 miles of ocean
shore line, regions of historic, archeological, and scenic interest, concludes
the first step in an attempt to preserve not only these values,
but the native Hawaiian character of the region as well.
The interisland shipping strike materially affected travel to the
park, both by tourists from outside the Territory and island residents.
Except for visitors who came by airplane for a few hours’
stay, and a smattering of local people, who likewise came by airplane
or on one of the cattle boats, the usual summer influx of visitors has
not materialized, reflecting in a sharp decline in the revenues of the
hotel operator.
The proposed lava flow diversion embankment project recommended
by Dr. Thomas A. Jaggar, Jr., the volcanologist, for the protection of
Hilo and its harbor from possible damage or destruction by Mauna
Loa lava flows, reached a critical point during the year, and in accordance
with regulations governing expenditure of funds under the
Rivers and Harbors appropriation, representatives of the United
States Army Engineer Corps conducted public hearings on the proposal
in Hilo on December 17, 1937. While at this hearing no one
present opposed the project, the superintendent of the Hawaii National
Park felt that the records should show that opposition was
widespread among the Hawaiian and related elements, and he so stated.
At the close of the fiscal year no word had been received as to the
contents of the report submitted by the United States Engineers.
Both Mauna Loa and Kilauea were quiet throughout the year in
respect to surface eruptions, and rock slides at Halemaumau, though
at times frequent, were less extensive than heretofore.
An interesting “hot spot” developed a few hundred feet south of
the Chain of Craters road near Puhimau Crater. Vegetation was
observed to be dying and inspection disclosed that a new steaming
area several acres in extent had developed and that in contrast to
other similar areas, the soil was quite warm. It would seem that
this spot is directly associated with an underground lava movement
along the eastern rift of Kilauea, which first may have manifested
itself through a gradual buckling up of the road surface at one place,
with its culmination occurring between May 28 and June 6, 1938.
At this time there was a spasm of seismic activity with hundreds of
earthquakes ranging from instrumental to moderate and much continuous
tremor. The quakes were afl local to Kilauea and generally
centered in the Chain of Craters region near Pauahi Crater. During
this spasm it was noted that the height of the road bulge had increased
perceptibly and beginning at the eastern end of Pauahi Crater numerREPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 41
ous cracks developed across the road for a distance of over a mile;
ranging in size from a fraction of an inch to 6 feet in width. Altogether
18 cracked sections were counted.
FAIR COMMISSION OF HAWAII
An increase of 4,843 in the number of persons who played on the
Territorial fair grounds golf course was noted in the fiscal year ending
June 30 over the number who had taken advantage of the course in
the preceding fiscal year.
During the year 41,614 persons played on the course, the increase
being due in part to the fact that the new 18-hole course was opened
officially on May 29, 1938.
The commission believes that its efforts toward making this course
a real championship golf lay-out have met with the overwhelming
approval of those who patronize the course; an ever increasing number
of players take advantage of the facilities offered them, which in
turn increases revenues and enables the commission to carry forward
toward the ultimate end sought, namely, a public course second to
none in the Territory, operated and maintained for the benefit, convenience,
and pleasure of residents and tourists alike, all at as small a
cost to them as is consistent with proper care of the links.
During the period the schedule of fees was raised and it was found,
despite the protests of a few players, that the result was not only to
raise more revenues, used exclusively for improvement to the course,
but an actual increase in the number of players. The greatest and
one need now is for a clubhouse, equipped with clean and simple,
though commodious, accommodations for the patrons.
Receipts of the commission during the year totaled $14,969.27,
while expenditures aggregated $15,712.94, with $1,280.78 as the cash
balance as of June 30, 1938.
During the year the commission purchased materials and supplies
for the improvement of the 18-hole golf course, with WPA workers,
amounting to $3,427.65. An efficient sprinkling system was installed
on the new nine holes at a cost of $1,665.41. In addition, there was
installed, with WPA labor, a 40-horsepower electric pump motor.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Assisted materially by Federal funds, particularly those allotted
under the Federal aid road program and grants and other help from
the Public Works Administration, expenditures of the Territorial
department of Public Works in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938,
aggregated $2,181,709.96.
This was $195,162.65 under the $2,376,872.61 expended by the
Department in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1937.
42 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
Expenditures of the department were divided as follows:
Public works:
General funds____________________________ $161,412.77
Loan funds______________________________ 475, 890. 79
Revolving funds__________________________ 3,160.74
Special funds_____________________________ 6,611.20
Trust funds______________________________ 4, 983. 65
Territorial Highway Department:
Loan------------------------------------------------------- 54, 334. 60
Special__________________________________ 201, 432. 07
Trust___________________________________ 358, 224. 47
National recovery fund____________________ 416, 061. 63
Federal aid contributions__________________ 315, 651. 03
Maintenance revolving fund_______________ 183, 947. 01
$652, 059. 15
1, 529, 650. 81
Total_____________________________________________ 2, 181, 709. 96
The highway department expenditures of $1,529,650.81 went for
the construction of a total of 44.125 miles of new construction as
compared with construction or realinement of a total of 18.879 miles
of completed improved highways throughout the previous fiscal year.
By islands during the year, the completed mileage was: Oahu, 28.322;
Hawaii, 5.567; Kauai, 10.236.
As of July 1, 1938, highway projects under construction will entail
total estimated expenditures of $1,826,382 and will provide an additional
33.008 miles of highway in the Territory.
By islands, the projects under construction as of July 1, 1938,
involved these mileages: Oahu, 13.475; Maui and Molokai, 7.663;
Hawaii, 3.565; and Kauai, 8.305.
Outstanding among the events of the year, as far as the department
of public works is concerned, was the visit in January, 1938, of
Mr. E. L. Yuravich, Chief Inspector, Bureau of Air Commerce,
Washington, D. C., who inspected all of the airports in the Territory,
as well as projected improvements which he approved with some
minor changes.
The visit resulted in the ordered abandonment of the Wailua
Airport, district of Lihue, Island of Kauai, and the Maalaea Airport
on Maui. The former was held to be entirely inadequate and dangerous
for planes, while the latter, because of its proximity to a
mountain range and consequent treacherous air currents together with
shortness of runways, was restricted to the use of S-38 Inter-Island
Airways’ amphibian Sikorsky, but was condemned as far as the use
of the S-43 planes was concerned.
On the completion of the new Maui Airport about December 1938,
the Maalaea Airport will be abandoned and turned back to the
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 43
Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Co. in exchange for site of the
new Maui Airport.
The new and expanded Port Allen Airport on which considerable
improvement was effected has taken the place of Wailua Airport as
the field for the island of Kauai.
During the year the Works Progress Administration expended a
total of $191,093.38 on airports throughout the Territory, $165,724.38
of this amount being spent for pay rolls, while the remaining $25,369
went for materials and equipment.
During the year the United States district engineer began preliminary
survey on the proposed Keehi lagoon seaplane basin near the
John Rodgers Airport, Island of Oahu. The report on this project
is expected about January 1939. The construction is of such vast
proportion, entailing an expenditure of at least $5,000,000, that it
would appear to be impossible for the Territory alone to defray the
total necessary expenditure to provide for this improvement.
Under the architectural division of the department, contracts
awarded for public structures and improvements and completed or
nearly completed as of June 30, 1938, amounted to $239,330. Outstanding
of these was the construction of the new Territorial office
building for the tax and other departments which should be completed
before January 1, 1939, at a total cost of $174,501, of which
the Territorial funds available amount to $200,000, and the Public
Works Administration has approved a Federal grant of $81,072.
It is expected that the unused portion of the Territorial appropriation
will lapse to the Territorial treasury.
At the end of the fiscal year, contracts covering the erection of new
National Guard armories on Molokai and at Hanapepe and Lihue,
Kauai, involving total estimated expenditures of $77,000 were about
to be awarded. As of June 30, 1938, applications for Public Works
Administration grants totaling $462,682 had been approved, or were
pending, which together with $565,500 available from Territorial
funds involve six public improvement projects aggregating estimated
costs of $1,800,082.
TERRITORIAL PLANNING BOARD
Five major studies of Territorial planning problems have been
considered by the Territorial Planning Board in the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1938.
Since it began to function on April 1, 1938, the planning board has
established working relations with the National Resources Committee,
planning boards in 47 States, and Territorial public and private
agencies. Questionnaires relating to proposed improvement
44 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
projects have been sent to all major interested public and private
institutions and agencies in the Territory, and study has been started
on present 5-year and 10-year plans of these institutions and agencies.
Much valuable information has been gathered from all of these
sources, and a library of planning literature acquired for guidance
and inspiration. Written notices of proposed projects are being
requested and received from Territorial, county, and city and county
governments for general approval of the board, preparatory to similar
specific action when a Territorial master plan will have been developed.
The preparation of matter for publication in a biennium
report to the Governor and the legislature next February has been
begun.
The five special studies having received the board’s attention were
listed as follows:
1. Judiciary building extension and Honolulu civic center.
2. Hawaii housing authority (endorsed).
3. Real property inventory and general survey of the city of Honolulu.
4. Territorial traffic commission (safety).
5. Undergrounding of public utility power lines (endorsed).
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT
Victories for the Territory in two highly important tax cases in the
supreme court were the highlights of the activities of the attorney
general’s department in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938.
The cases were of those of the Maui Agricultural Co., described as
“one of the most important tax cases ever decided by the Supreme
Court of Hawaii,” and the Hawaii Consolidated Railway.
The Maui Agricultural case involved act 9, of the special session
laws of 1933 and after a decidedly adverse decision of the tax appeal
court, the Territory appealed to the Supreme Court of Hawaii. The
record and briefs were voluminous. In its first decision the supreme
court upheld the contentions of the government and defined its own,
as well as the tax appeal court’s jurisdiction. In a second decision
the court upheld the Territory’s contentions on the merits. Many
similar tax appeals are pending before the divisional boards of equalization
and the tax appeal court and the decisions are directly applicable
to all such appeals.
While the Maui case involved only approximately $35,000 in taxes,
about $750,000 in taxes is involved in the other pending cases on
which the supreme court decisions are expected to be controlling.
The taxes involved in the Hawaii Consolidated Railway case
amounted to approximately $18,000, but, together with other utilities,
the taxes in dispute aggregate appproximately $223,000; the contentions
of the Territory were upheld by the supreme court and the taxREPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 45
payer has perfected an appeal to the United States Circuit Court of
Appeals, Ninth Circuit.
During the year the department disposed of the following cases in
the respective courts: Supreme Court of Hawaii, 17; Territorial circuit
courts, 43; Territorial district courts, 30; tax appeal court, 82;
and land court, 21.
As a result of the increased activities of most Territorial departments
the number of pending cases is large, being in the United
States Supreme Court, 1; United States Circuit Court of Appeals, 1;
Supreme Court of Hawaii, 6; circuit courts, 120; tax appeal court, 13;
and land court, 30. Despite the new personnel added to the department,
the number of pending cases increased during the past year.
At the end of the year the department was congested with old as well
as new litigation.
With many new Territorial boards and departments and with increased
activity in most of these bureaus, the rendering of opinions
during the year showed a considerable increase over the past few
years, reaching a total of 496 during the year.
TERRITORIAL COURTS
The Territorial courts are composed of a supreme court of 3 members;
5 circuit courts, of which 1 has 5 members who sit separately
and the others 1 member each; and 29 district courts. The supreme
court and circuit court judges are appointed by the President and the
district magistrates by the chief justice of the Territory. The circuit
courts are the courts of general cases. The first circuit court
also acts as a court of land registration. The circuit and district
courts also act as juvenile courts. The principal juvenile and divorce
court is the court of domestic relations in Honolulu. The legislature
of 1921 established this division of domestic relations in the first
judicial circuit. Its judge is one of the five judges of the first circuit
court and is known as the judge of the division of domestic relations.
A total of 42,795 cases of all kinds came before the courts, of the
Territory during the calendar year 1937. These were segregated as
follows: Criminal, 31,075 (involving 35,900 defendants); civil, 10,324;
insanity, 218; drug addicts, 69; juvenile cases, 1,024; bastardy, 77;
feeble-minded, 8.
Convictions in criminal cases tried during the year numbered 13,028,
or a percentage of convictions of 36.28.
Cases heard by the supreme court on appeal, error, exceptions and
reserved questions were listed: Criminal, 4; divorce or separation, 4;
equity, 15; law, 21; probate, 3; original submission, 7; special proceedings,
3; industrial accident boards, 4; total 61.
46 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
A total of 3,197 civil cases came before the circuit courts, segregated
as follows: Law, 415; equity, 114; probate, 1,440; divorce, 1,084;.
special proceedings, 144.
Of the 642 criminal cases, involving 699 defendants, decided by the
circuit courts, convictions were obtained in 481 cases, or 68.80 percent.
Of the 30,429 criminal cases, involving 35,160 defendants, decided
by the district courts, convictions were had in 12,547 cases, or 35.68
percent.
By circuits, the courts heard the following cases: First circuit, 1,315
civil, 1,014 probate, 465 criminal, or a total of 2,794; second, circuit
110 civil, 289 probate, 63 criminal, or a total of 462; third circuit, 56
civil, 29 probate, 23 criminal, or a total of 108; fourth circuit, 199
civil, 58 probate, 56 criminal, total of 313; fifth circuit, 108 civil, 50
probate, 35 criminal, total 193.
By nationalities, the 13,028 persons convicted in both circuit and
district courts during the year were segregated as follows: All other
Caucasians, 4,512; Japanese, 2,195; Filipino, 2,158; Hawaiian and
part-Hawaiian, 1,940; Chinese, 971; Puerto-Rican, 389; Korean, 215;
Spanish, 61; Russian, 19, and all others, 568.
By classes of crimes, the 13,028 convictions were listed as: Drunkenness,
2,191; offenses against peace, 1,169; gambling, 845; offenses
against property, 562; offenses against chastity, 203; liquor laws, 102;
homicide, 23 (manslaughter, 13; murder, 10); and miscellaneous, 7,933.
LAND COURT
Land court decrees numbering 45 and covering 30,141 acres, with an
assessed valuation of $1,211,747, were issued during the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1938, by the land court. On July 1, 1937, 79 applications
covering 57,355 acres, with an assessed valuation of $3,141,060.55
were pending; while 32 applications covering 5,294 acres, with an
assessed valuation of $412,758.24 were filed during the year. As of
July 1, 1938, there were 66 applications pending in the court, covering
32,508 acres, with an assessed value of $2,342,071.79.
FEDERAL COURT
The number of criminal cases filed in the United States District
Court for Hawaii, in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938, showed
an increase of 35 percent over the number filed in the previous fiscal
year, while the aggregate amount of fines, forfeitures, and penalties
showed an increase from $4,040 to $13,021.15.
Criminal cases filed in 1937 numbered 117, while 124 were concluded
in that fiscal year. Criminal cases filed in the 1938 fiscal
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 47
year totaled 159, while 158 were concluded. The largest increase
noted was on narcotic charges, with 48 filed in 1937, as compared
with 75 filed in the fiscal year just ended. The total number of all
cases, both civil and criminal, filed in the court was 723 for 1938 and
771 for 1937.
During the 1938 period, convictions were had of 182 defendants,
while 6 resulted in acquittals, and there were 17 nolle prosequis and
dismissals, or a total of 205 defendants. In the previous period,
convictions of 129 defendants had been obtained, 3 had been acquitted,
and there were 13 nolle prosequis and dismissals, or a total
of 145 cases. As of June 30, 1938, 22 criminal cases were pending,
COURT OF DOMESTIC RELATIONS
An increase of 22 percent in the number of divorce cases heard
in the court of domestic relations during the fiscal year, over the
number heard in the preceding fiscal period was noted in the annual
report of that court.
Cases heard in 1938 numbered 942, as compared with 773 in the
1937 fiscal period. Of the 942 cases, 685 were granted divorces,
18 were denied, while 239 were discontinued during the year. This
compared with 589 divorces granted during the preceding fiscal
period, 8 denials, and 176 dismissals.
Similai increases were shown in the applications for separation
and annulment. During the year, 15 suits for separation were
heard, as compared with 10 in the preceding fiscal period. Four
petitions for separation were granted, as compared with 1 in the previous
year j while 1 petition was denied and 10 were discontinued
in 1938.
A total of 17 annulment cases were heard during 1938 as compared
with 11 during the preceding period. Fourteen petitions for
annulment were granted, two were denied, and one was discontinued,
as compared with eight annulments granted and three dismissals
in the previous period.
Of the 942 divorce petitions disposed of during 1938, cruel treatment
of husband led all other grounds with 290 cases. Other grounds
were: Nonsupport, 202; cruel treatment of wife, 148; desertion of
wife, 118; desertion of husband, 92; adultery of wife, 8; leprosy, 7;
insanity, 5; imprisonment, 3; and intemperance, 1.
Of the divorces granted to citizens, 330 went to Caucasians, 117 to
Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian, 71 to Japanese, and 41 to Chinese.
Of the divorces granted to aliens, 24 went to Japanese and 11 to
Korean, while 65 Filipino nationals, and 19 Puerto Ricans received
decrees. Cases remaining on the calendar for disposal at the end of
48 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
the year included 186 divorces, 2 separations, and 3 annulments, as
compared with 201 divorce cases, 6 separations, and 3 annulments
on the calendar at the beginning of the year.
In the probate division of the domestic relations court, 878 petitions
were heard and disposed of during the year, as compared with 824
during the previous period.
There was an increase of 17 percent in the number of juvenile
delinquents brought to the attention of the court during the year,
over the number during the preceding year, there having been 596 in
1938, as compared with 510 in 1937.
Of the 596, 421 were boys and 175 were girls, as compared with
333 boys and 177 girls in 1937. Of the 596 new cases, 419 boys and
174 girls were declared to be delinquent, the cases of 2 boys and one
girl having been dismissed.
There were no cases pending in the juvenile court divisions as of
July 1, 1938.
BOARD OF PRISON DIRECTORS
The board of prison directors has recommended that legislation be
adopted to provide an automatic extension of 5 years of the sentence
or sentences for an Oahu prison convict who escapes.
Also recommended was more stringent legislation to discourage
those who harbor or assist escaped prisoners in any way, legislation
making it a misdemeanor for outsiders to contact prisoners, except
as authorized, and legislation prohibiting liquor dispensers or others
from selling liquor to prisoners other than parolees.
The board has done all in its power to improve the operation of
the parole system, with three paid parole officers in Honolulu and
seven voluntary nonpaid assistant parole officers on the outside
islands.
One important strengthening of policy has been an increased
severity in dealing with parole violators. It is contended that it is
for the best interests of society, the prisoner, and the institution, if
most prisoners were released through the avenue of parole rather
than discharged from prison at the expiration of their sentences.
This belief and the conduct of a great majority of those released on
parole justifies this view.
The board has no sympathy for the willful violator of his parole
and, in its efforts to improve the system, is making parole violation
as serious a matter as the crime itself and intends to deal with it
accordingly.
During the year there were 216 paroles granted. Eight of this
number, representing 3.7 percent, had paroles revoked for violations.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 4$
From among 805 paroled in prior years, there were subsequently
returned 39, or about 5 percent.
During the fiscal period there were in Honolulu 22,408 arrests. Of
these, 190 were men on parole, 19 of these 190 being for felonies.
So long as this is true the members of this board will remain convinced
that, next to crime prevention, parole offers society its greatest
protection against continued crime and offers the released inmate his
greatest opportunity for redemption.
Sometime during the year, there were 1,021 prisoners under parole
supervision. The total expenditures for the general office of the board
amounted to $21,887.58, of which $17,038.82 was chargeable to parole
activities. On this basis the per capita cost of parole amounted
to $17.00.
Of the 1,021 under supervision, 292 were out of the Territory, thus
reducing this original number to 729 under supervision locally for the
year. On this basis the per capita cost of supervising a parolee for
the past year was $23.
The cost of maintaining a prisoner sentenced to Oahu Prison, based
on prison population for the same period, amounted to $450. If
prisoners were kept until their maximum sentences expired, additional
prison cells and quarters would have to be built at great cost and
additional appropriation for their maintenance would have to be
provided. Public and private relief agencies would have to be prepared
to support dependents of incarcerated individuals. It costs
taxpayers approximately one-twentieth as much to supervise a paroled
prisoner for 1 year as it does for those maintained in prison.
When prisoners are carefully selected, parole is both a sound and
economical method of protecting the community and in aiding
released prisoners.
The population of Oahu Prison on June 30, 1938, was 459 Territorial
and 63 Federal prisoners, a total of 522. This is a decrease over the
previous year of four Territorial and an increase of seven Federal
prisoners.
Of the prisoners serving, classified by race, Filipinos continued to
lead all others with 117, or 22.41 percent; Hawaiians had 62, or 11.88
percent; Caucasian-Hawaiian, 48, or 9.20 percent; Asiatic-Hawaiian,
43, or 8.23 percent; Japanese, 50, or 9.58 percent; Portuguese, 44, or
8.43 percent; Puerto Rican, 43, or 8.24 percent; Chinese, 45, or 8.62
percent; Americans, 28, or 5.36 percent; all others 8.05 percent.
Of prisoners serving, classified by crime, burglary led with 152
cases, or 29.12 percent; murder was second, with 46, or 8.81 percent;
other percentages were violation of drug act, 7.66 percent; robbery,
6./0 percent; rape, 6.51 percent; larceny, 6.51 percent; all others,
34.69 percent.
50 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
The cost of operating Oahu Prison (including prison camps) during
the past year was $222,563, a per capita cost per day of $1.24.
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
Rate reductions made effective by seven public utility corporations
in the Territory in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938, should decrease
consumers’ bills by approximately $169,345 annually, it was estimated
by the Territorial Public Utilities Commission.
The concerns affected and the estimated annual reduction in costs
accruing to the consumers because of the decreases placed in effect
during the fiscal period were: Hawaiian Electric, $125,000; Maui
Electric, $5,400; Kauai Electric, $4,632; Lahaina Ice (electric), $3,000;
Kohala Ditch (electric) $900; Mutual Telephone, $28,250; Kohala
Ditch (water), $2,163.
A healthy increase in public utilities revenue is shown over 1936, to
the extent that the rate of net return is generally as good as for 1936
in spite of the reductions made during that year. Further reductions
as shown have been made possible. The reductions in rates for electricity
were generally applied to domestic schedules.
The telephone reduction resulted from the removal of a surcharge
for hand sets and from a reduction of 2- and 4-party service. All
lines in the past have been single party.
The public utilities commission does not exercise rate control over
railroads, steamship lines, and airways. In the case of steamship
lines rate control rests with the Maritime Commission, and upon the
motion of that body a rate investigation for the Inter-Island Steam
Navigation Co., Ltd., has been undertaken and some hearings have
been held.
The “Uniform System of Accounts” recommended by the National
Association of Railroad and Utilities Commissioners and prescribed
by the Federal Power Commission, together with a “List of Retirement
Units” to be used in conjunction therewith, for gas and electric
utilities, and the “Uniform System of Accounts” used by the Federal
Communications Commission for telephone utilities, have been
prescribed by the respective Territorial utilities, effective January 1,
1938. The utilities have cooperated most willingly, in anticipation,
it is believed, that accounts so kept will form a base for regulating
practices that will eliminate some matters over which there has been
contention.
Generally in the past, and more particularly during the past year,
the utilities have given consideration to maximum hours and minimum
pay for employees and instituted well-defined practices as to
vacations, retirement, etc.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 51
The following table shows the value and net revenue, both by
amount and by percentage of value of each corporation making a
return to the public utilities commission:
i Book value property assets and materials and supplies.
’ Previously established rate base projected to date by changes shown by books.
3 Amalgamated with Hilo Electric Light Co. Ltd., Jan. 1,1938.
4 Expenses allocation relates to both departments.
•Loss.
Name of utility
Approximate
value, Dec. 31,
1937 (see footnotes)
Net revenue, 1937
Amount Percent
of value
Electric utilities:
Hawaiian Electric._________________ 1 $7, 714,356.30 $773,455.58 10. 03
Hilo Electric Light______________ 2 1,031,037.54 74,025.14 7.18
Interurban Electric________________ ... ... 23 371, 557.97 20,163.15 5.43
Maui Electric_________________________ . 2 479, 744.04 33,545.81 6. 99
Kona Light & Power________________________________ 2 87, 767.83 6, 786. 20 7. 73
Molokai Electric_______________ 2 103, 785.97 10,857.44 10.46
Kauai Electric_____________________________ _ 2 60, 591.12 4, 525. 43 7. 47
Waimea Garage & Electric_____________________ 2 53,284.26 3,041.38 5.71
Kapaa Electric Co________________ 2 80,263. 54 5,959. 61 7.43
Waiahi Electric Co_______ 2 22,414. 85 1, 868. 52 8. 34
Lahaina Ice Co__________________ 2 34, 240. 29 4,478. 77 13.08
Kohala Ditch Co______________ 2 < 33,026. 40 2,661.17 >.06
Kaeleku Sugar Cd_______________ 2 12,046. 51 8 2, 259.80 8 18. 76
Gas utilities:
Honolulu Gas Co_____________________ 2 2, 402,057. 59 155, 632.17 6. 48
Hilo Gas Co__________________ 2 200,000.14 7, 984.87 3.99
Telephone utility: Mutual Telephone______ ... . . 1 5,237, 817. 69 . 357,247.08 6.82
Water utility: Kohala Ditch________ . . i 4 458, 786. 78 20,959. 11 4. 57
Street railway: Honolulu Rapid Transit... 2 3, 776,059.31 145, 476.13 3.85
Motor-vehicle common carriers (all): All owners... i 34,486. 63 13, 582. 63 39.39
Railroads:
Oahu Railway & Land__________________________ 1 5,853,840. 00 297,318. 00 5. 08
Hawaii Consolidated_______________ ... . .. 1 5,427,154.00 248,882. 00 4.59
Kahului Railroad______________________ 1 1,171, 748.00 8 23,663. 00 8 2.02
Steamship company: Inter-Island Steam... 1 4, 360,919.91 534, 692. 29 12.24
Airways: Inter-Island Airways_________________________________ 1 397, 437. 65 18,874. 38 4. 75
39,404, 424. 70 2, 716,094.06 —
Fees paid into the special public-utilities commission fund during
the year amounted to $21,755.22, while expenditures of the commission
in that period amounted to $18,741.60.
HAWAII HOUSING AUTHORITY
Low-rent housing and slum-clearance programs in Hawaii have
progressed rapidly during the past few months.
The Hawaii Housing Authority in 1935 made an unsuccessful
attempt to secure Federal aid for projects in Hawaii and consequently
has been somewhat inactive until the passage of the Housing Act of
1937 by the Congress.
Upon hearing of new possibilities for low-rent housing and shim
clearance in Hawaii, the authority appointed by the Governor began
intensive work to have funds earmarked for Hawaii. On April 11,
1938, Administrator Straus earmarked for Hawaii the sum of $2,400,-
000. Upon his advice a permanent organization was set up with a
52 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
staff to cooperate with the Washington staff so that the actual work
of getting funds for Hawaii would proceed satisfactorily.
The staff is engaged in making surveys of slum areas, studies of
various sites, and is working on preliminary plans in order to prepare
a formal application for each project that may be authorized and
approved by the USHA.
The USHA makes it clear that no money shall be forthcoming for
low-rent housing unless means are provided to demolish or rehabilitate
one substandard dwelling for every new unit building either on-site
or off-site.
The appropriate departments of our Territorial and county governments
have been heretofore somewhat handicapped in law enforcement
on sanitary and safety features in slum ^reas due to low vacancies
and to the necessity of proving facts in court and the legal red tape
involved.
It is supposed that the definite contract between the city and
county of Honolulu on slum clearance either on the site or off-site
will encourage the law-enforcement departments of the board of
health and the respective building departments of the Territory and
the Territorial fire marshal and will in fact and spirit carry out the
provisions of the Senate concurrent resolution requesting action by
the proper authorities toward the betterment of living conditions in
tenement houses, demanding that the board of health, the building
departments, and the Territorial fire marshal take appropriate action
against the owners of substandard dwellings.
Without definite working agreements as to slum clearance in connection
with erection of low-rental housing, Washington officials will
give our formal applications little consideration.
Therefore, the success of the slum-clearance and low-rent housing
program depends, among other items herein mentioned, on full cooperation
between the building departments, the board of health, the
Territorial fire marshal, and the city planning commission.
The sum of $5,000 was allotted from the Governor’s contingent
fund to defray the expenses of establishing and operating the authority’s
office until funds are received from Washington, when the $5,000
is to be repaid.
FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION
Applications numbering 285 for mortgage insurance totaling $1,137,-
000 under the provisions of title II of the National Housing Act were
received by the Hawaii office of the Federal Housing Administration
in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 53
During the year the FHA here issued 235 commitments to insure
loans aggregating $939,200. Of these, 164, or 72 percent, amounting
to $675,800, were for new construction of residential units.
Since the inception of the FHA in Hawaii to June 30, 1938, 752
applications for insurance, totaling $2,805,270, have been received, and
050 commitments, for an aggregate of $2,452,140, have been issued
by the Hawaii office.
The Property Improvement Plan, under title I of the National
Housing Act, was reinstated on February 3 of this year. Under this
phase of activities, 48 repair loans amounting to $34,006, were reported
to the Hawaii office by private local lending institutions between
February 3 and June 30, 1938.
HOME OWNERS* LOAN CORPORATION
The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation office in Hawaii has never
found it necessary throughout its history to foreclose a loan which,
it is believed, is an unparalleled record as the Hawaii office is the only
office of the corporation without a foreclosure.
With every loan made still on the books, with the exception of
those cases where full payment has been received, the delinquency
factor is far below mainland averages. As of May 31, 1938, there
were only 16 accounts 1 or more months delinquent. The total
amount delinquent as of that date, out of $10,163.03 falling due each
month, was only $885.47. Only one case is more than 3 months
delinquent, and liquidating payments are being received on the
account each month.
Lending activities of the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation in Hawaii
ceased at midnight June 12, 1936, the office up to tha‘t date having
refinanced mortgages for 481 distressed property owners in the total
amount of $1,291,204.77. A total of 443 loans had been made on
Oahu, 14 on the Island of Hawaii, 20 on the Island of Maui, and 4 on
the Island of Kauai.
TOURIST TRADE
The trans-Pacific maritime strike, which virtually isolated the
Territory from transportation with the mainland for 90 days in late
1936 and early 1937, prevented the establishment of a new all-timehigh
tourist travel record to Hawaii during the calendar year 1937.
Despite that handicap, however, and others, including restriction
of Dollar Line services, withdrawal of the S. S. Malolo (renamed the
Matsonia) for rebuilding, and canceling of the NYK 30-day stop-over
privileges, the total number of local visitor arrivals did not fall far
behind that of 1936, and the grand total was ahead.
54 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
Through cabin passengers who spent only 1 day in Honolulu
numbered 31,951 in 1937 as compared with 28,046 in 1936; while
local cabin passenger visitors who spent at least 2 days in Hawaii
numbered 21,987 in 1937 as compared with 22,199 in 1936, or a grand
total of 53,938 in 1937 as compared with 50,245 in 1936.
The tourist bureau has continued its efforts to stimulate visits by
tourists to all of the outside islands, pointing out that each island had
been mentioned equally and impartially in all national advertising
and in the bureau’s literature. The largest number of outer island
tourist visitors was to the island of Hawaii, with Maui ranking second
and Kauai third in this respect.
The most effective means of bringing the outer islands to the attention
of the Territory’s visitors was an exhibition of natural color and
sound motion-picture travelogues, one full reel being devoted to each
outer island.
These movies were displayed at several popular programs in Honolulu,
as well as on a lengthy promotion tour made by the executive
secretary of the bureau, the most effective instance having been at
one of the National Geographic Society’s fall programs in Constitution
Hall, Washington, D. C., on December 3, 1937. This was attended
by more than 4,000 persons.
A special effort was made to acquaint 3,000 travel agents with many
matters pertaining to Hawaii, particularly of significance to tourists,
in an endeavor to make every worthwhile railroad, steamship, travel,
tourist, motor bus, airplane, and information office throughout the
world in a sense, a branch office of the bureau. Four times during the
year these agents were circularized with the latest issue of Tourfax,
as well as brfefs of the bureau’s colorful advertisements, which were
printed in such magazines as the Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s,
and others with a total circulation of more than 28,000,000. The
bureau’s national advertising cost approximately $85,000 during the
year.
The largest appropriation the bureau has ever received from the
Territorial government, namely $175,000, was made by the legislature
for the 1937-39 biennium. One provision required that not less than
$50,000 should be used for participation at World’s Fairs at San
Francisco and New York during 1939.
Altogether, the bureau enjoyed its busiest year, both in advertising
for tourist business and in the number arriving, as well as proper care
after arrival.
Expenditures of the bureau during the year were $175,406.78.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 55
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
The islands are well served by steamer and air transportation.
Principal service is supplied by the Matson Navigation Co. with
its fleet of 45 passenger and freight steamers, 30 of which, with
a gross tonnage of 194,367, are currently operated in the island trade.
Honolulu is also a port of call in the monthly service of the Oceanic
Steamship Co., on their Pacific Coast-Australia route; the Dollar
Steamship Co. in their Oriental and round the world services; the
Nippon Yusen Kaisha in their Japan-Pacific Coast and Japan-South
America services; the Canadian Pacific in their Oriental service, and
the Canadian-Australasian Line in their Canada-Australia service.
Numerous cruise ships and tramp freighters also make Honolulu a
port of call, and the Isthmian Steamship Co. maintains regular freight
service.
The Pan American Airways have maintained weekly flights to and
from the Orient via Honolulu, carrying passengers, mail, and express.
Tankers operated by oil companies brought into the Territory during
the fiscal year 1938, most of the 4,148,254 barrels of petroleum products
imported.
INTER4SLAND STEAMSHIP SERVICE
The Inter-Island Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., established in 1883,
owns and operates a fleet of first-class vessels engaged exclusively in
the transportation of passengers and freight between ports on the
islands of the Hawaiian group.
Regular sailings of passenger vessels are maintained from Honolulu
four times weekly to ports on the island of Hawaii, twice weekly to
Lanai, three times weeldy to Molokai, twice weekly to Kauai, and
daily, except Saturday to ports on the island of Maui.
Included in the fleet are six passenger and freight vessels besides
two large ocean-going tugs.
Five steel barges, one of 400 tons and four of 1,000 tons capacity
are also owned by the company and are utilized in transporting
fresh pineapples grown on the other islands to be canned in Honolulu.
Passengers carried during the year ended June 30, 1938, amounted
to 143,249, including both cabin and steerage, while freight transported
during the same period amounted to 334,181 tons, the gross
tonnage of the fleet being over 20,000 tons.
56 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
AUTOMOBILES
The following table shows the registration of privately owned motor
vehicles, by counties, for 1925, 1930, 1935 and 1938:
1925 1930 1935 1938
City and county of Honolulu_____________________________ ____ 15, 385
3. 289
26, 511
5,887
5, 568
3,863
32, 275
7, 208
6,105
4,482
42, 750
9, 946
6, 792
5,110
County of Hawaii_____________ ______________________________
County of Maui___________________________________ ___________ 3, 253
County of Kauai____________________________________________ . 2, 456
24, 383 41, 829 50. 070 64, 598
COMMERCIAL AVIATION
The Inter-Island Airways, Ltd., established in 1929, owns and
operates a fleet of Sikorsky amphibian planes engaged exclusively in
the transportation of passengers, mail, and express between the islands
of the Hawaiian group.
Regular schedules are maintained daily between Honolulu and the
islands of Maui and Hawaii, and daily except Sunday to Kauai.
The operating personnel consists of 7 pilots, 5 copilots, and a ground
force of 50.
Equipment consists of two Sikorsky amphibian twin-motored
7-passenger S-38 planes, and three Sikorsky amphibian twin-motored
16-passenger S-43 planes.
The total miles flown during the year ended June 30, 1938, is 481,808,
and passengers carried during the same period amount to 26,535.
STREET RAILROADS
The Honolulu Rapid Transit Co., Ltd., controls and operates the
only street-railway system in the Territory. It is an electric line,
partly single and partly double track.
The authorized capital stock is $3,000,000, of which $2,500,000 is
outstanding. They operate on a 4-foot-gage 60-passenger cars. Their
fleet of buses numbers 61. Following is a statement of income, disbursements,
passengers carried, etc.
Calendar year 1937 Calendar year 1938
$1,048, 356.68
$1,010,017.82
38, 338.86
$1, 228,223.18
$1,182,937.16
45, 286. 02
Gross income___ ________
Car and bus earnings.
Other sources________
D isbursements____________ ____$1, 232, _747. _0_5
Operating expenses______________________
Replacements charged to operating ex-
$810, 389.74
pense________11, 009. 82__________________
Taxes____________________________________ 108, 236.17
Depreciation____________________________ 153, 220. 20
Dividends_______________________________ 150, 000. 00
Miscellaneous___________________________ 108.88
$1,054, 436. 21
$680,424. 41
7,185. 94
85, 515. 69
143, 519. 99
137, 500. 00
290.18
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 57
STEAM RAILROADS
Calendar year 1937 Calendar year 1938
Fare passengers______________________________
Rail_____________________________________
Bus_____________________________________
16, 284,447
9,734, 280
6, 550,167
13, 736,540'
8,492,843
5, 243,697
Free passengers______________________________
Rail_____________________________________
Bus_____________________________________
116,319
1,974
44,345
113, 819
84, 951
28, 868
Vehicle miles________________________________
Rail_____________________________________
Bus_____________________________________
4, 223,378
1,891,225
2,332,153
3, 661,206
1, 755,482
1, 905, 724
There are steam railroads on three of the principal islands, operating
on regular schedules, and most of them carrying passengers. In
addition, plantations have their private railway equipment for transporting
cane and laborers. The following table gives data on railway
companies proper.
Islands and roads Track Gage
Rolling stock
Freight
carried
Passengers
carried
Capital
Loco- stock
motives
Passenger
cars
Freight
cars
Oahu: Oahu Railway &
Land Co_________________
Hawaii: Hawaii Consolidated
Railway Co______
Maui: Kahului Railway
Co_______________________
Total_________________
Miles
166. 34
105. 88
59. 36
Ft. In.
3 6
4 8H
3 0
24
8
4
40
9
9
1,319
209
372
Tons
1, 342,142
484, 503
365, 537
176, 433
26, 077
$5, 000, OOO'
3, 654, 960
1, 500, 000
331. 58 — 36 58 1, 900 2,192, 182 202, 510 10,154, 960
TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES
Hawaii is served with cable and radio facilities by the Commercial
Pacific Cable Co., R. C. A. Communications, Inc., Mackay Radio
Telegraph Co., Globe Wireless Co., Ltd., and the wireless department
of the Mutual Telephone Co., the latter for service between the
islands and to and from ships at sea. The United States Naval
Communication Service handles most of the messages for the various
departments of the Federal Government represented in Hawaii.
Broadcasting stations are maintained in the Territory by the
Honolulu Advertiser (KGU) and the Honolulu Broadcasting Co.
(KGMB—Honolulu) and (KHBC—Hilo).
The following table shows the number of instruments and miles of
wire on the various islands.
58 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
Mutual Telephone Co.
Oahu
telephone
system,
Oahu
Hawaii
telephone
system,
Hawaii
Maui
telephone
system,
Maui
Kauai
telephone
system,
Kauai
Molokai
telephone
system,
Molokai
Total
Telephone instruments___________________ 24,200 2,927 1,984 1,261 271 30, 643
Miles of wire classified as follows:
Miles of wire in aerial cable__________
Miles of wire in underground cable—
Miles of open wire___________________
Total miles of wire_________________
27,959.9
53,625. 7
7,127. 8
4,300.8
1,378.9
3, 784.0
3, 617.0
559.6
1,824.1
565.9
447.2
1, 530.3
47.8
511.4
36,491.4
56,011.4
14,777.6
88,713.4 9,463. 7 6, 000.7 2,543.4 559.2 107,280.4
BOARD OF HARBOR COMMISSIONERS
Despite a 10-percent reduction in its charges on shipping, which
became effective September 15, 1937, total revenue receipts of the
Territorial Board of Harbor Commissioners in the fiscal year ending
June 30 exceeded the $1,000,000 mark for the first time in history.
This showing is deemed highly satisfactory and, as forecasts for the
next fiscal year, show estimated revenues slightly in excess of requirements,
the board has authorized an additional reduction of 10 percent
from its base tariff rates to become effective September 15, 1938.
The total revenue receipts for the year were $1,017,965.87, being the
first time since the establishment of this board that the million-dollar
mark in actual earnings has been reached.
Despite the 10-percent reduction in rates made effective September
15, 1937, the revenues for the year were $130,073.60 in excess of bond
requirements of $680,924.65, operating costs of $155,036.63 and complete
liquidation of an item of $17,000 for dredging at Nawiliwili and
$34,932.27 for the construction of a wharf at Kawaihae, Hawaii.
These two latter items, which were appropriated out of the general
fund by the 1937 legislature in order that the money be made available
immediately, would ordinarily have been handled through the loan
fund.
Despite the decrease in rates, effective for 9 months, revenues for
the year were $35,571.05 greater than those for 1937. By ports the
increases were: Honolulu, $65,873.98; Ahukini, $93; Nawiliwili,
$2,171.09; while decreases were: Hawaii, $4,064.66; Maui, $28,312.87;
and Port Allen $189.49.
In 1937 a sizable increase in business was noted both at Hilo and
Kahului, being due largely to the trans-Pacific maritime strike
between October 1936 and February 1937, when much business by
foreign bottoms was dropped at these ports, particularly at Kahului.
The decrease above noted is to a considerable extent the result of
the resumption of normal shipping conditions.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 59
A strike of workers of the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Co.,
which started May 26, caused the lay-up of its two passenger vessels,
the Hualalai and Waialeale. However, this strike came so late in
the fiscal period as to have but slight effect upon the board’s financial
position.
Expenditures of the board during the year were listed as $551,780.88.
These were segregated as Territorial general fund, $211,087.23; Territorial
loan fund, $241,721.53, or total Territorial, $452,808.76; and
Public Works Administration, $98,972.12.
The total number of vessels arriving from overseas at ports operated
by the board during the year was 1,422, with gross tonnage of
10,861,832, an increase of 161 vessels and 957,139 gross tons over the
record of the previous year.
The report also listed new construction, improvements, maintenance
and repair operations carried on by the board on all islands, as
well as the extensive program planned for the conservation and rebuilding
of public beaches, particularly that at Waikiki.
LIGHTHOUSES, NINETEENTH DISTRICT
A total of 310 aids to navigation of all classes were in commission
as of June 30, 1938, in the nineteenth Federal lighthouse district,
which has its headquarters at Honolulu. The district includes the
Hawaiian Islands, Midway Islands, Guam, American Samoan Islands,
and the Equatorial Islands.
One of the outstanding events of the year was the establishment,
in cooperation with the Department of the Interior, of automatic
acetylene gas lights on the Equatorial Islands of Baker, Jarvis, and
Howland, for operation upon request.
The 310 navigation aids in the district included one light of 2,500,000
candlepower, formerly known as a second order light, four lights
ranging in intensity from 560,000 to 1,700,000 candlepower, formerly
known as converted 36-inch beacon doubtlet lens lights, one light of
1,100,000 candlepower, one light of 750,000 candlepower, one light
of 150,000 candlepower, and one wind-driven electric light.
Included also were 46 automatic acetylene lights, 26 automatic
electric lights in lenses, 2 electric lights without lenses, 48 automatic
acetylene lighted buoys, 2 primary radiobeacons, 177 unlighted aids
including buoys and beacons, and also 24 private aids, lighted and
unlighted, under the supervision of the Lighthouse Service.
A few minor lights and buoys were discontinued during the year
in the interests of economy in locations of minor importance, and
several range lights, buoys and daymarks were established during
the year.
60 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
TERRITORIAL RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Total assets of $8,643,028.27 were in the hands of the Territorial
Employees’ Retirement System as of June 30, 1938.
As of that date, the membership of the system included 7,308 governmental
employees, while 249 pensioners were on the rolls of the
system. Receipts during the year were $1,934,569.74, while disbursements
were $1,539,610.02.
The contributions made during the year by members of the system
amounted to $547,202 an increase of $63,938.03 over those of the
previous year.
UNITED STATES WEATHER BUREAU
Cooperation by Pan-American Airways during the fiscal year ended
June 30, 1938, has enabled the Weather Bureau of the United States
Department of Agriculture to close its special meteorological station
at Midway Island with a small saving to the government.
There were 234 official cooperative stations in the islands during
the fiscal year, from which the Bureau received and published records
containing its climatological work much along the established lines
of former years.
Cooperation with the Fleet Air Base at Pearl Harbor continued,
and cooperation with the Army in airway service was established.
Copies of the daily weather maps are now being prepared and furnished
the Pan-American Airways and the Inter-Island Airways.
Forecasts of the Bureau, as well as a daily synopsis of North Pacific
weather conditions, weather data from Hilo and Schofield Barracks,
and a list of selected mainland stations all of which were furnished by
this office, were published in three Honolulu daily papers. Weather
information and forecasts obtained from the Honolulu office of the
Weather Bureau were broadcast by the Naval Communication
Service and by two local commercial broadcasting stations.
WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION
For the administration of the Territorial Workmen’s Compensation
Act, each county has an industrial accident board.
Following are statements of the activities of the various boards:
CITY AND COUNTY OF HONOLULU
Accident cases numbering 8,258 and involving total benefit payments
of $271,275.22 were adjudicated by the Industrial Accident
Board of Oahu during the calendar year 1937.
Of the 8,258 accidents reported, 7,820 involved men and 438 involved
women, while 3,436 were married persons and the other 4,822
were single.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII 61
By classes of disability, the accidents were: Total disability of less
than 1 day, 4,022; total disability of less than 1 week, 2,267; total
disability of more than 1 week, 1,775; prolonged disability and probable
permanent partial disability, 105. Fourteen fatal accidents were
adjudicated during the year, while four cases were pending at the end
of the year.
Compensation payments to injured employees totaling $132,046.68
led all classes of benefit payments. Other benefit payments included
medical charges, $107,253.66; hospital charges, $30,914.88; and burial
expenses, $1,160.
The number of accident cases heard by the board during the year,
8,258, was 966 more than the 7,292 industrial-accident cases heard by
the board in the calendar year 1936.
COUNTY OF HAWAII
Industrial accidents on the island of Hawaii in the fiscal year ended
June 30 increased by more than 27 percent over those of the previous
year.
The 1938 total of cases was 1,892, including 12 fatalities, as compared
with 1,479 cases in 1937, or an increase of 413. On June 30,
all but 194 of the 1,892 cases had been adjudicated.
Benefit payments amounting to $72,041.98 were made to the injured
workers or their dependents. This amount was divided as follows:
Compensation for fatalities, $14,828.90; conpensation for total disability
succeeded by permanent partial disability in 39 cases, $10,775.67,
with medical and hospital payments of $2,392.70; compensation for
total disability not succeeded by permanent partial disability,
$15,631.01, with medical and hospital charges of $28,413.70 in these
cases.
Injured employees were listed by nationalities as Filipino, 610;
Japanese, 669; Portuguese, 264; Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian, 184;
Chinese, 40; Puerto Rican, 43; American, 42; Korean, 20; Spanish, 7;
German, 2; others, 11.
COUNTY OF MAUI
A total of 885 accidents, involving benefit payments aggregating
$52,582.88, was adjudicated in the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938,
by the Maui Industrial Accident Board.
The 885 accidents involved 12 fatalities and the following segregation
by seriousness of mishap: over 7 days’ duration, 441; under 7 days’
duration, 345; pending on June 30, 87.
The $52,582.88 benefit payments during the year were divided into
the following classes of expenditure: Paid recovered employees,
$10,133.38; hospital and medical care (with plantations and some other
62 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF HAWAII
employers not reporting), $7,095.55; awards for deceased employees,
$17,526.14; awards for loss of eyes, fingers, arms, toes, $17,827.81.
COUNTY OF KAUAI
Accident cases numbering 367 involving total compensation of
$10,386.73 were heard by the Kauai County Board during the fiscal
year ended June 30. Of these, 321 were plantation cases and 46
classified as “others”.
The number of cases classified under “others” seem high, but construction
work with its casual employees accounted for many of these.
In paying the compensation, there were 5,411 days lost, involving
payments of $8,446.73 for total disability and 720 days in the permanent
partial disability class involving payments of $1,440. Of the
5,411 days lost, 3,562 were on plantations and 1,849 were in the
“others” classification.
It is interesting to note that, where the plantations paid compensation
in their 321 cases for 3,562 days, the employees lost, without pay,
2,247 days in these accidents at the same time. This is due to the
7-day rest clause, no matter what the kind or duration of disability.
A 3-day so-called rest period, the same as provided by the United
States Government on its projects, would seem to be much fairer to
the workmen.
Respectfully submitted.
J. B. Poi nd ex te r ,
Governor of Hawaii. o
^UAL REPo^
r*
OF THE
GOVERNOR OF THE
VIRGIN ISLANDS
TO THE SECRETARY OF
THE INTERIOR
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30
1938
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
WASHINGTON : 1938
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Harold L. Ickes, Secretary
TERRITORY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Lawrence W. Cramer, Governor
For sale by the
Superintendent of Documents, Washington, D. C.
Price 10 cents
CONTENTS
Page
Economic situation..................................................................... 1
The sugar business................................................................. 1
The cattle business................................................................. 3
The shipping business............................................................. 3
Tourist trade......................................................................... 4
Congressional legislation............................................................. 5
The Sugar Act of 1937 ............................................................. 5
St. Thomas Harbor improvement.......................................... 5
Other legislation..................................................................... 5
Local legislation......................................................................... 6
Fiscal............................................................................................ 9
Municipality of St. Thomas and St. John........................... 9
Municipality of St. Croix..................................................... 9
Cost of the municipal governments...................................... 9
Reduction of Federal deficit contributions........................... 9
The St. Thomas Harbor Board ...”.................................. 10
The Federal appropriation......................................................... 10
Work Relief Program accomplishments.................................. 11
Bluebeard Castle Hotel......................................................... 11
Roads........................................................................................ 11
Sanitary improvements......................................................... 11
Street surfacing and drainage.................................................. 12
Women’s projects..................................................................... 12
Protestant Cay residence, St. Croix...................................... 12
Homesteads................................................................................ 12
Low-cost housing........................................................................ 13
Federal buildings.................................................................... 14
The Virgin Islands cooperative.................................................. 15
Agricultural station and vocational school............................... 16
Municipal government activities.............................................. 16
Education................................................................................ 16
Health and sanitation............................................................. 17
Welfare .................................................................................... 17
Public works............................................................................ 18
Harbor.................................................................................... 18
Public libraries........................................................................ 18
Police and prison..................................................................... 18
Administration of United States immigration laws............... 18
Civilian Conservation Corps..................................................... 19
Conclusion.................................................................................... 20
in

ANNUAL REPORT OF
THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
Lawrence W. Cramer, Governor
CHARLOTTE, AMALIE, ST. THOMAS
August 30,1938
The Honorable the Sec re ta ry of th e Int er io r ,
'Washington, D. C.
Sir : Pursuant to section 20 of the Organic Act of the Virgin Islands
of the United States, approved June 22, 1936. I have the honor
to submit the following annual report of the transactions of the
government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year ended June 30,
1938.
ECONOMIC SITUATION
Definite improvements in the economic rehabilitation of the Virgin
Islands were recorded in previous annual reports. This improvement
continued to be apparent in both municipalities during the
present fiscal year until a prolonged and severe drought in the island
of St. Croix seriously affected the situation there.
The sugar business and the cattle business, which are the two basic
industries of that island, upon the former of which much of the
rehabilitation program is based, were struck staggering blows by the
drought at a time when sugar and cattle prices were at unprofitable
levels.
The sugar business.—The effects of the drought can be assessed
by comparing the relative returns for the year 1937 with those of the
past year of 298 homesteaders in the island of St. Croix who are
being assisted by the government to acquire and develop small farms.
In 1937 these small farmers produced 16,117 tons of cane valued at
$53,081 as compared with 6,121 tons valued at only $15,274 in 1938.
Their gross return in 1938 was only 29 percent of their 1937 income.
Sugar production in the island declined from 8,211 tons to 4,362
tons, while at the same time the sugar price fell more than 20 percent—
a loss of more than 47 percent in tonnage and approximately
60 percent in value. Hundreds of acres of drought-stunted cane were
uncut and plowed under. Plowing and planting costs that should
have been spread over 3 or 4 years of sugarcane production were
1
2 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
totally lost. Sugar factories with heavy investments in sugarcane
grown on so-called administration land were even more seriously
affected than were small farmers whose chief investment is their own
and their family’s labor.
It is evident that thorough consideration must be given to the
possibility of reorganizing the sugar business so that it may continue
to furnish employment in the island of St. Croix. Many efforts
have been made during the Danish regime and subsequently to diversify
agriculture and to find other profitable crops to replace sugarcane.
These efforts have not been successful, and no agricultural
development which furnishes employment to so great a number of
agricultural laborers as does the sugar business has yet been found.
It would thus appear that different methods of organization other
than those now prevailing will need to be attempted if this important
industry is to be carried on with any degree of success in the Virgin
Islands.
The homestead plan inaugurated in 1932 by the government points
the way to a possible solution of the problem. Experience indicates
that the agricultural laborers in St. Croix are competent to
take over small farms and to operate them if they are furnished adequate
supervision and cultivation aids. In fact, it is evident that the
average small farm of approximately 7 acres is smaller than necessary
to meet the needs and potentialities of the small farmers. Small
ownership and large-scale mechanical operation under government
supervision have been notably successful during the years of adequate
rainfall and have left the small farmer better off during and after
a drought than he would have been as an agricultural laborer. It is
therefore recommended that steps be taken through the assistance
of such agencies as the Rural Resettlement Administration and the
Farm Security Administration to develop as widely as possible the
possibilities of leasing or selling small farms to be operated under
conditions similar to those established on the homestead areas.
The owners of a sugar factory in the island of St. Croix are willing
to cooperate in establishing such a plan. There is the possibility
of working out the subdivision of approximately 6,000 acres of land
in this way. Unless this or another equally effective plan is carried
out, it is probable that this sugar company will discontinue its operations
and thus add 800 people to the unemployment rolls.
If small farms are developed, they should be of sufficient size to
permit balanced agriculture by the small farmers. Their average size
should not be less than 30 acres, which should include sugarcane
land as well as cattle land, so that small farmers may produce a cash
crop, vegetables for their own use and for local sale, poultry, and
a few head of cattle. With mechanical cultivation aids, financial
assistance, and with farm management supplied by the government
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 3
through the agricultural station or agencies of the Department of
Agriculture, it is believed that small farmers can be established on
a sound basis and that their standard of living can be greatly improved
over their present standard as agricultural laborers.
The sugar grower in the Virgin Islands does not receive benefit
payments under the Sugar Act of 1937. Indeed, he not only does not
receive these benefit payments, but by act of Congress is compelled
to pay a special export tax of $6 per ton on all sugar produced in the
Virgin Islands and exported therefrom. This tax, which represents
10 percent or more of the gross return of the sugar grower at present
sugar prices, is paid by the grower of sugarcane under the practice
of local sugar factories which pay for sugarcane according to the
New York sugar price after deducting the tax. If other sugar producing
areas which have the benefit of irrigation and ample rainfall
require benefit payments, and drought and catastrophy payments,
sugar growers in the Virgin Islands who sell their product in the
same market require them also. Certainly, they cannot do without
them and, at the same time, pay an export tax of $6 per ton.
It is imperative that legislation be enacted to return to the Virgin
Islands sugar processing taxes levied in the United States and thus
to permit the repeal of this export tax. The Wages and Hours Act
applies to the sugar industry of the Virgin Islands. There is, therefore,
no basis for continuing the export tax if the purpose of its
enactment was to equalize sugar production costs in the Virgin
Islands with those in continental United States.
The cattle business.—The cattle business, which is of second importance
in each of the municipalities of the Virgin Islands, requires
reorganization in order to meet new conditions imposed in the only
available market. Due to the vigorous prosecution of a tick eradication
program in Puerto Rico conducted with Federal relief funds,
that important market for Virgin Islands’ cattle will no longer be
available unless a similar program is carried on in the Virgin Islands,
or arrangements are made to ship meat to market rather than live
animals. Work bulls may no longer be shipped to Puerto Rico and
animals for slaughter must, therefore, be produced in the Virgin
Islands if the cattle business is to survive as an important industry.
A careful survey by an expert has been made during the past year
as a result of which numerous recommendations for the improvement
of this industry were made.
The shipping business.—The shipping industry in the port of St.
Thomas continued its improvement with resulting benefits to the
community at large. During the fiscal year 814 ships with a total
tonnage of 3,239,9 75 called at the port of St. Thomas, as compared
with 777 ships with a tonnage of 3,084,173 in 1937, and 647 ships
with a tonnage of 3,017,682 in 1936. There was inaugurated during
4 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
the year, for a trial period, an arrangement for the transhipment of
bauxite at the port of St. Thomas from small vessels of shallow
draught which transport it from British Guiana to the dock at St.
Thomas to ships of greater draught which transport it from St.
Thomas to Canada. This business increases the activity of the port
of St. Thomas, furnishes increased employment, and signalizes the
advantages of the port of St. Thomas over competing ports in the
Caribbean area.
The Army Engineer Corps has continued its engineering surveys
of the harbor with a view to beginning authorized harbor improvement
work in the new fiscal year. The prosecution of this project
is of first importance to St. Thomas whose entire economic life
depends on shipping.
An interdepartmental committee appointed by the Secretary of
the Interior to study and report on the relative advantages of the
ports of St. Thomas and of San Juan, P. R., as a site for a graving
dock made a report on November 7, 1937, and found that if a graving
dock were to be constructed in the Caribbean area it should be
constructed in San Juan Harbor rather than in St. Thomas Harbor.
If a graving dock is established in San Juan, it will undoubtedly
have the effect of diverting shipping from the harbor of St. Thomas.
Since shipping is the only commercial activity of this island, any
decrease in the number of ships calling here will immediately reflect
itself in an increase in the number of workmen in the community
who are without employment. Therefore, it will be a very serious
blow to St. Thomas to have a graving dock established in San Juan.
Tourist trade .—The development of the tourist trade continues
to make steady progress. During the year 13 tourist ships called at
the port of St. Thomas with a total of 6,487 tourists aboard. It is
interesting to note that two of these ships were not scheduled to call
at St. Thomas, but did so because rough seas prevented their calling
in San Juan Harbor.
Bluebeard Castle Hotel was taken over by a private operator under
a mutually satisfactory lease on December 1, 1937. It continues to
attract a growing number of visitors to the Virgin Islands and has
contributed substantially to the development of St. Thomas as a
winter resident center.
Extensive improvements in the sanitary facilities of the town of
Charlotte Amalie, the surfacing of streets, the reconstruction and
improvement of street drains, and the reconstruction and improvement
of highways during the year have greatly improved the opportunities
for the development of St. Thomas as a tourist center.
Considerable demand exists for residential construction both to
meet local requirements and to increase the possibilities of winter
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 5
resident development. Plans are now under consideration to establish
Federal savings and loan associations through which the financial
assistance of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board can be secured
for this purpose.
y igorous measures are necessary to keep the sugar industry and
the cattle industry alive, to improve the facilities of the harbor of
St. Thomas, to increase commercial shipping, and to develop the
tourist trade which, in their sum, represent all of the present important
economic potentialities of the Virgin Islands.
CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATION
The Sugar Act of 1937.—Under this act the sugar quota for the
Virgin Islands is fixed at 0.24 of 1 percent of the domestic allotment.
This figure represents an increase from approximately 5,400 tons
under the Jones-Costigan Act to 9,200 tons in the Virgin Islands’
quota and permits a return to a normal sugar crop for the Virgin
Islands based on recent years when production was not greatly
reduced by droughts. Under the law no refining operations may
be carried on in the Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands are excluded from the benefit payments of
title 3 of this act, and hold the unenviable position of being the only
sugar-producing area under the American flag which does not receive
these benefits. Sugar processing taxes are collected on Virgin Islands’
sugar when shipped to the United States and processed there, the
receipts from which are deposited in the United States Treasury.
Such relief as was anticipated from the increase of the Virgin
Islands sugar quota under this law has been lost by reason of the
severe and prolonged drought which has reduced sugar production
by 50 percent, but for which no benefit payments were made.
St. Thomas Harbor improvement.—Funds made available, under
the War Department civil appropriation bill, approved June 11,
1938, for river and harbor improvements, will make possible the
inauguration of work on the improvement of the harbor of St.
Thomas which was authorized in the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1935. Further engineering surveys have been carried on and a
contract for the construction of a breakwater from the eastern end
of the harbor to Rupert’s Rock will be let in the new fiscal year. ’
Other legislation.—Several bills, including an amendment to the
organic act of the Virgin Islands; a bill to impose uniform excise
taxes in the Virgin Islands; a bill to amend the Liquor Taxing Act,
and a bill to authorize the appropriation to the Virgin Islands of
internal revenue taxes collected in the United States on Virgin Islands
products, were introduced in the Seventy-fifth Congress, but
failed of enactment.
102262—38----- 2
6 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
LOCAL LEGISLATION
The most important ordinances enacted by the two municipal
councils of the Virgin Islands were those providing for registration
and elections under that provision of the organic act which established
universal suffrage in the Virgin Islands beginning with January 1,
1938. Comprehensive laws were enacted in both municipalities to
implement this requirement of the organic act which marked an
important advance in the political organization of the Virgin Islands.
Registration under these laws is now taking place.
The municipality of St. Croix enacted legislation based on similar
laws in effect in Puerto Rico for the control and eradication of cattle
ticks. Plans are in preparation for carrying on a tick eradication
program in both of the municipalities of the Virgin Islands in the
new fiscal year with the assistance of W. P. A. funds and under the
technical supervision of the Bureau of Animal Industry of the
Department of Agriculture.
In addition to much routine legislation there was enacted by the
Municipal Council of St. Croix an ordinance authorizing the execution
of a contract granting a franchise to a private power company
to operate an electric light and power service in the municipality. A
slight reduction in rates will be put into effect at the end of 1 year
and provision is made for a further reduction of rates as the consumption
of electricity increases during the life of the contract.
■ Approximately 3,000 acres of land at the east end of the island of
St. Croix were purchased under an ordinance which authorized the
afforestation and development of the area by the Civilian Conservation
Corps.
The Municipal Council of St. Thomas and St. John enacted a number
of important ordinances in addition to the electoral ordinance
referred to above. Several ordinances were enacted which established
clearly defined rights-of-way for public roads and authorized a procedure
for securing additional rights-of-way for roads whose construction
might be undertaken by Federal or municipal agencies. This
action has permitted the widening of many roads which formerly were
too narrow for safety. Property owners have cooperated in an excellent
manner in agreeing to donate land adjacent to roads so that this
work has been accomplished without cost to the government for the
acquisition of land.
Enabling legislation was enacted by the Municipal Council of St.
Thomas and St. John to provide for the operation of certain recreational
facilities such as the municipal beach house and tennis courts,
and to provide for a method of operating them. Unfortunately no
municipal funds have so far been made available to conduct these
useful recreation centers. They have been operated and improved
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 7
through the use of funds collected as fees. There is great need for
development of additional recreational facilities in the community,
and it is hoped that the recognition of this need by the legislature
will later result in the substantial extension of such facilities.
By ordinance of November 8, 193'7, there was created an official
lottery in the municipalities of St. Thomas and St. John. The ordinance
creating it was based on a similar Puerto Rican law. The
ordinance provides that the proceeds from the lottery shall be made
available for hospitalization, sanitation, education, and poor
relief in the municipality. There have been three drawings to
June 30, 1938. The first drawing resulted in a loss of $64, the second
drawing in a surplus of $2,850, and the third drawing in a loss of
$104. These figures do not include administrative expenses which
have so far been paid out of a loan fund authorized by the ordinance.
It is too early to determine whether or not the lottery will be successful
in bringing in very much needed funds to the municipality for the
purposes for which it was created.
Authority was granted by resolution of the Municipal Council of
St. Thomas and St. John to carry on reforestation work on estates
Calabashboom and Julia De Koning in the island of St. John. These
estates, comprising an area of approximately 150 acres, have been in
the possession of the municipality for many years, but have not been
developed. The Civilian Conservation Corps personnel is now undertaking
reforestation activities with a view to establishing a stand of
hardwood trees on it. It is reported that logwood, sandalwood, ebony,
lignum vitae, and other valuable woods were once found in abundance
on the island of St. John. If seeds or seedlings of these varieties can
be found, they will be propagated and planted.
Several important tax measures were enacted by the Municipal
Council of St. Thomas and St. John during the year. A gasoline tax
imposing a tax at the rate of 4 cents a gallon was enacted on May 16,
1938. Collections from this tax and from an automobile license tax,
which was amended to impose license fees in accordance with the
weight of automobile vehicles to increase the revenue therefrom, are
to be segregated in a special road fund for use in maintaining the road
system of the municipality. As a result of this action by the municipality
of St. Thomas and St. John, there is now a uniform gasoline
tax of 4 cents a gallon in effect throughout the Virgin Islands. Automobile
license taxes in both municipalities are now at practically the
same level. The enactment of this legislation is of special importance
because it makes available funds to maintain the increasing mileage of
roads in the municipality which have been improved through the
expenditure of Federal relief funds.
A trade and lamp tax which has been in effect in the municipality
since its enactment in 1855 was repealed and a new trade tax levying
8 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
a tax of 1 percent of the business turnover of merchants engaged in
certain classes of business, and one-half of 1 percent on the annual
turnover of merchants engaged in certain other classes of business
was enacted by ordinance of May 16, 1938. Under a companion ordinance
the suspension of ships’ dues on vessels calling at the port of St.
Thomas for coal and oil bunkering was continued during the life of
the trade tax.
Appropriations were made by the Municipal Council of St. Thomas
and St. John of funds necessary for the construction of a hospital
kitchen at the Municipal Hospital at Charlotte Amalie and for the
construction of a country school in the Mafolie district. Both of these
structures were urgently required for the proper functioning of municipal
medical and school services. Through the generosity of an
estate owner an excellent site was donated for the construction of the
school, which is now under way. Funds were also appropriated to
pay a portion of the cost of the reconstruction of the Municipal Building
in Charlotte Amalie, which was purchased last year to house the
legislature, the public library, and other municipal offices.
In accordance with the provisions of section 7 of the Organic Act,
the Governor convened the first meeting of the newly created Legislative
Assembly of the Virgin Islands on November 22, 1937. Numerous
important items of legislation, which were included in the
message of the Governor calling the session of the legislative assembly,
were not considered by this body because of technical objections,
raised when the assembly met, against the introduction by the Governor
of bills for the consideration of that body. This practice was
followed throughout the Danish regime, and has been continued so
far as meetings of the municipal councils of the Virgin Islands are
concerned by specific provision of the organic act. Although the
power to introduce measures in the legislative assembly is not granted
in specific words in the Organic Act, a reasonable interpretation of
its wording would justify the practice. The members of the legislative
assembly, however, denied the. Governor the opportunity to
introduce measures, with the result that only one measure was held
to be properly before that body. Because of the possibility of establishing
a precedent which was clearly not intended to be established
by the Congress of the United States when it enacted the Organic
Act, the Governor withdrew from the legislative assembly when the
ruling was finally made that measures could not be introduced by
him. The meeting of the legislative assembly was therefore without
result, and many important measures, including a uniform electoral
law for the Virgin Islands, were dismissed without consideration.
An amendment to the Organic Act specifically granting power to
the Governor to introduce legislation in the legislative assembly was
introduced in the Seventy-fifth Congress and was favorably reported
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 9
in both the Senate and the House. Unfortunately, the bill failed
of enactment in the closing days of the session. As a consequence
there will continue to exist two opposite interpretations of the
Organic Act on this point which may temporarily hinder the
consideration of legislation needed for the Virgin Islands as a whole.
FISCAL
The revenues of the municipal governments again show substantial
increases over previous years. In the case of St. Croix, however, collections
were greatly less than estimated at the beginning of the fiscal
year due to a considerable loss of sugar-export taxes and other taxes
falling on the sugar business. It is feared that substantial decreases
in municipal revenues for the municipality of St. Croix will result
in the fiscal year 1939 because of sugarcane crop losses in the years
1938 and 1939.
Municipality of St. Thomas and St. John.—The actual revenues of
the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John were $213,981.94 which
represents an increase of 19 percent over the revenues of the preceding
fiscal year. Income-tax collections were $81,776, an increase of
130 percent over the preceding fiscal year, and an increase of 461
percent over the fiscal year ending June '30, 1935. Receipts from
customs clues were $17,137, an increase of 17 percent over the fiscal
year 1937.
Municipality of St. Croix.—The actual revenues of the municipality
of St. Croix were $191,816.03, an increase of 7 percent over the
preceding year. Income tax collections were $16,365, an increase
of 36 percent over the fiscal year 1937. Export duty of sugar
brought in $37,303, an increase of 24.5 percent over the preceding
fiscal year.
Cost of the municipal governments.—The total expenditures of the
municipal government of St. Thomas and St. John were budgeted
at $2c6q92.80. The United States contributed a deficit appropriation
of $60,000, $10,000 less than the preceding year.
Expenditures of the municipal government of St. Croix were
budgeted.at $264,032.53. The United States contributed a deficit
appropriation of $50,000, $10,000 less than the preceding fiscal year.
Reduction of Federal deficit contributions.—The continuation of
the policy of the Congress of the United States in reducing annually
the Federal contribution to the cost of operating the municipal governments
of the Virgin Islands has now proceeded to a point where
a relatively small appropriation is being made. In the fiscal year
1938 the total deficit contributions were $110,000. In the 1939 Appropriation
Act this amount has been reduced to $75,000. It is probable
that the municipality of St. Thomas and St. John wil] not require
a deficit contribution for the fiscal year 1940. On the other
10 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
hand, St. Croix will require assistance in one form or another in
carrying the costs of its municipal services for the next fiscal year
because of serious losses of revenue resulting from drought, whose
effects will be apparent in municipal revenues for at least 3 years.
The /St. Thomas Harbor Board.—The revenues of the St. Thomas
Harbor Board amounted to $30,869, a decrease of 4.5 percent from
the preceding year. Against these revenues were charged operating
expenses of $24,722, leaving an operating surplus of $6,147. Collection
of ships’ dues in 1938 was $8,784, an increase of 2 per cent over
the preceding fiscal year. Pilotage fees totalled $15,826. a decrease
of 5 percent from the preceding year.
THE FEDERAL APPROPRIATION
The appropriation, “Government of the Virgin Islands, 1938,” was
as follows:
Central administration--------------------------------------------------------------- $116, 000
Agricultural experiment station and vocational school--------------------- 35, 000
Deficit, municipality of St. Thomas and St. John-------------------------- 60,000
Deficit, municipality of St. Croix------------------------------------------------- 50, 000
Total___________________________________________________ 261, 000
The Third Deficiency Appropriation Act, fiscal year 1937, appropriated
$4,250 to provide for additional expenses of the government
of the Virgin Islands, primarily in connection with the enforcement
of the United States immigration laws.
After several months’ delay at the beginning of the fiscal year, the
following work relief projects, which were carried on as WPA
projects, were authorized, all of which were completed by June 30,
1938:
Continuation of reconstruction and renovation of tourist hotel and
Bluebeard Castle----------------- :------------------------------------------------- $29, 000
Improvement to public highways, St. Thomas and St. John------------ 92,975
Improvement to sewage disposal and sanitary water supply systems,
and surface drains, St. Thomas--------------------------------------------- 84, 525
Improvement to streets within the city limits of Charlotte Amalie, St.
Thomas--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 58, 500
Mattress-making and sewing projects for women at Charlotte Amalie,
St. Thomas, and Christiansted and Frederiksted, St. Croix--------- 11, 300
Road construction, St. Croix------------------------------------------------------- 61, 072
Installation of toilet systems at grammar schools and high school,
repair and extension of water and sewer systems, and construction
of cisterns at municipal hospitals, St. Croix----------------------------- 15, 521
Construction of concrete gutters at Christiansted and construction of
hard-surfaced streets at Christiansted and Frederiksted, St. Croix— 14, 407
Construction work at Protestant Cay residence, St. Croix---------------- 6, 000
Administrative expenses------------------------------------------------------------ 19, 500
Total___________________________________________________ 392,800
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISL/kNDS 11
WORK RELIEF PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Bluebeard Castle Hotel.—Numerous improvements were effected at
Bluebeard Castle which proved to be necessary after a preliminary
period of operation. Special attention was given to water supply,
sanitary installations, electric wiring, kitchen facilities and other
service units of the hotel. An attractive dining porch was erected
•on the west elevation of the main building which has increased the
dining-room space and which greatly adds to the comfort of the
guests. The temporary operation of the hotel by the government
during the period of construction was concluded on November 30,
1937, when a private operator took over the operation of the hotel
under a lease. The operation of the hotel by the government, paying
all costs of operation from income, ended with a slight profit which
has been deposited in the United States Treasury. The hotel has
proved to be a useful means of attracting visitors to the Virgin
Islands and has adequately fulfilled the purposes for which it was
originally established.
Roads.—Further progress was made in improving the road system
of the Virgin Islands in accordance with a master plan approved
by the local authorities. A total of 17 miles of road were improved
during the fiscal year. Of these 3% miles were asphalt penetration
roads in St. Thomas and 11% miles were asphalt-surfaced roads on
a water-bound macadam base in St. Croix. The completion of the
program laid down for the present fiscal year in spite of delays in
the allocation of funds and in spite of the difficulties of procurement
due to the great distance of the Virgin Islands from supply points,
represents a highly creditable achievement.
For different reasons the local authorities in each municipality are
especially desirous of continuing the road-improvement program
which has been a basic part of all relief programs. In St. Thomas
this program is intimately connected with the development of this
island as a tourist center. Already the improvement of certain roads
has led to the purchase of land in hitherto inaccessible areas by those
who are interested in constructing residences for their own use or for
rental to winter residents. In St. Croix road improvement is of
especial importance to the sugar industry because sugarcane is at the
present time brought to weigh houses in animal-drawn carts or in
motor trucks, and from there is transported to the factories by motortruck.
Reduced transportation costs because of the improvement of
roads will benefit all classes of sugar growers.
Sanitary improvements.—Much progress can be reported in the
improvement of sanitary facilities in the town of Charlotte Amalie.
Due to limitations of water supply, sanitation facilities, and sewage
disposal have historically constituted a serious problem in the towns
12 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
of the Virgin Islands. In 1922 a beginning was made in each of
the towns of the Virgin Islands in laying sewers and, in Charlotte
Amalie, in establishing a salt-water supply system for sanitary
flushing purposes. Substantial improvements to the salt-water supply
system and sewer system in Charlotte Amalie were accomplished
in the fiscal year 1937 with some slight extension of the service
to sections of the town which had previously not been served. In
the past fiscal year sewer and water mains were constructed to service
all sections of the town. Additional funds are necessary to install
laterals and secondary sewer and water lines to make possible
the complete substitution of sanitary flushing systems for the primitive
arrangements which have previously been in use. In St. Croix,
sanitary toilet facilities were installed in numerous municipal school
buildings.
Street surfacing and drainage.-—Much progress was made during
the year in surfacing streets and improving surface drains in each of
the three towns of the Virgin Islands. This program which has
been prosecuted with successful results over a number of years has
added greatly to the cleanliness and attractiveness of the towns and
to the health and comfort of those living in them or visiting them.
Women's projects.—A mattress-making project has been conducted
with success in St. Thomas and a sewing project has been conducted
in both St. Thomas and in St. Croix during the year. These projects
are intended to give employment to women and have greatly
aided many persons who are without other means of support. Articles
produced have been distributed to relief clients and have thus
served the double purpose of furnishing employment and direct
relief.
Protestant Cay residence, St. Croix.—The reconstruction of this
attractively located and interesting structure was completed except
for certain minor details and except for the reconstruction of adj acent
outbuildings. This residence will be made available as quarters for
an officer of the government of the Virgin Islands.
HOMESTEADS
No appropriation was available during the fiscal year for the
further development of the homestead projects which have constituted
an important element of the rehabilitation program of the
Virgin Islands. After many difficulties and delays a small administrative
allotment was made available to pay for the administrative
costs of supervising 400 or more homesteaders who have been
established on the land and to maintain clerical records of collections
made from them. The local authorities in the municipality
of St. Croix cooperated wisely and effectively in advancing cultivaREPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 13
tion loans to homesteaders from the meager resources of the municipality.
The success of this program depends greatly on continuous
and careful supervision, and on the establishment of loan funds
for cultivation aids. The program was established on a 20-year
rental-purchase basis and requires continuing administrative supervision
during that time. Partial provision is made to carry this
administrative expense in the appropriation for the government of
the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year 1939. The program cannot
be developed to its fullest potentialities unless additional funds
are made available for administrative purposes on a relatively permanent
basis and for cultivation aids.
Repayments in a total amount of $12,970 were made to the United
States Treasury by homesteaders and from homestead sources during
the year. The excellent record established by the homesteaders
in previous years in meeting their amortizing rentals and cultivation
loans when due will, unfortunately, not be maintained during the
coming fiscal year. As indicated elsewhere in this report, the great
majority of homesteaders, who are located in the island of St. Croix,
have received a gross return from their cash crop of only 29 percent
of their income for the preceding fiscal year as a result of
drought and low sugar prices. At the same time, it is reported that
of 298 homesteaders in St. Croix not more than 15 will default entirely
in meeting rental payments or cultivation loan payments when
due. The record established by homesteaders in previous years gives
ample evidence of the wisdom of establishing field laborers in St.
Croix on small farms. This program should not only be fully supported
by making permanent provision for meeting administrative
costs and by establishing permanent arrangements for financing
small farms, but should also be greatly extended so that the
sugar business may continue to furnish employment to agriculturists
in the island of St. Croix who would otheriwse be destitute.
LOW-COST HOUSING
By arrangement with the United States Housing Authority, the
administration of the three low-cost housing projects erected in the
Virgin Islands by the PWA Housing Division has been tur'ned over
to the government of the Virgin Islands. This arrangement has
made it unnecessary to establish an expensive management organization
and has therefore permitted the establishment and maintenance
of low rentals at these projects.
Both housing projects in St. Croix have been fully occupied almost
from the date when they were made available for occupancy. Of
the 58 units in the Charlotte Amalie project there are as yet only 41
occupied. The organization of a community club at this project
14 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
has been instrumental in arousing greater interest and understanding
on the part of prospective tenants. It is anticipated that all
of the units of the St. Thomas project will soon be occupied.
The following figures set forth the status of rental collections:
Earned income
Cash collections
H. H. Berg Homes____________________________________________________________
Bassin Triangle_______________ _________________________________________________
Marley Homes_________________ _______________________________________________
$905. 48
1,175. 94
1, 373. 04
$800. 33
1, 027. 98
1,208.88
3, 454.46 3,037.19*
The local housing advisory committee in each island has maintained
an active interest in these projects and has made numerous
valuable suggestions for their better management, and for physical
improvements which have proved to be necessary since these units
have been occupied. It is hoped that arrangements can be made
whereby a greater proportion of rental income can be made available
than is now the case to make needed improvements.
The office of the General Counsel of the United States Housing
Authority has cooperated generously in preparing drafts of legislation
for enactment by the municipal councils of the Virgin Islands
to create local housing authorities. These measures have been introduced
in the local legislatures and are now under consideration.
If they are enacted, they will permit the construction of additional
low-cost housing to replace low-standard, unsafe, and insanitary
dwellings.
FEDERAL {BUILDINGS
Thirteen structures which formerly were owned by the Danish
State were transferred to the United States at the time of the execution
of the Treaty of Cession between Denmark and the United States
under which the Virgin Islands were transferred to the United
States. A number of these structures are historically and architecturally
interesting. It has not been possible to maintain them adequately
for lack of funds and for lack of adequate architectural and
planning personnel. As a result of a request by the Secretary of the
Interior to the Secretary of the Treasury, an agreement has been
reached under which the Treasury Procurement Division of the
Treasury Department will undertake major repairs and reconstruction
of these buildings. Plans are nearing completion for the major
repair of government house and the administration building in St.
Thomas, and of government house in St. Croix. Plans are also in
preparation for the major repair of all other Federal buildings used
by the government of the Virgin Islands. Construction work will
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 15
be undertaken in the new fiscal year which will preserve and improve
these structures whose condition has not been satisfactory in
the past.
The Treasury Procurement Division has, during the year, completed
the Federal building at Charlotte Amalie which houses the
post office, the customs department, and the United States Public
Health Service. This handsome structure which is located on a
commanding site in Charlotte Amalie has won universal praise.
THE VIRGIN ISLANDS COOPERATIVE
The steady progress of the cooperative has continued during the
fiscal year under review. The organization has carried on entirely
on its own resources. Despite the fact that no financial aid has
been received from any Federal agency, it has been possible to
employ a greater number of people and give them increased
employment.
During the fiscal year 1937-38, 742 persons have worked for the
handcraft division of the cooperatives making .baskets, hats, and
other straw goods, sewing and embroidering linen, making dolls and
other novelties, making jams and preserves and a variety of other
hand-made articles. More than 200 persons are steady workers.
Nearly 100 have been on every weekly pay roll. The production
pay rolls for the year carried 8,287 persons for a total of $20,635.49,
as compared with 5,578 persons for a total of $14,386.78 for the fiscal
year 1936-37. Individual production has increased during the fiscal
year just closed over the average production per worker in past
years.
As a result of this increase in production, the cooperative has been
in a position to take better advantage of the increased tourist trade
that was experienced this year.
The export trade fell off slightly but mail-order business improved
so that the aggregate of sales to the United States still shows
an increase.
In August 1936, the workers received a 3 percent bonus on their
earnings for the fiscal year 1935-36. In December 1937 they received
a 2 percent bonus on the earnings of 1936-37. The decrease
in the percentage of bonus was due to the fact that since July 1,
1936, the organization has received no Federal aid and has been
carrying all its overhead expenses. It is expected that the board of
directors will find it possible to authorize a larger bonus for 1937-38.
The cabinet-makers cooperative operating as a subsidiary unit of
the Virgin Islands Cooperative have been active throughout the year
furnishing work for a number of young men and boys.
16 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
The rural division of the cooperative, known as the Rural Cooperative
Association, has also carried on successfully. This organization
now has 63 members including practically all the small
farmers of any importance.
In order to encourage more and better production of poultry for
which there is a great demand in this market, the Rural Cooperative
has established a demonstration poultry farm at the agricultural
experiment station at Lindbergh Bay. The farmer-members have
evinced much interest in the project and many of them are planning
to go in for poultry raising.
AGRICULTURAL STATION AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOL
Efforts have been concentrated in the latter part of the fiscal year
in the direction of extension work. In the past, extension work has
not been emphasized as forcibly as it might have been and a reorganization
is in process which should show definite and concrete results
in the improvement of agriculture in all its local phases. A definite
program of extension activities has been outlined for the new fiscal
year. In St. Thomas, bench-terracing is being experimented with
in the hope of inaugurating a system of constructive agriculture.
Although much has been accomplished by the vocational school in
formulating sound principles and practices, there was under consideration
at the end of the fiscal year a reorganization of vocationalschool
activities on a cooperative basis with the municipal department
of education to provide for the carrying on of academic work at
the Christiansted High School for the vocational-school students,
and agricultural and related courses at the vocational school for
the ninth, tenth and eleventh and twelfth grades of the high school.
This change is planned for the beginning of the new school year.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES
Education.—Unfortunately, nothing was accomplished during the
year on the two vital needs of educational activities, a revision of
the antiquated school law and preparation of new courses of study.
Marked interest has been displayed by the teachers in all facilities
for self-improvement in professional training. Many teachers attended
summer school at the University of Puerto Rico, some assisted
by funds appropriated by the municipal councils; and many
others pursued courses for professional advancement or secondary
credit in the Teachers Institute in Charlotte Amalie.
A Jeanes teacher came to the municipality of St. Thomas and
St. John during the year through the interest of Dr. Arthur D.
Wright of the Southern Education Foundation. The Jeanes program
was extended to this municipality but was somewhat retarded
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 17
due to the fact that the Jeanes teacher was required to supervise
elementary instruction. A rearrangement of personnel will eliminate
this factor in the new school year so that the Jeanes teacher may
direct her attention wholly to the education-in-living program which
has been highly successful in the municipality of St. Croix. Total
enrollment in all public schools was 3,374 as compared with 3,249
in the previous year.
Health and sanitation.—The general health of the communities
has been good and there were no epidemics. In St. Thomas nearly
1,500 school children were examined and treated for correction of
conditions other than malnutrition. The examination showed a
large percentage of malnutrition due to lack of proper and varied
diet. There was a severe outbreak of whooping cough in St. Thomas
late in the fiscal year.
The insanitary nightsoil removal service continues to be a potential
menace to the health of the islands. The abandonment of the
service by compulsory installation of sanitary automatic flushing
toilets would be a great aid in the prevention of infectious and contagious
diseases.
In St. Croix research work on elephantiasis was continued. Operating
and bandaging procedures were worked out. This work has
been so successful that the chief municipal physician was invited to
lecture on elephantiasis before the School of Tropical Medicine in
San Juan, P. R.
Inadequate funds have made it impossible, particularly in St.
Croix, to further improve and strengthen the medical services and
to do needed public-health work. There are needed in both municipalities
new, modern hospital buildings, with up-to-date equipment,
designed to fit the needs of the communities they serve. The present
hospital facilities, even though greatly improved in the past two
decades, have served their useful lives and must be replaced with
new and modern structures as soon as possible.
Welfare.—Tenant selections for the three housing projects of the
United States Housing Authority, viz., the 58-unit, 106-room, H. H.
Berg Homes at St. Thomas; the 38-unit, 70-room Bassin Triangle
at Christiansted, and the 30-unit, 54-room Marley Homes at Frederiksted,
greatly increased the volume of activities of the welfare
departments.
Mattress-making and sewing projects for women were conducted
from W. P. A. funds. The welfare departments also acted as employment
offices for the assignment of persons from the relief rolls
to work projects.
In St. Thomas, recreational activities have been sponsored on
public tennis courts and at a public beach house. A community
chest was organized.
18 REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
In St. Croix special emphasis was placed on pnblic-liealth nursing
service in the schools and in the homes of the underprivileged.
Public works.—The routine activities of the municipal public works
departments were accomplished without interruption of the public
services within the limitations of appropriated funds and available
transportation facilities. Important public works projects, such as
improvements to public highways, street improvements, repairs and
extensions of water and sewer systems were carried on from WPA
funds under the supervision of the public-works departments. These
are detailed elsewhere in this report.
Harbor.—814 ships with a gross tonnage of 3,239,975 entered the
harbor of St. Thomas. Of this number, 70, with a tonnage of
285,512, were Government ships and 744, with a tonnage of 2,954,463,
were merchant ships. This was the best shipping year of the port
of St. Thomas for the past 20 years.
Public libraries.—The three public libraries continued their contribution
to juvenile and adult improvement within the limitation
of the public appropriations for their support. The circulation in
the Frederiksted Library increased due to the addition of a children’s
room. The St. Thomas Public Library acquired through a private
subscription of funds a valuable collection of books, manuscripts, and
woodcuts of the late Dr. Charles Edwin Taylor, author of Leaflets of
the D. W. I.
Police and prison.—There has been in progress a decided effort
to improve law-enforcement activities. There were no unusual occurrences,
but the routine work of the departments has been increased
considerably as a result of new tax, automotive, and disease-control
legislation.
ADMINISTRATION OF UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION LAWS
Further studies of the immigration laws and of questions relating
to their application and enforcement in the Virgin Islands were made
by representatives of the State Department, the Labor Department,
and the Interior Department, due to the fact that deportation proceedings
conducted in accordance with the findings of earlier studies
were found to be legally defective. As a result of these studies, it
was held that the Immigration Act of 1917 applies to the Virgin
Islands and that the Labor Department is responsible for the administration
of the United States immigration laws in the Virgin Islands.
Procedures were worked out for the appointment of officers of
the government of the Virgin Islands as immigration officers who
will administer the immigration laws under the direction of the
Secretary of Labor. Many difficult problems of interpretation of
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 19
law and of its application to individual cases have arisen. Espe-
•cially difficult are the cases of persons who entered the Virgin Islands
prior to June 1925, when efforts were first made by the officers of
the government of the Virgin Islands to enforce the immigration
laws. In many of these cases there is no record of entry because
of the inadequacy of records.
The new procedures for the administration of the immigration laws
became operative on July 1, 1938, and have thrown a great additional
burden of responsibility upon the officers of the government of the
Virgin Islands. Request has been made for further assistance from
the Department of Labor to secure a determination as to the status
of the many persons who appear at the present time to be “hardship
cases.” The requirement contained in recent relief acts debarring
aliens from employment on relief projects has been rigorously enforced
with the result that, in many cases, all possibility of employment
has been denied to persons who were not even aware of the fact
that they had not acquired United States citizenship as a result of
various enactments by the Congress which accorded that status to
natives of the Virgin Islands.
CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
The outstanding achievement of the CCC was the completion of
drainage work at Frederiksted swamps, St. Croix. This area, which
was a breeding place for malaria mosquitoes, because of its situation
immediately adjacent to the town of Frederiksted, constituted a perennial
menace and on several occasions was responsible for malaria
epidemics of considerable proportions. Since the completion of
drainage work by the CCC, the malaria epidemic has subsided and
only a few sporadic cases developed during the year. All low-cost
housing projects were graded and landscaped with success. Bluebeard
Castle Hill was likewise graded and landscaped. A number
of afforestation projects were begun during the year by the CCC
organization including the planting of hardwood trees at Calabashboom,
St. John; planting of cocoanut palms at Sandy Point, St. Croix;
and the development of approximately 4,000 acres at the east end
of St. Croix as a mahogany forest.
The Civilian Conservation Corps likewise carried on a substantial
road program of which the St. Peters Mountain Road improvement
constitutes the most important achievement. This scenic drive is
being extended at the present time with a view to developing a circular
drive in an area whose scenic attractions are outstanding.
Much progress has been made in developing a farm-to-market road
linking the northside estates on which 70 families have been estab20
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
lishecl on small farms with the Bethlehem Sugar Factory in St.
Croix. Notable progress has been made in developing government
house gardens in St. Thomas.
At the request of the Secretary of the Interior, Mr. Frank H.
Knapp, of the Soil Conservation Service of the Department of Agriculture,
made a study and report on the possibilities of water conservation
with special reference to conservation work which might be
carried on by the Civilian Conservation Corps organization. Mr.
Knapp prepared an excellent report in which numerous helpful recommendations
were made which will be used as a guide for the future
activities of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
During the year a side camp was established in the island of St.
John where there are now 26 persons enrolled in the senior camp.
The senior camp in St. Thomas has maintained an enrollment of
approximately 75 persons, and the junior camps in St. Thomas and
St. Croix have maintained their authorized enrollment of 100 men
each. In the next fiscal year it is proposed to increase the enrollment
of the St. Croix Camp from 100 to 150 men.
CONCLUSION
The unexpected and unfortunately prolonged delay in securing
relief allotments after the conclusion of the 1937-38 work-relief program
on June 30, 1938, has revealed the great dependence of the
Virgin Islands on the aid given them from this source. This is especially
true in St. Croix where the program of economic rehabilitation
was dealt a severe blow by drought and low sugar prices.
The sugar business is in serious jeopardy and must be reorganized
if it is to survive in the island of St. Croix. Definite measures must
be taken promptly to relieve that business of the special disabilities
imposed on it and to modify the basis on which it has been organized
in the past.
The cattle business must be assisted to prevent the loss of its only
market. A change in the type of animal produced must be effected,
a tick-eradication program must be carried through to a successful
conclusion, and better marketing facilities must be developed if the
great potentialities of this business in the Virgin Islands are to be
fully realized.
The harbor of St. Thomas must be improved in order to maintain
its present outstanding position in the Caribbean area. Continued
emphasis must be given to the development of the tourist trade which
has proved to be an important factor in the economic rehabilitation
of the island of St. Thomas. Great fear has been expressed locally
that the enforcement of the immigration laws and the navigation
laws will hinder the shipping business of the island of St. Thomas.
REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS 21
It cannot be determined at this time whether or not this apprehension
is well-founded. Some adjustments will undoubtedly have to
be made and some loss of shipping business may finally result.
Although much progress can be recorded in the improvement of
the basic services in both the municipalities of the Virgin Islands,
there is, at the same time, obvious need for substantial improvements.
One of the outstanding needs of the municipalities is the reconstruction
and improvement of the municipal hospitals. It is imperative
that means be found in the very near future to carry through a program
of hospital construction so that the steady improvement of the
medical service in the Virgin Islands which has been characteristic
during the past generation may be continued.
Respectfully submitted.
Law re nc e W. Cra mer , Governor.
o

THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO
HONORABLE
BLANTON WINSHIP
1938

TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Test of Repo rt . j»age
Agriculture_____________ 18-22
Acetone_____________ 19
Bird life protective laws----------------------- 21
Bovine tuberculosis_____________________________________ 21
Butyl alcohol------------------------------------------------- „--------------- 19
Cattle tick eradication campaign__
Coconuts------------------------------------
Coffee__________________________
Cooperatives____________________
Cotton, Sea-Island-----------------------
Federal agencies’ activities________
Fresh water fish________________
Fruit juices____________________
Grape fruit_____________________
Molasses________________________
Pinneappies_____________________
Reforestation___________________
Rice mill____________________ __
Sugar__________________________
Tobacco____________________ _ _
Vegetables________ Z_____________
Air service__________________________
Banks and Banking__________________
Building boom______________________
Civil Service Commission______________
Conclusion__________________________
Corporations and Cooperative Associations.
Dry dock------------------------- ----------- ----
Education_______ ___________________
Adult and adolescent education_____
Enrollment _____________________
Federal aid________________ _____
Handicraft exchange______________
Program ®f school construction_____
Reorganization of school system____
Teaching of English______________
Vocational education______________
Federal' Agencies_____________________
Finances, Insular_____________________
Bonded indebtedness______________
Economic conditions, general_______
General fund________ ,___________
Trust funds__ _______________
- 20-21
20
. 18,20
19
. 18,19
. 20,21
. 21-22
18
19
19
19
20
19
18
18, 19
19-20
9, 26
16-17
9
43-44
50-51
24
9
37-38
38
37, 38
37, 38
38
38
38
37-38
38
44-50
11-15
14-15
7
11-13
13-14
1
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Text of Report —Continued. Page
Finances, Municipal___________.-------------------------------------------- 15-16
Cash_________________________________________________ 15-16
General fund __________________________________________ 15
Indebtedness_ _______ 16
Receipts and disbursements_____________________________ 15
School funds------------------------------ 15
Health_____________________________________________________33-35
Antituberculosis campaign--------------------------------------------------33-34
District hospitals________________ 33
! '• Federal aid-------------------------------------------------------------------- 33
i Institute for Blind Children---------------------------------------------- 33
Insular Home for Boys__________________________________ 33
Malaria control------------------------------------------------------------- 34
Milk stations__________________________________________ 34
Public health units--------------------------------------------------------- 33
Vital statistics__________________________________________ 34-35
Insurance_ ___________________ 17-18
Introduction----------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Justice-------------------------------------------------- 35-36
District Courts---------------------------------------------------------------- 35-36
I , Justice of the Peace Courts---------------------------------------------- 36
Municipal Courts------------------------------------------------------------ 36
“Quo Warranto” proceeding before Supreme Court of Puerto
Rico against Rubert Hermanos, Inc_____________________ 35
Supreme Court-------------------------------------------------------------- 35
Labor---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26-28
Collective agreement------------------------------------------------------- 27
Crop diversification--------------------------------------------------------- 28
Disputes----------------------------------------------------------------------- 27
Farms for laborers--------------------------------------------------------- 28
Federal Wages and Hours Law----------------------------------------- 28
Industrial safety survey------------------------------------------------- 1 27
Longshoremen strike------------------------------------------------------- 8, 27
Minimum Wage Act------------------------------------------------------- 27
Minors_________________________________________________ 27-28
Social and labor legislation--------------------------------------------- 8, 28
Wage betterment_____________________________________ 8, 26-27
Workmen’s settlements--------—-------------- - ------------------------- 28
Legislation--------------------------------------------------------------------------10-11
Maneuvers, air, naval and military, in Puerto Rico--------------------- 10
National defense, Puerto Rico in-------------------------------------------- 9 -10
National Guard------------------------------------------------------------------- 42
Pier, new, for heavy-tonnage passenger ships--------------------------- 9
Police and Crime___________________________________________ 36
Federal cooperation------------------------------------------------------- 7-8, 36
Felonies_______________________________________________ 36
Law observance------------------------- —--------------------------------- 7
Police force increased------------------------------------------------------ 36
Quarters______________________________________________ 36
Training___ _____________ 7-8,36
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
I. Text of Report —Continued. Page
Public Service Commission___________________________________ 32-33
Arecibo Harbor--------------------------------------------------------------- 32-33
Rate reductions, electric energy-------------------------------------- 32
Rio Piedras-Caguas railroad_____________________________ 32
Sewer systems--------------------------------------------------------------- 32
Waterworks systems_ —___________________ 32
Public Works------------------------------------------------------------------- 9, 30-32
Fajardo, Guayama and Guayanilla harbors________________ 31
Federal aid-------------------------------------------------------------- 30, 31, 32
Harbors and docks---------------------------------------------------------- 30-31
Isabela Irrigation Service------------------------------------------------ 31
Municipal works------------------------------------------------------------ 30
Ponce harbor---------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Public buildings------------------------------------------------------------- 9, 30
Puerto Rico Irrigation Service and Utilization of the Water
Resources---------------------------------------------------------------------31-32
Garzas and Dos Bocas Hydroelectric Projects____________ 31
Loan from Public Works Administration--------------------------31-32
Operation---------------------------------------------------------------- 31
Revenues-------------------------------------------------- 32
Restoration of ancient churches, forts, walls, etc____________ 9
Roads and bridges---------------------------------------------------------- 9; 30
San Juan harbor------------------------------------------------------------ 31
Sewerage systems------------------------------------------- 30, 32
Waterworks systems---------------------------- 30, 32
Puerto Rico in National defense_____________________________ 9-10
School of Tropical Medicine_________________ ________________ 41-42
■Sports-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 43
Tourism________________ 9; 24-26
Trade and Commerce---------------------------------------------------------- 8, 22-24
Exports and imports__________________________________ 8, 22-24
Exterior trade---------------------------------------------------------------8, 22-24
Sugar and rum------------------------------------------------------- 8, 9, 23 24
University of Puerto Rico____________ 38-41
Academic relations with North and South American Institutions 39-40
Enrollment_______________ 38-39
Expenditures----------------------------------------------------------------- 40-41
Library------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40
Molasses tax law------------------------------------------------------------ 39
Personnel___________________________ 39
Physical plant---------------------------------------------------------------- 40-41
Utilization of the Water Resources_____________________________31-32
War maneuvers____________________________________________ 10
Workmen’s Compensation Insurance____________________________28-30
Claims------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
Classification revised------------------------------------------------------- 29
Operation___ _____________________ 28
Premium rates-------------------------------------------------------------- 29
4 TABLE OF CONTENTS
II . TABLES AND EXHIBITS.
Gene ral — Exhibit Page
Personnel and changes in personnel of Insular Government
------------------------------------------------------ 1 55
Map, urban and rural population by municipalities,
1930______________________________________ 2 56’«
List of semi-independent or semi-governmental Boards
and Commissions--------------------------------------------- 3 57
Financ ial —
Balance Sheet--------------------------------------------------- 4 58
Liquidation of the general fund operations, 1937-38 5 59
Status of Insular Emergency Fund on June 30, 1938— 6 60
Consolidated Cash Statement, 1937-38--------------------- 7 61
Receipts and Disbursements, 1937-38---------------------- 8 62
Cash Receipts, 1937-38----------------------------------------- 9 63
Disbursements----------------------------------------------------- 10 64-66
Debt-incurring capacity of Insular Government-------- 11 67
Debt-incurring power of municipalities as of June 30,
1938; classification by municipalities------------------ 12 68—69
Liquidation of financial program, 1937-38--------------- 13 70
Property taxes outstanding on June 30, 1938 and
reasons why they are pending------------------------------ 14 70-a
Loans to municipalities as of June 30, 1938----------- 15 71
Property valuation and taxes, 1937-38------------------- 16 72—73
Income tax assessment, 1937-38---------------- ‘------------ 17 74
Internal-revenue stamp sales (Excise collections) 1937-
38; by months_______________________________ 18 74-a
Comparative statement of Internal-revenue stamp sales
(Excise collections) 1934-38, by sources-------------- 19 74-h
Outstanding indebtedness by municipalities as of June
30, 1938_____________________________________ 20 75
Balance Sheet, Isabela Irrigation Service, June 30,
1938______________________________________ 21 76-77
Isabela Irrigation Service—Hydroelectric System Annual
Output, Revenues and Maintenance Expenses— 22 78
Balance Sheet, P. R. Irrigation Service, Guayama,
June 30, 1938________________________________ 23 79
Balance Sheet, Utilization of the Water Resources,
1936-37 and 1937-38________________________ 24 80
Consolidated Balance Sheet, Utilization of the Water
Resources, as of June 30, 1938--------------------------- 25 81
Yearly production of Interconnected System—Utilization
of the Water Resources-------------------------- 26 82
Publi c Works —
Cost of road maintenance----------------------------------- 27 84-85
Map, roads and railroads----------------------------------- 28 86-a
Justice —
New Properties, sales, mortgages and cancellations,
1937-38 ___________________________________ 29 88-91
Properties recorded, their number, and amount of mortgages,
June 30, 1938__________________________ 30 92-93
TABLE OF CONTENTS 5
II. TABLES AND EXHIBITS—Continued.
. Agri cultu re — ' Exh ibi t Page
Sugar production (1828-1938)____________________ 31 94
Sugar production and exportation, 1901-1938_______ 32 95
Cane-sugar production as compared with that of the
world and Cuba, 1910-38____________________ 33 96
Sugar crop, 1929-38, and cane ground in 1938_____ 34 96-a
Tobacco production, acreage, yield and price, 1921-38_ 35 97
Coffee production, 1920-38_______________________ 36 98
Distribution of cultivated and non-cultivated area,
1938 ----------------------------------------------------------- 37 99
Value of sugar, tobacco, fruit and coffee exports,
1901-38 ------------------------------------------------------ 38 199
Trade and Commer ce —
Imports and exports of merchandise into and from
Puerto Rico, 1901-38__________________________ 39 404
Puerto Rico in the trade of the United States with
Latin America, calendar years 1934-1937________ 40 102
Puerto Rico in the exterior trade of the United States,
calendar years 1934-1937_____________________ 44 403
Table showing commerce between the United States
and off shore territories and dependencies________ 42 104
Annual trade balance of Puerto Rico, and share of
the United States in the commerce of the Island,
1901-38 ------------------------------------------------------ 43 105
Shipments of merchandise from Puerto Rico to the
United States, by articles, 1937-38______________ 44 106-109
Shipments of merchandise from the United States to
Puerto Rico, by articles, 1937-38_______________ 45 110-122
Exports to foreign countries, by articles, 1937-38___ 46 123-136
Imports from foreign countries, by articles, 1937-38 47 137-148
Sugar exports, 1901-1938________________________ 48 449
Coffee exports, 1901-1938________________________ 49 459
Coffee report, 1937-38___________________________ 59 454
Health and Vital Stati sti cs —
Expenditures of Health Department showing per capita
cost of important activities, 1931-1938_________ 51 452
Public Health Units in operation, and population
■ served by each, 1937-38_______________________ 52 153-154
Public Health Units ’ significant accomplishments,
1935-1938 --------------------------------------------------- 53 155
Cases from reportable diseases for the year 1937, by
months, and average cases for the five-year period
1932-1936 --------------------------------------------------- 54 156
Births and birth rates, 1935-1937_______________ 55 157-158
Deaths and death rates, 1935-1937_______________ 56 159-160
Population, distribution by age, sex and color, July
1, 1937---------------------------------------------------------- 57 46i
6 TABLE OF CONTENTS
II. TABLES AND EXHIBITS—Continued.
Labor — Exhibit Page
Average weekly wages, working hours and earnings of
laborers in various industries; number of employees
and of establishments inspected, 1937-38----------- 58 162-172
Education —
Classification of Schools, as to enrollment------------------ 59 173
Age-grade enrollment distribution (high schools)----- 60 173
Enrollment by grades since 1910 (day schools)-------- 61 174
Enrollment by grades-------------------------------------------- 62 175
Teaching positions------------------------------------------------ 63 176
Per capita expenditure of public schools--------------------- 64 177
Estimated value of school property--------------------------- 65 177
Miscellaneous —
Growth of the Civil Service------------------------------------- 66 177
New Industries exempt from taxes prior to 1937-38- 67 178-180
THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNOR
OF PUERTO RICO
LA FORTALEZA
San Jua n , Pue rt o Ric o ,
November 12, 193d.
The Hon or ab le
The Sec re ta ry of th e Int er io r ,
Washington, D. C.
Sir :
Pursuant to law, I have the honor to submit the following report
as Governor of Puerto Rico for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1938.
The financial position of the Insular Government, which was
excellent last year, showed further improvement this year. A
surplus of $23,816.36 was registered in the general fund, which
added to other resources reimbursable to this fund makes a total
of $305,236.36, and bonded indebtedness was reduced. The aggregate
cash balance of all funds on June 30, 1938, was $14,191,882.65.
This was an increase of $1,632,118.42, or 13 per cent over the similar
balance on June 30, 1937.
The general fund receipts including previous balance, were
$19,104,950.23 and disbursements $16,946,823.25, leaving a cash
balance of $2,158,126.98 at close of business on June 30. Total trust
fund receipts were $36,152,261.98, and disbursements $24,118,506.31,
leaving a balance of $12,033,755.67.
The balance and accruals in the reserve fund for emergencies
on June 30 were $3,898,334.83, of which $784,612.32 was cash.
All bonded obligations of The People of Puerto Rico were discharged
at maturity and the Insular Government’s credit continues
high. The total bonded indebtedness was $27,400,000 on June 30.
This is a reduction of $830,000 from last year.
The Island, as usual, suffered from no serious epidemics, and
our increasing facilities for the treatment or prevention of disease
have improved health conditions still further.
Law and order prevailed throughout the fiscal year. Our police
force is now trained along lines similar to those of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice, a course of instruc-
7
8 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
tion having been given by a Federal agent lent to Puerto Rico by
the Chief of Bureau, Mr. J. Edgar Hoover. It is to the credit of
the Insular Police and the character of the Puerto Rican people
that we have only one policeman for nearly 2,000 inhabitants, a
much lower ratio than in many metropolitan areas in the continental
United States.
The strike of stevedores and dock workers in January, although
prolonged by outside agitators, was gratifyingly free of violence.
After all other efforts toward settlement failed, the dispute was
submitted to an Arbitration Board composed of the Chief Justice
and an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and the Insular
Auditor. The award of the Board, increasing wages, was accepted
by all parties concerned and is to be in force until December 31,
1938. The strike had serious economic effects, but fortunately was
settled before the supply of foodstuffs on the Island was completely
exhausted.
Higher wages and shorter hours were introduced in several other
industries, and our Workmen’s Compensation Act and other acts to
improve the status of labor have operated with marked success.
Puerto Rico’s labor laws for some years have been materially in
advance of those of many states, and do credit to the legislatures
which have enacted them.
During the year there was a serious slump in business, due in
part to quota limitations on sugar, the consequences of which will
be registered in government receipts in the coming year as well as
in increased unemployment and demands for relief.
Our overseas trade, which in the preceding year totalled
$213,813,796, fell to $175,391,961, a drop of $38,421,835. Imports
totalled $93,314,783 and exports $82,077,178, resulting in an adverse
balance of trade for Puerto Rico for the first time in eight years.
According to the United States Department of Commerce figures
there was a decrease of 29 per cent in the value of the Island’s
shipments to the continental United States. A large amount of
this decrease is due to the drop in sugar shipments amounting to
38.8 per cent for unrefined sugar and to 26 per cent for all sugar
products. As this crop moves on a calendar year basis and shipments
during the first half of 1938 were lighter than in. the same
period of 1937, the shipments during the last half of 1938 will be
heavier than during the same period of the preceding year. There
was also a considerable decrease in the value of shipments of fruits,
tobacco and needlework products.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 9
The rum industry, on the other hand, showed a remarkable gain,
shipments being increased by more than 53 per cent.
The construction of roads, bridges, buildings, irrigation projects
and other public works financed with insular and federal funds
proceeded on a large scale and gave employment to many who
otherwise would have been an added burden on relief funds. It is
also gratifying to report that private construction, especially in the
vicinity of San Juan, has been carried on at a rate far higher than
in almost any comparable area under the American flag. A considerable
amount of private capital, which up to the last two or
three years would have been sent abroad, is now permanently
invested in real estate here, and more is being invested. Some
modern and much-needed apartment buildings which will serve for
tourist purposes have been completed or are now under construction,
as well as a large number of attractive private dwellings. The
building boom has now apparently stabilized into a condition of
steady and healthy growth.
Encouraging progress also has been made in the government’s
programme of attracting tourists to Puerto Rico and of developing
this activity into a new industry to offset in some degree the recessions
in other industries. The number of tourists from the continent
was this year approximately 300 per cent of the number in 1936,
and their expenditures in Puerto Rico have been very appreciable.
The improvement of our ‘harbors to accommodate the largest cruise
ships calling at West Indian or South American ports is proceeding
rapidly; a new passenger pier and a dry dock will soon make San
Juan a port second to none in the West Indies; and our air communications
have been increased to four planes weekly from Miami
in addition to the service already maintained with the West Indies
and South America. A direct air line between New York and
San Juan via Bermuda is also under consideration. Interest in
flying has developed greatly, and a considerable number of Puerto
Ricans now pilot their own planes.
The further beautification of the Island by large scale planting
of flowers, shrubs and trees in parks and along roadways as well as
on private property has been carried on throughout the year.
Ancient churches, forts, walls and other structures, most of which
are the oldest of their kind under the American flag, have been
restored, to become permanent memorials of the Island’s long and
interesting history and picturesque traditions.
From the viewpoint of national defense, the importance of
Puerto Rico as a potential base for the protection of the Panama
10 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Canal and the South Atlantic and Gulf states was demonstrated by
joint naval, military, and air maneuvers early this year. The 65th
Infantry and the two regiments of the Puerto Rico National Guard
participated in these exercises, their mission being the defense of
60 miles of the southern coast of the Island against a landing force.
The troops manifested the greatest enthusiasm in meeting the tactical
problems involved, and gained valuable experience in night operations
and in concealment from aerial reconnaissance and attack.
For the successful performance of such a defense mission, however,
it will be essential to increase the personnel of the Guard and create
additional units, including aviation and anti-aircraft artillery.
Legi sla ti on
The Second Regular Session of the Fourteenth Legislature elected
on November 3, 1936, convened on February 14, 1938.
On February 15th the Governor delivered in person to a joint
session his message urging legislative action to strengthen the judicial
system, to increase the police force, to stimulate agriculture and
commerce, to improve the law covering income tax and to expand
health and educational facilities.
This message was extended by the following special messages:
1. March 17th, recommending creation of a judicial council
to study the organization, rules and methods of procedure
and practice of the judicial system; specific amendments
to the code of criminal procedure and reorganization of
municipal courts.
2. March 21st, recommending more adequate laws for fiscal
affairs, public works and labor.
3. April 9th, presenting specific suggestions for reorganizing
the municipal system with a view to economy and
efficiency.
A total of 707 bills and 18 joint resolutions was passed by the
Legislature of which 325 bills and 7 joint resolutions were approved.
The more important legislation enacted follows:
Agriculture.—Several laws were passed to improve the condition
of coffee growers; others to facilitate the establishment and operation
of agricultural, cooperatives. Appropriations included $50,000
to promote fiber-weaving; $50,000 to establish two substations of
the Insular Experiment Station; and an increase from $18,000 to
$26,900 annually to cooperate with the Federal Experiment Station
at Mayaguez. A bill was passed authorizing the Commissioner of
Agriculture and Commerce to fumigate imported plantains, bananas,
etc.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 11
Education.—Appropriations of some $80,000 were made for new
buildings; and $100,000 for second unit rural schools. A levy of
% of a cent on each gallon of molasses was authorized, proceeds of
which are to accrue to the University. Another bill establishes the
permanent appointment of public school teachers after a specified
probation period.
Health and Charities.—Appropriations included $250,000 annually
to continue operation of the rural medical dispensaries now
operated by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration; $400,000
to equip four district hospitals; and $200,000 to create the Cancer
Institute. A measure was approved levying 14 of a cent per gallon
of molasses, proceeds of which are to be used to combat malaria
and hookworm and to furnish assistance to insolvent mothers and
abandoned children.
Labor.—The Law entitled “An Act to prevent and aid in the
settlement of strikes and lockouts” was amended so that it is now
more adequate. A measure was approved to diminish the cause of
labor disputes and to create the Labor Relations Board.
Police.—An appropriation was approved to provide pensions for
the widows of members killed on duty.
Public Works.—For construction or rebuilding of specified roads
$200,000 was appropriated. The sum of $100,000 was advanced
from general funds to construct a waterworks system for the town
of Cabo Rojo, the loan to be repaid from proceeds of the salt tax.
A bill authorizing a $1,000,000 bond issue to purchase the Rio
Blanco Hydroelectric Plant from the Porto Rico Railway, Light and
Power Company was approved; also a bond issue of $600,000 to
construct Pier No. 4 in San Juan Harbor. A municipal bond issue
of $450,000 was authorized to construct a wharf and carry out
certain improvements in Arecibo Harbor. The sum of $54,300 was
appropriated to cooperate with the War Department in the improvement
to Puerto Guayanes of Yabucoa.
General.—Three bills relative to Housing Projects were approved:
(a) “Housing Cooperation Law.”
(&) “Housing Authorities Law.”
(c) Authorizing municipalities to adopt ordinances for the
elimination of unfit dwellings.
Insu la r Fina nce s
General Fund.—The general fund, also called insular revenues,
consists of tax collections and other receivables, expressly available
to meet current expenses of the Insular Government. At the close
12 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
of business on June 30, 1938, it showed a balance of $2,158,126.98,
as follows:
Cash balance on June 30, 1937-----------------------------------------— $2, 683, 622. 94
Collections during the year:
Insular revenue receipts------------------------- $16, 380, 974. 83
Non-revenue receipts----------------------------40,352.46
--------------------- 16, 421, 327. 29
Total receipts________________________ ._________$19,104, 950. 23
Total disbursements during the year--------------------- 16, 946, 823. 25
Balance______________________ ,____________ ___ $2,158,126. 98
Final liquidation of the general fund operations resulted in a
surplus of cash resources over liabilities of $23,816.36, which, added
to other resources reimbursable to the general fund, makes a total
of $305,236.36. A condensed statement of these operations follows:
Cash balance on June 30, 1938--------------------------------------------- $2, 158, 126. 98
Appropriation liabilities-------------------------------- $19, 081,133.87
Net disbursements—
Cash payments---------------- $15, 560, 548. 04
Transfers to trust funds---- 1,386,275.21
--------------------- 16, 946, 823. 25
Appropriation liabilities carried over to fiscal year 1938-39------ 2,134, 310. 62
Excess of cash resources over appropriation liabilities--------------. $23, 816. 36
Other resources reimbursable to the general fund, to wit:
Advances to Isabela Irrigation Service-----------$203, 300. 00
Insular bond redemption fund---------------------- 72, 000. 00
Municipal bond redemption funds------------------ 6,120. 00
—-------------- 281, 420. 00
Total cash resources over liabilities--------- -------------- $305, 236. 36
Comparison of the financial conditions at the beginning and at
the end of the fiscal year 1937-38:
Cash balance July 1, 1937______ ______________$3, 046, 511. 19
Less: Appropriation liabilities carried forward
from previous years------------------------------------- 1, 967, 196. 72
Excess of resources over appropriation liabilities July 1, 1937__ $1, 079, 314. 47
Cash balance July 1, 1938-------------------------------$2, 439,' 546. 98
Less: Appropriation liabilities carried forward
from previous years____________ ________ 2,134, 310. 62
Excess of resources over appropriation liabilities July 1, 1938__
Retrogression during the year________________ —__
305, 236. 36
$774,078. 11
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 13
This retrogression is explained as follows:
Increase in appropriation liabilities.
Decrease in cash balance-------------
Decrease in accrued resources-------
__________ $167,113. 90
$525, 495. 96
81, 468. 25
---------------- 606, 964. 21
Total. $774, 078.11
Trust Funds.—The cash balance available in trust fund accounts
on June 30, 1938, was $12,033,755.67, as compared with a cash
balance of $9,876,140.79 on June 30, 1937. Net transfers from the
general fund to trust fund accounts aggregated $1,386,271.21 the
principal item being $975,085.62 transferred to the Reserve Fund for
Emergencies in accordance with Act No. 33 approved April 28, 1932.
Total trust fund disbursements for the year were $24,118,506.31, an
increase of $2,713,827.93 over disbursements in the preceding fiscal
year. Recapitulating:
Total trust fund receipts---------------------------- $36,152, 261. 98
Total trust fund disbursements------------------- 24, 118, 506. 31
Cash balance. $12, 033, 755. 67
Aggregate receipts, including cash balance on hand July 1, 1937
covered into all funds during the year 1937-38 were $53,269,937
exclusive of General Fund repayments to various appropriations
($2,584,052.85), transfer from the General Fund to trust funds
($1,987,275.21), transfers from Trust Funds to the General Fund
($601,000) and Municipal Bonds redeemed ($5,000), totalling
$5,177,328.06, according to the Auditor’s Annual Report dated
August 15, 1938. (See Exhibit No. 7.) This is an increase of
$5,295,695.35, or 11.30 per cent, over the similar figure for the
previous year. The aggregate cash balance of all funds on June
30, 1938, was $14,191,882.65, according to the Auditor’s report above
mentioned. This was an increase of $1,632,118.42, or 13 per cent,
over the similar balance on June 30, 1937.
A brief consolidated statement of the Insular Government’s total
income from all sources and total disbursements for all purposes
for the last fiscal year follows:
General Fund, balance on hand July 1, 1937________________ $2, 683, 622. 94
Trust Funds, balance on hand July 1, 1937-------------------------- 9, 876, 140. 79
General Fund, receipts during 1937-38______________________ 16, 421, 327. 29
Trust Funds, receipts during 1937—38______________________ 24, 288, 845. 98
Total revenues available during the year. $53, 269,937. 00
14 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
General Fund Repayments to various appropriations
_________________________________ $2, 584, 052. 85
Transfers from General Fund to Trust Funds__ 1, 987, 275. 21
Transfers from Trust Funds to General Fund__ 601, 000. 00
Municipal Bonds redeemed__________________ 5, 000. 00
$5,177, 328. 06
Total, all kind of receipts covered into Government
funds--------------------------------------------------------$58,447,265.06
General Fund, Disbursements during 1937-38________________ $20,136, 876.10
Trust Funds, Disbursements during 1937-38________________ 24,118, 506. 31
Total Disbursements during the year_____________ $44, 255, 382. 41
Bonded Indebtedness.—All bonded obligations of the People of
Puerto Rico were discharged at maturity during the fiscal year
and the Island’s credit continues high. Bonds amortized totalled
$1,405,000 while new bond issues amounted to $575,000. The total
bonded debt was $27,400,000 on June 30, 1938, a reduction of
$830,000 from the similar figure on June 30, 1937. Net interest
charges on the bonded indebtedness during the fiscal year were
$1,231,096.40.
A detailed statement of outstanding bonds follows:
Issues Amounts
Public Improvement Bonds....................................................................................................................
Guayama Irrigation Bonds.....................................................................................................................
Isabela Irrigation Bonds...........................................................................................................................
San Juan Harbor Improvement Bonds............................................................................................
Refunding Bonds of 1914.........................................................................................................................
Artisans and Laborers’ House Construction Bonds...................................................................
Homestead Bonds........................................................................................................................................
Floating Debt Funding Bonds.............................................................................................................
Consolidation Bonds of 1935...................................................................................................................
Workmen’s Relief Bonds.........................................................................................................................
Hydroelectric Bonds...................................................................................................................................
Electric Power Revenue Bonds............................................................................................................
P. R. 3^ Loan of 1937 (Isabela Irrigation Series C)..............................................................
P. R. 3$ Loan of 1938 (Public Hospital Charity Bonds)........................................................
$12,000,000
2, 895,000
3,975, 000
320, 000
250,000
500, 000
337,000
800,000
3,098,000
300,000
1,000, 000
1, 350,000
75,000
500,000
Total , $27,400,000
Total assessed valuation of real and personal property was
$302,680,620, an increase of $6,787,190 over the preceding year.
The average tax rate for the year was 2.2361 per hundred dollars,
or an increase of .0484 per cent over the average rate for the year
1936-37, which was 2.1877 per hundred. The borrowing capacity
of The People of Puerto Rico being equal to ten per cent of the
valuation of property, or $30,268,062, there is left a margin of
$2,868,620 for further needs before the bonding limit is reached.
The cash balance and accruals in the reserve fund for emergencies
on June 30, 1938, was $3,898,334.83 of which $784,612.32 is
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 15
cash. There is due $1,354,056.48 from the Isabela Irrigation fund.
This system, supposed to be self-liquidating like the similar system
in Guayama, the Porto Rico Irrigation Service, will not be selfsupporting
for some time. The People of Puerto Rico having
agreed to assume part of the debt of this project, advances from
the general fund will continue to grow until the Legislature enacts
means to meet this obligation. Subtracting one figure from the
other, as the first is to be considered a frozen asset, there is left
$2,544,278.35 readily available to meet emergencies. That the
progress in this respect may be appreciated suffice it to say that at
the time of the great storm of September 13, 1928 not a cent was
available for immediate relief.
Muni ci pal Fin an ce s
The property tax is the most important source of revenue of the
municipalities. Collections as reported by the 76 municipalities for
the year 1937-38 were $5,018,039.61 as compared with $5,125,452.74
for the preceding year, a decrease of $107,413.13.
The general fund.—Total estimated collections for the year 1937-
38 were $6,428,469.12, while actual collections were $3,509,004.48.
The decrease aggregates $2,922,618.78. This figure represents 45
per cent of the total resources accrued and available for collection
during the year. The number of municipalities reporting undercollections
was 75, or 11 more than the preceding year. The municipality
of Santa Isabel, the sole exception, reported an excess of
collections over estimates of $3,154.14.
School funds.-—Total estimated collections of school funds for the
year were $2,075,179.91 while actual collections were $1,075,528.48.
The difference, or the under-collections, was $1,001,722.03, or 48
per cent of the total amount of school funds accrued and available
for collection. Santa Isabel municipality, the sole exception, showed
collections over estimates of $2,070.60.
Receipts and disbursements.—Total receipts for the fiscal year
were $8,884,550.83 as compared with $9,008,674.68 in the preceding
year. Disbursements totalled $8,726,814.33 as compared with
$8,487,528.63 in the preceding year.
Cash.—The consolidated cash balance of all municipalities
amounted to $4,300,234.95 at the close of business on June 30, 1938,
represented by cash, bonds and deposits, loan funds and other
special funds. Of this cash balance, $108,739.22 pertains to the
16 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
general fund and $160,626.43 to school funds. These sums constitute
the only cash available to meet budgetary liabilities by all
municipalities.
Indebtedness.—The principal for all municipalities outstanding
on June 30, 1938, was $15,703,554.43; interest accrued and payable
was $27,019.35; total $15,730,573.78. The bonded indebtedness
represents $14,103,900 of the total. Twenty-two municipalities
borrowed $2,167,050.23 during the fiscal year.
The net debt-incurring margin of all municipalities amounted
to $5,959,960.08 on June 30, 1938, as compared with $4,894,867.68’
at the close of the previous year. This increase is due chiefly to
the greater property valuation, on which the debt-incurring power
is based, and to the amortization of a portion of the principal.
Twenty-two municipalities have exhausted their borrowing capacity,
having exceeded the 5 per cent limitation by $479,834.96 because
of indebtedness incurred before the latest amendment to the Organic
Act.
Ban ks an d Ban ki ng
The condition of local and foreign banks doing business in
Puerto Rico is satisfactory, and much progress has been achieved
in the last two years. Loans and investments continued to expand,
in 1938, marking a substantial improvement over the extreme postdepression
low of 1936, and deposits and cash on hand exceed those
of the prosperous years from 1925 to 1929.
A comparative statement of some of the assets and liabilities,
and of the number of checking and savings accounts for the last
two years follows:
Aggregate Deposits...................................................................
Loans..............................................................................................
Cheeking Accounts (not including Government
and Municipal Accounts)................................. ..
Savings Accounts (not including Municipal deposits)
Cash (U. S. Money only)....................................................
Bond and Stock Investments.............................................
Capital Paid-in (not including that of foreign banks)
Surplus...........................................................................................
Capital Notes and Debentures..........................................
Undivided Profits.....................................................................
Number of Cheeking Accounts..........................................
Number of Savings Accounts.............................................
June 30,
1937
June 30,
1938
Increase +
Decrease —
$59, 833, 399.38 $56,297,508.54 5.91% —
25,445, 377.01 30,852,310.06 21.25% +
19,708,106.74 17, 128, 752.93 13.09% —
17,971,016.90 16, 773, 946.71 6.66% —
6, 307, 448.54 6, 036, 075.98 4.30% —
2, 763, 697 04 2,689,087.86 2.70% —
2,935,667.00 2,986,432.94 1.73% -f-
704,780.26 774,939.47 10.00% +
450, 000.00 450,000.00 None
275, 666.99 380,366.57 37.98% 4-
18,965.00 19,245.00 1.48% 4-
50,186.00 50,459.00 0.54% 4-
The term Aggregate Deposits, as used in the preceding table, includes checking and savings:
accounts, time and demand certificates of deposit, certified checks, cashier’s cheeks, unpaid dividends
and federal, insular and municipal deposits.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 17
In connection with the general condition of business in recent
years, and especially since the end of the great depression of 1929
to 1933, it is interesting to record the changes in the most important
items of the banking business in Puerto Rico.
Insu ra nc e ;
Dates Aggregate
Deposits
Loans and
Investments
Cash on Hand
(U. S. Lawful
Money only)
June 30, 1934....................... $31,011,701.70
36, 421, 368.07
46,203,614.86
59,833, 399.38
56, 297, 508.54
$34, 814, 325.22
33,189,645.16
25, 996,756.33
28,209,074.05
33,541,397.92
$4, 394,544.52
4, 599,022.89
6,232,401.78
6,307,448.54
6,036, 075.98
June 30, 1935............................
June 30, 1936...................
June 30, 1937.....................
June 30, 1938..........
—
There were 50 insurance companies, 48 stock and 2 mutual (life),
authorized to carry on the insurance business in Puerto Rico on
June 30, 1938, of which 28 belong in the continental United States,
14 in Great Britain, 6 in Canada, 1 in France and 1 in Puerto Rico.
Premiums were $3,544,353.54 and losses paid $700,454.91, a decrease
of 0.17 per cent in premiums but a substantial decrease of 14.51
per cent in losses compared with the preceding year. While fire
insurance coverage increased 5.23 per cent, premiums declined 4.66
per cent compared with the preceding year. After a series of years
showing a high percentage of fire losses compared with premiums
received, this ratio was cut to 16.11 per cent in 1934, the lowest
percentage ever attained up to that time. It rose again to 19.14
per cent in 1935 and to 21.36 in 1936 but the calendar year 1937
shows the best figure, 10.31 per cent, ever reached by fire insurance
statistics in Puerto Rico.
Hurricane insurance rates remain prohibitive, a direct result of
losses in the great cyclone of 1932. Hurricane coverage was
$10,440,713 for 1937 or 82.22 per cent of the corresponding figure
for the preceding year, while 1937 premiums were 55.26 per cent
of those for 1936. Earthquake coverage was $13,621,293, or 94.49
per cent of the corresponding figure for the previous year. Losses
incurred and paid in 1937 amounted to $7,512.51.
Marine or ocean insurance written amounted to $78,388,350 as
compared with $67,107,020 for the previous year, an increase of
16.81 per cent. While there was an increase of 3.91 per cent in
premiums received during the calendar year of 1937, there was a
reduction of 81.88 per cent in losses incurred and of 80.72 per
cent in losses paid as compared with the 1936 figures.
18 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Life insurance made a notable gain in 1936 and a better one in
1937. Although the Volunteer State Life Insurance Company of
Chattanooga, Tennessee, made no annual report, maintaining that
as it has ceased to do new insurance business after October 31,
1936, it has no further obligations under our insurance laws, the
calendar year 1937 shows an increase of 7.07 per cent in policies in
force, 4.32 per cent in coverage in force and 4.05 in premiums
received.
A large volume of insurance is transacted directly from the North
by non-authorized carriers. This deprives the Insular treasury of
taxes on premiums paid. The National Association of Insurance
Commissioners has had the problem under study for some time,
and there is hope that a solution of the difficulty may be found.
Automobile accidents, injuries and instantaneous deaths in Puerto
Rico during the fiscal year 1937-38 were 105.09 per cent, 98.35
per cent and 76.77 per cent, respectively, of the 1936-1937 figures,
bringing the accident rate per one thousand persons from 2.48 in
1936-37 to 2.57 in 1937-1938; the injury rate from 1.91 to 1.85
and the death rate from 0.09 to 0.07. In other words, although
automobile accidents have increased, fewer persons have been injured
or killed.
Agr ic ul tu re
The business recession had an adverse effect upon agriculture.
Sugar-cane growth and processing were maintained to the limit of
quota allowance and this crop was, as in the past, the Island’s
chief product. Tobacco, coffee, fruit and sea island cotton encountered
marketing problems. Steps have been taken to improve the
condition of these crops.
During the year 1,074,683 tons of raw sugar were produced from
8,773,883.50 tons of cane, which is equivalent to a 12.25 per cent
yield. Refined sugar produced in Puerto Rico amounted to 99,959.56
tons. These figures reveal a slight quota advance over the previous
year. In maintaining the fertility of sugar-cane land, as well as
other agricultural soils, 135,370 tons of fertilizers were used, or
1,882 tons less than in the previous year.
The Division of Industries continued research in the industrial
use of agricultural products and the processing of raw materials.
A pilot plant is maintained where new processes are tested. Technical
assistance in overcoming difficulties in industrial processes is extended
to the public. Processes for the preservation of lemon, orange and
papaya juices have been perfected and are ready for commercial
application.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 19
At a cost of about $500,000 an industrial plant will soon be
established by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration at
Central Lafayette to produce butyl alcohol and acetone from black
strap molasses by a new process developed at the Insular Experiment
Station of Puerto Rico.
Through the Department of Agriculture the Government matches
money raised by farmers properly organized for the promotion of
better agricultural practices and diversification of crops. Tobacco
growers raised a fund for 53% acres of seedbeds which were planted
and supervised by experts. Forty-one million five hundred twentynine
thousand two hundred and fifty seedlings were distributed
among 815 members of the farm bureaus. The average cost of the
seedlings was $0.47 per thousand. A rice mill was established and
cooperatively operated; 61,888 pounds of grain were hulled for
422 farmers during the year.
The sea island cotton cooperative lost headway during the year
because of droughts and low prices. There were 637 members as
against 800 the year before, whose crop of raw cotton and cotton
seed produced $59,001.41. All cotton growers are members of this
cooperative.
The market for grapefruit was adversely affected by competition
of large crops in Florida and Texas. Total shipments consisted
of 146,009 boxes of fresh fruit and 5,754,067 pounds of canned.
Pineapples brought twenty cents less per crate than the previous
year but Puerto Rico supplied 51 per cent of the New York requirement
during the year.
In supplementing profitable crops for those adversely affected
by market fluctuations and quota restrictions, much attention has
been given to fresh vegetables. Leading in this division is cucumber
production. Of 82,989 containers of vegetables shipped to the States,
cucumbers account for 51,337. Shipments diminished in January
and February when the waterfront strike embargoed fresh vegetables
for a period of six weeks.
The production of minor crops is especially significant in the
local market. Stress is being laid upon the subsistence factor not
only in relation to the individual grower, but in increasing the
home production of food. The demand for some of these products,
notably plantains, yautias and corn was so great that up to June
30 last insular production had not relieved the Island of dependency
upon imports, although expenditures for such products from other
20 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
areas were relatively small. Increased production of minor crops
is advancing promisingly and as the area under cultivation increases
the cost to non-agricultural consumers is lowered.
Since June 30 last, however, such an exceptionally large crop of
plantains and yautias has been gathered as to necessitate requesting
the Federal Government to buy the local produce and discontinue
the large shipments of potatoes which were being made for relief
purposes.
Coconuts showed a drop from 442 to 402 carloads sold in New
York.
Coffee, on a major crop, continues to suffer from lack of markets.
The former market in Europe, lost by hurricane destruction of
groves and by overseas quota and bartering regulations, is as remote
as ever. Close supervision of coffee for market is maintained to
prevent adulteration and smuggling. Some coffee is finding its way
into the continental United States; but the bulk of production is
consumed in Puerto Rico.
Reforestation, which is of primary importance to the Island, is
making progress. This activity is conducted cooperatively by the
Insular Government, the Federal Forest Service and the Civilian
Conservation Corps. The area of Insular Forest Lands exceeds
37,000 acres but forestry service is not confined to management and
conservation of public lands. Seeds collected from various sources
amounted to 24,411 pounds including Honduras, Dominican and
Venezuelan mahogany, teak and many exotic species from South
America. The Insular nurseries have produced 7,238,360 trees at an
average cost of less than $5 a thousand. Most of these have been
distributed to farms, Federal Rehabilitation Projects and to National
and Insular forests. More than 2,000 acres of new lands were
planted in Insular forests this year, including 400 acres at Mona
Island.
The cattle tick eradication campaign has been continued. For
this purpose the Island has been divided into three zones. One
zone will be completely cleaned this season; systematic dipping will
be started this fall in the second zone and the following year the
third zone will be cleaned. While compulsory dipping was practiced
in the first zone last year, preparatory work was under way in the
second, where farmers were afforded facilities for voluntarily dipping
their cattle, horses and goats. Strict quarantine inspection service
is maintained at the borders of the western zone and animals may
be taken into the zone only after being certified. In the active
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 21
zone compulsory dipping every fourteen days is enforced. In the
first zone 116,000 cattle, 18,700 mules and horses and 35,000 sheep
and goats were dipped.
The interests of science and the improvement of the natural
beauties and attractions of Puerto Rico are combined in bird and
wild life conservation. Puerto Rico has bird life protective laws
patterned after corresponding national legislation. These laws are
strictly enforced and the increase of the number of birds is already
noticeable.
Eradication of bovine tuberculosis is well advanced and the first
island-wide test will be completed this year. During the year
240,641 cattle from 35,711 herds were tested with 570 animals
returning positive reactions. With minor exceptions al] cattle in
Puerto Rico had been tested at the close of the fiscal year and the
few remaining localities will be covered before this report is
published.
Fresh water fish both for sportsmen and for the pan fisherman
have been planted in several streams with notable success. The
Insular Government maintains in Maricao a hatchery covering more
than two acres where fish are reared and later transferred to streams
throughout the Island. More than 200,00Q rainbow trout eggs in
a shipment of 250,000 received from the mainland were successfully
incubated. Similar good results have been obtained with live fish
shipments. Losses may be regarded as moderate when it is considered
that eight days elapsed between packing the shipments in
Washington, D.C., and their receipt in Puerto Rico.
As in previous years, rainbow trout fingerlings {Salmo irideus)
were artificially raised at the hatchery located at the Luquillo Unit
of the Caribbean National Forest. This project was carried on in
cooperation with the United States Forest Service. The Division of
Ornithology and Pisciculture paid for the fish food and for a permanent
employee who was in charge of the care and feeding of the
fish while the forest service was in charge of all repairs at the hatchery
and provided for the manual labor needed to plant the fish.
Thirteen rivers were stocked with trout fingerlings during the
present fiscal year, 5102 trout having been planted in them.
For show purposes, a few fingerlings were kept in the different
pools of the hatchery.
At the beginning of the present year, an agreement was signed
by the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce and by the
Chief Supervisor of the Forest Service by which the Forest Service
will be in charge of the hatchery and the officials of the Division
22 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
of Ornithology and Pisciculture will be in charge of its technical
supervision. The hatchery will be used only for show purposes for
visitors to Luquillo National Park. Trout fry raised at the Maricao
fish hatchery, however, will be taken yearly to plant the different
streams of the Luquillo National Forest. A few will be held in
the hatchery ponds for show purposes also.
Tra de and Commer ce
The overseas trade of Puerto Rico for the fiscal year was:
IMPORTS
From the United States From foreign countries Total
$84, 987, 994 $8, 326,789 $93,314, 783
EXPORTS
To the United States To foreign countries Total
$79,808,113 $2, 269, 065 $82, 077,178
In the previous fiscal year total imports from all countries were
$98,859,969, the decrease this year being $5,545,186 or 5.6 per cent.
Total exports to all countries were $114,953,827, the decrease this
year being $32,876,649 or 28.5 per cent. The excess of imports
over exports, the so-called unfavorable balance, amounted to
$11,237,605. From 1901 to the present, we have had unfavorable
balances only on six occasions.
Although imports in the fiscal year 1938 decreased $5,545,186 as
compared with 1937, they were the highest in value since 1930,
excepting 1937, which should not be included in the comparison
because in that year the influence of money spent by the Puerto
Rico Reconstruction Administration and other Federal agencies
was much greater than in 1938. Also we must consider the reduction
in price of some articles, among them dairy products, wheat
flour and cotton cloth.
As in the case of imports, moreover, the decrease in exports is
due in some instances to lower volume and in others to lower prices.
As in the past, the greatest part of Puerto Rico’s overseas trade
was absorbed by the continental United States. It amounted to
93.9 per cent last year.
Among imports from the United States, some of the main items
showing a decrease in the fiscal year 1938 as compared with the
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 23
previous year, were: cotton manufactures and semimanufactures,
$3,113,008; machinery and vehicles, $797,904; fertilizers and fertilizer
material, $364,723; rice, $234,840; meat products, $290,181;
dairy products, $158,986; cigarettes, $232,307; footwear, $19,821.
Items showing an increase included: cement, $264,939; iron
and steel bars, $119,823; canned vegetables, $52,774; fish, $25,429.
As compared with last year, the decrease in exports to the mainland
for the fiscal year 1938 of the most important items was:
centrifugal sugar, $19,770,826; refined sugar, $1,474,447; cotton
needlework, $8,949,118; coffee, $1,032,408; stemmed leaf tobacco,
$748,394; pineapples fresh, $274,527; grapefruit fresh, $45,297.
The decrease of $32,876,649 or 29 per cent in exports in the
fiscal year 1938 as compared with 1937 is due chiefly to the decrease
of $21,245,273 in shipments of sugar. This is explained in part by
the facts that the shipping quota for 1938 was 809,649 short tons,
while in 1937 it was 831,508 short tons, and that prices were lower.
Also the statistics belong to fiscal years, whereas sugar shipments
should be figured on the basis of calendar years because the assigned
quotas are based upon calendar years. Analyzing the monthly
shipments of raw sugar to the United States, we reach the conclusion
that the total exportation of raw sugar in the calendar year
1938 will be about 100,000 tons less than in the calendar year 1937.
Referring to fiscal years, the decrease in 1938 was 204,068 tons
compared with 1937.
Among the many items of export to the continent, not more
than a dozen showed an increase, the most important being: rum,
$1,078,048; molasses, $65,935; silk manufactures, $87,651; hairnets,
$83,094; buttons, $58,940; bay rum, $5,266; raw cotton,
$4,123; perfumery, cosmetics and toilet preparations, $5,783.
There was no substantial change in trade with foreign countries,
which during the fiscal year 1937 amounted to: imports, $8,571,461;
exports, $2,096,078.
The coffee trade in 1937—1938 shows a heavy drop. Exports
decreased from 8,340,114 pounds valued at $1,169,684 in 1937 to
592,807 pounds valued at $110,987 in 1938. In terms of dollars,
never since 1872 has such a small quantity of coffee been exported.
In terms of pounds, only in the abnormal years of 1930, 1932 and
1933, which were affected by hurricanes, were the exports less than
in 1938; being in those years 433,901; 589,602 and 549,839 pounds
respectively.
The place occupied by Germany as our biggest coffee customer
in Europe from 1935 to 1937 was this year taken by Czechoslovakia.
24 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
In general the European market was very poor, the result of small
demand and trade restrictions.
Rum and liquor exports have increased rapidly. In the year
1936-1937, 458,389 gallons with a value of $2,028,231 were shipped
to the United States while in the last fiscal year similar exports
reached 694,216 gallons with a value of $3,106,279, increases of
235,827 gallons and $1,078,048 respectively.
The sale of cigar, cigarette, and tobacco excise tax stamps
amounted to $3,397,488.38 as against $2,659,673.66 the previous year,
an increase of $737,814.72. Electric power generated from January
to May 1938 amounted to 124,407,374 kilowatt hours as against
101,905,589 in the same period in 1937. Automobile records show
2,210 new passenger cars and 887 new trucks registered in 1938
as against 3,031 cars and 1,144 new trucks in the preceding year, a
decrease of 821 cars and 257 trucks.
Cor por at io ns an d Coo pera ti ve Associ at io ns
The number of domestic corporations registered in the office of
the Executive Secretary during the fiscal year 1937-38 was 67, or
6 less than the previous year. These corporations have an authorized
capital stock of $8,507,500, a paid in capital of $313,175 and
a capital subscribed for amounting to $60,643.
Twenty domestic corporations were dissolved.
Three foreign corporations qualified for business in Puerto Rico,
or four less than during the previous year. They were authorized
to issue stock of a par value aggregating $1,375,000. One is engaged
in the manufacture of wearing apparel; one is a mercantile corporation,
and the other was organized for the manufacture of insulating
material. Thirteen corporations of this type withdrew from the
Island during the year.
Seven cooperative associations of production and consumption
were registered; four agricultural; two mercantile and one to
engage in the manufacture of ceramic, clay and metal products.
Three associations were dissolved.
Two cooperative marketing associations were formed; one for
the marketing of agricultural products in general and the other of
vegetables. Five associations were dissolved.
Tou ri sm
The Institute of Tourism was created under Act No. 138, approved
May 15, 1937, to improve the economic conditions of Puerto Rico
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 25
by publicizing its agricultural and industrial products, its resorts
and attractions as a place for residence and travel.
Revenues from the special salt tax, available for the promotion
of tourism, amounted to $221,373.02, of which $151,130 were spent
during the year, leaving a balance of $70,243.02.
The Puerto Rican News Bureau, supplying American newspapers
with feature and picture material of Puerto Rico, was opened in
San Juan, as a branch office of the Institute of Tourism established
in Rockefeller Centre, New York City.
The number of visitors to Puerto Rico this year increased substantially
over that of last year, and was nearly 300 per cent of the
total for the year before. Not including the personnel of American
and foreign warships (11,918) who spent large sums of money in
port, 17,518 excursionists visited us, as compared with 11,810 (not
including 2,663 naval personnel) in 1936-37 and 6,027 in 1935-36.
These figures, however, do not represent the grand total of visitors
to Puerto Rico, but only those classified in the passenger lists as
“ cruise arrivals.” There is no means of estimating the number of
1 ‘ stay-overs ”, as the Immigration laws do not require American
citizens to state how long they plan to remain here.
Expenditures of “cruise passengers” in Puerto Rico are estimated
at $15 per visitor per day, (not including the expenditures
of “stay-overs”). This is in addition to the income directly derived
from passenger ships while in port through their purchases of water,
oil, groceries and other supplies. Total annual revenue is estimated
at half a million dollars.
Passenger traffic between New York and Puerto Rico, for the
last six months of the fiscal year, (January to June 1938) amounted
to 5,481. as compared with 3,355 during the same period from New
York to Havana, or a balance of 2,126 passengers in favor of Puerto
Rico. Puerto Rico occupied second place in relation to outbound
passenger traffic from New York for this period, as compared with
Havana, Bermuda, Nassau and other Latin American ports. Fifteen
tourists ships, representing ten different steamship companies, carrying
“cruise” passengers only, called at San Juan, making a total
of thirty-eight visits. Passenger movement through the port of San
Juan totalled 44,700 individuals inbound and 49,945 outbound.
As a result of the publicity and advertising campaign, articles
and pictures about Puerto Rico appeared in nearly 2,000 daily and
weekly newspapers and magazines published overseas. This publicity
has been valued at many hundreds of thousands of dollars. The
26 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
advertising program covered fifteen different newspapers and magazines,
representing a total combined circulation of 4,914,057.
Transportation facilities during the year were improved when
the Grace Line included San Juan as a port of call in their
schedule—New York-South America. Their S-S “Santa Rosa’’,
“Santa Paula” and “Santa Elena” made a total of twenty-three
calls (northbound-southbound). The New York & Porto Rico
Steamship Company increased its passenger fleet by the addition of
the steamer “Puerto Rico”, especially built for the tourist trade,
she makes regular fortnightly calls at San Juan, Ponce and Mayaguez.
The “Ponce de Leon Carnival” was held under the auspices of
the Institute, with a record attendance. The Jeffra-Escobar Pugilistic
Bout was also arranged by the Institute and Sixto Escobar
regained his title as the World’s Bantam Weight Champion. In
cooperation with the local Chapter of the Reserve Officers’ Association
of the United States, Puerto Rico was selected as the site for
the celebration of the 1939 Annual Convention of the Reserve
Officers’ Association of the United States.
As an added attraction for tourists, the Institute is developing
Mona Island into a fisherman’s paradise. Several cabins, motor
boats, tackle equipment and a 4-passenger airplane, are at the service
of those who engage in this sport.
Accommodations for visitors in Puerto Rico include the Condado
Hotel, the Escambron Beach Club, Coamo Springs Hotel and others.
The Condado Hotel was remodeled and redecorated under the management
of the United Hotels Company of America, Inc. A new
hotel is being built at San Juan for occupancy next winter, and
several new apartment houses have been completed.
Pan-American airways added a plane to the Miami-San Juan
schedule. There are now four planes engaged in this service, or
the same number as are engaged in the service to and from New
York and other northern cities. The service to and from South
America was maintained as in the previous year.
Labo r
The trend in the continental United States toward higher wages
and shorter hours was reflected in Puerto Rico.
The general average wrnge for industrial workers rose from 13.4
to 15.7 cents per hour; that for commercial employees from 16.6
to 19.6.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 27
The betterment of the wage is due in a considerable degree to
the activities of the Mediation and Conciliation Commission, part
of the Department of Labor, a very efficient body created by the
Insular Legislature, also to a special arbitration board appointed
by the Governor which settled all differences between longshoremen
and the shipping interests. This award is to stand as a collective
agreement until December 31, 1938. The collective agreement between
the Sugar Producers Association and the Free Federation
of Workingmen also was renewed, with an increase of 5 per cent
to factory workers and 10 per cent to field workers, the same scale
being accepted by some “colonos” or independent producers. A
similar agreement was made in the tobacco industry, by which 8,000
women tobacco strippers received a wage increase of 25 per cent.
Wages remain low compared with continental scales; however,
the highest average in industry being 39.6 cents per hour and in
commerce 71.09, with rates of only a few cents an hour in some
unskilled occupations. Climatic conditions, it is true, make some
items of living cheaper for labor here than on the mainland. Price
indexes this year show no appreciable change in the cost of rice,
beans and codfish, the three staples of the laborer’s diet.
The Department of Labor increased its efforts to mediate labor
disputes and enforce labor laws. In addition to the longshoremen’s
strike, it intervened in 43 strikes or disagreements involving 14,755
workers. The women’s minimum wage law of 1919 (revived last
year after the United States Supreme Court sustained the Washington
minimum wage law) was found to have been violated in 104 establishments
out of 641 investigated. Adjustments of $17,027.04 in all
classes of labor claims were obtained for employees by the Department.
An industrial safety survey was carried out from August, 1937
to March, 1938 in 460 plants (not including sugar centrals), and
745 hazards to labor reported, with corresponding recommendations
for their correction. The 42 sugar centrals of the Island were
inspected twice during the year, marked improvement in the elimination
of hazards being found in all but five. No objections were
urged against suggestions as to proper compliance, in fact many
inquiries were made in that connection.
During the year, 968 minors made application for working permits
or “age over 18” certificates, which with 210 applications
pending from 1936-37 made a total of 1,178. Of these 571 were
granted. As a result of interviews by Department personnel with
employers of women and children, conditions in work rooms have
28 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
shown improvement. At the time of the signing of this report all
child labor permits in cases under 18 years of age had been cancelled.
An appropriation of $200,000 in two years was authorized by
the Legislature to acquire lands for farms for laborers. There was
no new construction of low-rental houses for laborers under the
Insular Government’s Homestead Plan, as no funds were appropriated.
Upon final payments made on contracts for lots and houses
in the Workmen’s Settlements of San Juan, Nueva Caparra and
Arecibo, 79 certificates of ownership were granted, an increase of
13 over last year. Rentals of $29,391.48 also were collected, the
highest in four years.
Puerto Rico continues in advance of many parts of the continental
United States in enacting social and labor legislation, such
as a minimum wage law, compulsory workmen’s accident compensation,
an eight hour day, collective bargaining, and mediation and
arbitration of industrial disputes. Yet labor’s problem is most
difficult. The quota limitations on sugar production are a serious
factor in unemployment. The pending application of the Federal
Wages and Hours Law to the needlework and other industries will
inevitably close many establishments and cause the total or partial
unemployment of more than 100,000 workers, with dependents of
not less than 500,000 people. Meanwhile our population is increasing
at the rate of 40,000 annually. Further industrialization and crop
diversification will doubtless afford considerable relief, and it is
hoped that tourism may be developed into a rna^or enterprise and
source of income to Puerto Rico.
Wor kmen ’s Compe nsa ti on Insu ra nc e
June 30, 1938 marked the close of the third year of operation
of the exclusive State Insurance Fund under the Workmen’s Accident
Compensation Insurance Act. Results fully justify the good opinion
expressed in previous reports of the efficacy of this service.
Not until now has it been possible to compare the first year of
operation with the succeeding one, as the nature of this insurance
requires a year’s perspective to judge the results of the preceding
policy year. The comparison shows a decided trend for the better,
the State Fund having a net increase of income over expense of
12.10 per cent, or $147,952.
The General Fund for 1935-36 shows a net deficit of $132,042.28,
while the policy year 1936-37 dosed with a surplus of $16,645.46.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 29
The deficit for 1935-36, and surplus for the following year, are
subject to decrease and increase, respectively, upon the release of
contingency reserves.
Outstanding claims make specific data unavailable for 1937-38,
but the outlook is for a substantial increase in surplus for that year,
which will materially decrease the deficit of 1935-36 if pending
litigation is favorable.
Pay roll exposure increased by 14 per cent in 1936-37, rising
from about $52,000,000 to about $59,000,000. Premiums assessed increased
by more than 18 per cent, being $1,578,328.50 in 1936-37.
Yet total cost increased by only 7.5 per cent for the two years.
The rate of administrative expense has gradually decreased since
the inception of the Fund, being 12.29 per cent in 1935-36, 11.61
per cent in 1936-37 and 9.85 per cent in 1937-38. Pay roll auditing,
to determine the authenticity of data upon which premiums are
based, has substantially raised the income of the Fund, making
possible an increase in premium revenue of $219,782.88 for the three
years.
This 1937-38 increase is equal to about one-half of the administrative
cost of the Fund for the same year. The expense of obtaining
such increases is so low that for every dollar expended, more
than four dollars are assessed.
In 1936-37, $1,327,559.37 were expended for compensation and
medical care of injured workmen; $817,086.14 for wage loss and
other compensation, and $510,473.23 for medical care. The ratio
of the latter item to the total spent compares favorably with that
of states on the continent which enjoy the advantages of long established
workmen’s compensation systems, and which do not have to
treat farm labor in isolated regions.
As of June 30, 1938, 160,888 claims were registered by the State
Fund during its three years of existence. Money and medical
benefits were rendered to 98,970, or 61.5 per cent, while 61,918, or
38.5 per cent, received medical benefits alone. Only 3,422 claims
were pending settlement. Of all claims receiving money and medical
benefits, 291 were death claims, 5,002 were classified as permanent
partial, and the rest as temporary total.
During the annual revision of premium rates, required by law,
the Manager of the Fund found it necessary to increase the rates
for 1937-38. Increases were made in 82 out of 233 classifications,
with the advice of the consulting actuaries.
Certain employers challenged the increase before the Industrial
Commission, which sustained their contention and ordered a decrease
30 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
from the figure fixed by the Manager on recommendation of the
actuaries. The Manager appealed to the Supreme Court of Puerto
Rico, where the case is pending.
Pub li c Wor ks
The total amount disbursed, by vouchers and pay rolls for construction
and maintenance of public works was $5,377,768.24, in
the fiscal year, an increase of $2,256,391.26 over the previous year.
Roads and Bridges.—During the year $904,518.95 were spent for
the maintenance of insular roads and bridges, including $17,875.57
for the widening of curves and $17,588.92 for the transportation,
planting and care of trees.
Contracts have been let for the construction of 32.1 kilometers
of insular highways at a cost of $861,974.46; 35.9 kilometers of
secondary or municipal roads at a cost of $327,051.14; 127.5 meters
of bridges at a cost of $165,089.80; and for the elimination of two
grade crossings at a cost of $55,031.00.
During the year 15.93 kilometers of insular roads were graded
and 15.69 kilometers paved at a cost of $643,234.43; 8.8 kilometers
of secondary or municipal roads graded and 27.96 kilometers paved
at a cost of $290,020.61; 77.5 meters of bridges built at a cost of
$11,040.28, and grade crossings eliminated at a cost of $37,641.02.
On June 30, 1938, a total of 1,895.81 kilometers of insular roads
and 298.17 kilometers of secondary roads had been completed, including
275 kilometers constructed by the Spanish government.
Municipal Works.—Twenty-five contracts were let at a total estimated
cost of $602,780, for municipal works comprising improvement
and extension of water supply systems, sewerage systems,
street paving and improvements to bulkheads.
Public Buildings.—The Insular Government owns public buildings
valued at $7,303,000, for the maintenance and repair of which
the Department had available $85,000 during the fiscal year.
Contracts were let for the construction of new insular and municipal
buildings at a cost of $1,304,534.95.
In cooperation with the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration
$69,691.09 were spent to repair school buildings.
Harbors and Bocks.—Collections made by the Bureau of Harbors
and Docks of dues paid by incoming ships and cargo, totalled
$102,996.89; and of that amount, $55,338.47 were collected at San
Juan.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 31
San Juan Harbor.—At the end of this fiscal year all local requirements
for the improvement of San Juan harbor had been met, and
work as recommended by the Secretary of War (House Document
No. 38—74th Congress, 1st Session) will commence within a few'
months.
Ponce Harbor.—During the year $129,000 have been spent on
the improvement of this harbor.
Fajardo, Guayama and Guayanilla Harbors.—Survey of these
harbors has been authorized. The District Engineer, North Atlantic
Division, held hearings at Fajardo, Guayama and Guayanilla, on
January 18, 19 and 20, 1938, respectively.
Isabela Irrigation Service.—The amount collected from sales of
electric energy, sales of water, assessments of water taxes and small
miscellaneous revenues was $147,141.02. Sales of water amounted
to $20,555.86, which compares satisfactorily with sales in the previous
year. Sales of electric energy amounted to $116,166.27, an increase
of $9,841.15 over last year. The amount disbursed for operation
of the entire project was $110,636.31.
Puerto Rico Irrigation Service and Utilization of the Water
Resources.—The Insular Government’s hydroelectric undertaking
known as Utilization of the Water Resources which started some
twenty years ago as a by-product of irrigation, and which has
proved entirely self-supporting, has grown to such proportions and
its service is so widely used that means to finance new projects
have become imperative.
The progress of the undertaking is shown by the fact that in
twenty years its electrical production has grown from three and
one quarter million kilowatt-hours to approximately fifty-five and
one quarter million kilowatt-hours.
For the Ponce District alone, total sales were slightly more than
$335,000 as compared with the rate of $300,000 a year at which
sales were made during the month of June, 1937, an increase of
11.7 per cent.
This was the first full year of operation in the Ponce District
and it is gratifying to report that it has been entirely successful.
In new construction, the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration
continued work on the Garzas and Dos Bocas Hydroelectric
Projects, at a cost of approximately $1,850,000. This brought these
two projects to about 50 per cent completion. The outlook is not
bright at present for obtaining additional grants from the Puerto
Rico Reconstruction Administration. An application for a loan
32 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
from the Public Works Administration for the Garzas Project was
filed on August 3, 1938.
Construction of rural lines was continued but on a relatively
small scale as compared with the innumerable requests for rural
electric service.
Revenues from the sales of electric power during the fiscal year
totalled $977,000. Certain discounts are made for prompt payment.
Publ ic Ser vi ce Commi ssio n
Additional rate reductions were authorized during the year by
the Commission in cases affecting electric utilities in the western
and northwestern extremity of the Island. On the basis of sales at
the time of their approval, it is estimated that benefits to rate payers
have exceeded $59,400 per year. The reductions apply to residential
and commercial customers, including municipal lighting of streets
and, to a lesser degree, industrial customers.
Federal financial aid has enabled several municipalities to construct,
extend, or improve their municipally owned waterworks
systems. Thus, in the towns of Aguada and Vega Baja new waterworks
were constructed, while extensions and improvements were
made to the systems of Aguadilla, Aibonito, Coamo, Fajardo,
Guayama, Lares, Mayaguez, Morovis, Ponce, and Santa Isabel.
For the water supply of the Capital, San Juan, the Commission
granted a franchise authorizing the municipality to take, at the
confluence of the Bayamon and Guaynabo rivers, eight million
gallons of water per day. Construction will be financed with funds
from the Public Works Administration.
To date forty municipalities have installed sewerage systems. In
this total the Juana Diaz sewerage system, completed last year, is
included. The town of Morovis has a system under construction.
A substantial loan has been obtained by San Juan from the
Public Works Administration to carry out extensions in its sewerage
system in Santurce.
A petition by the Porto Rico Railway Light & Power Company,
owner of the Rio Piedras-Caguas Railroad, for authority to discontinue
steam railroad service between Caguas and Rio Piedras because
of continued losses for a long period, was granted.
Franchises and properties of the Arecibo Dock & Shipping Company,
Inc., will be acquired in the coming year by the Arecibo
Harbor Authority, created under Act No. 140 of May 6, 1938.
Appraisal of the Arecibo Dock & Shipping Company, Inc., at
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 33
$40,000, has been made and it remains for the parties to appear
before the Commission to obtain authorization for transfer of the
franchises.
Hea lth
The outstanding achievement in the field of public-health this
year was the extension, after twelve years of endeavor, of health
services to every municipality in the Island. Twenty-four new
buildings, made possible by grants from the Federal Government,
have been completed and occupied by health units in twenty-three
municipalities. These buildings have not only improved conditions
under which the work is done but will mean a substantial saving in
rentals, which may now be used for further expansion of the service.
Four District General Hospitals, with a capacity of three hundred
beds each, made possible by Charity Hospitals Act No. 29 of 1935,
and the grant of $431,500 by the Federal Government, are under
construction. Plans for their equipment and operation have been
prepared and it is expected that they will be in use next year. The
opening of these hospitals should greatly improve the medical service'
now available to the low income group which comprises the largest
part of the population.
New buildings are being constructed for the Insular Home for
Boys on the one hundred acre farm purchased last year for this
purpose and it is expected that they will be occupied next year.
It is planned to convert this institution into a modern vocational
center where intensive training in agriculture and the manual arts
may be given. An additional building at the Institute for Blind
Children in Santurce has been completed. This is to be used as a
dormitory for the girl inmates and was badly needed not only for
the proper separation of the blind boys and girls but also to end
overcrowding.
The antituberculosis work of the last four years has been continued
with satisfactory results. The death rate from this disease,
337.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 1933 has dropped to 287.1 per
100,000 inhabitants in 1937, the lowest in five years. In the nine
antituberculosis centers 47,744 persons were examined this year, of
whom 5,772 were found infected, and 3,712 patients were treated
with artificial pneumothorax. Fifty-one thousand three hundred
twenty-five fluoroscopic examinations and 20,825 X-ray pictures
of the chest were made in these centers which added to 10,642
fluoroscopic examinations and 7,017 X-ray plates made in the four
tuberculosis hospitals gives a total of 61,967 fluoroscopies and 27,842
34 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
X-ray plates made this year. There were also 70,903 sputum
analyses during this period. In the four tuberculosis hospitals
4,764 patients were cared for; 2,408 patients were admitted and
2,356 were discharged, the average stay of each new case being
five months. Efforts to increase the number of cases reached by
this service are being made and the advisability of giving artificial
pneumothorax in the public-health units is being studied.
Malaria remains a major public-health problem. Because of
limited funds it has not been possible to carry out permanent
mosquito control measures on a sufficiently large scale to obtain
measurable results. Drug treatment of infected persons has been
the main reliance to check the spread of the disease and to ameliorate
somewhat the suffering of the coastal zone rural population, the
section most affected. The work against hookworm has continued
as in previous years, education and mass treatments being carried
out in the schools and in the public health units. The special inspectors
in charge of rural sanitation reported the constiuction of
2,590 new latrines and the repair of 2,480 old ones during the year.
A total of 220,838 persons were treated for hookworm and 33,035
ior malaria in the public-health units.
Sixty-five milk stations have been in operation during the year
as compared to 77 last year and 159 the previous year when Federal
funds were available. This service is of the greatest importance in
reducing infant mortality, its main purpose being to teach mothers
the basic principles of infant feeding and hygiene. It should be
extended.
The death rate for 1937 was 20.9 as compared to 20.5 for 1936.
It was lower in 1935 (18.4) and 1934 (19.2) and higher in 1933
(22.6) and 1932 (22.3). Large increases in the causes of death
were noted in pneumonia, which rose from 161.9 per 100,000 population
in 1936 to 187.8 in 1937; diarrhea and enteritis (2 years and
over), from 157.9 to 179.2; and bronchitis, from 35.5 to 51.8. On
the other hand, large decreases were registered in diarrhea and
enteritis (under two years) which dropped from 330.3 per 100,000
population in 1936 to 305.2 in 1937; tuberculosis, from 305.3 to
287.1; malaria, from 141.4 to 129.5; and influenza, from 47.7 to
28.3.
Tuberculosis, which dropped from first to second place among
causes of death last year (1936) when it was responsible for 14.9
per cent of all deaths as compared to 16 per cent in 1935, has again
decreased and, while remaining in second place, was responsible for
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 35
5,091 deaths or 13.7 per cent of the total deaths, with a rate of
287.1 per 100,000 population as compared with 305.3 for 1936.
Diarrhea and enteritis (under 2 years) continues to hold first place
as a cause of death, being responsible for 5,112 deaths, representing
14.6 per cent of all deaths, as compared with 5,606, or 16.1 per
cent of all, in 1936. The infant mortality rate for 1937 was 138.4
per 1,000 live births as compared with 127.3 for 1936. Diarrhea
and enteritis were the principal causes of death among infants,
(38.1 per cent).
In 1937, 70,174 births were registered, of which 67,919 occurred '
this year and 2,255, although registered in 1937, occurred in previous
years. The corresponding figures for 1936 were 85,137 registered
births of which 16,176 occurred in previous years and 68,962 in
that year. The recorded birth rate for the year 1937 was 38.3
per 1,000 estimated population as compared to 40.6, 40.4, 39.8, and
38 for the years 1936, 1935, 1934 and 1933, respectively.
Just ic e
At the close of the fiscal year 1936—37, 299 civil suits were
pending in which The People of Puerto Rico were either a party
or directly interested. In the fiscal year 1937-38, 261 new cases
were filed, making a total of 560 handled by the Department, excluding
those filed with the Referee in Bankruptcy.
During the year, the Department disposed of 242 cases, leaving
318 pending.
One of the most important cases was a “quo warranto” proceeding
before the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico against Rubert
Hermanos, Inc., for violation of the Joint Resolution of Congress
of March 1, 1900, limiting land holdings by corporations to 500
acres. Trial on the merits was held on March 7, 1938, and the
case at the end of the fiscal year was under the court’s consideration.
On June 30, 1937, 362 cases were pending in the Supreme Court
and during the fiscal year 1937-38, 897 new cases were brought
before it. In the same period, 805 cases were decided, leaving on
June 30, 1938, 454 cases pending.
The District Courts handled 14,857 civil cases and disposed of
6,365, leaving on June 30, 1938, 8,492 pending. Appeals were taken
in 240 cases. Fines and costs amounted to $57,008.42.
In criminal cases the District Courts had pending on June 30.
1937, 1,077 felony cases, of which 23 were reduced to misdemeanors,
and in the ensuing fiscal year, 1,692 new felony cases were presented,
36 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
making a total of 2,746 handled. By June 30, 1938, 1,531 cases
had been disposed of, leaving 1,215 pending.
Municipal courts handled 15,012 civil and 176,822 criminal cases.
On June 30, 1938, 7,482 civil and 22,460 criminal cases were
pending. Appeals were taken in 198 civil and in 3,013 criminal
cases. A total of $168,466 was collected as fees, costs and fines.
The 56 justice of the peace courts had 1,452 cases pending on
June 30, 1937. During the fiscal year 1937-38, 12,742 new cases
were filed, making 14,194 cases handled, of which 12,359 were
disposed of, leaving on June 30, 1938, 1,835 pending. These courts
spent $46,124.62 for salaries, materials and house rent, and collected
fines of $5,469.98.
Pol ic e an d Cri me
The Insular Police have maintained their high standards of
discipline and efficiency. The Legislature granted an increase of 36
men, so that the force now numbers 1,072 and costs The People of
Puerto Rico $1,266,809. As there are no municipal police on the
Island, this force is very small in proportion to the population
served.
In previous reports, attention has been called to the need of
better quarters for the police in most of the towns. This situation
is gradually being improved through the cooperation of the Puerto
Rico Reconstruction Administration. The force now has an adequate
building for the general headquarters in the Capital and ten new
concrete station houses in various municipalities, with plans under
way for several more.
Arrests this year totalled 164,103, an increase of 14,021 over the
previous year. The total number of arrests for felonies was 2,058,
an increase of 86 over the previous year. During the year there
were 155 murders and 113 voluntary homicides, as compared with
178 murders and 116 voluntary homicides for the previous year.
Training is carried on along lines similar to those of the Federal
Bureau of Investigation, Department of Justice of the United States,
an instructor having been obtained from that bureau through the
courtesy of its chief, Mr. J. Edgar Hoover. A large number of
members of the Insular Police are high school graduates, and many
have attended or been graduated from the University of Puerto Rico
or institutions of collegiate rank in the continental United States.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 37
Educ at io n
Increase in Enrollment.—At the end of the school year 1937-38,
the total enrollment in public schools was 278,265, an increase of
33,854 over last year. A supplementary appropriation of $1,150,000
chiefly for elementary education by the Insular Legislature of 1937
and Federal funds expended by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction
Administration made it possible to enroll the largest number of
pupils in Puerto Rico’s history, distributed as follows:
High Schools----------------------------------------------------- 12, 329
Elementary Urban Schools________________________ 114, 068
Elementary Rural Schools_________________________ 124, 699
Second Unit Rural Schools______________________ 11 164
Adult Schools__________________________________ 8 502
Adolescent Schools______________________________ 7 503
Total------------------------------------------------------ 278,265
Despite this record enrollment, approximately 55 per cent of our
children between the ages of 5 and 18 are unable to attend school
because of lack of facilities; in the rural zone, two out of every
three are not in school. To solve this problem a program of school
extension financed by Insular and Federal funds over a period of
years is essential.
Teaching of English.—A plan to intensify the teaching of English
was established in elementary schools, the results of which are to be
evaluated by a study of the reports of superintendents of schools
and supervisors. Following is a brief summary of the plan:
In the first and second grades, all subjects were taught in Spanish,
and forty-five minutes allotted for the teaching of English as a
subject. In the third and fourth grades, about two-thirds of the
time allotted to subject matter was given to instruction in Spanish,
about one-third to instruction in English, and sixty minutes were
allotted to the teaching of English as a subject. In the fifth and
sixth grades, one-half of the time devoted to instruction was in
English and one-half in Spanish; fifty minutes were allotted to the
teaching of English as a subject. In the seventh and eighth grades,
one of three alternatives was followed. First, one-third of the time
was devoted to instruction in Spanish and two-thirds to instruction
in English; second, subject matter was taught in English, allowing
ninety to one hundred minutes daily for Spanish; third, subject
matter was taught in English on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays,
and Spanish on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
38 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
An. extensive purchase of textbooks for English classes and for
subjects taught in English has been made and the number of special
English teachers increased.
Adult and Adolescent Education.—To provide opportunities for
adults and adolescents lacking a common-school education, special
schools have been established throughout the Island; 8,502 persons
were enrolled in the adult schools, and 7,503 in the adolescent schools,
with qualified teachers in charge.
Adult schools are of three types: Illiterate, English and special.
In the adolescent schools, classes were organized for those interested
in learning English or improving their command of the language,
and those wishing to complete any phase of elementary education.
Vocational Education.—Much time was devoted to preparing a
new plan of vocational education which was approved by the Federal
Office of Education at Washington, D. C. This program will cover
all fields, including the undeveloped field of Distributive Education.
Handicraft Exchange.—A spacious and attractive handicraft
exchange has been established on the ground floor of the Department
of Education building. Here native articles made by girls in the
rural schools are exhibited to the public and placed on sale.
Program of School Construction.—During the school year 1937-38,
275 buildings were added to the number available last year, an
increase of 479 rooms.
The Federal Government authorized the expenditure of $3,000,000
by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration for school buildings.
Of the original grant, $1,000,000 has been spent.
Reorganization of School System.—Reorganization of the school
system is the chief concern of the Department; detailed studies are
being made for the purpose of changing the traditional 8-4 school
system into a modified form of the 6-3-3 system. According to the
plan, the 8 years of graded studies in our elementary schools will
be reduced to 6. Instead of the junior high school, an organization
better adapted to our needs will be established, to be known as the
intermediate school. The last three years of secondary education
will follow more or less the lines of the present senior high school.
It is expected that the type of work offered to students will be more
practical and that enrollment will increase appreciably.
Uni ve rs it y of Pue rt o Ric o
Enrollment.—Total enrollment for the academic year in all departments
of the University was 5,389, an increase of 434 students,
or 8.7 per cent, over last year. This total was distributed as follows:
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 39
Colleges at Rio Piedras—Day Courses, 2,606 (including 9 graduate
students); Evening Courses, 354. Total, Rio Piedras, 2,960. College
of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Mayaguez—684. Extension
Courses—1,745. The total enrollment for the summer session of
1937 was 1,826, an increase of 188 students, or 11.5 per cent over
the preceding year. Enrollment is now more than ten times that
of fifteen years ago. It will be absolutely necessary to enforce
selective rules of admission during the coming academic year.
During the fiscal year the University granted 381 bachelor degrees
and 285 diplomas and certificates.
Personnel.—The Colleges, including the practice and experiment
schools of the College of Education, had an administrative staff of
86 members and a faculty of 258, a total of 344. This is an increase
of 34 members, or 11 per cent, which corresponds to the increase
in enrollment observed during the year. The Agricultural Dependencies
had a staff of 41 administrative officers and 100 technicians.
The School of Tropical Medicine had an administrative staff of 27
and a faculty of 24. The grand total of the technical, academic,
and administrative personnel in all departments was 536, compared
to 493 during the last fiscal year.
The policy of promoting the professional improvement of the
faculty has been continued. Leaves of absence were granted to 21
members to continue their training in American universities, and
short leaves to ten to attend scientific and professional meetings on
the continent.
Molasses Tax Law.—Responding to the institution’s repeated
efforts to obtain additional income with which to face its growing
financial problems, the Legislative Assembly passed and the Governor
approved a bill imposing a tax of one-fifth of one cent on each gallon
of sugar molasses produced in Puerto Rico. It is hoped that this
law will add a yearly income of about $60,000 to the University,
although this amount will by no means suffice to meet present needs
and future development.
Most of the needs reported by deans and heads of departments
are of an economic nature. Lack of proper space and equipment
frequently are mentioned. Other major activities which demand
greater development are research studies and student personnel
work.
Academic Relations.—Initial steps were taken during the year
to affiliate the University to the Middle States Association of Colleges
and Secondary Schools. The University was inspected and several
recommendations were received. The report as a whole was favor40
THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
able to the institution, indicating that “it has the makings of an
excellent university” and “in many ways compares well with American
institutions of similar size and resources.”
Cordial relations were maintained with North and South American
institutions of higher learning through the interchange of
publications and other means. Several members of the faculty
received invitations to teach in summer courses elsewhere or to
participate in the activities of professional and cultural organizations.
Contributions were made to the New York Academy of
Science for the publication of the “Scientific Survey of Puerto Rico
and the Virgin Islands” and to the Peabody Museum of Yale
University for archeological excavations in Puerto Rico.
Recent events, like the appointment of a professor to an important
position in the State Department and the enrollment of a
group of students from Venezuela, as well as the project for a
graduate school of tropical agriculture, have again focussed attention
on the inter-American function of the University.
Library.—The University library was moved to its own building
on the campus. The law collection was left at the College of Law
under the direction of its faculty. More than 3,000 new books were
added to the collection and a complete inventory of the main library
was taken, setting the number of bound books at 51,773.
Physical Plant.—The buildings turned over by the Puerto Rico
Reconstruction Administration were equipped to a certain extent
and occupied. Work in the Auditorium and Baldorioty buildings
at the University, and in the Administration and Laboratory Building
at the Insular Experiment Station, was continued. Beautification
of the grounds at Mayaguez and Rio Piedras was begun. Plans are
being made for the building of two armories and an engineering
building with the cooperation of the Puerto Rico Reconstruction
Administration.
Expenses and capital expenditures this year were $1,503,799.31,
an increase of $180,599.78 over last year. This situation was partly
due to expansion of the physical plant, higher enrollment, and
purchase of equipment for new buildings. Expenses of the University
proper for this year totaled $943,673.15 and capital expenditures
$105,763.09; the aggregate expenditures being $1,049,436.24,
or an excess of $136,740.51 over those of last year. Expenditures
for the Agricultural Dependencies also rose from $410,503.80 in
1936-37 to $454,363.07 this year. New constructions by the Puerto
Rico Reconstruction Administration added $465,706.46 to the value
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 41
of University real estate. The Biology Building at Rio Piedras was
capitalized at $179,370 and the Plant Industries Building at Mayaguez
at $227,926.32.
Sch oo l of Tro pica l Med ic in e
Departments of this School have carried on work in nutrition
and malnutrition; parasitism with special reference to schistosomiasis;
epidemiological investigations and surveys; dematological
and mycological investigations; immunological response to infections;
biological properties of various agents of disease; clinical
investigations; pathological and hematological studies. Thirty-two
projects are under way, and thirty-three have been completed.
Twenty-eight lectures, clinics and seminars were held during the
term.
Cooperative projects of varied natures are being carried on
between the School, federal and insular agencies, medical schools,
universities and foundations. Several important fellowships and
scholarships have been granted during the year for extensive training
in the United States.
Early in October the nucleus of the primate colony on Santiago
Island, eight gibbons, arrived, and under expert care have flourished
and grown. Dr. C. R. Carpenter is at present in the East collecting
gibbons and monkeys to add to the colony. The purpose of this
activity is to raise experimental conditioned animals of a known
history.
On May 19, 1937, reconstruction of the University Hospital was
begun, financial assistance thereto having been given by the Puerto
Rico Reconstruction Administration. It is hoped that occupancy
may be effected early in 1939.
Construction of future units in the School is contemplated, and
plans and specifications for such buildings have been submitted to
the Secretary of the Interior and the Regional Administration of
the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration.
During the year, the school had visitors distinguished in science
from many parts of the world. In January, the Pan American
Medical Association paid its third visit, and an exhibition of work
achieved by the School was presented. As usual, exchanges of professors,
medical men and scientists have been effected as one of the
most valuable means of inspiring progress.
The Library, now al] too small for its requirements, has offered
excellent service, of which full advantage has been taken.
42 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
The Puerto Rico Journal of Public Health and Tropical Medicine
has received a diploma of merit from the Secretary of Education
of the Republic of Cuba.
The system of budgeting both the investigative and routine work
of the Institution has proved successful. A check-up is made frequently
on all work, and any in which there is delay or a halt
is eliminated, its appropriation then reverting to the general research
fund.
Needs for the future are urgent, and comprise expansion parallel
with progress and growing reputation. A more extensive and completely
equipped plant would have attractions to offer investigators
of renown from all continents. Advancement should be offered to
full-time faculty members, and the technical personnel also should
be encouraged. Security and independence for the School should
be provided by the creation of an endowment fund, as the economic
demands on the insular government force the realization that additional
funds must come from outside sources.
Nat io na l Gua rd
Total strength of the National Guard is 99 officers, one warrant
officer and 1,510 enlisted men, or three officers but no other personnel
below authorized strength. Organization is in two infantry regiments
(295th and 296th), each less one battalion inactive.
By invitation of Major General Frank R. McCoy, commanding
Second Corps Area, the Guard (together with the 65th Infantry),
participated in the joint Army and Navy maneuvers in the vicinity
of Puerto Rico from February 20 to March 6, its mission being the
defense of the Island against a landing force on a 60 mile front
between Arroyo and Tallaboa. Officers and men showed great
enthusiasm and learned valuable lessons, particularly in night
operations and in concealment from aerial attack. As the Guard
has no planes, tanks or chemical warfare units, only one howitzer
company, and only 10 small army trucks and four station wagons
for transport, it is evident that it cannot successfully perform a
mission of this nature on an extended front without necessary
equipment.
The annual field training was carried out at Arecibo from July
25th to August 8, 1937. Except for certain matters of secondary
importance, all training objectives were attained.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 43
Spor ts
The past year has been notable in sports, which are regulated
by two government commissions.
Horse racing is under the jurisdiction of the Insular Racing
Commission. Three tracks were operated this year and races held
on 115 days. After deducting expenses, the receipts of the Commission
are distributed for charities and for the maintenance of school
lunch rooms.
All other sports both amateur and professional are under the
supervision of the Sports Commission. They include boxing, dog
racing, baseball, basketball, volley ball, and track and field athletics.
In boxing the outstanding event was the bout, in San Juan, for the
bantam weight world’s championship between Puerto Rico’s champion,
Sixto Escobar, and Harry Jeffra, which was won by the former.
Escobar’s achievement was notable in that he regained the championship
from the man who had previously won it from him.
Dog races were held for the first time in Puerto Rico and proved
popular both with residents and tourists.
In the Central American Olympic Games at Panama, Puerto
Rico made a brilliant showing, outclassing competitors in field and
track athletics, winning first place in golf and volley ball, and
making creditable scores in boxing, rifle shooting, baseball and basketball.
The success of our athletes has stimulated interest in all
branches of sport throughout the Island.
Civ il Serv ice Com missi on
Competitive examinations for entrance to the service, both administrative
and technical, numbered 80 with a total of 3,560 competitors,
of whom 3,362 passed and 198 failed. There were 30 non-competitive
examinations for promotion. Probational appointment was made to
907 classified positions and reinstatement to 5. There were 274
promotions and salary increases, 1 transfer, 10 reductions and 208
separations. Temporary employment was due chiefly to the transfer
of establishments to the Insular Government by the Puerto Rico
Reconstruction Administration and pending adjustment of the employees'
status under civil-service rules. The stability of competent
employees and the standard of efficiency of newcomers by competitive
examinations have been maintained, while not a single case of removal
for political or religious reasons came before the Commission. Ten
44 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
field and fifteen departmental examinations were held for the United
States Civil Service Commission with 1,762 competitors, including
those in postmaster examinations.
Fed er al Age nc ie s
1. The Puerto Rico branch of the Federal Land Bank of Baltimore
has made twenty-seven regular Land Bank Loans of $212,900 and
eighty-one Land Bank Commissioner loans of $289,400. Interest is
4x/2 per cent. Long term loans of $319,392.03 to farmers have been
made as a result of the Bank’s real estate sales, in which the Bank
takes a mortgage in part payment. On June 30, 1938, 874 of these
loans totalling $1,273,511.16 were outstanding, of which only 71,
totalling $19,050.62, were delinquent. At the time this statement
was prepared the Bank had only 60 farms for sale. This situation
shows the advantages of the Bank’s long term payment plan in its
land sales and the excellent results secured in the building up of a
new type of farmer with confidence in himself and in the success of
his farming activities.
2. The Federal Intermediate Credit Bank of Baltimore has been
most helpful to farmers and farmers’ credit organizations. Discounts
of agricultural paper were made involving $3,325,597.31, of which
$1,712,146.87 were loans discounted for the Puerto Rico Production
Credit Association, $475,000 and $608,976.43 farmers’ obligations
discounted respectively for the Banco de Ponce and the Credito y
Ahorro Ponceno and $529,474.01 obligations of farmers’ cooperative
marketing associations discounted for the Baltimore Bank for Cooperatives.
3. The Baltimore Bank for Cooperatives also increased its operations
in Puerto Rico by making loans of $640,049.01, as follows:
Cafeteros de Puerto Rico:
Commodity Loan____________________________ $190, 513. 45
Operating Capital Loan______________________ 50, 000. 00
—---------------- $240, 513. 45
Puerto Rico Tobacco Marketing Association:
Commodity Loan______________ __________________________ 308, 960. 56
Porto Rico Fruit Growers Cooperative:
Commodity Loan------------------------------------------- $30, 000. 00
Facility Loan------------------------------------------------ 21, 000.00
------------------ 51, 000. 00
Puerto Rico Marketing Association for Minor Crops:
Operating Capital Loan__________________________________ 39, 575. 00
$640, 049. 01
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 45
4. On July 31, 1938, the Puerto Rico Production Credit Association
had loans outstanding of $1,066,545.83, as compared with
$729,849.04 on July 31, 1937 and $472,789.17 on July 31, 1936.
These loans had been rediscounted in the amount of $1,008,966.48.
Total capital and reserves of the association were $1,805,149.83.
5. Activities of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation and the
Reconstruction Finance Corporation Mortgage Company were curtailed
during the greater part of the year, and only $91,900 disbursed.
Lending activities were resumed in the late spring of 1938. Loans
to business enterprises of $600,000 were approved after the first of
May, and merely cover the months of May and June. Most of this
money has been disbursed at the present writing.
Total loans outstanding as of June 30, 1938.
The Reconstruction Finance Corporation________ $529, 303. 00
The R. F. C. Mortgage Company______________ 204, 378. 00
Total__________________________ _______$733, 681. 00
6. The Farm Credit Administration has continued to operate
through its local Emergency Crop Loan Office, which made 2,974
loans totalling $668,560 in 1937 and 863 other loans totalling
$241,795 since January 1, 1938. The largest loans have been for
the cultivation of tobacco and coffee. Interest on these loans is 4
per cent, reduced from 5^2 per cent in 1936. The minimum amount
that may be loaned is $25 and the maximum $400.
7. The Agricultural Adjustment Administration entered its fifth
year of quota control in Puerto Rico and its first year under the
new Act of Congress of September 1, 1937, extending quota control
and providing for conditional payments to sugar-cane growers
through 1940.
The year 1938 opened with 142,493 tons of surplus stocks of
Puerto Rican sugar on hand from the previous crop. Of his estimate
of continental United States consumption of 6,861,761 short tons
for 1938, the Secretary of Agriculture allotted 819,344 tons to be
filled by sugar from Puerto Rico and fixed 73,851 tons as the
measure of local consumption in Puerto Rico for that year. At
the commencement of the grinding season every sugar-cane grower
in Puerto Rico was assigned his proportionate share of the aforementioned
893,195 tons. Each grower meeting certain requirements
is entitled to payment by the Federal Government of from 30 to
46 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
60 cents (according to amount of production) per 100 pounds of
sugar produced from cane grown on his land. The Sugar Act of
1937 levied a tax of 50 cents per 100 pounds on consumption
sugars to meet these payments and administrative costs of the Sugar
Program.
Although the purpose of restricting the production of sugar to
the amount required for consumption is to sustain the prices at a
fair level, the fact is that the average price received for Puerto
Rican sugar during 1938 has not been high enough to produce
normal profits. The average price has been below $3. This might
be considered a fair price if to it is added the compensation for
fulfilling certain requirements of the program. It may be estimated
however, that the average price has not been to date above $2.80.
The prices, at the beginning of the grinding season when only small
amounts of sugar were shipped fluctuated from $3.30 to $3.05. After
the month of April, when the heavy shipments began, the price
dropped considerably, reaching to as low as $2.65.
As regards the labor situation, the effect of the quota assigned
to Puerto Rico has been to increase unemployment among the sugarcane
workers. Many acres of land formerly planted in sugar cane
have been abandoned and much of the land under cane is not
receiving the same degree of cultivation that was given to it formerly,
in an endeavor to prevent over production. It is estimated
that nearly 100,000 acres of land have gone out of cultivation of
sugar cane and that nearly 20,000 working men have suffered from
unemployment thereby. The Secretary of Agriculture prescribed
wages for these laborers that represented an approximate increase
of 10 per cent over those they were obtaining the previous year.
It may be stated however, that before the determination of the
Secretary was adopted, a collective bargaining contract had been
signed between the sugar producers and the labor organizations
whereby the same salaries contained in the determination of the
Secretary had been agreed upon.
As regards the relations between sugar manufacturers and sugar
planters (colonos), the Insular Legislature passed a law, (Act No.
213 of 1938) revising a previous one, (Act No. 112 of 1937) which
regulates the payment of sugar cane by the mills to the “colonos”
on the basis of the sugar yields obtained at the factories from the
cane delivered. In accordance with this law the “colonos” receive
in sugar 65 per cent of the yield of the factory when the factory’s
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 47
yield is 12 per cent or more; and if the yield obtained by the
factory is less than 12 per cent the percentage received by the
“colonos” shall be 63 per cent of the factory’s yield. Other provisions
of this law, together with those already cited, establish a
basis which is quite favorable to the “colonos.”
The advantages of the agreement to the laborers and the insular
legislation on the payment of sugar cane by the mills is that even
in those cases where sugar producers have elected to disregard the
compensation offered by the Agricultural Adjustment Administration
and to proceed outside of the program, both the laborers and the
planters have been assured of a fair deal. We consider that this is
a very effective and practical cooperation with the national program.
We cannot refrain from saying, however, that in our estimation the
quota assigned to Puerto Rico is absolutely inadequate, not only from
the standpoint of the people engaged in the business of producing
sugar, but also from the standpoint of the restriction that it imposes
upon our most important source of employment, as it obstructs
agricultural rehabilitation and tends to create unemployment. A
quota more in harmony with our social needs and our past performances
in production should be accorded Puerto Rico.
Growers were permitted to grind their entire cane production
for sugar without penalty. For the next crop (1939) however,
growers - who harvest cane for sugar in excess of the proportionate
shares assigned them will forfeit their conditional payments for
that year.
8. The Home Owners’ Loan Corporation has continued its local
agency.
Up to the present, ten borrowers have liquidated their loans in
full. There are still 581 active accounts which are served every
month. Besides collecting monthly payments, the Corporation’s
agent has to see that policies for both fire and hurricane insurance
are kept up and that taxes are paid regularly. This Puerto Rico
agency continues to lead the States and all other territories in
keeping its slate clear of foreclosures. The record of payments has
been excellent although much handicapped by heavy insurance rates
which in some cases exceed the amount of payments to the Corporation.
9. Activities of the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration
continued despite reduction in funds, employing at the peak of the
year 31,480 persons. Twelve Central Service farms in different
48 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
parts of the rural zone have been constructed and equipped by the
Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration. These serve as centers
for aid to fanners and furnish them with selected seeds, fertilizers
and young breeding stock. The Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration
is carrying out important work in soil conservation in
cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture and
the Insular Government.
During the year the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration
transferred to the Insular Department of Health 21 rural medical
centers, comprising 64 rural medical dispensaries, and 22 Public
Health Units operating in different municipalities. The Puerto Rico
Reconstruction Administration also has constructed a two-story hospital
at Arroyo, a similar structure for a sanatorium at Rio Piedras
and nurses’ quarters also at Rio Piedras. Repairs and enlargements
are being made at the School of Tropical Medicine. Several municipal
hospitals also are being repaired and improved.
During the year fourteen new school buildings have been constructed
and fifty-five repaired in the urban zone. In the rural
zone one hundred sixty-nine buildings, including three hundred and
nine school rooms, have been completed. Eleven concrete and eight
frame educational units have been erected in the rural zone. A
building for the Tobacco Institute at Rio Piedras, a cotton warehouse
and ginning plant and a corn mill at Isabela have been constructed
to aid tobacco, cotton and corn growers.
The Forestry Division of the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration
in cooperation with the United States and Insular Forestry
Services has continued its reforestation program. During the year
3,362 cuerdas were purchased by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction
Administration for $43,398.46. The entire area of land that has
been purchased for forestry purposes is 22,127 acres.
10. The Puerto Rican Hurricane Relief Loan Section of the
Department of the Interior of the United States, successor to the
Hurricane Relief Commission, abolished by Act of Congress, reports
that as of June 30, 1938, there were 3,007 live loans outstanding
amounting to $5,652,532, which with accrued interest of $988,280.02,
makes a total debt unpaid of $6,640,812.02. Of this $5,262,589.98
was past due. The fact that less than $15,000 of this indebtedness
has been repaid in the last two years is due, to some extent at least,
to the expectation of borrowers generally that some plan of adjustment
may be adopted reducing all loans. Of several plans proposed,
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 49
two have been tested to determine their practicability, and the
Secretary of the Interior is now considering an alternative for presentation
to Congress.
11. The average Civilian Conservation Corps enrollee in Puerto
Rico is 29 years old, supports 5 dependents, has had 4 years of
schooling, and has worked 16 months in the camps. During fiscal
year 1937-38 Civilian Conservation Corps employed an average of
2,170 enrollees for 487,100 man-days. An additional 70,700 mandays
employment were provided for an average of 310 skilled workmen
and supervising personnel. According to a census of all employees,
each man supported an average of 5 persons besides himself.
Hence Civilian Conservation Corps directly provided for more than
14,800 persons during 1938. A total allotment of $1,026,000 was
spent in Puerto Rico,—more than 80 per cent of it for salaries and
wages.
12. Civilian Conservation Corps operated 12 permanent camps
and 4 work projects on Federal National forests, Puerto Rico Reconstruction
Administration forests, Insular forests and United States
Military Reservations having a combined area of more than 275,000
acres. In each camp men were provided with balanced rations
approved by the Home Economics Department of the University of
Puerto Rico; steel cots, mattresses, clean sheets and blankets;
complete medical care, including monthly examinations; and educational,
vocational and athletic programs under competent instructors.
Each man, in addition to a thorough physical examination, received
the Wasserman test, typhoid innoculation, smallpox vaccination and
was fingerprinted tor the civilian files of the Department of Justice.
In the educational field an average of 516 men attended classes 4
times each week. Vocational classes included carpentry, gardening,
masonry, automobile mechanics, blacksmithing, shoe repair, cooking,
and use of road machinery. Special classes for illiterates taught
282 grown men to read and write. A safety program, constantly
driven home, reduced the lost time accidents to an average rate of
.98 per 10,000 man-days worked, a rate well below the average for
the camps in the States.
Physical accomplishments include complete planting of 2,800
acres to valuable forest trees; maintenance of 7,500 acres of plantations;
and the preparation of some 1,400 acres additional for future
planting. Tree nurseries produced six million seedlings of which
one million were distributed free to farmers for wood lot planting.
50 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Sixteen miles of surfaced road, including 4 large concrete bridges,
were built, and an additional 53 miles were maintained. A fish
hatchery of 11 structures was planned and completed for the Insular
Government. Eight picnic areas were built. Additions to La
Mina and other recreational areas included stone lookout towers,
permanent concrete swimming pools, bathhouses, rest houses and
picnic shelters. On Mona Island 6 recreational cabins were completed.
A two-way airplane landing field was surfaced. Seven miles
of horse trail were built for administration and protection, and 38
additional miles were maintained. Six miles of canals were widened
and deepened in the Manglares. Ten miles of forest boundary were
surveyed and posted. Ten thousand acres of forest land were
covered by timber cruise and survey. At El Yunque deep-bore
drilling was carried on to investigate the possibilities of constructing
the Hicaco Dam. Trout from the La Mina Hatchery were planted
in 6 forest streams. Two complete field stations were built, in
cooperation with Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration, to
serve as investigative headquarters for the Southern Forest Experiment
Station. Cooperation with the United States Army included
construction of the permanent fixtures of the summer camp area at
Camp Buchanan and the maintenance of roads and grounds at Balia
j a, Henry Barracks and Camp Buchanan. In cooperation with
the Mayaguez Agricultural Experiment Station, labor was furnished
for extensive experiments in the growth and propagation of trees
and plants such as bamboo, mango and ylang-ylang.
The work of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps is one of the
most useful services-established by the Federal Government in Puerto
Rico. It is most efficiently carried on in all of its aspects and is
highly effective in the vocational training given young men who,
because of their residence in the rural zones and the need for going
to work at an early age, have been limited in their school attendance
to the first four grades of the elementary school.
Con cl usio n
This report has been made brief with the purpose of giving a
general picture of the main activities of the year. Attached are
tables and charts containing full statistical information. No mention
has been made of many boards, commissions and other independent
agencies of the Government which report annually to the Governor.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 51
Copies of such reports as well as complete reports of the departments
are on file at the Department of the Interior in Washington
and at the office of the Executive Secretary in San Juan where
they may be consulted by anyone wishing further details.
I have the honor to be, Sir, your obedient servant,
Bla nt on Win ship ,
Governor.

EXHIBITS

OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 55
Exhi bi t No . 1
PERSONNEL AND CHANGES IN PERSONNEL OF THE INSULAR GOVERNMENT
Names Office Change Appointed
Blanton Winship.............................. Governor..................................................... Appointed.... Feb. 5, 1934
B. Fernandez Garcia....................... Attorney General.................................... Appointed.... Sept. 6, 1935
R. Sancho Bonet.............................. Treasurer of P. R................................... Appointed.... Aug. 1, 1935
Jos6 E. Colom.................................... Commissioner of the Interior............ Appointed.... Aug. 9, 1935
Jose Gallardo....................................... Commissioner of Education.............. Appointed.... May 11, 1937
R. Menendez Ramos...................... Commissioner of Agriculture and
Commerce
Resigned.......... April 15,1938
F. Lopez Dominguez...................... Commissioner of Agriculture and Appointed.... April 18, 1938
P. Rivera Martinez.........................
Commerce
Commissioner of Labor........................ Reappointed.. April 18,1938
E. Garrido Morales.......................... Commissioner of Health...................... Reappointed.. April 18, 1938
Leslie A. MacLeod.......................... Auditor of Puerto Rico........................ Reappointed.. Dec. 15, 1937
Manuel V. Domenech.................... Financial and Economic Adviser Appointed.... Aug. 1, 1935
C. Gallardo..........................................
to Governor
Executive Secretary............................... Appointed.... Oct. 16, 1933
Jos6 Ramon Quinones..................... Public Service Commissioner............ Appointed.... April 18,1936
SUPREME COURT OF PUERTO RICO
Emilio del Toro.................................
Adolph G. Wolf.................................
Harvey M. Hutchison....................
Ffilix Cordova Davila.............
Martin Travieso................................
Angel R. de Jesus............................
Chief Justice..............................................
Associate Justice......................................
Associate Justice......................................
Associate Justice......................................
Associate Justice......................................
Associate Justice......................................
Appointed....
Appointed....
Appointed....
Resigned..........
Appointed....
Appointed....
Jan. 20, 1922
Dec. 12, 1904
April 7, 1914
Feb. 28, 1938
Mar. 24, 1936
June 15, 1938
RESIDENT COMMISSIONER FOR PUERTO RICO
Santiago Iglesias................................. Resident Commissioner....................... Reelected.....N...o. v. 3, 1936

Exhibit No. 2
Map Showi ng Urban and Rural Popul ation
OF
Puer to Rico by Munic ipalit ies
(Cens us of 1930)
Ac UADI Lt
Urb
bon 10.9^ ,, , O
•7 \ Urban 2.641
• Rural 20.427
Isabela . _-N„.
; X Tot. 63.068
113.00av "FSrubra. l 2,4.196A2X5' r^-_ Ij\2§?k
• 1 O f *K*- ! ada } Moca /Urban 3341 x I
x 14,670 /Tot. 17.089/ Rwral 22 550 X'
Urban / ^?San SebosHart"
1 ?*'"'•-------- •{ O *'
/Urban 3064'',. Tot. 25,6-91 ’Urban 3.04$'
/ Rural 11.212 \ (Rural 24.302
Anasco K I LaresO
O T.C, (4.J74 ; Tor „ »w I
/Las Mariasi
yrbarPi.85<3 \■.
Rural 7.0 m / \
\T\ ot. i—8A£J-' \ urban 902 1
Rural 5561 }
\ 1
____ J oMaricao
1 Tot. 6.4 63 'yz
UT
s9*i
o o
fti’T
0\ O
y co 4
E3, \ (ft I
J >St - "■ I
u t ■iio *
k-r"/ F /op1.;,’
Arecib o
Urban ia.a«B
Rural 43,€ g z
Tot- 56,825
Urban 37. o&o
Rural 21.210
Tot*. 5S 2To MAYAGUEZ/®
Urban 4.758
Rural 32,676
Utuado
Tot. 37, 4 34 O
Toh 25.722. ।
^Qrfirmueros
»\ 'c■'HRU^fSWal 1J-4 412^-,0 \ "^fal 48 72
than 4®oE>\ Urban £,&&&
Ural t$l,l87 \ Runa< I8,>*2 I 0
. J Tot. 2^70® ’ § £._
German, .cQ; g
OLa/as
* Urban 2,63a 1 Rural 9.624
I Tot. 12.4 54
Urban 2,376
X Rural 15,699
\ Ad/untas
/" \7fet. 18,075
X o
‘Urban 0.607 /_9
iRural 19.i@o / .“
(Tot. £7.787 gr- §
I Yauco /go 0
PrQnTflSZ VfH OP
/Rural 7.&9a
/Guanica
O
Tot.
t Tot. 18.12 5
I.7SO (
18,71 2 ;
EO.492
3.841
16.078
Urban 3.953
R.urol 22.844
O Cayey
Tbt. 20,737
illo
in
nabo
^0 a
'(Urban"-? /Urban -4.784 foorac/o^—',
(51W to OlRurolrl7’3a9 /Rura /'5'G22/Tot. > 0/Urban _189G/r
Sui x Manati I .,
I Tot.24.838 (Toh «0.40G'Ycg|w Tot.9.865?^'
I oT H” I 1 _-4 Urban. 2894/ I,_____ /
°t2 ।
Isa; CO«" । - ] ‘ 'Toa Alta A
< 2'" (Urban I.9S2 । k)rb . 1.2 0 3/bl M''"’c'’o<°
A--------------- [Rural 15350 (_m Q (Rural lb,493^Rural 16,538
5- (Urb7‘T.O6Yat-29 524
. 0 /Rural io,2O9 '.
<9 N I \ IL?rA 'IXU1UI Q^/45 \ tfl . ^teE'O/ q ^^.9.57?." !
fc/Naran/fr0 , 2 o59 / \.-'~
"(Rural 10,826/
/ x-wb. 2.502 ; _ /
.-Urban 1492 | " fenz©\
Albonito\ — v /Urban 4,916 '
('Rural 18,563 /•
/Tot. 23,479 /
1
# ------------- Hat- 1 w/ ‘030 -. Sui \Manati /Vega^a/a^-555>,318 ^^Catdn^ ;Urba~;^o^ -o \u-ban
*T. s i -rxr ,'Toh 2o.4o6z„ O ... ."v10 ! Tot.9 865 .u-' ""x. /©/Rural 27.445 \ l^'-Rurxi
^©^iedrasl 2,27
' a'-ru. X X ; Rural 11.958 / ,—j------- i Tot. 40.493/ \ 09k I O » O , <
n 11•a 1om /'r '° <3rande!tnS"is
K.“/ %\ ■: T«t.u.oe5j^,T^
' T.p i '.Urban 903 <’ ( z-Urb. 7.322 7
Rural - 6107J3- 'vX3’H3' EI9 .576<' / /'R) ural z'8^.99o9t. i«,32i__________ _
Ur\>.346^' ''—'-7"'i 'r'"Orban “204
Wata Lrb; 5'297 < \ ^KuralG.0710
i Rural 14 213 • O I a%Totft >vrali2.i72 -W(v ; Urban 4.097 XCeiYSa
'(Urban 1.46*\Comer 10 £g^Buen^CaqUas Juncos
— । .4 \ z-v 1-n.k. / ->z-s ».z ' c’^o > Naguabo
'sTbt37469i. 0 _----- -
1e ~ f
,/Q^Arrb 7937
zRural 17.5
'■J,Tot. 25.4GG
; on
•1" ।
! Urban 1.982
(Rural 15350 [_,n
l Ciales O '' Moro—v is (1N*8t
\ Urban
\Rural
Culebro
V
I I
/Urb. 4.808,
'Jayuya ‘
o >
53,430
34 ,174
Ponce
>' z'■« o» /nc c<' ' Rural
I O /o’ /
iJwrJ' Tot- 07-®04
9
'Rural 6,119 1
(9illalba |Hrbc'? .
'sTot._1l.847 f
( Urban 2.4 66 1 Coanjp
5 Rural 17,oso
। JuaQj Diax
‘ Tot. 19.516
'Urban ^496/
1 (Rural 12.863!
(Rural 12,294 (Tot. ig .jsj /
.Urban 1586 /Urban 2.252
/Rural 7.300/Rural 13.194
/ Tot. 8,886 1 * ••
,'5ta. Isabel /
O
'Urban
Rural
Yabucoa
^O36\ -Tofc.. 2|914o
z-"" < 'pur. 12.143 -----
r"Utb. 10.9-5 3 /rot. 14,17 8
Salinas \Ruraii2.G7i i?V&xRaH||o»
Tot. 15.44 6 /GUAYAMA .1 V'O’X O
I Tab. 23,62-4
@ Macao
Isabel Z4aroan
3,101
Rural 74 81

OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 57
Exhi bit No . 3.
LIST OF SEMI-INDEPENDENT OR SEMI-GOVERNMENTAL BOARDS
AND COMMISSIONS
Administrative Board of the Tobacco Institute of Puerto Rico.
Arecibo Harbor Authority.
Board for the Preservation of Historical Relics.
Board of Dental Examiners.
Board of Examiners of Accountants.
Board of Examiners of Chemists.
Board of Examiners of Cinematograph Machine Operators and Expert Electricians.
Board of Examiners of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors.
Board of Examiners of Master and Journeymen Plumbers.
Board of Examiners of Optometrists.
Board of Examiners of Social Workers.
Board of Management of the Ponce Pier.
Board of Nurse Examiners.
Board of Pharmacy.
Board of Review and Equalization.
Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Library.
Board of Trustees of the University of Puerto Rico.
Board of Veterinary Examiners.
Bureau of Translations.
Civil Service Commission.
Commission for the Prevention of Tuberculosis in Children of School Age.
Commission to Study the Coffee Problem.
Financial and Economic Adviser to the Governor.
Historian of Puerto Rico.
Historical Archives of Puerto Rico.
Industrial Commission of Puerto Rico.
Institute of Puerto Rican Literature.
Institute of Tourism of Puerto Rico.
Insular Board of Elections.
Insular Board for Vocational Education.
Insular Board of Health.
Insular Police Commission.
Insular Racing Commission.
Insular Target Shooting Director.
Irrigation Commission for the Additional District.
Isabela Public Irrigation Commission.
Manager of the State Fund.
Mediation and Conciliation Commission.
Model Housing Board.
Public Amusements and Sports Commission.
Public Service Commission.
Puerto Rico Child Welfare Board.
Puerto Rico Housing Authority.
Puerto Rico Lottery.
Retirement Board (Insular Government Employees).
San Juan Harbor Board.
Savings and Loan Fund Association of Insular Government Employees.
Sugar Board.
Superintendent of Insurance.
Teachers’ Pension Board.
Territorial Charities Board.
Vocational Board for the Adult Blind.
58 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exh ib it No . 4
BALANCE SHEET
As of June 30, 1938.
Assets Current Year Previous Year Difference
Land and Equipment.............................................................
Investments.................................................................................
$58, 327, 599. 73 $56,219, 450. 22 $2,108,149. 51
Cash................................................................................................ 16, 530, 683.04 16,875, 395. 76 *344,712. 72
Sinking Funds............................................................................ 1, 902, 640. 61 2,240,102. 42 *337, 461. 81
Trust Fund Reserves............................................................. 4, 040, 791.05 3, 310, 569. 70 730, 221. 35
Notes Receivable....................................................................... 779.00 1, 242. 44
8, 550, 897.14
*463.44
Accounts Receivable................................................................
Loans to Municipalities.........................................................
8,392, 604. 60 *158, 292. 54
Other Deferred Assets............................................................. 3,415,183.73 2, 548,816. 35 866,367. 38
Deferred Debits......................................................................... 19,079. 72 24, 270.35 *5,190.63
University of Puerto Rico.................................................... 4,088, 307.27 3, 500,986. 28 587,320. 99
$96, 717, 668. 75 $93, 271, 730. 66 $3,445, 938.09
LIABILITIES
Notes Payable............................................................................ $175, 000. 00 $427,000. 00 ’$252, 000.00
Accounts Payable..................................................................... 4, 930, 765. 55 6, 364,214.88 *1,433, 449. 33
Trust Fund Liabilities........................................................... 19,460,275. 75 17, 523,265. 92 1, 937, 009.83
Deferred Liabilities.................................................................. 3, 428. 07 788. 02 2, 640.05
Deferred Credits........................................................................ 1, 649, 570. 20 1, 678, 397. 08 *28,826.88
Bonded Indebtedness.............................................................. 27, 400,000. 00 28, 230, 000. 00 *830,000.00
Contingent Liabilities............................................................. 10, 358. 83 10, 358.83
Trustees, University of Puerto Rico............................... 4,088, 307. 27 3, 500, 986. 28 587, 320.99
Surplus, Guayama Irrigation Service.............................. 3, 383, 689. 26 3,169,178. 67 214, 510. 59
Surplus, Isabela Irrigation Service.................................... *1, 459, 276. 56 *1,288, 798. 24 *170, 478. 32
Surplus, Hydroelectric Projects.......................................... 2, 984,108. 59 2,981, 330. 27 2,778. 32
Donated Surpluses.................................................................... 1, 379, 625. 58 1, 379, 625. 58
Paid-in Surpluses...................................................................... 22,040.80 20,822. 03 1, 218. 77
Surplus, Ponce Electric System......................................... 87,475. 20
32, 602, 300. 21
12, 047.25 75, 427.95
The People of Puerto Rico.................................................. 29,262, 514.09 3,339, 786.12
$96, 717, 668. 75 $93, 271, 730. 66 $3,445,938 09
Note:—Numbers indicated with asterisk (*) represent red figures
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 59
Exhi bi t No . 5
STATEMENT OF LIQUIDATION OF THE GENERAL FUND OPERATIONS,
FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1938
RESOURCES
Cash Balance, July 1, 1937.........................................................................................
Revenue Receipts:
Collections made during Fiscal Year 1937-38....................................... $16,380 974 83
Non-Revenue Receipts:
Surplus, Special Insurance Fund (Act 12 of 1929)................................. 40 352 46
Total, Income Receivable during the year,
Total Resources available for liquidation
of appropriation liabilities........................
LIABILITIES
Carry-over appropriation balances from previous
year:
Fiscal Year 1936-37..........................................................
No Fiscal Year..................................................................
Indefinite..............................................................................
Appropriations set up during fiscal year 1937-38:
Self-renewing appropriations...............................
Budgetary appropriations, 1937-38............................
Additional appropriations to Budget......................
Appropriations for temporary loans (refundable)
Deficiency appropriations..............................................
Indefinite appropriations...............................................
Other appropriations......................................................
16,421,327.29
$19,104,950.23
$681,384.79
1,284,811.93
1,000.00 $1, 967, 196.72
$659, 540.35
12,812,186.93
1, 573,092.67
281,420.00
90,408.67
259, 237.69
2,150,127.60
Total appropriations set up...........................
Total appropriation liabilities.......................
Less: Surplus Fund Warrants: (Cancellations)
Appropriations 1937-38.................................... $203,323.38
Appropriations, No Fiscal Year........................ 508,753.38
Total Cancellations
Total net appropriations in force during
Fiscal Year 1937-38..................................
Excess of resources over appropriation liabilities
Add other resources reimbursable to General Fund:
Advance to Isabela Irrigation Fund, per Section 39 of Act No. 96
of 1931..............................................................................................................
Advance to various municipalities for the redemption of their
Public Debt at maturity........................................................................
Advance to Insular Bond Redemption Fund......................................
Total advances made during the year reimbursable to the
General Fund................................................................................
Surplus of cash and other resources over liabilities of the
General Fund as of June 30, 1938, to be transferred to the
Reserve Fund, for Emergencies created under provisions
of Act No. 33 of 1932................................................................
17,826,013.91
$19, 793,210.63
712,076.76
$203,300.00
6,120.00
72,000.00
19,081,133.87
$23,816.36
281,420.00
$305,236.36
60 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No. 6
STATUS OF THE RESERVE FUND FOR EMERGENCIES CREATED UNDER
PROVISIONS OF ACT No. 33 OF 1932, AS OF JUNE 30, 1938
Balance July 1, 1937. $739, 246. 33
Reimbursements and other receivables credited to the fund since July
1, 1937:
Surplus from operations of Fiscal Year 1936-37...................................
Repayments from Surplus of previous years.........................................
Refund from advances made to the State Insurance Fund..............
Refund-Bureau of Supplies, Printing and Transportation.............
Refund-Municipality of Ponce....................................................................
Refund-Homestead Trust Fund.................................................................
Refund-Fruit Growers Association............................................................
Interest on $500,000 Public Hospitals Charity Bonds of 1938....
Reimbursements-Municipalities:
Part payment on account of previous loans made to them from
the General Fund..................................................................................
Part payment on account of previous loans made to them from
the Insular Emergency Fund...........................................................
Final payment covering advances made to them from the Insular
Emergency Fund to secure municipal deposits with Banco
Territorial y Agricola............................................................................
$943,955. 62
507.92
2, 500. 00
26, 000. 00
5, 000. 00
7, 506. 22
4, 357.85
2, 666. 67
5,107. 54
2,470. 00
2, 757. 88
Total cash credited to the fund since July 1, 1937
Total cash including balance......
Disbu rse me nt s :
For the purchase of Public Hospitals Charity Bonds of 1938 (Reimbursable)
..............................................................................................................
Advance to cooperate in the improvement of San Juan Harbor
(Reimbursable)...............................................................................................
To aid in the expenses incurred by the Federal Alcoholic Tax Unit
(Reimbursable)................................................................................................
For the control and suppression of epidemics..........................................
Advance to Insular Police Pension Fund (Reimbursable)...............
To aid in the operation and maintenance of the electric plant of the
Island of Culebra................................................................................................
Refund-amount improperly credited to the fund...................................
$500,000.00
400, 000.00
23,000.00
20,000.00
14, 000.00
450.00
13.71
Total Disbursements.
Cash Balance at June 30, 1938.
Add :
Acc ru ed Res our ce s : (Emergency Fund Loans)
Due from Public Hospitals Charity Fund... $500,000.00
Due from Federal Government........................... 400,000.00
Due from General Fund......................................... 80,000.00
Due from Bureau of Supplies.............................. 180,000.00
Due from Municipalities, on advance for their
public debts at maturity................................ 56,152.02
Due from Fruit Growers Association............... 38,892.15
Gene r al Fund Loan s :
Due from Isabela Irrigation Fund............................. $1,354,056.48
Due from Redemption Funds...................................... 319,500.00
Due from Homestead Trust Fund........................... 66,363.88
Due from Municipality of Ponce.............................. 45,000.00
Due from Municipality of Arecibo........................... 30,000.00
Due from State Insurance Fund............................... 17,500.00
Due from various municipalities............................... 26, 257.98
Total Accrued Resources to be credited to the fund
CASH BALANCE AND ACCRUALS IN THE RESERVE
FUND FOR EMERGENCIES AT JUNE
30, 1938...........................................................................................
$1, 255,044.17
1, 858, 678. 34
1, 002, 829. 70
$1, 742,076.03
957, 463. 71
$784, 612.32
3,113,722.51
$3,898, 334.83
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 61
Exhi bi t No . 7
CONSOLIDATED CASH STATEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1938
General
Funds
Trust
Funds
Balance on hand July 1, 1937 $2, 683, 622.94 $9, 876,140.79
Reve nue Rec ei pts
Gen er al Fund s :
Customs........................................ $1, 565, 000.00
Internal Revenue.............................. 12,917,925.09
U. S. Internal Revenue................. 1,433,778.11
Miscellaneous... .■.............................. 464, 271.63
Total Revenue Receipts... $16,380,974.83
Non -Reve nu e Rec ei pts :
Surplus, Spec. Insurance Fund,
(Act 12 of 1929)........................ 40,352.46 $16,421,327.29
From Municipalities for bond redemption.......... 5,000.00
Total Receipts........................................................ $16, 426, 327.29
Rep ayme nt s to Gene r al Funds :
To appropriations 1937-38............. $330,339.67
To appropriations 1936-37............. 33,447.89
To No Fiscal Year approp.......... 2,220,265.29
Total Repayments............................................... 2, 584,052.85
Total Receipts into General Funds 19,010, 380.14
Transfers from Trust Funds.............................
Trust Funds.............................................................
Transfers from General Funds.........................
Total Funds to be accounted for
601, 000.00
24, 288, 845.98
1,987,275.21
Disb ur se me nts
Fr om Gene r al Funds :
Against appropriations 1937-38...
Against appropriations 1936-37...
Against No Fiscal Year approp...
Against Indefinite appropriations
$13,739, 254.16
474,417.56
3, 679,980.47
250, 948 70
Total...........................................................................
Redemption of Municipal Bonds.....................................
Transfers to Trust Funds.....................................................
Total disbursements & transfers, Insular
Revenues........................................................
Fr om Tr ust Funds :
Disbursements..........................
Transfers to General Funds
Total disbursements and transfers, Trust
Funds.......................................................
$22, 295, 003.08 $36, 152,261.98
$18, 144, 600.89
5, 000.00
1,987,275.21
$23,517, 506.31
601, 000.00
20,136,876.10
24,118,506.31
Balance at June 30, 1938. $2,158,126.98 $12,033, 755.67
62 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No. 8
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND NET DISBURSEMENTS FISCAL YEAR ENDING
JUNE 30, 1938
Cash Balan ce , July 1, 1937................................................................................. $2, 683, 622. 94
Revenue s :
Customs.......................................................................... $1, 565,000.00
Internal Revenue................................................................ 12,917,925.09
U. S. Internal Revenue................................................... 1,433,778.11
Miscellaneous........................................................................ 464,271. 63
Total Revenue Receipts..................................................................
Non -Reve nue Rec ei pt s :
Surplus, Special Insurance Fund per Section 61 of Act 12 of 1929.
Municipal Bonds Redeemed...........................................................
$16, 380,974.83
40,352.46
5,000. 00
Transfers from Trust Funds................................................................... 601,000.00
Tota l Rec ei pt s .................................................................... 17,027,327. 29
Tota l Rec ei pts and Bal an c e ................................................. $19,710,950. 23
Net Dis b ur seme nts :
Fiscal Year 1937-38................................................................ $13, 739,254.16
330, 777.22
$474,417. 56
33, 447. 89
$3, 679, 980. 47
2,219,827. 74
Less Repayments................................................................................ $13,408, 476. 94
Fiscal Year 1936-37..........................................................................................
Less Repayments...................................................................................... 440, 969. 67
No Fiscal Year....................................................................................................
Less Repayments....................................................................................... 1, 460,152. 73
250,948. 70
$15,560, 548.04
Appropriations Indefinite...............................................................................
Tota l Net Expendi tur es .........................................................
Other Tr an sa c ti on s :
Transfers to Trust Funds....................................................................... $1,987,275.21
Municipal and School Board Bonds Redeemed.................................. 5,000.00
Cash Balanc e , June 30, 1938..............................................................
1,992,275. 21
2,158,126. 98
Tota l .................................................................. $19,710, 950.23
_ ____________________________________
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 63
Exh ib it No . 9
STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS DURING THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1938
Cash Balance as of July 1, 1937........................................
Customs........................................................................................
Insular
Revenue
Trust
Fund Total
$2, 683, 622.94 $9,876,140.79 $12,559,763.73
$1, 565, 000.00
1, 433,778.11
8,636, 540.82
394,290.78
530.97
3, 679, 672.61
206,889.91
147, 677.38
43,615.38
47,556.84
82.45
9,231.17
4,014.67
2,103.84
$1,565,000.00
1,433,778.11
12,590,827.75
394,290.78
530.97
3, 679, 672.61
206, 889.91
147,677.38
173, 698.60
126,305.37
67,701.37
9, 231.17
4,014.67
2,103.84
50,000,00
332,378.56
166,182.81
332,367.99
329,049.45
19, 098,471.93
5,000.00
2,201, 648.48
382,406.37
2,588,275.21
U. S. Internal Revenues.......................................................
Excise and Property Taxes for Municipalities...........
Property Taxes, Insular Proportion................................
Property Taxes, Proportion of the University Tax.
Income Tax..................................................................... . ..........
$3, 954,286.93
Inheritance Tax.........................................................................
Telegraph and Telephone Receipts..................................
Court Fees and Fines............................................................
Harbor and Dock Fees..........................................................
Interest............................................................................
130,083.22
78,748.53
67,618.92
Royalties and Franchises......................................................
Rent of Government Property...........................................
Sale of Government Propertv.............................................
United States Government, (Morril-Hatch Act)....
Insular Bond Redemption Tax, Sinking Fund.........
Special Insular Tax for the Redemption of Bonds,
Sinking Fund.............................................................
50,000.00
332,378.56
166,182.81
332, 367.99
329, 049.45
18, 848,129.57
Special Additional Insular Tax for the Redemption
of Bonds, Sinking Fund........................................
Additional Tax for Insular Loans, Sinking Fund...
Miscellaneous............................................................................ 250, 342.36
5,000.00
2,201,648.48
382,406.37
601,000.00
Municipal Bonds Redeemed...............................................
Repayments:
Bureau of Supplies, Printing & Transportation...
Miscellaneous Repayments..........................................
..............................
Transfers.......................’. . .......................................................... 1, 987,275.21
Insular Government Receipts.............................................
Tot al s ...........................................................
$19,611,380.14 $26,276,121.19 $45,887,501.33
$22,295,003.08 $36,152,261.98 $58,447,265.06
64 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exh ibi t No . 10
STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS
Description
Appropriations:
1937-38........................
1936-37..................................................////////;
No Fiscal Year........................................................................
Indefinite.............................................................................. \ /
Municipal & School Board Bonds Redeemed.
Transfers......................................................................................
Municipal Bond Redemption Tax............... '///"’
Special Municipal Bond Redemption Tax.............
Municipal Property Tax.....................................................
Special Municipal Property Tax...................................
School Tax Account.....................................................
Insular Bond Redemption Tax...........................
Special Insular Tax for the Redemption of Bonds i
Special Additional Insular Tax for the Redemption
of Bonds......................................................................
Special Tax for Municipal Loans....................... ’
Special Addit. Tax for Municipal Loans............/'/'
Extra Tax for Municipal Loan........................................
Irrigation Funds:
Maintenance and Operation..............................
Isabela Irrigation Fund............................................... .....
Insular Police Pension Retirement Fund.
Teachers’ Pension Fund..................................................
Outstanding Liabilities........................................ ''' " ’ '’ ’
University Fund................................................... ’..' ...........
University Agricultural Fund............................ ..
Cash Bond Deposits................................................... ..
San Juan Harbor Fund................................................
Wharf and Harbor Fund......................................"""
Unclaimed Wages..................................................... ’ ’ / '" ’
Franchise Deposits............................................... ......
Special Deposits......................................................’ \ ''' ’ ’
Extension, Maintenance and Operation, insular
Telegraph Bureau...........................................................
Homestead Trust Fund...................................... . / / / /
Savings and Loan Fund....................................... ................
Pension Fund of Employees of the Insular Government
.....................................................................
Special Funds, General....................................... '//'//
Special Funds for Roads....................................... / / / /
School Lunch Rooms.........................................................
Munoz Rivera Park..............................................1111111111
Special Fund for Development and iise of the
Water Power of Puerto Rico......................................
Insular Racing Commission Fund...................................
Ponce Pier..............................................................
Special Fund Ten Per Cent Retention Fund.... .
Division of Free Studies.............................................
Special Additional Municipal Property Tax. . . .
Special Insurance Fund............................................
Fund for the Prophylaxis of Tub. in Children........
Fund for the Protection of P. R. Tobacco..
Extra Additional Tax for Municipal Loan..................
Additional Tax for Insular Loan................................
Insane Asylum Bakery.......................................... .
Teachers’ Pension Loan Fund.................
Fund for the Prevention of Tuberculosis in Children
of School Age..........................................................
Federal Vocational Funds.....................................................
Cash Deposits to Cover Bids and Contracts.... 1111
Coffee Insurance & Rehabilitation Fund......................
Construction, Maint. and Vigilance, Munoz Rivera
Park and Athletic Field.....................................
Special Fund for the General Plan of Mun. Roads
Ins. Rac. Fund, Charitable Institutions.......................
Ins. Rac. Fund, School Lunch Rooms..................
Municipal Health Units......................................................
Construction of Santurce-Rfo Piedras and San Antonio-
Miramar-La Marina Roads.....................
Temporary Municipal Bond Redemption Fund.
Cafeteros de Puerto Rico, Special Fund.......................
Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Warehouse
Operation Fund............................................
Forest Fund................................................................................’
Public Amusements and Sports Fund................ / ...
Insular
Revenues
Trust
Funds Total
$13, 739, 254.16
474, 417. 56
3, 679, 980.47
250, 948. 70
5,000.00
1,987,275. 21 $601,000.00
516, 787.23
163, 319. 55
2, 873, 791.81
4,875. 56
404, 603. 38
443, 505. 46
130,102.10
$13, 739,254.16
474, 417.56
3, 679, 980. 47
250,948. 70
5, 000.00
2,588, 275. 21
516, 787. 23
163, 319.55
2,873, 791. 81
4, 875. 56
404, 603. 38
443, 505. 46
130,102.10
310,204.12
484, 353. 48
202,326. 99
91, 320.92
310, 204.12
484, 353. 48
202, 326.99
91,320.92
683, 706. 47
438, 397.19
74,132.62
163,432. 67
3, 589. 07
1, 020, 320.27
52, 069. 22
778. 64
14,400. 00
49, 339. 90
348. 77
262. 27
191, 650. 31
683,706.47
438, 397.19
74,132. 62
163, 432. 67
3, 589.07
1,020, 320.27
52, 069. 22
778. 64
14, 400. 00
49, 339. 90
348. 77
262.27
191, 650. 31
15, 814. 56
46,114. 00
1, 028, 780. 63
15,814. 56
46,114.00
1,028, 780. 63
245, 624. 29
14. 59
41, 288.42
21,072.11
10,137. 50
245, 624. 29
14. 59
41, 288. 42
21,072.11
10,137. 50
..........................
1,029, 976. 91
49, 948. 90
18, 520.44
104, 369. 02
20, 500. 50
38, 858.11
96,133.15
9,117. 80
166. 61
59, 890. 44
220,199. 44
17, 526. 24
116, 639. 34
1,029,976. 91
49, 948. 90
18, 520. 44
104, 369. 02
20, 500. 50
38,858.11
96,133.15
9, 117.80
166. 61
59, 890. 44
220,199. 44
17, 526. 24
116, 639.34
..........................
48, 560. 23
102, 445. 57
36, 581. 47
13,171. 62
48, 560.23
102, 445. 57
36, 581. 47
13,171.62
...........................
44. 38
36. 04
8,144. 64
12, 364. 47
62, 819. 97
44. 38
36.04
8,144. 64
12, 364. 47
62, 819. 97
6, 828. 81
6,120. 00
924. 99
6,828. 81
6,120. 00
924.99
11, 080. 23
8, 378. 06
15, 484. 93
11,080. 23
8, 378. 06
15, 484. 93
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 65
Exhi bi t No . 10—Continued
STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS
Description
Insular
Revenues
Trust
Funds
Teachers’ Pension Fund for Mortgage Loans............
Special Redemption Fund for Water System Impro-
$118, 786.18
vements Bonds of the Capital of P. R.................
Deferred Taxes Paid......................................... .............................. 117, 700. 00
Special University Fund..................................... 13,431. 55
Workmen’s Rel. Fund per Act 85 of 1928... . 104. 80
Fund for the Promotion of Cooperative Assoc..........
Gen. Rec. of the Dept, of Agric. & Commerce........
Operating Fund of the P. R. Lottery....
.............................. 789. 35
22, 367. 64
2, 357,083. 66
To Assist Mun. of the 2nd & 3rd Classes...................
Maintenance of Patients in Antituberculosis Hos- .............................. 14L 690. 64
pitals at Rio Piedras, Ponce, Mayagiiez and
Guayama............................................. 201, 695. 78
Maintenance of an X-ray and Pneumothorax Circulating
Clinic, Salaries of a Physician, Technical
Personnel & Plates...................................... 5,859. 69
Maintenance of Diagnosis and Tuberculosis Treatment
Centres Including Salaries of Physicians,
Office Personnel, X-ray Technicians, Janitors
and Purchase of Equipment for these Centres....
To complete Hospital Equipment......... .............................. 106, 760. 47
1,030. 39
Antituberculosis Campaign, Instructive Material
Including Pamphlets & Show Films......................
State Insurance Fund...................................
.............................. 967. 05
1.538, 073. 16
Special Tax for Public Improvements at San Juan.
Pay Patients’ Fees, University Hospital......................
Sanatorium Race Fund.........................................................
Park Commission Fund........................
.............................. 903. 34
846. 51
5,369. 67
81, 945. 25
Special Additional Tax for Public Improvements,
San Juan........................................................... 14, 331.00
Redemption Fund for Waterworks Bonds of Corozal
Redemption Fund for the Waterworks & Sewerage .............................. 1, 432.00
Bonds of Mayaguez............................. 14, 587. 89
Advance of Taxes Redemption Fund, Capital of
Puerto Rico, Municipal Funds...................... 149, 867. 74
Advance of Taxes Redemption Fund, Capital of
Puerto Rico, School Funds........... 1,470. 08
Advance of Taxes Redemption Fund, Capital of
Puerto Rico, Special School Tax. . . 34, 064. 15
Reclaimed Lands, Urbanization Fund.........................
Model Housing Fund............................... .............................. 717. 60
4, 503. 08
Pto. Rico Coffee Corporation, Operation Fund.........
Tobacco Institute of Puerto Rico............. .............................. 40,185.40
34,080. 56
Fund for the Development of a Market for Puerto
Rican Coffee..................................... 60, 377. 55
Income Tax Cash Bond Deposits.......... 12,595 18
P. R. Self-Help Corporation, Special Deposit Fund
for Assisting to Cooperative and Self-Help Assoc.
P. R. Self-Help Corporation: Cooperative Handcraft .............................. 12, 500. 00
Incorporated of P. R......................................................
P. R. Self-Help Corporation: P. R. Corn Growers .............................. 127,500.00
Cooperative Association........... 10,000. 00
Cooperative Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons
Disabled in Industries.................................... 21, 616. 29
Special Fund, Excise Tax on Public Shows...............
Municipal Bond Fund....................... .............................. 49, 622. 60
18, 225.00
Redemption of Municipal Bonds........... Interest on Deferred Taxes.............. 5,000. 00 86, 518.01
Fund for Acquisition and Improvements of the Ponce
Electric Co., per Act No. 1, approved Sept.
22, 1936............................................... 198,085.46
P. R. 4% Electric Power-Revenue Bonds of 1936,
Redemption Fund............................ 106, 000.00 Special Fund for Power Accounts, Ponce District..
Permanent University Fund.......................................
Night School Fees............................................................
Acquisition Fund..........................
.............................. 176, 451.71
133, 972. 70
45,032.19
13, 721. 72
Fund for the Support of Milk Stations............
Printing, of Beverage Identification Stamps.................
Public Hospitals Charity Fund........
.............................. 34, 547. 51
9, 906.40
22, 910.67
Construction of Road Starting from Pueblo del Rosario-
San German to connect with San Germfin-
Las Vegas Road............................• .. 11, 272.08 Gasoline Tax Proceeds....................... 100, 400.16
Road Bonds of 1936, Redemption Fund. . . 507, 500.00
Liquidating Fund of the Workmen’s Compensation
Bureau....................................................... 70.144.87
Total
$118, 786.18
117,700. 00
349, 784. 27
13, 431. 55
104.80
789. 35
22, 367. 64
2, 357, 083. 66
147, 690. 64
201, 695. 78
5, 859. 69
106, 760. 47
1, 030. 39
967. 05
1, 538, 073.16
903. 34
846. 51
5, 369. 67
81, 945. 25
14, 331. 00
1, 432. 00
14, 587. 89
149, 867. 74
1, 470. 08
34,064.15
717. 60
4, 503. 08
40,185.40
34,080. 56
60, 377. 55-
12, 595.18
12, 500. 00
127, 500. 00
10, 000.00
21,616.29'
49, 622. 60
18, 225. 00
5, 000. 00-
86, 518.01
198, 085.46
106, 000. 00
176, 451. 71
133, 972. 70
45, 032.19
13, 721. 72
34, 547.51
9, 906. 40
22,910. 67
11,272.08
100, 400.16
507, 500. 00
70,144.87
66 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exh ibi t No . 10—Continued
STATEMENT OF DISBURSEMENTS
Description
Insular
Revenues
Trust
Funds Total
Road Rnnd Fund of 1936..................................................... $163,831.08
4, 000. 00
11, 786.14
17, 635. 40
119,130.38
1,087. 78
9,956. 80
13,000.00
258, 772. 04
202, 528. 28
265,810.80
300, 610. 53
12, 367.22
500,013. 71
23, 000. 00
197,886.39
12.20
262, 605. 68
308.12
4, 504.17
891, 460.19
42, 081. 69
162, 586. 35
597,845. 68
91,157. 38
35, 745. 52
962. 22
9, 652.11
2, 500.00
22,099.39
42,891. 88
7, 500. 00
42,444. 57
158,107. 20
$163,831.08
4,000.00
11, 786.14
17, 635.40
119,130.38
1,087. 78
9,956. 80
13,000. 00
258, 772.04
202, 528. 28
265,810.80
300, 610. 53
12, 367. 22
500, 013. 71
23,000.00
197, 886. 39
12.20
262,605.68
308.12
4, 504.17
891,460.19
42,081. 69
162, 586. 35
597,845. 68
91,157. 38
35, 745. 52
962.22
9, 652.11
2, 500.00
22,099.39
42, 891.88
7, 500.00
42,444. 57
158,107. 20
Fund for the Promotion of 4 H Clubs..........................
Fund for the Holding of Agrlc. Fairs in P. R..........
Subscription Fund, Proportion for School Lunch
Rooms. .....................................................................
..............................
Fund for the Promotion of Tourism and for Publicizing
P. R ...........................................................
Fisheries Fund...........................................................................
Carnival Committee of 1938.................................................
Reserve Officers Association Convention Fund.........
Construction of Public Charity District Hospitals,
..............................
Construction of Public Charity District Hospitals,
Arecibo .......................................................................
Construction of Public Charity District Hospitals,
Construction of Public Charity District Hospitals,
Public Works, Dept, of the Interior: Construction
of Aqueduct, Bayamon District Hospital.....
Reserve Fund for Emergencies-Insular Emergency
Fund . ....................................................................
..............................
Special Fund Covering Expenses for the Federal
Special Fund for the Survey, Construction and
Maintenance of Roads, Highways & Bridges...
Fund for the Construction of Mun. Waterworks...
Inspection, Studies and Office Personnel for the
Construction of Highways, Roads and Bridges.
Construction of Highways, Roads and Bridges.........
Fund for the Elimination of Railroad Crossings.. ..
Maintenance and Repair of Highways, Roads and
..............................
Special Fund for Indemnities in the Const, of Roads
Roads, Highways and Bridges, Municipal Construe-
Roads, Highways and Bridges, Insular Construction
Roads, Highways and Bridges, Construction Plant
notin Federal Aid Annual Program..............
Construction of Federal Aid Grade Crossings Projects
Redemption Fund for the Sewerage System, Revenue
..............................
Redemption Fund for the Water System Revenue
Advance of Taxes-Redemption Fund Capital of P.
Income Ta^Bonds for Appeal to Board of Review
and Equalization According to Act No. 102, ap-
P. R. Seif Help'Cor'poration: Manufacturing Coope-
George Deen Funds for Promotion of Vocational
Miscellaneous...............................................................................
Insulae Gove rn ment Disb ur seme nts
Inc lu di ng Tra ns fe rs and Mun ic ipa l
Bond s Rede eme d ........................................
Balanc e as of Jun e 30, 1938........................
Grand Tot al .........................................................
$20,136,876.10
2,158,126.98
$24,118, 506. 31
12, 033, 755.67
$44, 255, 382.41
14,191,882.65
$22, 295, 003.08 $36,152, 261.98 $58,447, 265.06
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 67
Exhi bi t No . 11
DEBTFINCURRING capa city of th e insul ar gov er nm en t
As of June 30, 1938
Total PublicHndebtedness which can be incurred (10$ of assessed
valuation)......................................................................................................
Ins ul ar Bon ds Outst anding :
Homestead Bonds of 1932......................................................................
Hydroelectric Projects Bonds......................................................................
Workmen's Relief Bonds of 1930...............................................................
Floating Debt and Deficiency Bonds......................................................
Guayama Irrigation Bonds...........................................................................
Road Bonds..........................................................................................................
Public Improvements Bonds.......................................................................
Public Hospitals Charity Bonds of 1938................................................
P. R. 4$ Electric Power Revenue Bonds of 1936..............................
Workingmen House Construction Bonds..............................................
San Juan Harbor Bonds................................................................................
Isabela Irrigation Bonds.................................................................................
Refunding Bonds...............................................................................................
Consolidation Bonds of 1935........................................................................
$30, 268,062. CO
$337, 000.00
1,000,000.00
300,000.00
800, 000.00
2,895,000.00
4,000,000.00
8,000,000.00
500,000.00
1, 350,000.00
500,000.00
320, 000.00
4,050,000.00
250,000.00
3, 098,000.00
$27, 400,000.00
Tempor ar y Loan s :
Banco de Ponce.................................................................. $150,000.00
Banco de Puerto Rico..................................................... 25,000.00 175,000.00
Loans contracted by municipalities and chargeable against Insular
Government borrowing capacity........................................................ 958,845.86
P. R. 4$ Revenue Bonds of 1936............................... $1,350,090.00
(Per Public 264-74th Congress S-1227)
Refunding Bonds secured by equal amount of
municipal and school bonds.................................. 250,000.00
Sinking Funds:
For Roads, Pub. Improvements
and Homestead Bonds........ $620,847.51
For San Juan Harbor Bonds.. 274, 713.30
For Floating Debt and Deficiency
Bonds........................ 583,079.80
For Hydroelectric Projects
Bonds.......................................... 400,000.00 1,878,640.61
$28,533,845.86
3,478,640.61 25,055,205.25
Net Debt Incurring Power of the Insular Government
as of June 30, 1938................................................................... $5,212,856.75
68 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNEAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No . 12
STATEMENT OF THE DEBT-INCURRING
OF PUERTO RICO AS
POWER OF THE MUNICIPALITIES
OF JUNE 30, 1938
Assessment
as of
April 1, 1938
Capacity Authorized by law:
Municipality of San Juan, 10$ of.
Municipality of Ponce, 10$ of........
Municipality of Mayaguez, 10$ of.
All other municipalities, 5$ of........
Total assessed property valuation
Total debt-incurring power of all municipalities
........................................................
Outstanding Indebtedness:
Unacrued payable—
Bonds outstanding...................
Local loans..........................................
Advances of Taxes...........................
Loans with Insular Government
Other indebtedness..........................
Accrued principals payable—
Bond redemption fund deficiencies due the
Treasurer of Puerto Rico.................................
Local loans..................................................................
Advances of Taxes.................................................
Loans with Insular Government......................
Other indebtedness................................................
Total outstanding indebtedness
Less redemption funds:
For '
For
For
For
For
bonds....................................................
local loans...........................................
loans with Insular Government
advances of taxes............................
other indebtedness..........................
$62, 708, 232.85
25,460,967.00
12. 991,586.00
199, 855, 714.80
$301,016, 500.65
$13, 645, 400.00
773,192.66
28,000.00
312, 350.00
184,149.30
$82,410.00
24,266.66
140, 555 37
11,000.00
13, 730.44
$2,161, 625.18
19, 249.78
5,000.00
168, 555.37
151,032.36
$6,270, 823.28
2,546, 096.70
1,299,158.60
9, 992,785.74
$14,943, 091.96
271, 962.47
$15, 215, 054.43
2, 505,462.69
$20,108, 864.32
Net outstanding indebtedness as of June 30, 1938.
Difference
12,709,591.74
$7, 399. 272.58
Less loans and debts authorized to be contracted:
Bonds.....................................................................
Local loans..................................................................
Loans with Insular Government......................
Indebtedness...............................................................
Deduct: redemption Fund..................................
$2, 700.00
500.00
$1,316,500.00
90,612.50
30, 000.00
2,200.00 1, 439,312.50
Difference:
51 municipalities have available margin amounting
to...................................................................
22 municipalities show excesses of indebtedness
over the present 5$ limitation amounting to.
$6,439,795.04
479, 831.96 $5, 959, 960.08
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 69
Exhi b it No . 12—Continued
CLASSIFICATION BY MUNICIPALITIES
54 Municipalities have available margins as
follows:
22Municipalities, because of indebtedness incurred
prior to latest amendment to Organic
Act, have exceeded the 5% limitation as follows:
Adjuntas................................................... $26,161.09
Anasco........................................................ 48,676.09
Barceloneta.............................................. 55,026.64
Camuy....................................................... 10,438.61
Carolina..................................................... 6,669.31
Cayey......................................................... 8,253.20
Ciales.......................................................... 79,636.59
Isabela........................................................ 8,773.59
Jayuya....................................................... 2,731.20
Lares........................................................... 87,013.40
Las Marias.............................................. 24,107 46
Luquillo.................................................... 17,294.96
Maunabo.................................................. 701 45
Moca........................................................... 8,976.69
Morovis..................................................... 22,904.01
Quebradillas............................................ 18,511 39
Rio Grande............................................. 3,550.29
Sabana Grande...................................... 2,515.40
San Sebastian......................................... 24’ 324.32
Toa Alta................................................... 859.84
Trujillo Alto............................................ 1,098.98
Yauco......................................................... 21,610.45
Tota l ..........
Dif fe r en c e
$479, 834.96
5, 959, 960.08
$6, 439, 795.04
Aguada......................................................
Aguadilla...................................................
Aguas Buenas........................................
Aibonito....................................................
Arecibo.................................................. ;.
Arroyo....................................................'
Barranquitas...........................................
Bayamon & Catano............................
Cabo Rojo...............................................
Caguas.......................................................
Ceiba..........................................................
Cidra..........................................................
Coamo.......................................................
Comerio ..................................................
Corozal......................................................
Dorado......................................................
Fajardo......................................................
Guanica.....................................................
Guayama..................................................
Guayanilla...............................................
Guaynabo................................................
Gurabo......................................................
Hatillo.......................................................
Hormigperos............................................
Humacao..................................................
Juana Diaz..............................................
Juncos........................................................
Lajas...........................................................
Las Piedras.............................................
Loiza..........................................................
Manati.......................................... ............
Maricao.............................
MAYAGUEZ........................................
Naguabo...................................................
Naranjito..................................................
Orocovis....................................................
Patillas......................................................
Penuelas................................
PONCE....................................................
Rincon.......................................................
Rio Piedras.............................................
Salinas........................................................
San German........................................
SAN JUAN............................................
San Lorenzo............................................
Santa Isabel............................................
Toa Baja..................................................
Utuado......................................................
Vega Alta.................................................
Vega Baja................................................
Vieques..............................
Villalba......................................................
Yabucoa....................................................
Tota l
$14,
14,
7,
8,
139,
145,
17,
20,
47,
426,
4,
1,
22,
50,
48,
61,
31,
231,
39,
77,
19,
14,
6,
69,
200,
92,
61,
46.
12,
111,
55,
23,
826,
121,
23,
40,
66,
610,
6,
525,
241,
77,
1, 166,
25,
220,
28,
88,
90,
27,
59,
6,
62,
969.66
705.96
518.47
714.64
548.38
701.55
330.72
671.46
720.40
189.70
612.02
025.78
720.81
637.84
520.40
640.95
586.30
245.70
425.27
540.17
698.29
212.62
274.66
369.60
132.59
157.61
698.70
182.59
236.05
954.58
178.21
764.15
789.61
353.68
357.85
043.10
844.90
018.10
145‘.06
639.20
382.29
897.59
012.31
116.60
693.21
167.75
344.86
542.57
763.70
081.05
899.17
337.85
478.76
$6,439,795.04
$6,439,795.04
70 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exh ib it No . 13
LIQUIDATION OF FINANCIAL PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEARJ1937-38
Isi Amount Per Cent
Used ’fo r :
Insular Government Disbursements including transfers .................. $16, 946, 823. 25 87.42
Carry-over appropriation liabilities to Fiscal Year 1938-39................... 2,134, 310. 62 11. 01
Excess of cash resources over appropriation liabilities. .. $23, 816. 36
Other resources reimbursable to General Fund.................. 281,420.00
Excess of resources over appropriation liabilities ....................................... 305, 236. 36 1.57
Total................................................................................................. $19, 386, 370. 23 100.00
Detai l of Disb ur seme nt s :
Legislative....................................................................................................................... $381, 051. 21 1. 96
Judicial............................................................................................................................. 913, 363. 71 4. 71
Department of Education..................................... ....................................... 5, 432, 409. 65 28.02
Department of Health.............................................................................................. 1, 722, 600. 87 8. 89
Department of the Interior.................................................................................... 909, 547. 03 4. 69
Department of Finance............................................................................................ 1, 098, 204. 95 5. 67
Department of Agriculture and Commerce................................................... 386, 561. 94 1.99
Office of the Attorney General .......................................................................... 499, 737. 07 2.58
Insular Police................................................................................................................ 1, 253, 522. 64 6.47
General Miscellaneous............................................................................................... 1, 922, 083. 82 9. 92
Others.............................................................................................................................. 1, 041, 465.15 5.37
Transfers.......................................................................................................................... 1, 386, 275. 21 7.15
Total................................................................................................. $16, 946, 823. 25 87.42
Exhi bi t No . 14
TOTAL ASSESSED VALUE OF PERSONAL PROPERTY, BY MUNICIPALITIES AND CLASSES
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1937-1938
(Correcte d to June 30, 1938)
Municipalities Money
Mdse, raw
material &
fixtures in
establishments
Work
Cattle
Other
Cattle
Horses
mules &
donkeys
Airplanes
Carts
drawn by
animals
Automobiles
Coaches Portable
track
Machinery Hives Rolling
stock
Vessels Other
property
Total
personal
property
Adjuntas........................... $1, 655 $41,760 $3, 345 $9, 830 $8, 960 $1, 940 $33, 580 $610 $1,751 $103 431
Aguada.............................. 2. 140 33,165 21, 670 5,415 6, 780 7,190 10,050 $7,150 $10, 690 9 040 113’ 290
Aguadilla.......... .. ............ 16, 785 253, 670 20, 315 14, 975 6, 210 6,310 54' 260 1, 510 $37,100 5 800 $11,740 27 525 45fi 900
Aguas Buenas................ 980 20, 330 7, 200 3, 860 5,810 ' 900 5^0.30 825 ’545 55 480
Aibonito............................ 1, 130 56,105 5, 730 17,995 7, 910 810 lei 730 190 106’ 600
Anasco............. ................. 810 10, 025 5, 110 5, 430 1,990 2, 420 7,050 6, 100 5, 000 1,005 19,970 64 910
Arecibo.................. ........... 63, 865 1, 572, 435 81, 780 60, 655 21, 590 14, 250 115,260 $100 12 370 79 210 310,120 28 290 9 259 925
Arroyo............................... 523, 376 194, 849 56,130 20, 975 3, 960 8, 590 23’ 350 100 2 500 1,510 27, 360 6 400 77 130 946 230
Barceloneta________... 8, 635 49, 465 46, 580 47, 110 9, 765 6,980 14^ 060 1,100 32 no 102, 500 2,000 s’ 835 Barranquitas............. ...... 295 329 140 15, 835 3, 960 5, 390 4.190 365 lOi 990 430 41 455
Bayamon..._________ 53, 540 348, 160 49, 965 54, 640 25, 855 5, 840 92, 630 43 350 34, 690 1 140 709 81Q
Cabo Rojo........................ 7, 325 65, 435 49, 215 65, 980 7, 870 8, 720 43' 270 6 000 25,180 560 7 480 287 035
Caguas.............................. 46. 135 301, 880 118, 230 68, 110 40, 830 15, 320 141,480 10,100 44 120 120, 660 22’ 485 929 350 Camuy.............................. 4,110 56, 720 23, 365 19, 590 9, 475 6, 780 9,190 12, 360 12, 970 4’ 985 159 545
Carolina______ _______ 4, 335 131, 290 39, 325 113, 845 14, 970 9, 975 18^ 540 8,000 22 960 50, 590 9’ 195 423 025
Catano.............................. 1,945 123, 695 2,870 2, 935 1,210 2,230 IL 650 2, 680 13, 530 19’ 210 181 955
Cayey------------------------- 840 140, 675 31, 645 46, 680 13,165 5, 845 44,280 21, 640 350 12’ 300 317 420
Ceiba.................. ............... 785 • 28,430 16, 540 24, 635 6, 860 11, 380 1,800 7, 400 4, 890 3, 635 106 355
Ciales________________ 685 30, 650 3, 920 9,135 7, 860 1,160 11,010 300 750 65 470
Cidra. ................................ 815 36, 400 10,135 10, 165 5,490 600 14, 520 78’ 125
Coamo.............................. 655 52, 195 16, 740 98, 695 11,785 1,000 32, 720 1, 000 214 790
Comerio............................. 3,417 152, 618 11, 140 24, 250 9,735 3, 360 16,850 350 4 270 225 990
Corozal________ ______ 1,595 25, 755 10, 640 22, 450 5, 380 3,985 17,925 1 195 88 925
Culebra____ __________ 18, 475 4, 735 32, 360 2, 620 1, 670 800 1 ’ 620 69 980
Dorado............................. 623 23, 937 16, 885 44,160 5, 365 $5,000 2,230 8, 140 1, 370 51, 630 ’ 475 1 59 815
Faiardo............ ....... ......... 54, 365 404, 048 65, 920 52, 735 13, 825 18, 640 29j 550 19, 540 166, 210 6,100 3 700 834 635
Guanica_______ _____ _ 3,. 685 642, 495 82, 310 34, 920 14, 930 3, 575 36, 490 5' 900 11, 870 66, 520 127 100 1 099 795
Guayama_____________ 71, 685 745,070 169, 965 75, 640 70, 325 21, 340 65, 500 27, 400 52, 360 1,280 35, 600 36 460 1 372 625
Guayanilla....................... 3,.513 383, 270 27, 130 18, 120 6, 690 4,175 25, 050 4, 200 4, 310 23, 260 2, 780 21’ 290 523 788
Guaynabo______ _____ 1, 590 41, 260 14, 890 37, 640 4, 760 3, 870 10i 990 2, 920 20, 490 1’ 130 139 540
Gurabo.................. ........... 685 100, 895 30, 690 16, 985 5, 190 5,220 6, 780 14', 670 23, 800 ’ 520 205 435
Hatillo............................... 360 19,440 13, 615 21, 290 8, 610 3,990 13, 640 ' 500 29, 740 111’185
Hormigueros... ............... 975 24, 710 12, 320 11,140 6, 330 4,645 5, 459 7, 430 15' 900 2 110 91 010
Humacao........................... 4, 330 742, 505 107. 680 78, 340 36,820 19,160 52, 980 99' 870 82' no 56, 328 1 280 123
Isabela................. . ........... 525 41,337 14, 375 20, 320 7, 850 3, 720 21, 850 900 14' 360 ’ 125’ 237
Jayuya__________ ____ 143 4,877 5, 260 10,410 5, 930 1,790 18, 780 10, 100 430 57’ 720
Juana Diaz...................... 7, 730 367, 730 64. 590 59, 480 48, 645 8, 120 35, 270 5,800 35^ 340 54, 675 21 320 704 700
Juncos............................. . 5,. 945 238,155 71, 665 73, 130 15, 970 18, 980 43,100 13i 600 5L 270 20, 230 15,140 567’ 185
Lajas..................... .......... 2,870 41,870 45, 980 81, 170 11, 980 9,110 18,070 500 5 865 217 415
Lares.................... ............. 975 43,045 6, 490 10, 220 12, 790 1, 120 2L 140 1, 340 97 120
Las Marias............ ......... 345 1, 705 1, 210 1, 530 3,810 325 L 930 ' 190 11 045
Las Piedras..................... 365 9, 525 10, 130 7, 220 3, 980 5, 365 7,080 22, 760 54, 300 120’ 725
Loiza....................... 1, 740 244,866 63, 630 15, 390 11,630 11, 260 25,430 7, 310 20,150 73,265 1 760 476 431
Luquillo.............. ............. 370 22,185 16,375 11,960 11, 130 6,290 3; 300 9,290 11, 160 92 060
Manati____ ____ ___ 21, 340 292, 055 39,140 66, 320 22, 640 7, 250 27,100 9,600 65, 970 11, 320 3 680 566 415
Maricao........... ........... .... 1, 630 1, 210 2, 140 2, 630 310 6, 740 550 1 000 16 2W
Maunabo.................. 345 31, 585 17, 690 17, 370 1,910 5, 790 10, 250 3, 400 5, 760 94 100
Mayaguez___ ________ 138, 495 2, 380, 020 31, 220 48, 360 18, 570 11, 670 265, 690 340 7,200 90. 630 2, 550 40,140 15,870 74 643 3 195 398
Moca.................... ......... 16,110 6, 540 4, 220 2, 790 ’ 740 5', 120 600 8,010 ’ 325 44 455
Morovis......... ........... ........ 8, 975 10, 160 19, 320 7,410 2,020 12, 000 790
Naguabo....................... 2,130 82, 580 44,150 31, 230 15, 340 10, 370 IL 930 3,420 52, 640 60, 490 5,800 1 470 327 550
Naranjito.. ...................... 1„ 165 17, 660 5, 760 11, 970 4, 845 1, 580 4.170 340 955 1 320 49 765
Orocovis.............. . 615 2, 070 3, 790 6, 810 6, 960 890 6, 540 230 27’ 905
Patillas............ . ............. . 1, 985 36, 170 36, 730 23, 955 8, 390 5,950 5, 560 90 1. 340 12, 640 132 810
Penuelas............................ 510 10, 225 18, 320 17,410 8, 960 L 985 19,820 40 4, no 1, 500 260 83 140
Ponce......................... 273, 640 2, 519, 635 267 740 153, 930 51 740 16, 050 24 870 361 490 810 24, 790 163, 680 6 320 175 140 1 031 035 5 OrtO QQn
Quebradillas____ _____ 575 9, 430 12. 820 10, 970 5, 160 2, 110 32' 700 40 L 690
O, UOv, vvu
75 495
Rincon..................... . . . 340 3, 265 4, 120 3, 550 1, 690 1,010 6,230 25 13, 380 5, 640 39 250
Rio Grande_________ _ 695 18, 085 34, 640 20, 350 14, 310 2, 590 8, 160 6,100 9, 210 31, 490 145 640
Rio Piedras..................... 73, 745 782, 625 48, 370 190, 960 99, 450 11, 320 108, 560 4,100 100, 940 630 49, 330 149 830 1 619’860
Sabana Grande............. 325 50, 950 9, 140 17, 960 4, 710 3,120 20, 610 60 315 1100 107 9.90
Salinas............................. 7,.320 739, 215 251, 690 202, 320 172, 630 42, 630 41, 540 100 20,160 371, 390 7,240 13, 720 225, 690 2 095’ 645
San German................. 965 151, 975 36, 370 34, 960 13. 770 11, 465 48, 920 860 1,710 113 970 414 965
San Juan.......................... I,. 364, 645 9, 488, 595 1, 475 5, 480 4, 000 3, 470 418, 720 475, 590 176, 760 199 340 1 082 970 13 291 O45
San Lorenzo......... . 1,375 55, 665 35, 390 41,220 14, 670 4, 460 19' 040 8. 430 22, 540 1’ 130 204 920
San Sebastian.......... . 2.495 116, 255 19, 430 25, 310 11,980 4, 870 25, 440 1,540 8^ 840 12 630 228 790
Santa Isabel.................. 7, 990 229, 660 180, 690 131, 210 103, 360 • 37,740 8, 625 9, 320 40, 680 30,230 126 790 906 295
Toa Alta......... ....... ......... 1,140 28, 700 12, 430 31, 360 4, 320 2, 360 3, 940 1, 720 14' 690 2 710 103 370
Toa Baja......................... 7, 875 77. 605 34, 260 42, 340 10, 320 14, 060 8, 220 12,950 26' 270 42, 300 910 4 760 281 880
Trujillo Alto................ 145 8, 825 8, 310 19, 160 3, 820 1,280 2, 430 L 000 60 31' 340 1 670 78 040
Utuado.............................. 1, 790 72,180 6, 780 23, 340 19, 620 2,020 30, 810 2,180 2 400 161 120
Vega Alta............... ......... 965 71,865 22.130 19, 670 8,230 2, 410 9, 030 25, 840 37, 200 1,590 198 930
Vega Baja______ _____ 2, 320 27, 135 23, 990 25, 310 3, 120 4,130 20,140 30 62, 560 59' 430 228 165
Vieques........ ..................... 1,945 113, 605 87. 360 54. 240 27. 590 2,130 13,100 350 14, 210 49, 760 72', 320 14, 960 3,130 476 70O
Villalba............................. 340 8, 595 8, 460 17,230 6, 980 4, no 17, 360 1,540 64 615
Yabucoa____ ______ ... 184, 895 58, 620 36. 190 18, 730 8, 650 18, 930 35, 260 46, 370 115, 620 7, 340 1 290 538 670
Yauco................................. 1,660 225, 855 20, 470 20, 560 9, 930 ...................... 5,430 58,450 no 2,060 2,120 1,430 348^ 075
Totals.............$..2.., 830, 322 $25, 766, 637 $2, 880, 315 $2, 849, 635 $1, 258, 885 $25, 050 $547, 335 $2,860,110 $2,195 $326,180 $2, 406, 610 $29, 850 $2, 330, 060 $311,170 $3, 368,142 $47, 792, 496

OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 71
Exhibit No . 15
LOANS TO MUNICIPALITIES AS OF JUNE 30, 1938
Municipality Balance
July 1, 1937
Loans made
during
the year
Amount
repaid
during year
Outstanding
Balance
June 30, 1938
Adjuntas...................................................... $13, 344.05
77.49
186.81
151. 65
335.02
407.91
17,912.00
26, 910.83
65.06
2, 550.00
521.56
93.91
7,721.30
870.00
■ 832.45
245. 58
2, 400.00
100. 00
94. 59
102. 75
72.34
77.10
10,850.19
102.83
600.00
$1,800.00
155.00
$244.05
232. 49
186.81
151. 65
335. 02
407. 91
912.00
810.83
65.06
3,005.00
521. 56
93.91
221. 30
270.00
832. 45
245. 58
100.00
100.00
94. 59
102. 75
72.34
77.10
550.19
102.83
600. 00
$14, 900. 00
Aguas Buenas............................................
Barceloneta.................................................
Caguas..........................................................
Camuy..........................................................
Carolina........................................................
Cayey............................................................ 880.00
2,030.00
17,880.00
Ciales............................................................. 28,130.00
Cidra................................... ..........................
Fajardo......................................................... 455.00
Guayama.....................................................
Humacao......................................................
Lares.............................................................. 7, 500.00
Las Marias......... . ...................................... 800.00 1,400.00
Loiza..............................................................
Manati..........................................................
Morovis........................................................ 2, 300.00
Naranjito........................................... ,....
Quebradillas...............................................
Rio Grande.................................................
Rio Piedras.................................................
San Lorenzo...............................................
San Sebastian............................................ 10, 300.00
Vega Baja....................................................
Vieques.........................................................
Totals ................................$..8..6.,. .625. 42 $6,120.00 $10, 335.42 $82,410.00
72 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
P R O P E R T Y V A L U A T IO N A N D T A X E S F O R T H E F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-1938
(Co r r e c t e d t o Ju n e 30, 1938)
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74 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No. 17
DETAILED STATEMENT SHOWING INCOME TAX ASSESSMENT FROM JULY 1, 1937
TO JUNE 30, 1938
Taxable Year Individuals Partnerships Corporations
Withheld
at Source Totals
1090 $31.55 $31. 55
1091 30. 61 30.61
1099 ................................ 29. 68 29. 68
}*109 28. 75 $3,448. 35 3, 477.10
1924 6. 29 ili 189. 32 11,195. 61
109^ 6.29 1', 758. 08 $19,152. 60 20, 916. 97
1Q9fi 75.05 2, 580.92 6,199. 62 8,855. 59
1927 8, 588.14 2, 717. 98 3,825.15 15,131. 27
1928 16, 216. 59 3i 289. 35 22, 450. 52 41,956. 46
1929 13j 238.18 4,308. 23 18, 306. 39 35, 852.80
1930 .............................. 15, 647.95 L 632. 53 10, 563. 69 $59.85 27, 904.02
1931 .............................. 40, 690. 91 1, 622. 69 14, 291. 76 57. 69 56, 663.05
1932 ............................ 50,170.05 10, 334.13 28,172. 58 81.78 88, 7 58. 54
1933 ............................ 44,135.14 18, 790. 77 35, 741.04 239.14 98, 906.09
1934 .............................. 51, 318. 97 38, 565. 49 99, 666.18 156.29 189, 706.93
1935 .............................. 54, 449.28 24, 268. 72 22, 752. 60 332. 81 101, 803. 41
1936................................ 165, 611. 75 50, 941. 70 117, 630. 82 370.10 334, 554. 37
1937................................ 682, 486.48 408, 447. 05 2, 364, 929. 88 10, 441. 58 3,466, 304.99
1938................................ 3, 588. 30 14, 577.41 22, 885.12 45.02 41,095.85
Total............ $1,146,349.96 $598,472. 72 $2, 786, 567. 95 $11, 784. 26 $4, 543,174. 89
Exhi bi t No . 18
MONTHLY INTERNAL REVENUE STAMP SALES FOR THE YEAR 1937-38
July August September October November December January February March April May June Total
Cigars................................. $7, 332.30
197, 236. 35
222. 60
180. 50
569 50
$8,006. 75
191,927. 52
75. 36
1,418. 50
$7, 597.80
237, 852. 54
108. 72
312. 50
$8,172. 85
211,170. 91
127. 20
1, 692. 75
$8, 862. 50
206,107.91
113.40
678.91
$10,142.05
244,050. 50
136. 56
417.25
$10,099. 45
172,178.95
168. 51
34.28
$11,289.15
131, 333. 53
250.89
$11,749.19
202,941.54
333. 78
362.00
Cigarettes......................................... $10,270.11 $9, 577. 30 $8, 660.03 $111, 759. 48
Cut Tobacco................................................... 201, 363.06
253. 53
551. 75
234, 725. 70 263,903.60 2, 494, 791. 41
Playing Cards...................................................... 251.82 87. 54 2,129. 91
Arms and Ammunition..................................... 5.40
1, 072.85
404.81 1, 368. 25 7,022.09
8, 330.16
33,098.14
7, 736. 79
10, 539. 66
60.00
3, 670.11
292. 54
178.14
4, 961. 95
946. 05
2,143. 64
1,123. 86
951.00
450. 67
7, 642. 35
28, 929.46
8, 739.89
3, 301. 51
302. 58
3, 801. 75
673.28
131.17
4, 231. 40
1,064. 75
2, 374. 92
948.01
605. 71
4, 718. 91
34,042.86
9,158.49
3, 787. 36
172.07
5, 012.08
585.42
89.16
3,098. 38
1,040. 60
5,125. 32
889. 72
46.29
1,154. 51
508. 44
13. 39
8,017. 30
793. 64
3, 711.22
3, 798. 00
5,246.81
2, 741. 27
123.21
456.45
11, 240.86
46, 596.09
8,873. 67
6,058. 90
688.13
3, 959. 50
328.11
80.97
5,149. 61
1, 618. 47
4, 324. 77
1, 370. 63
377.06
9,009. 57
45,912. 04
8, 543.99
7, 332. 20
229. 59
3, 855. 32
468. 79
107. 83
5,348.17
1, 892.19
2, 688. 60
695.23
983. 75
1, 691. 54
331. 61
104. 21
7, 442.19
1, 665.28
5,988.17
6,078. 00
8, 005. 59
5, 288. 70
1, 372. 90
152.91
4, 465.42
40,098. 57
8, 249. 51
4,944. 77
196. 55
2, 363.21
146.43
80.29
1, 746. 71
789. 67
1, 699. 57
391.01
192.03
425.92
655.68
228.85
1,088. 99
27, 320. 72
7,894. 20
2, 443. 32
118. 32
2, 899. 38
651. 77
44.50
1, 704.84
583.46
1,840. 54
348.14
515.64
21,733.04
54,955.03
15,163. 62
6,757.07
324.17
6,748. 30
485.40
258.85
6,440. 73
1,155. 29
3,108.02
1,063.17
752.18
1,361.08
380. 76
82.50
4,651.83
1,149. 71
3,980.75
10,773.80
6,529.67
6,762. 95
2,503.57
259. 35
10,262. 26
39,926. 39
9, 539. 62
5,182. 31
155.87
5, 582. 31
256. 74
89. 70
4, 445. 73
1,155.10
2, 761. 77
561. 37
300. 99
756.90
469.68
15.80
5, 775. 69
1, 344.87
5,137.10
36,836.16
5,405. 47
8,600. 22
466. 66
Matches................... 9, 366. 27
46, 474. 23
7,295. 36
4,177.13
461 44
48 b. /8 5, 579. 38
Self-propelling Vehicles, etc............................. 11, 224. 66
46, 200.14
8, 802.34
39, 646. 70
107,884.83
Pneumatic tires, Inner Tubes, etc............. 483, 200. 37
Phonographs, Organs, radios, etc.................. 9, 677. 56
5, 299. 25
204. 75
5, 536. 44
445. 35
75. 35
5, 336.19
10,171.91 110,864. 61
Pianos, Harmoniums and Accs...................... 4, 321.81 64,145. 29
Cinematographic Films...................................... 3, 607. 31
326. 76
194. 53 3,108.00
Photographic Cameras and Accs.................. 4, 051.83 51, 087. 54
Billiard Tables and. Accs.................................. 152. 42 5, 190.11
Chewing Gum, Bonbons and Confect.......
Mats, carpets, Linoleums, etc..............
3,109. 72
884.89
2, 531. 33
879. 78
108. 23
5, 693.28
1,396.61
49,266. 71
Electric and Fluid Gas Apparatus.......... 1,151.87
2, 307. 62
927. 34 13, 209. 68
Typewriters... ....................... 3,468.61 34,374. 71
Dynamite___ 619. 29
395.25
849.82
424. 37
23. 00
5, 558. 41
1,339.48
3, 742. 31
2, 531. 50
4, 721.46
4,231.98
1, 428. 45
1, 022.00
72.84
840.00
1,298.15
3, 324.45
1,311.34
179, 939. 20
424. 63
2,007. 55
8,922.02
64,083.18
1,459. 96
1, 897.75
20, 944. 99
3,170. 23
26.50
139.10
11.15
1, 279.87
360.38
10,170.08
Cash Registers, Scales, Weights.................... 1, 530.00 3,982.47
643. 28
894. 60
3, 491. 45
5. 30
1,000. 70
522. 78
57 17
1, 548. 77
422. 49
56. 60
7, 015.11
1,296. 38
5, 321. 93
28, 707. 27
9, 593. 90
5,099. 76
393. 36
1, 290.88
Adding and Calculating Machines............... 163. 58 725.10 13,229.82
Safes............ 34.50 294. 64
96.00
8, 308. 76
Electric Fans, Ventilators, etc....................... 11,015.07 488. 47
1, 336. 59
6, 763.88
13,073.13
5, 203.91
3, 114. 07
346.16
8, 593. 35
3,102.82
4, 785. 56
12,158. 26
4, 982. 35
3,485. 23
233. 37
9,133. 21
814. 65
3, 750. 35
5, 900. 39
6,135. 64
1, 934. 75
92.92
10,171. 50
1, 207. 72
1, 500. 75
16, 325. 79
4, 731. 32
1, 587. 02
906. 38
3, 975. 05
799. 09
1,183.01
10, 632. 22
2, 615.28
3, 266. 80
401.10
Jewelry......... 5, 564.80 86, 913. 51
Hydraulic Cement............. 1, 440. 2/ 16, 290. 50
Kerosene................. 5,020. 98 50,886.01
Cosmetics and Perfumery............... 23, 327.22 170,141. 74
Lubricating Oils...... ............... 4, 753.41 67,924.81
Lubricating Grease........ 2f bb / . 93 48, 670. 68
Gas and Diesel Oils. ... 320. 93
43, 588.44
75.66
8, 589.01
44, 610. 44
2, 791. 64
Cinematographic Apparatuses, parts, etc..
Horse Races.........
88. 85
1,120. 00
1,476. 64
1, 702.24
280.00
453.49
1,198. 23
7, 570. 39
195. 96
560. 00
592. 08
1,807. 46
15, 390.92
69. 11
700.00
991. 82
2, 590. 99
6, 297. 54
22.27
1, 579.86
1, 476.46
3,805. 34
5,455.01
219.85
1,262. 00
1. 527.88
4,911.72
3,159. 59
15.00
204.19
2, 318.40
14, 481. 58
68,841. 53
1, 566.97
3, 361.25
21,636.27
2, 794.98
29. 75
130.15
7. 70
20.43
1,120.00
1,430.44
4,405.74
1,140. 07
16, 712. 32
448.10
2,008. 75
6, 520.06
85,667. 70
1,940. 52
65, 494.00
19, 667. 25
2, 936.83
526. 70
117. 55
12.70
40.00
133. 43
560.00
1, 462. 72
1, 742.07
7, 202. 65
129,159. 64
368.01
1,927.05
4,992. 99
46, 380.31
1, 564. 84
1,829. 75
18, 995. 85
2, 347. 55
76.10
102. 35
15.60
10.00
182.17
700.00
1,163. 33
2,814. 54
7,139. 94
181,170.27
471.12
2,596.25
14,676.22
51,992. 35
1,826.73
3,953.25
23,607.35
3,114.95
26.21
167.45
12.90
8.83
700.00
1,263.03
2, 689. 49
2, 614. 63
208,441. 53
334. 74
2,105.20
8,948.81
67, 700. 90
1,511.60
67,051. 75
21,361.08
2,817.87
40.10
137. 50
6.10
Purses Won at Horse Races................. 540.00
1,007.34
2, 212. 68
9, 961. 86
Pools and Subscription Funds .... 4, 645. 03
5, 386. 72
8, 256. 65
14,143.38
Contracts.............. 36,147. 74
Sugar........................ 4,946. 69
117, 675.94
67, 615. 49
Stone..................... 181.10 841, 370. 55
2, 739. 30
9,331.24
67, 207. 27
1,351. 50
63, 518. 75
25, 615. 66
3, 614. 56
2, 520. 50
145 90
296. 22
2, 212. 75
9, 590. 52
95,128. 20
1, 686. 25
4, 319.00
27,467.09
3, 993. 58
67. 55
142. 35
5.85
421.40
2,025. 00
13, 389. 99
60, 561.50
1,866. 42
4, 333. 75
28,010. 53
3,875. 76
192. 71
128.90
7.50
190. 67
2, 654. 55
11,952. 32
58, 471. 54
1, 707. 85
64, 787.00
21, 993. 50
3, 499. 41
50.50
123. 55
7.90
445. 32
2, 218.13
12, 921. 65
63, 497. 37
1,468. 55
1, 714. 25
21,823. 35
2, 818. 88
32.60
108. 30
9.15
Affidavits..................................................................
Section 16-A........
424. 23
2, 461. 25
4,209. 73
27, 274.18
Sales Tax (2£).................. 10, 4c>2. b3 126,179. 93
Administrative Fines........ 61, 405. 64
1,875. 75
3,499. 25
24,883.17
790, 937. 49
Internal Revenue Licenses. . 19,826.94
Notarial Instruments.................. 285, 759. 75
Court Fees......... 275,904.09
Insurance..... . . 3, 452. 44
3,227. 36
125. 25
5. 30
38, 437.04
Blank Books. .. 6,816. 58
Law Pamphlets... 9.50 1,568.35
Imported Cocks.................................... 111. 35
50.00
580. 64
1,417. 79
Miscellaneous.................. .......................................
Gasoline (Previous Years)...............................
76.50 78.58 74.00 46.50
1,417. 79
50. 06 35.00 46.50 39.00 24.00 34.00 43.50 33.00
Total Internal Revenue Collections .. $525,154.15 $473, 789. 56 $471, 239. 74 $493,195. 71 $485,411.60 $506, 662. 69 $495, 765. 58 $433, 277. 52 $668,662. 67 $745, 313. 67 $649, 794.11 $678,054. 75 $6, 626, 321.75
Spe cial Laws
Puerto Rico Coffee (Metal Seals). $ .10
123. 50
$ .05 $18. 20
5.50
$8. 75
6. 90
911.00
3,075. 40
426,426. 41
3, 528. 57
36.00
463.03
21,920. 88
2, 859. 60
1, 458.98
18, 367. 22
4,935.18
$40.15
9. 40
111.40
990.00
279,457. 29
2,928. 46
30.05
2, 561. 55
16,279. 65
2,178.12
1, 552.11
29, 383. 62
4,192. 59
10.00
$7.50
29.80
2.40
1,887.00
16,282.48
4,058.01
22.45
358.99
14,575.38
2,154.26
3,298. 79
26,609.16
8,783.41
$3. 75
4.60
86.00
1, 759. 20
208, 306. 71
3,812.39
4.45
1, 744.92
7, 877.88
2, 585. 96
3, 647. 21
22,167.27
1,267. 68
150.00
$1.90
25. 30
85.20
4,248. 20
264, 407. 77
Soil Amendment............... $583. 50 $80. 40
1,076.40
4, 548. 60
241, 439. 33
3,188.88
46 15
$338.90
10.80
2, 641. 60
165, 275.04
4, 212. 24
124. 70
11,041.70
30, 530.12
1,166.05
1, 580.09
13, 779. 28
1,239. 87
30.00
$50. 70
816. 20
1,276. 40
37, 540.21
3,279. 34
94. 25
2, 840.19
21, 998.18
1,966. 78
1, 607. 50
21, 345.01
1,087. 53
10 00
.30
85.20
2, 694. 80
445, 778. 37
3, 803. 92
70.80
1, 400.10
19. 670. 93
2, 486. 81
1, 462. 76
21, 331. 62
3, 041. 73
$52. 10
831.50
2,283. 60
168, 406.13
3,445.82
9.60
1,114. 26
8, 799. 38
2,991. 33
1, 653.33
22, 346. 58
2,106. 00
50. 00
Cattle Feed. . 1, 230. 50
Fertilizers........... 3, 736.00 4, 016.10
222,109. 51
3, 307. 95
218.00
5, 530.31
21,053. 72
953. 71
1, 569. 54
16, 219. 74
764. 55
20 00
2,025. 20
493. 30
2,910. 44
43. 55
1, 525. 10
25, 920. 76
1,145. 74
1,617. 42
28, 921. 48
3, 990.91
20.00
Gasoline........................ 31,166.00
Public Shows.................. 2,475, 922. 75
Fisheries................ . 2, 998. 77
9.45
2, 533. 96
439, 209.90
2,199. 35
1, 612. 54
23, 614.80
1,890.17
120.00
41, 474. 79
Tobacco............. 13, 264.43
52, 303.10
3,194. 03
1,747. 83
16, 228. 26
2, 704.11
670. 35
Auto and Chauffeur Licenses......... 44, 378. 56
Milk Stations.........................................................
Subscription Fund.......
680,139.88
25,881.74
Salt.................... 22,808.10
Development, Market for P. R. Coffee. ..
Game Fund. .
260, 314.04
36,003.73
410.00
20.85
2, 649.98
Catastro...................... 7.00 13.85
Malaria Fund........................................................ 2, 649. 98
Total Speci al Laws $340, 324. 82 $231, 970. 39 $275,613.63 $93,886. 14 $501, 827.41 $68, 637. 60 $483, 997.92 $339, 725. 29 $78,069.63 $214, 089. 63 $253, 418.02 $745, 607. 29 $3, 627,167. 77
Grand Tota l . ... $865, 478. 97 $705, 759. 95 $746, 853. 37 $587,081.85 $987, 239. 01 $575, 300. 29 $979, 763. 50 $773,002. 81 $746,732. 30 $959,403. 30 $903,212.13 $1,423, 662.04 $10, 253, 489. 52
------- :------------------------------- ----------------------------

Exhib it No . 19
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT SHOWING EXCISE TAXES COLLECTED DURING THE PAST FOUR FISCAL YEARS AND QUANTITY OR VALUE ON WHICH THE TAX HAS BEEN
ASSESSED AND COLLECTED; ALSO AMOUNTS COLLECTED AS SALES, LICENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS TAXES DURING THE PERIOD GIVEN
$1,014,916.72
Articles Unit
of Tax
1934-35 1935-36 1936-37 1937-38
Increase Over
Fiscal Year
1936-37
Decrease Over
Fiscal Year
1936-37
Quantity or
Value Tax
Quantity or
Value Tax
Quantity or
Value Tax
Quantity or
Value Tax Tax Tax
Int ern al Rev en ue La w :
Cigars.........................................................
Cigarettes..........................................................
Cut Tobacco...................................................
Playing Cards................................................
Arms and ammunition..............................
Matches.............................................................
Motor Vehicles, Tires, etc........................
Self-propelling vehicles, etc......................
Pneumatic tires, inner tubes, etc..........
Phonographs, radios, etc...........................
Pianolas, pianos and accs.........................
Cinematographic Films..............................
Photographic cameras & Accs................
Billiard tables & Accs................................
Chewing gum, bonbons, etc....................
Mats, carpets, linoleums...........................
Typewriters.....................................................
Dynamite and Powder..............................
Cash Registers, etc................ .....................
Adding & calculating machines.............
Safes....................................................................
Electric Fans and Ventilators................
Jewelry..............................................................
Hydraulic Cement.......................................
Horse Races....................................................
Purses Won at Horse Races....................
Pools...................................................................
Contracts..........................................................
Sugar........................................ ..........................
Stone..................................................................
Affidavits..........................................................
Section 16-A....................................................
Administrative Fines..................................
Talking Cinematographic Apparatus..
Cosmetics and Perfumery........................
Electric and Fluid Gas Apparatus....
Kerosene............................................................
Lubricating Oils............................................
Lubricating Oils............................................
Lubricating Greases.............................. ..
Gas and Diesel Oils....................................
Internal Revenue Licenses.......................
2J Sales Tax..,...............................................
Beer Law :
Beer Tax...................................................
Bev era ge La w :
Tax......................................................................
Licenses.......................................................... •
Gasoline Law:
Gasoline....................................................
Gas and Diesel Oils....................................
Federal Narcotic Law:
Licenses.....................................................
Miscellaneous Receipts:
Notarial Instruments..........................
Court Fees.......................................................
Auto and Chauffeur Licenses.................
Insurance..........................................................
Blank Books...................................................
Law Pamphlets.............................................
Gasoline (Previous Years)........................
Other Miscellaneous....................................
Tota l Ex ci se , Bever age a Ga so lin e
Law s .........................................................
Spec ia l Law s :
Tobacco Protection..............................
P. R. Coflee—Metal Seals.......................
Fertilizers.........................................................
Soil Amendment...........................................
Cattle Feed.....................................................
Salt.......... ........................................................
Gra nd Tota l Col lect io ns ........................
Each..........
Each..........
Ounce.......
Pkg............
Value........
Each..........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Foot..........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Cwt.......
Race..........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Cwt...........
C. M........
Each..........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Value........
Gals...........
Value........
Gals...........
Lbs............
Gals...........
Value........
Liter..........
Gal.............
Gal.............
36,936
25,907
$35,036.60
(m)l, 862,599
$354,389.20
$6, 679.20
3,796, 528
$25, 579.90
$2, 776.57
$291,903.50
$83,298.90
$77,071.85
$67,238.40
$77,200.85
$46,016.85
$1,954.60
$496,320.00
$91,933.80
1,096,107
757
$149,802.50
$1,057,260.90
$1,399,607.00
16,152,801
1,290
77,141
$3,807,701.50
$2,724.40
$420,481.60
$102,113.50
3,328,616.60
$278, 672.90
569,782.50
$27,223,118.00
24,234, 753
753,249
$105,354.42
1,950,410.64
1,108.08
5,181.46
3,503.66
93,129.98
232,429.46
35,438.92
667.92
28,473.97
2,557.99
1,110.63
29,190.35
8,329.89
5,395.03
6,723.84
5,404.06
3,221.18
195.46
49,632.00
9,193.38
27,402.69
15,142.60
14,980.25
105,726.09
13,996.07
646,112.06
64.54
19,288.47
76,154.03
31,522.16
272.44
42,048.16
10,211.35
99,858.50
27,867.29
11,395.65
238,015.75
544,462.36
93,619.95
970,405.65
119,891.12
1,696,432.75
30,129.97
1,673.32
245,113.14
43,119.26
511,838.57
13,762.06
1,952.63
92.00
1,005.64
40, 740
30,931
$62,794.00
(m)2,272,145
$402, 534.50
$9,605.40
4, 314,139
$25, 657.10
$2,803.10
$384,928.30
$100,489.50
$143,715.00
$13,583.50
$43,841.00
$79,030.00
$5,060.50
$612,819.60
$144, 367.80
1,436, 227
899
$163, 592.40
$938,183.40
$2,301,355.00
18,095,910
8,387
95,041
$5,101,835.50
$7, 758.80
$499,956.20
$278,295.70
3, 269, 771
$979,819.60
842, 260
$33,902,355.50
22, 713, 522
514, 575
$106,337.66
2,216,903.77
1, 222.20
6,962.89
6,279.40
113,607.26
326,667.10
40,253.45
960.54
32, 356.04
2,565.71
1, 221.24
38,492.83
10,048.95
10,060.10
1,358.35
3,068.88
5,530.90
506.05
61,281.96
14,436.78
35,905.64
17,989.60
16, 359.24
93,818.34
23,013.55
723,836.39
419.34
23,760.25
102,036.71
30,028.74
775.88
49,995.62
27, 829.57
98,093.15
97,981.96
16,845.19
230,519.50
678,047.01
1,589,946.54
20,583.02
259,995.79
42,377.49
659,654.09
18,343.23
1,631.11
87.85
8,496.84
334.91
52, 590
24,060
$55,858.20
(m)l, 985,140
$8,875,760.00
$496,134.60
$16, 410.70
4,253, 534
$32,117.40
$2, 725.00
$482,908.40
$155,813.80
$107,433.50
$48,136.80
$110,912.40
$81, 657.10
$9,116.20
$957,298.50
$156, 390.00
1, 719,904
616
$145,951.00
$638, 377.30
$3, 559, 228.00
19,827, 621
51, 786
124,225
$5,510,138.50
$32,408.90
$623,608.70
$349,385.10
3,863, 584
1,328,324.50
930,086.50
$37,751,865.00
27,178,868
817,739
$96,154.81
2, 561,941.15
1,577.70
6,015.16
5, 585.82
99, 257.03
427,167.11
110,947.05
49,613.46
1,641.07
42,535.34
3,211.74
1,089.97
48,290.84
15,581.38
10,743.35
4,813.68
11,091.24
8,165.71
911.62
95, 729.85
15, 639.00
42,997.69
12,320.00
14,595.10
63,837.73
35, 592.28
793,104.84
2,589.32
31,056.37
110,202.77
18,297.26
3,240.89
62, 360.87
34,938.51
115,907.53
59, 774.60
18,601.73
263,535.94
755,037.30
167.53
1,902, 520.77
32,709.56
269,733.50
35,967.26
752,759.94
7,314.81
2,094.25
252.80
4,446.46
70,997
28,088
$55,795.80
(m)2,157, 696
$8,869,165.00
$641,452.90
$31,080.00
5,108, 754
$51,901.10
$3,491.52
$492,667.10
$132,096.80
$101,700.80
$39,824.70
$132,298.20
$83,087.60
$4,884.70
$869,135.10
$162,905.00
2,035,440
498
$141,433.80
$361,477.40
$6, 761,549.00
21,034, 263
84,194.60
109,096
$6,308,996.50
$27,916.40
$679,248.10
$343,747.10
5,671,391
1,081,570
429,950.50
1,115,261
$39,546,874.50
$111,759.48
2,494,791.41
2,129.91
7,022.09
5,579.58
107,884.83
483,200.37
110,864.61
64,145.29
3.108.00
51,087.54
5,190.11
1,396.61
49,266.71
13,202.58
10,170.08
3,982.47
13,229.82
8,308.76
488.47
86,913.51
16,290.50
50,886.01
9,961.86
14,143.38
36,147.74
67,615.49
841,370.55
4,209.73
27,274.18
126,179.93
19,826.94
2,791.64
67,924.81
34,374.71
170,141.74
48,670.68
8,589.01
44,610.44
285,759.75
790,937.49
50.00
275,904.09
38,437.04
6,816.58
1,568.35
111.35
1,417.79
580.64
$15,604.67
552.21
1,006.93
8, 627.80
56,033.26
14,531.83
1,466.93
8,552.20
1,978.37
306.64
975.87
2,138.58
143.05
651.50
7,888.32
32,023.21
48,265.71
1, 620.41
15,977.16
1,529.68
5,563.94
54,234.21
44, 610.44
22,223.81
35,900.19
6,170.59
2,469.78
1,417.79
$67,149.74
6.24
82.44
2, 371.70
573.27
831.21
423.15
8,816.34
2,358.14
451.72
27,689.99
3,782.19
449.25
563.80
11,103.92
10,012.72
117.53
1, 902, 520.77
32,709.56
752, 759.94
498.23
525.90
141.45
3,865.82
$8,230,208.84
34,009.44
206.63
16,446.60
370.60
2,450.00
..............................
$9,135, 375.70
21,684.00
472.10
21,427.00
640.00
2,985.80
1,220.00
..............................
$9,061,409.21
1,610.90
29, 518.00
877.80
3,917.30
423.20
36,770.85
29,431.71
29,196.55
12,536.28
7,635.13
22,993.39
............................. $80.40
31,166.00
1,230.50
4,016.10
670.35
41,474.79
36,003.73
260,314.04
25,881.74
22,808.10
2,475,922.75
44,378.56
680,139.88
410.00
20.85
2,649.98
$1,648.00
352.70
98.80
247.15
4,703.94
6,572.02
231,117.49
13,345.46
15,172.97
2,475,922.75
44,378.56
680,139.88
410.00
20.85
2,649.98
$1, 530.50
22,993.39
...................... $8,283,692.11 .......$..7..,.9..1...7..,.2..5...7....5..1
==
$9, 238, 572.80
=====
$10,253,489.52 $3,869,245.63 $2,854,328.91
Actu al Incr eas e

OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 75
Exhibit No. 20
OUTSTANDING INDEBTEDNESS DETAILED BY MUNICIPALITIES, JUNE 30, 1938
Bond To Insular Other
Municipality Indebtedness Government Indebtedness Total
Adjuntas...................................................... $83,000.00 *$14, 900.00 $97,900.00
Aguada......................................................... 58, 000.00 $1,000.00 59,000 00
Aguadilla..................................................... 130,000.00 5, 000.00 135 000 00
Aguas Buenas............................................ 2L 000.00 27,000.00
Aibonito....................................................... 58; 000 00 780.00 58,780 00
Anasco.......................................................... 145,000.00 5, 645 93 150,645 93
Arecibo......................................................... 80; 000.00 68,482.68 148,482 68
Arroyo........................................................... 41, 000.00 41,000 00
Barceloneta................................................. 206' 000.00 206,000 00
Barranquitas.............. ................................ 27,000.00 500 00 27,500 00
Bayamon and Catano........................... 314', 000.00 12, 000.00 326,000 00
Cabo Rojo.................................................. 105,000.00 10,388 87 115, 388 87
Caguas.......................................................... 144'000.00 57,000.00 201 000 00
Camuy.......................................................... 99;000.00 99,000.00
Carolina....................................................... 247, 000.00 247,000 00
Cayey............................................................ 155,000.00 *17, 880.00 8,400 00 181, 280 00
Ceiba............................................................. 55^000.00 55,000 00
Ciales............................................................ 112; 500.00 3, 000.00 115, 500 00
Ciales............................................................ *28', 130.00 28,130.00
Cidra............................................................. 70,000.00 2,000.00 72,000.00
Coamo.......................................................... 83^ 000.00 83,000 00
Comerio........................................................ 48, 000.00 48,000 00
Corozal......................................................... 36; 000.00 36,000 00
Dorado......................................................... 30,000.00 30,000 00
Fajardo......................................................... 285, 000.00 3, 000.00 288,000 00
Guanica........................................................ 20;000.00 20,000.00
Guayama..................................................... 276; 000.00 68,000.00 344,000 00
Guayanilla.................................................. 6i; 000.00 61, 000 00
Guaynabo.................................................... 70; 500.06 70, 500 00
Gurabo......................................................... 65, 000.00 8, 500 00 73, 500 00
Hatillo........................................................... 93;500.00 93, 500.00
Humacao..................................................... 178,000.00 24.000 00 202,000 00
Isabela.......................................................... 96, 000.00 788.14 96,788 14
Jayuya.......................................................... 5< 000.00 54, 000 00
Juana Diaz................................................. 117, 000.00 82, 608 29 199,608 29
Juncos........................................................... 90, 000.00 90, 000 00
Lajas.............................................................. 81,000.00 81, 000.00
Lares.............................................................. 157, 500.00 *7, 500.00 165,000 00
Las Marias................................................. 55;000.00 400.00 56,400 00
Las Piedras................................................ 68; 000.00 68, 000.00
Loiza............................................................. 77,400.00 77, 400.00
Luquillo....................................................... 70;000.00 70,000 00
Manati......................................................... 122; 000.00 1,006.00 123, 000.00
Maricao........................................................ 3, 000.00 3, 000 00
Maunabo..................................................... 40, 000.00 40, 000.00
Mayaguez.................................................... 961,000.00 961', 000.00
Moca............................................................. 56, 000.00 56, 000.00
Morovis........................................................ 64, 000.00 *2, 300.00 66, 300.00
Naguabo.......................................... 48.000.00 30,500.00 78, 500 00
Naranjito..................................................... 7, 000.00 7, 000.00
Orocovis............................. 1, 200 00 1,200 00
Patillas....................................... 60, 000.00 10,229.22 70,229.22
Penuelas...................................................... 350.00 350.00
Ponce . 1 696 000 00 315,000.00 213 638 62 2 224 638 62
Quebradillas............................................... 66,000.00 6,100.00 72,100 00
Rio Grande................................................ 111; 000.00 in; 000.00
Rio Piedras. 4, 284 00 4,284 00
Sabana Grande......................................... 59,000.00 2. 700.00 61, 700.00
Salinas. <.................................. 104. 000.00 IOS; 684 94 212; 684 94
San German.............................................. 99; 000.00 18; 100.00 117,100.00
San Juan..................................... , >99,000.00 185; 032.36 5, 584,032.36
San Lorenzo............................... 65; 000.00 65, 000.00
San Sebastian............................................ 104; 000.00 *10, 300 00 114; 300 00
Santa Isabel............................................... 62, 970.00 62,970.00
Toa Alta.............................. 71,000.00 71; 000.00
Toa Baja............... 135,000.00 1, 700.00 136, 700.00
Trujillo Alto.............................................. 59; 000.00 59,000.00
Utuado........................................... 36;000.00 36; 000.00
Vega Baja................................................... 134; 000.00 19. 000.00 153, 000.00
Vieques...................................................... 87; 500.00 11,800.00 99; 300.00
Villalba......................................................... 27; 000.00 27, 000.00
Y abueoa........................................... 176,000.00 2,000 00 178; 000 00
Yauco........................................................ 139,000.00 25,341.94 164,341.94
Totals........................................... $14,103,900.00 $405,760.00 $1,150,374.99 $15, 660,034.99
Advances made by the Insular Government to cover bond deficits.
76 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No. 21
ISABELA IRRIGATION SERVICE
BALANCE SHEET, JUNE 30, 1938
ASSETS
Fixe d As s et s :
Investments:
Irrigation System:
Guajataca Reservoir........................................................
Diversion Canal................................................................
Distribution System........................................................
Hydroelectric System:
Power Plant........................................................................
Substations...........................................................................
Transmission Lines................ ..........................................
Distribution Lines....................’'....
Less: Property of Municipality
of Aguadilla under 10-yr. lease.
$223, 261.41
10, 358.83
General Administration
Less: Reserve for Depreciation.....................................
Total Fixed Assets..........................
General Equipment............................................................
Less: Reserve for Depreciation.......................................
Curre nt Asse ts :
Cash:
Treasurer of P. R. (General Fund)........................
Treasurer of P. R. (Cash in Transit)....................
Special Disbursing Officer............................................
Inventories:
Materials and Supplies..............................................
Accounts Receivable:
Tax Levies Receivable...............................................
General Accounts..............................................................
Total Current Assets......................
Def err ed Ass ets ;
Deferred Tax Levies.,....................................................
Total Deferred Assets....................
Def err ed Charge s :
Discount on Bonds..........................................................
Prepaid Insurance............................................................
Stream Gauging................................................................
Construction of Power Plant No. 2........................
Total Deferred Charges.................
Total Ass et s ........................................................................
$1,789, 034.25
1,008, 832.65
709,562.13 $3, 507. 429.03
$132, 776.54
12, 824.64
106,282.95
212, 902.58 464, 786.71
66,846.54
$4, 039,062.28
155, 734.74
.............................. $3, 883, 327.54
$47,802.07
8,920.70 .................3..8..,.8...8..1....37
$11,082.74
200.00
1,102.38 $11,985.12
31, 431.29
$61, 282.97
64,975.78 126,258.75
.............................. 169, 675.16
$225, 546.90
.............................. 225, 546.90
$5, 596.25
406.45
1,579.99
1, 519.21
.............................. 9, 101.90
$4, 326, 532.87
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 77
Exhibit No . 21—Continued
LIABILITIES
Fixe d Liab ili tie s :
Bond Indebtedness:
Construction Period:
Series “A” to “M”-1929-41
Less: 10 amortizations..........
Series “N” to “U”-1942-49..........
Series “U” to “EE”. .. -1950-59
Series “FF” to “LL”-1960-66...
Series “MM” to “SS”-1967-73. .
Operation Period:
Series “A” to “S”-1952-70.
Series “S” to “T ”-1970-71.
Series “T” to “U”-1971-72.
Series “U” to “V”-1972-73
Series “V”-1973......................
Refunding Bonds:
Series “A ”-1935-1945-1974..........................................
Series “B”-1936-1946-1975..........................................
Series “O”-1937-1976....................................................
$975,000.00
750, 000.00
$225, 000.00
600,000.00
750,000.00
525,000.00
475, 000.00
$750,000.00
150, 000.00
100,000.00
150, 000.00
100,000.00
$75,000.00
75, 000.00
75,000.00
$2, 575,000.00
1, 250,000.00
225,000.00 $4,050,000.00
Notes Payable:
Banco de Ponce, $250,000 Loan (Balance).........................................
Insular Treasury Loan-Laws of 1928 (Balance) ..............................
Other Insular Treasury Loans................................................................
$50,000.00
18. 750.00
1, 354,056.48 1,422,806.48
Total Fixed Liabilities $5, 472, 806.48
Curre nt Liab il it ie s :
Accounts Payable..................................................... $24, 373.28
Unpaid Labor.................................................................... 184.24
Accrued Expenses............................................................ 52, 326.34
Accrued Interest............................................................... 5, 578.16
Total Current Liabilities..............
—
82,462.02
Def err ed Liabil iti es :
Insular Treasury Loan-Laws of 1928......................
Other Accounts................................................................. ...... $128, COO. 00
2, 520.00
Total Deferred Liabilities............. 130, 520.00
Deferred Cre dit s :
Premium on Bonds......................................................... $119, 643.90
Total Deferred Credits.................. 119, 643.90
Tota l Liab ili tie s ................................................................ $5,805, 432.40
Deficit............................................................................................ $1, 550, 674.33
Donated Surplus.........................................................,........... 71, 774.80 1,478,899.53
$4, 326,532.87
78 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
exhibi t no
ISABELA IRRIGATION SERVICE
HYDROELECTRIC SYSTEM
ANNUAL OUTPUT, REVENUES AND OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE EXPENSES
ZWHRS
3,272,290
2,250,000----
• ,750,000 --
1,250,000----
500,000----
3.000.000
2,750,000
2.500,000
2,000,000-
•,500,000
1,000.000
750,000
250,000-----
1928-29 1929-30 1930-31 1931- 32 1932-33 1933-34 1934-35 »935-36 1936-37 1937-38------------------
---------- ANNUAL OUTPUT • KWh RS pyTT] PE R IOD OF MA NAGE ME N T OF UTILIZATION OF
---------- REVENUES CZZZZ THE WATER RESOURCES 0CT.I.IS3I TO 0EC.31.I93F
---------- OPE'R ANO MAINT EXPENSES L—UlSABELA IRRIGATION SERVICE ACM
—1117,166.27
---- 110,000.00
---- 100,000 00
— 90,000 00
- 80,000 00
---- 70,00000
— 60,000 00
__ 50,000.00
-40,00000
-.30,000.00
- 20,000 00
-------10,000 00
* INCLUDES CREDITS TO MUNICIPALITIES.DEPRECIATION EXCLUDED
YEARS ANNUAL OUTPUT re ven ues OPERAND MAINT. EXP
1928-29 1,222,590 $ 38,426.40 1 19,769.10
1929-30 1,359,070 45,517. 23 21,774.62
1930-31 1,410,570 46,662.79 19,415.24
1931-32 1,638,570 52,582.35 18,965.39
1932-33 1,567,600 55,807 35 31,508.71
1933-34 1,758,300 57,788 1 1 20,269.37
1934-35 1,841,800 63,579.03 19, 331.80
1935-36 2,389,250 80,751 .68 22,386.05
1936-37 2,970,460 107,325.12 39,094 45
1937-38 3,272,290 1 1 7. 166. 27 51 ,587.98
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 79
Exhi bi t No. 23
PUERTO RICO IRRIGATION SERVICE
GUAYAMA, P. R.
BALANCE SHEET
As of June 30, 1938
ASSETS
Accounts Totals
Fixed Ass ets :
Irrigation System................................................................................................
Hydroelectric System........................................................................................
General Headquarters.......................................................................................
Total............................ ................................................................................
Projects under Construction.........................................................................
$5, 522, 246. 55
1,861,177. 64
201,491. 27
$7, 584, 915. 46
113, 373.45
Total, Fixed Assets, Exhibit No. 2
Les s : Depreciation:
Irrigation System.................................
Hydroelectric System................................
Transportation Equipment....................
$47,436. 53
1,028, 255. 77
7,833. 54
$7, 698, 288. 91
1,083, 525. 84
Net Amount, Fixed Assets
Cash :
Treasurer Cash Account... $18, 521. 41
$6, 614, 763. 07
18, 521. 41
Curr ent :
Irrigation Tax Levy:
Uncollected, Present Fiscal Year
Uncollected, Previous Periods....
Total.................................................
Accounts Collectible.................................
Stores, (Materials and Supplies)........
Amortization, Accrued Monthly Instalments:
Bonded Debt.................................................
10 years Loan Debt............................................
Other Deferred Accounts......... ........................
Total As s et s .................................................
LIABILITIES
$22, 862. 33
166,472. 06
$189, 334.39
207,004. 60
8, 968.45
$50, 000.00
90, 000. 00
83, 512. 64
405,307.44
223, 512. 64
$7, 262,104. 56
Bonded Debt :
Bonds Issued.
Bonds Paid..
Acc ounts Payable :
Vouchers Payable...................................................................., ■
Unpaid Labor.. -.........................................................................
Accrued Expenses......................................................................
Debt from Purchase of Municipal District Systems.
Notes Payab le :
Notes Payable: Banco de Ponce
Def err ed Credits :
Premium on Bonds.
Res erv es :
Reserve for Amortization, Bonded Debt....
Reserve for Amortization, 10 years Loan Debt.
Surp lus :
Invested Surplus.
Other Surplus....
Net Surplus, Exhibit No. 4.
Total Liabili ties .
$6, 895, 000. 00
3,200,000.00 $3, 695, 000.00
$16, 939. 76
54.14
206.40
4,913.85
$3,804.00
$50, 000.00
90,000.00
$3,200,000.00
101,186.41
22,114.15
100, 000. 00
3, 804. 00
140, 000. 00
3, 301,186.41
$7,262,104.58
80 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No . 24
UTILIZATION OF THE WATER RESOURCES
COMPARATIVE
BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEARS 1936-1937 AND 1937-1938
* Decrease.
Fiscal Year
1937-38
Fiscal Year
1936-37 I Difference
ASSETS
------- -
Fixed Asse ts :
Hydroelectric System...................................... $4, 531,843. 04 $4, 471, 925. 50 Ponce Electric System, Steam............. $59, 917 54 1,026, 810. 24 999, 603. 88 27,206. 36
General Equipment......................................................... 128, 919.95 121,156. 67 7, 763. 28
Total, Exhibit No. 7.............................. $5, 687, 573. 23 $5, 592, 686. 05 $94, 887.18 Less: Depreciation................................................ 318, 724. 66 176,090.48 142, 634.18
Total Land, Plant and Equipment............ $5, 368, 848. 57 $5, 416, 595. 57 *$47, 747. 00
Curr en t Ass ets :
Cash.............................................................................. 233,134. 68 401, 356. 64 *168,221 96 Notes Receivable.............................................. 779. 00 1, 242. 44 *463 44 Accounts Receivable..................................... 368,198. 65 367, 863. 37 335 28 Materials and Supplies.................................................. 239, 475. 45 136, 845. 51 102, 629. 94
Def err ed Asse ts :
Hydrographic Investigations and Surveys of the
Island.................................................................. 156, 311. 31 153, 554. 05 2, 757 26 Projects in Suspense.............................. 90, 273.80 71,272. 76 19,001 04 Improvements-Ponce Electric System.. . 94, 900. 26 8, 459.17 86, 441 09
Other Deferred Assets..................................................... 26,887. 95 17, 933.86 8, 954. 09
Other As s ets :
Sinking Fund for Redemption of Bonds.. . 424, 000. 00 302,800.00 121, 200. 00 Deferred Debits................................................................. 11, 457. 38 1,143. 78 10; 313. 60
Total ............................................................. $7,014, 267.05 $6,879,067.15 $135,199.90
LIABILITIES
Fixe d Liab ili tie s :
Bonded Debt...................................................................... $2, 350, 000. 00 $2, 400, 000. 00 *$50,000. 00
Current Liabi lit ies :
Notes Payable..........................................
Accounts Payable....................... 116, 936.22 214, 335. 72 *97, 399 50 Consumers’ Deposits....................................................... 172. 39 189.13 *16. 74
Other Liab ili tie s :
Deferred Liabilities.......................... 139, 502. 98 103, 056.21 36, 446.77 Deferred Credits................................................................ 6,180. 09 6, 690. 34 *510.25
Res erves : (Appropriated Surplus)
Bond Amortization Reserve........................ 400, 000. 00 300, 000.00 100, 000. 00 Other Reserves................................................................... 24, 000. 00 2, 800.00 2L 200.00
Other Surp lus :
Donated Surplus......................................... 1, 307, 850. 78
22, 040. 80
1, 307,850. 78
Paid-in Surplus......................... 20,822. 03 1, 218. 77 Current Surplus................................................................. 2, 647, 583. 79 2, 523, 322.94 12< 260.85
Total .................................
.... ............................................................. ........................ ..........
$7,014, 267. 05 $6,879, 067.15 $135,199.90
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 81
Exhibit No . 25
UTILIZATION OF THE WATER RESOURCES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
__ ___________ ______________ As of June 30th, 1938
ASSETS
Fixed Ass ets :
Hydroelectric System..............................................
Ponce Electric System, Steam...................................
General Equipment.........................................................
Total, Exhibit No. 7.......................................
Less: Depreciation..........................................
Total Land, Plant and Equipment........
Current Asse ts :
Cash............................
General
System
U. W. R.
Ponce
System
U. W. R.
Total
$4,531,843.04
101, 858.06
$1, 026,810.24
27,061.89
$4,531,843.04
1,026,810.24
128,919.95
$4, 633, 701.10
275,144.33
$1,053, 872.13
43,580.33
$5, 687, 573.23
318,724.63
$4,358, 556.77
, 39,547.56
$1,010,291.80
193,587.12
779.00
39,617.54
145,706.01
$5, 368,848.57
233,134.68
779.00
368,198.65
239,475.45
156,311.31
90, 273.80’
94, 900.26-
26,887.95
424,000.00
11,457.38
Notes Receivable..................
Accounts Receivable.......................................................
Materials and Supplies..................................................
Def erred Asse ts :
Hydrographic Investigations and Surveys of
the Island.................
328, 581.11
93,769.44
156,311.31
90,273.80
25,319.06
400,000.00
776.40
Projects in Suspense....................
Improvements, Ponce Electric System..................
Other Deferred Assets....................................................
Othe r Ass ets :
Sinking Funds foi Redemption of Bonds.....
Deferred Debits.................................................................
Tota l ................................................................
LIABILITIES
Fixe d Liab ili tie s :
Bonded Debt..............................................................
Curre nt Liab il it ie s :
Notes Payable..............................
94, 900.26
1, 568.89
24,000.00
10,680.98
$5, 493,135.45 $1, 521,131.60 $7,014, 267.05
$1,000,000.00 $1, 350,000.00 $2,350,000.00
Accounts Payable.............................................
Consumers’ Deposits....
73,719.29 43,216.93
172.39
18,226.28
116, 936.22
172.39
139,502.98
6,180.09
400,000.00
Othe r Liabi li ti es :
Deferred Liabilities.......................................
Deferred Credits.........
121, 276.70
6,180.09
400, 000.00
Res erves : (Appropriated Surplus)
Bond Amortization Reserve...
Improvement and Extension Reserve...
Other Reserves............ 24, 000.00 24,000.00
1, 307,850.78-
22,040.80:
2, 647, 583.79
Othe r Surplus :
Donated Surplus...............................................
Paid-in Surplus 1, 307, 850.78
Current Surplus................................................................
Total ................................................................
2, 584,108.59
22, 040.80
63, 475.20
$5, 493,135.45 $1,521,131.60 | _ $7,014,267.05
82 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bit No . 26
O UTPUT IN M ILLIONS OF KILOW ATT-HOURS
YEARLY PRODUCTION OF THE
INTEGRATED SYSTEM
GOVERNMENT OF PUERTO RICO
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
UTILIZATION OF THE WATER RESOURCES
GRAPH NO. I

84 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it
COST OF ROAD
Character of Work
1929 1930 1931
Aver ages
1932 1933
Stone Delivered...........................................................cost $cu. m.. 2.49 2.16 2.26 2.26 1.60
Stone Delivered...........................................................cu. m./km... 81.52 45.45 82.18 79.01 33.73
Stone Placed.................................................................cu. m./km... 75.60 59.79 83.09 76.08 23.29
Placing Stone................................................................cost $/cu. m.. 1.03 0.31 1.03 0.96 1.08
Salaries Travel Expense, Rent, Light, etc....cost $/km.... 58.05 75.14 71.98 56.23 63.57
Machine! y and 'Tools...............................................cost $/km.... 58.96 33.83 29.51 50.77 15.62
Bituminous Sure Treatment..................................cost $/km.... 246.27 111.02 186.28 46.37 50.96
Caminero Work & Road Cleaning.................... cost $/km.... 216.77 135.64 89.09 119.76 161.07
Constr. & Repair of Bridges Ret. Walls, etc.cost $/km....
Constr. Relocation, Changing Grade and
99.03 91.11 28.38 62.67 24.25
37.35
Repair of Road Houses........................................... cost $/km.... 5.99
34.36
0.70
38.39
0.33
13.34
4.92
18.55
11.69
Miscellaneous........................................................................................... 6.48 3.62 8.75 2.07 2.07
Fiscal Year
1912-1913........................................................................................
1913-1914........................................................................................
1914-1915........................................................................................
1915-1916........................................................................................
1916-1917........................................................................................
1917-1918........................................................................................
1918-1919........................................................................................
1919-1920........................................................................................
1920-1921........................................................................................
1921-1922........................................................................................
1922-1923........................................................................................
1923-1924........................................................................................
1924-1925........................................................................................
Kilometers
Maintained
Total
Cost in $
Unit
Cost $ Km.
1,060.00 332,055.00 313.26
1,067.70 374,725.00 331.50
1,107.20 289,989.00 261.91
1,126.90 297,721.00 264.19
1,138.30 516, 581.00 453.81
1,154.00 608,886.00 527.63
1,202.20 647, 575.07 338.65
1, 239.45 769,145.82 620.59
1,265.50 905,423.91 715.50
1,375.50 1,162,648.77 845.90
1, 391.30 896,705.73 644.50
1,447.50 1,129,835.58 849.97
1,509.90 1,237,101.48 819.32
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 85
No. 27
MAINTENANCE
Percentage of Total Cost
1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938
1.56 1.61 1.86 1.94 1.67 22.69 18.13 28.72 24.37 12.19 8.86 8.52 7.05 10.79 11.36
44.95 12.84 8.14 40.60 72.50 8.73 8.17 13.34 12.77 5.73 4.71 5.37 4.23 5.76 7.97
54.10 19.70 34.36 21.31 50.86
0.69 0.67 1.20 1.08 1.04 6.45 12.33 11.14 7.35 14.37 16.77 3.52 4.21 2.35 1.81
51.25 8.63 10.15 8.80 7.60 6.54 5.55 4.57 6.63 3.53 9.39 5.94 3.74 4.87 3.34
28.75 14.42 9.38 18.25 14.04 15.31 10.44 20.55 20.13 2.66 14.75 16.06 14.26 15.78 16.22
45.09 38.93 35.60 59.16 68.10 24.07 22.43 13.82 16.64 36.40 26.42 35.79 41.10 26.29 24.89
80.77 86.90 103.12 98.16 104.55 11.00 15.95 4.39 8.78 5.48 12.08 12.52 12.72 10.21 13.31
36.93 30.42 31.73 42.91 55.90 8.44 2.50 6.11 3 80 7 85 4 94
7.61 14.84 9.50 29.44 20.74 0.67 0.11 0.05 0.64 2.64 1.03 0.65 1.48 1.24 0.61
3.15 1.56 3.75 4.70 2.54 3.82 6.30 2.06 2.42 1.33 3.23 5 53 12 88 14 09
4.07 5.63 17.39 48.28 59.89 0.72 0.39 1.36 0.27 1.56 2.16 2.29 1.88 1.88 1.46
6.60 5.56 1.11 7.35 3.65 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Fiscal Year
Kilometers
Maintained
Total
Cost in $
Unit
Cost $/Km.
1925-1926........................................................................................ 1, 585.10 1,051,414 76 663 31
1926-1927.................................................................................. E 663 04 1, 319,016 49 793 15
1927-1928........................................................................................ 1, 693 30 1,354,406 55 799 .85
1928-1929.................................................................. 1, 770 90 1, 593,872 52 900 03
1929-1930........................................................................................ 1,822.70 1,110, 967 24 610 82
1930-1931........................................................................................ 1,828.70 1,181, 319 81 645 99
1931-1932........................................................................................ 1,872.90 1,433,348 57 765 26
1932-1933.................................................................................... 1’880 498 832,284 74 442 58
1933-1934......................................................................................... 1,945.69 595,015 76 305 81
1934-1935........................................................................................ 2,072.00 503,189 46 242 85
1935-1936.............................................................................. 2,109 60 509,290 35 241 42
1936-1937........................................................................................ 2,154.10 807, 504 92 374 78
1937-1938........................................................................................ 2,251.21 904, 518.95 401.78

Exhibit No . 28


88 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
E x h ib it N o . 29
R E S U M E O F N E W P R O P E R T IE S , S A L E S , M O R T G A G E S A N D C A N C E L L A T IO N S , F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-1938
(1) N E W P R O P E R T IE S
C L A S S IF IC A T IO N S
U R B A N
V A L U E
000'001$ -raAQ 1 :
C L A S S IF IC A T IO N S
U R B A N
V A L U E
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(2) A L IE N A T IO N S
(A ) Onerous Title
000'01$ oj
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01 oi 9 raorg 01 oi 9 uiojg
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9 oi da i 9 oi da
1972
U R B A N
V A L U E
S1U9O
U R B A N
V A L U E
siueo cq
D ollars
1, 940, 088
D ollars
7, 416, 007
3uidnoj£) Xg 8
seiirodojj jo joqumjsi
4303
uoiib Soj Sos Ag 1195
suotjdijosui [tiuiSuQ
R U R A L
V A L U E
S1U90 05
R U R A L
V A L U E
S^UQQ 05
D ollars
2, 204,028
D ollars
6, 513,159
A R E A
sped
[euoijocjg
CO co
A R E A
X
05
Cuerdas
| 46,064
Cuerdas
163,079
3uidnoj0 Ag cq
soijiedojj jo joquinisj
4810
uoijBSejSeg Ag VO
04
T itle
jQqmnjjQ
7854
suopduosui [bui 3ijo K JB0A.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 89
(2) A L IE N A T IO N S
(B ) Gratuitous Title
C L A S S IF IC A T IO N S
U R B A N
V A L U E
000'001$ JaAo
(3) M O R T G A G E S (4) C A N C E L L A T IO N S (6) C A N E -G R IN D IN G
C O N T R A C T S
A R E A
sjjred jbuoijo 'Bjj
CO
000 ’001$ oj
000 ‘93$ riiojj
co
C uerdas
16,036
000 ‘93$ oj
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R U R A L
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11, 044, 382
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U R B A N
V A L U E
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1, 562, 186
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V A L U E
SJU9Q
In stallm
ents
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1, 727, 509
V A L U E
SJU9Q
D ollars
9, 088,184
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co
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23, 470
UBqjfi
1925
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JB9A JB9A
90 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
E x h ib it N o . 29—C ontinued
R E S U M E O F N E W P R O P E R T IE S , S A L E S , M O R T G A G E S A N D C A N C E L L A T IO N S , F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-
(5) L E A S E S
jseiojm jo
A M O U N T
O F L O A N
SJU90 8
D ollars
6,171,220
A R E A C U L T IV A T E D
V egetables
Sped [BUOipBJJJ s
co
C uerdas
6,394
F ru its
sped [buoi jobj j
o
KO
00
C uerdas
NO ‘I
Coffee
sped iBuopoerj CO
C uerdas
11, 291
Tobacco sped [
Buoijobjj
o
CO
C uerdas
15,231
Sugar C ane
sped iBuopoeiji C9
C uerdas
142, 605
sopjedorj jo joquin^
4797
C O N -
T R A C T S
joqnin^
00
co
co
Y ear
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 91
(8) R E A L P R O P E R T Y A N D R IG H T S O F N O N -R E S ID E N T S , IN C L U D IN G C O R P O R A T IO N !
U S U F R U C T
V alue
s$ueo
D ollars
jequin^
R U R A L L E A S E S
A rea
nopOBjj CO
T—1
C uerdas
1, 225
jequmM
M O R T G A G E S
V alue
s^noQ s
D ollars
229, 735
joquinjsj CO
U R B A N
V alue
sjueo CM
CJ
D ollars
4,494
raquinsj
R U R A L
V alue
SJU0Q CO
D ollars —123,920
Area
UOIJOBJ^
CO
Cl
C uerdas
7,020 j
jaquinft §
CM
C O R P O R A T IO N S
Le a s e s
A rea
UOTJOBJJ
.240
C uerdas
•o
seiqjedoij
jo jequinj^ o>
M ort gages
V alue
g
D ollars
21, 000
jraqmux 3
Sa l e of Ru r a l Pr o pe r t y
V alue
SJU9Q £
D ollars
26, 407
A rea
uoij obi ^
.061
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§
CM
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s
co
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£
P-i
Le a s e s
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.008
C uerdas
4,145
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jo jaqumjsi
coo
M ort gages
V alue
s^uaQ
D ollars
38, 975
jaquinx Cl
Sal e o f Rural Prop ert y
V alue
S^U8Q o
D ollars
705, 360
A rea
UOTJORJJ Cl
C uerdas
7,782
jaqum^f TO
92 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhibit No . 30
TOTAL OF PROPERTIES RECORDED IN THE REGISTRIES OF PROPERTY OF
PUERTO RICO AND THEIR NUMBER AND AMOUNT OF MORTGAGES,
AS OF JUNE 30, 1938
Municipalities
Number of Properties Properties Mortgaged Amount of Mortgages
Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural
Total ......... 43, 234 86, 084 129, 318 12, 629 21, 770 34, 399 $22, 729, 903. 71 $118, 876, 282. 39
Adjuntas................. 311 2,008 2,319 47 523 570 $50, 594. 53 $767, 672. 29
Aguada.................... 117 775 892 37 37 74 30,881.62 1, 206,261. 62
Aguadilla................ 933 3,027 3, 960 234 450 684 408, 517. 51 820, 282. 47
Aguas Buenas.... 138 519 657 32 101 133 25, 842. 55 388, 659. 65
Aibonito.................. 217 863 1, 080 52 299 351 12, 945. 82 804, 966. 48
Anasco..................... 87 513 600 45 276 321 99, 593. 97 778,405.45
Arecibo.................... 1,464 3,587 5,051 590 1,062 1,652 570, 595. 09 3, 850, 340. 64
Arroyo..................... 216 200 416 49 47 96 39, 687. 07 2, 268, 502. 89
Barceloneta............ 176 935 1,111 58 227 285 90, 404. 03 1,294, 915. 07
Barranquitas......... 100 871 971 17 114 131 37, 404.49 227, 341. 75
Bayamon................ 731 3,356 4, 087 301 1,549 1,850 825,432. 50 3, 515, 789. 51
Cabo Rojo............. 98 951 1,049 53 406 459 81, 290. 57 463, 679. 51
Caguas..................... 2, 219 2,155 4, 374 807 617 1, 424 959, 853. 66 12, 033, 322. 58
Camuy..................... 182 1,276 1, 458 77 282 359 84,865.47 873, 934. 12
Carolina.................. 396 1,114 1,510 133 518 651 440, 742.13 1, 642, 589. 79
Catano................... 233 29 262 24 12 36 148, 820.19 109, 906. 60
Cayey....................... 891 1, 531 2, 422 131 338 469 523, 282. 94 15,144, 630. 34
Ceiba........................ 62 298 360 14 82 96 22,194. 63 392.154, 04
Ciales....................... 274 2,052 2, 326 64 591 '655 102, 030. 62 996,151.30
Cidra........................ 125 1,089 1,214 21 302 323 36, 827.78 1, 607, 071. 63
Coamo..................... 175 1, 040 1,215 52 230 282 117, 024. 33 539,181. 92
Comerio................. 228 1,169
1, 853
1,397 59 348 407 741, 619. 62 2, 244, 303.14
Corozal..................... 69 1,922 34 394 428 79, 722.14 702, 111.63
Culebra................... 36 122 158 1 1 2,050, 930. 02
Dorado.................... 86 439 525 3 158 161 34,139. 26 861, 423. 25
Fajardo.................... 642 661 1, 303 165 111 276 194,131. 80 556, 641. 69
Guanica................... 23 103 126 11 31 42 7,463. 28 10, 661.67
Guayama................ 1,170 1,073
894
2,243 222 228 450 411, 620. 68 1, 429,076.18
Guayanilla............. 125 1,019 15 235 250 33,898. 59 551,246. 71
Guaynabo............... 304 465 769 65 130 195 122, 223. 78 47,158. 74
Gurabo..................... 248 348 596 62 151 213 63,143.46 2, 890, 004.14
Hatillo....... .............. 127 1,945 2,072 58 406 464 40,441.00 866, 303. 34
Hormigueros.......... 11 183 194 9 100 109 40, 420. 50 819, 034.00
Humacao................. 1,017 1,087 2,104 175 169 344 249, 476. 35 4, 432, 622. 50
Isabela..................... 172 2,126 2, 298 21 388 409 83, 956. 99 595, 018. 09
Jayuya..................... 155 529 684 48 229 277 43, 635. 72 502, 668. 75
Juana Diaz............. 265 2,039 2,304 55 309 364 77, 211.22 2, 962, 893. 94
Juncos...................... 486 422 908 129 161 290 228,145. 47 580, 935. 21
Lajas......................... 56 533 589 23 144 167 23, 392. 79 356, 204. 64
Lares........................ 155 2,516 2, 671 110 721 831 208, 954.00 1, 639, 514. 84
Las Marias............ 12 699 711 4 260 264 5, 053.48 1, 241,107.87
Las Piedras........... 106 800 906 14 111 125 8, 826.45 2, 238, 385. 00
Loiza......................... 115 1,194 1, 309 31 150 181 223, 798. 34 599, 233. 61
Luquillo................... 114 396 510 21 77 98 14, 895.00 481, 291. 69
Manati..................... 327 1,513 1,840 164 197 361 92, 241. 52 1, 761, 460.10
Maricao................... 26 515 541 13 291 304 6, 467.15 714, 904. 86
Maunabo.. .......... 121 274 395 8 63 71 13, 761.16 1,967,813. 73
Mayaguez............... 1, 575 1,232 2,807 982 773 1,755 2, 240, 847.16 1,725, 802. 38
Moca......................... 140 1,299 1, 439
1,437
25 492 517 17, 791.33 739, 729. 36
Morovis................... 201 1,236 77 369 446 70, 052. 91 948, 890.19
Naguabo.................. 254 750 1, 004
1,117
53 123 176 92, 743. 57 2,864,065. 46
Naranjito................ 99 1,018 26 224 250 68, 552. 46 491, 012. 02
Orocovis.................. 81 1,824 1,905 2 296 298 6, 221. 00 505, 069.30
Patillas..................... 144 914 1,058 24 196 220 15, 739. 00 223, 250. 43
Penuelas.................. 103 1,041 1,144 27 241 268 12, 600. 00 1,457,159. 50
Ponce....................... 6,324
168
2,609 8,933 1, 542 607 2,149 3, 081, 769. 97 2, 549,160. 98
Quebradillas.......... 676 844 54 172 226 29,470. 90 260, 732. 70
Rincon..................... 37 250 287 8 113 121 11,420.00 303, 542. 92
Rio Grande........... 154 1, 278 1, 432 61 319 380 116,139.95 404, 746. 74
Rio Piedras........... 2, 652 3, 262 5,914 722 435 1,157 3. 046, 279.91 945,247.05
Sabana Grande... 62 287 349 13 108 121 13,364.43 357, 298. 70
Salinas..................... 243 494 737 138 116 254 47, 659.27 1, 140, 375. 78
San German......... 185 822 1,007 82 423 505 125,460. 77 689, 604. 39
San Juan................. 12, 559
1,706
12, 559 3, 774 3, 774 2, 621, 455. 84
San Lorenzo.......... 281 1,987 92 353 445 241, 806. 69 698, 546. 42
San Sebastian.... 265 2,783 3,048 57 383 440 74, 972.44 773,332. 70
Santa Isabel.......... 125 286 411 20 55 75 23, 742.00 186,142. 60
Toa Alta................. 139 960 1,099 11 230 241 88,844.05 828, 416.75
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 93
Exhibit No . 30—Continued
TOTAL OF PROPERTIES RECORDED IN THE REGISTRIES OF PROPERTY OF
PUERTO RICO AND THEIR NUMBER AND AMOUNT OF MORTGAGES,
AS OF JUNE 30, 1938
Municipalities
Number of Properties Properties Mortgaged Amount of Mortgages
Urban Rural Total Urban Rural Total Urban Rural
Toa Baja................ 191 574 765 19 134 153 $227, 832.21 $2,208, 393.20
Trujillo Alto......... 87 994 1,081 36 278 314 855, 423.45 2,140, 458.36
Utuado.................... 551 3, 229 3, 780 96 525 621 151, 209. 88 2,134, 828. 55
Vega Alta............ 156 ' 507 663 49 153 202 749, 600.38 2,198,834.61
Vega Baja.............. 358 1,191 1,549 120 229 349 718, 782. 88 3,004, 600.20
Vieques................... 238 330 568 20 140 160 20,088.00 2, 500, 714.91
Villalba................... 22 557 579 8 149 157 4, 616. 25 360, 009.00
Yabucoa.................. 350 1, 111 1,461 52 102 154 107, 798. 68 2,496,903. 71
Y auco....................... 149 777 926
)
82 406 488 90,144.08 910, 704.49
94 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exh ibit No . 31
SUGAR PRODUCTION IN PUERTO RICO, 1828 TO 1938
Crop Year
Production
(tons of 2, 000
pounds)
Crop Year
Production
(tons of 2, 000
pounds)
1828.
1829.
1830.
1831.
1832.
1833.
1834.
1835.
1836.
1837.
1838.
1839.
1840.
1841.
1842.
1843.
1844.
1845.
1846.
1847.
1848.
1849.
1850.
1851.
1852.
1853.
1854.
1855.
1856.
1857.
1858..
1859..
1860..
1861..
1862..
1863..
1864..
1865..
1866..
1867..
1868..
1869..
1870..
1871..
1872..
1873..
1874..
1875..
1876..
1877..
1878..
1879..
1880..
1881..
1882..
1883..
9, 391
13, 857
17,008
15, 389
17, 326
17,139
17, 940
21, 928
24,944
22, 827
34,569
34, 622
40, 896
42, 278
45, 953
35, 519
40, 580
46,452
43, 870
52,089
50, 649
50, 371
56,064
59, 208
46, 815
55, 302
53,935
50, 718
58,468
43,195
61, 771
44, 222
58, 007
65, 517
64, 401
58,122
46, 255
60, 526
55, 679
60,125
61, 707
72,475
95, 824
103, 303
89,059
95, 260
77,995
81,096
72,829
61, 578
83, 416
170,679
110, 847
63, 236
92,115
87,895
1884.
1885.
1886.
1887.
1888.
1889.
1890.
1891.
1892.
1893.
1894.
1895.
1896.
1897.
1898.
1899.
1900.
1901.
1902.
1903.
1904.
1905..
1906.
1907..
1908..
1909..
1910..
1911..
1912..
1913..
1914..
1915..
1916..
1917..
1918..
1919. .
1920..
1921..
1922..
1923..
1924..
1925..
1926..
1927..
1928..
1929..
1930..
1931..
1932..
1933..
1934..
1935..
1936..
1937..
1938..
109, 098
98, 059
70, 295
89,057
68, 328
70,117
64,144
53,014
74,187
47,495
53, 361
66,073
61,473
63. 546
60; 285
39, 200
81, 526
103,152
100, 576
139,096
151,088
214, 480
206, 864
230, 095
277, 093
346, 786
349, 840
371,070
398, 004
351, 666
346,490
345,490
483, 589
503, 081
453, 793
406, 002
485, 077
491,000
405,000
379,000
447,000
660,003
603,187
629,133
748,677
586, 760
866,109
783,163
922,335
816,337
1,103, 822
773,021
926, 344
996, 303
1,077,149
Source: Figures from 1828 to 1920—Sugar Producers' Association.
Figures from 1921 to 1938—Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 95
Exhibit No . 32
SUGAR PRODUCTION AND EXPORTATION
Fiscal Year
Production
(tons of
2,000 lbs.)
Exportation
(tons of
2, 000 lbs.)
Value of
Exportation
(Dollars)
Average
Value per
Exported
Ton
(Dollars)
Average
Value per
Exported
Pound
(Cents)
1901 ................................................ 103,152 68, 909 4, 715, 611 68.432 3.42
1902................................................... 100, 576 91,912 5,890, 302 64.086 3.20
1903 ................................................ 139, 096 113, 108 7, 470,122 66.044 3. 30
1904 ................................................ 151,088 129, 647 8, 690, 814 67. 034 3.35
1905 ................................................ 214, 480 135, 663 11, 925, 804 87.907 4.39
1906 ................................................ 206, 864 205, 277 14,184, 667 69.100 3.45
1907................................................... 230,095 204, 079 14, 770, 682 72.377 3. 61
1908 ................................................ 277, 093 234, 607 18, 690, 504 79. 667 3.98
1909 ................................................ 346, 786 244, 257 18,432,446 75.463 3. 77
1910 -.............................................. 349,840 284, 522 23, 545, 922 82. 756 4.13
1911 ................................................ 371,070 322,919 24, 479, 346 75.806 3. 79
1912................................................... 398, 004 367,145 31, 544, 063 85.917 4.29
1913.................................................... 351, 666 382, 700 26, 619,158 69. 556 3.47
1914................................................... 346, 490 320, 633 20, 240, 333 63.126 3.15
1915................................................... 345,490 294, 475 27,278, 754 92. 635 4. 63
1916................................................... 483, 589 424, 955 45, 809, 445 107. 798 5. 38
1917................................................... 503, 081 488, 943 54, 015, 903 110.474 5.52
1918................................................... 453, 793 336, 788 41, 362, 229 122.813 6.14
1919..............................................-... 406, 002 351, 910 48,132, 419 136.774 6. 83
1920................................................... 485,077 419, 388 98, 923, 750 235. 876 11.79
1921.................................................... 491, 000 409,407 72, 440,924 176 941 8. 84
1922................................................... 405,000 469,889 40, 820, 333 86. 872 4. 34
1923................................................... 379, 000 355, 423 46, 207, 276 130.006 6. 50
1924................................................... 447, 000 372, 041 47,838, 687 128. 584 6. 42
1925.................................................... 660, 003 571, 559 53, 261, 895 93.187 4. 65
1926.................................................... 603,187 578, 811 48, 223,258 83. 314 4.16
1927.................................................... 629,133 574, 869 54, 756, 984 95.251 4.76
1928................................................... 748, 677 605, 539 54, 579, 020 90.205 4. 51
1929................................................... 586, 760 472, 432 35,224,038 74. 558 3.72
1930................................................... 866,109 721,217 53, 670, 038 74.415 3.72
1931................................................... 783,163 806,826 54, 366, 952 67. 383 3.36
1932................................................... 992, 335 912,419 55,118, 211 60.408 3. 02
1933................................................... 816, 337 822, 925 50, 780, 587 61. 707 3. 44
1934................................................... 1,103, 822 828,115 54, 822, 555 66. 201 3. 31
1935.................................................... 773, 021 755, 445 47,837,114 63. 323 3.16
1936................................................... 926, 344 832, 723 60,302, 741 72.416 3.62
1937.................................................... 996, 303 959, 510 71, 390,088 74.402 3. 72
1938.................................................... 1,077,149 735, 541 50,144, 811 68.174 3.40
Source: Production—1901 to 1920, Sugar Producers’ Association; 1921 to 1938, Department of Agriculture
and Commerce.
Exportation—Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Monthly Summaries of Foreign
Commerce of the United States and annual reports, customhouse.
96 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhibit No . 33
CANE SUGAR PRODUCTION OF PUERTO RICO AS COMPARED WITH THAT
OF THE WORLD AND CUBA, 1910 TO 1938
(All Figures in Tons of 2,000 Pounds)
Crop Year
World’s
Production
Cuba’s
Production
Puerto Rico’s
Production
1910
1911
1912.
1913.
1914.
1915.
1916.
1917.
1918.
1919.
1920.
1921.
1922.
1923.
1924
1925.
1926.
1927.
1928.
1929.
1930.
1931.
1932.
1933.
1931.
1935.
1936.
1937.
1938.
9,
9,
10,
10,
10,
U,
H,
12,
13,
13,
13,
13,
14,
14,
15,
17,
17,
18,
19,
20,
20,
19,
19,
18,
18,
17,
19,
22,
21,
329,
433,
276,
404,
977,
399,
889,
691,
851,
347,
696,
384,
238,
738,
945,
802,
960,
405,
114,
307,
416,
208,
958,
453,
324,
352,
729,
185,
426,
627
141
146
333
720
484
781
838
687
662
620
062
379
862
478
776
807
294
611
523
992
502
604
167
996
352
045
946
672
2, 020, 871
1, 661, 465
2,123, 502
2, 719, 961
2, 909, 460
2, 903, 787
3, 368, 865
3, 386, 566
3, 859, 613
4, 448, 389
4,177, 686
4, 408, 365
4, 475, 953
4,035, 259
4, 554, 639
5, 741, 086
5, 470, 817
5, 045, 282
4, 493,123
5, 775,073
5, 231.811
3, 496, 848
2, 915, 208
2, 234, 488
2, 593, 314
2,841, 871
2, 899, 002
3, 374, 524
3, 360, 000
349,840
371,070
398, 004
351, 666
346, 490
345,490
483, 589
503,081
453, 793
406, 002
485, 077
491,000
405, 000
379,000
447,000
660, 003
603,187
629,133
748, 677
586, 760
866,109
783,163
992, 335
816, 337
1,103, 822
773,021
926, 344
996, 303
1,077,149
Source: World’s and Cuba’s production-1910 toT934, Report to the President on Sugar, U. S. Tariff
Oormnission, Report No. 73; 1935 to 1938, Manual of Sugar Companies for 1938, Farr & Co.,
Puerto Rico’s production—Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
Exh ibi t No . 34
COMPARATIVE STATISTICAL REPORT OF SUGAR MANUFACTURED IN PUERTO RICO
Crops of 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1936, 1937, and 1938, in clud in g qua ntity of can e gro und in 1938
(Corrected to June 30, 1938)
Municipalities Name of mill or
property
Name of owner
TOTAL CROP IN TONS (2,000 lbs.) Quantity of
cane ground
in 1938
1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1938 (in tons)
A rl iiiTvf.Q fl ...... Pellejas ........................ Jorge Lucas P. Valdivieso...................... 485.53
20,146.00
23,577.00
4,617.38
17,477.50
13,278.25
9,381.13
10,805.86
11,634.70
1,666.25
10,850.13
3,938.62
38,918.64
101,307.00
13,373.00
916.09
29,376.37
29,251.00
11,333.50
33,983.88
18,079.00
3,293.75
15,537.52
18,686.69
2,441.95
14,707.00
8,149.54
57,531.00
118,109.00
25,465.75
9,489.62
19,632.67
7,178.45
9,317.00
14,815.88
36,704.06
1,287.00
14,696.38
32,646.16
27,717.97
4,907.13
11,061.25
8,600.00
8,050.00
862.75
37,671.00
7,871.25
14,554.60
78,352.00
1,000.00
34,768.63
30,280.00
13,664.00
30,852.88
17,820.75
11/278.72
9,400.90
15,268.74
3,708.25
14,248.50
6,728.62
54,334.00
95,290.00
22,783.00
7,607.05
18,743.75
6,192.00
10,844.10
13,766.18
29,397.14
2,233.20
15,223.38
22,725.63
23,249.00
3,279.11
10,157.75
9,327.00
7,888.24
1,170.01
35,970.00
40,809.50
15,367.75
36,946.13
27,993.88
14,525.75
14,629.26
16,497.02
4,282.70
20,801.75
6,071.30
74,521.90
128,621.75
25,038.60
13,482.25
24,251.14
6,535.00
11,978.37
14,932.89
44,467.75
2,557.15
17,945.88
28,722.90
35,968.80
1,292.70
28,517.09
33,663.37
13,568.00
36,327.25
19,959.88
7,698.50
6,126.80
12,513.92
4,862.00
10,957.00
3,857.20
39,716.00
138,411.60
22,461.88
15,247.87
26,091.38
6,825.00
11,127.00
12,076.38
23,372.94
2,833.50
18,525.50
14,657.20
18,189.56
1,351.80
37,913.47
44,209.25
15,959.88
37,212.50
27,428.13
15,331.00
15,831.79
19,816.11
5,694.00
19,339.99
8,657.55
82,942.00
150,040.07
26,282.00
15,689.25
36,264.16
7,705.00
14,571.63
16,904.63
40,850.52
3,528.95
19,028.06
28,979.39
44,573.52
1,145.25
29,365.44
31,048.00
9,988.38
26,188.13
16,640.25
10,340.00
12,226.86
14,128.87
5,926.13
13,820.40
5,433.22
54,229.41
96,669.70
23,652.52
8,760.82
24,224.50
5,258.00
9,784.50
11,896.27
28,788.15
3,999.41
14,994.63
20,845.95
27,201.35
1,438.67
34,807.35
36,893.00
15,527.48
31,526.33
20,922.59
14,798.00
12,928.91
19,818.24
5,937.63
16,917.43
9,930.42
67,944.97
107,900.06
21,371.00
12,450.88
31,847.48
6,606.00
11,946.50
13,300.53
37,409.54
3,477.00
18,228.92
26,222.32
36,286.18
1,511.68
38,676.22
42,389.88
15,231.90
32,458.91
25,234.25
18,412.50
14,769.39
16,065.89
5,860.38
17,241.77
8,654.73
63,997.48
131,039.00
24,729.00
14,726.87
34,696.46
6,733.00
13,890.00
13,012.35
30,679.99
3,245.00
20,568.00
22,056.83
34,830.76
2,459.25
41,953.334
48,490.88
20,824.125
34,408.58
33,054.76
23,542.00
7,291.49
22,659.23
7,748.00
21,293.990
9,786.79
67,332.265
104,885.70
25,163.00
14,625.48
30,395.193
7,207.148
19,353.625
16,676.109
40,754.90
2,865.00
25,154.97
28,805.88
40,067.045
24,428.80
330,211.210
451,404.38
182,530.855
266,994.530
287,432.74
196,876.00
140,939.15
192,056.76
65,338.805
170,857.385
81,800.58
550,301.060
822,999.97
195,458.00
113,568.62
261,095.71
60,813.095
150,340.550
137,837.21
334,251.71
24,669.00
212,561.31
233,759.64
322,840.24
A mi ft rl fl. ........ Coloso............................ Central Coloso, Inc.................................
A roninA .. ....... Cambalac.he.................. Central Cambalache, Inc........................
Do Los Canos...................... Plazuela Sugar Co......................................
Asociacidn Azucarera Coop. Lafayette..
Plazuela Sugar Co., Inc...........................
/Aa rhr nuvj nu .............................. Lafayette........................
Barceloneta Plazuela ....................
novaninn Juanita ..................... Central Juanita, Inc..................................
d q m i fl fl Santa Juana................. Eastern Sugar Ass’n..................................
Do.................
d a m 11 v
Defen sa .................. Eastern Sugar Ass’n.................................
Soller .................. Soller Sugar Co., Inc................................
Carolina. Victoria ...................... Central Victoria, Inc..................................
d A VPcVj...................... Cavev ............................ Eastern Sugar Ass’n..................................
Fajardo ....... Faj ard o ....................... Fajardo Sugar Co. of Porto Rico..........
Guanica ........... Gudnica Centrale........ South Porto Rico Sugar Co., P. R....
dll fl V9TT1 fl. Machete ...................... Central Machete Co..................................
Do Guamanf ...................... Suers, de Jos6 GonzAlez & Co., S. en C.
dll fl VATill] fl, Rufina ................. Mario Mercado e Hijos............................ 16,276.00
5,157.41
7,696.00
9,144.83
14,686.16
805.39
10,145.25
22,593.10
18,621.86
5,407.00
6,689.13
7,716.00
7,477.00
2,260.25
23,327.87
5,308.76
9,731.12
51,972.00
Do San Francisco............... A Lluberas y Sobrinos............................
T-T *YmAT 1 O"ll PTOA Rureka Central Eureka, Inc...................................
Humacao F.jemplo .................. Compania Azucarera “El Ejemplo”.....
Do Paste Viejo ................. Eastern Sugar Ass’n.................................
jT ft VIuIVj .fl,..................... Santa Barbara............. Jayuya Development Co..........................
Juana T^faz Boca Chica ............. Wirshing & Co.............................................
Juncos Juncos ...................... Eastern Sugar Ass’n..................................
T .nf <7, A Canovanas...................... Loiza Sugar Company...............................
Tiiininllo San Miguel .................. Corp. Central San Miguel....................... 11,871.63
11,223.87
10,094.56
9,100.00
11,346.00
11,370.62
15,151.50
13,863.00
15,332.00
7,433.63
8,656.00
10,375.00
14,777.28
9,598.37
14,308.82
12,338.12
11,369.47
18,702.17
13,656.60
9,878.965
21,463.387
117,012.200
80,088.915
169,234.825
]\Jan atf Monserrate................... Jaime y Federico Calaf Collazo............
A/T a v a criipz Pochelaise Mayagiiez Sugar Co.. Inc........................ INJLdy ........................
Do Tgnaldad Central Igualdad, Inc................................
Naguabo............
Pnn p.p
Triunfo............................
Mereedita
Garzot & Fuertes ..........................................
Sucn. de J. Serralldst............................... 28,514.00
9,135.25
11,570.00
65,674.00
6,784.60
6,527.38
15,750.25
18,351.00
15,794.00
22,642.75
8,084.42
1,337.50
31,069.60
38,139.00
9,023.38
15,298.48
73,188.00
6,382.75
7,923.25
24,672.00
24,416.00
18,620.00
31,765.63
8,991.75
1,627.90
31,779.89
41,081.84
9,080.75
10,737.12
72,166.00
7,630.25
8,125.00
25,187.50
17,520.00
13,482.00
25,579.74
6,149.63
1,278.25
28,767.13
44,221.00
9,689.13
19,521.47
76,342.00
8,023.88
11,656.00
26,088.00
29,212.50
17,444.80
33,055.60
8,882.38
2,039.30
34,282.38
34,444.00
8,133.50
12,258.75
66,291.00
6,026.00
9,294.64
21,506.00
17,807.00
12,767.34
9,138.44
5,549.18
2,354.50
23,809.02
37,561.41
10,333.77
12,578.43
61,260.00
6,375.60
11,435.50
20,768.35
19,896.00
15,460.00
31,204.40
9,341.00
1,934.65
29,747.73
36,453.80
8,949.73
16,489.48
75,691.00
7,678.27
12,509.62
24,190.84
26,160.38
18,227.65
36,116.89
10,509.50
2,347.74
27,193.81
40,130.47
9,371.981
18,793.929
72,557.00
7,420.00
16,263.58
23,355.526
27,377.157
19,341.00
43,451.305
8,500.921
2,497.570
34,844.47
335,730.16
75,904.925
152,161.650
567,040.00
61,317.15
126,366.690
189,167.71
231,109.335
157,120.85
345,842.100
74,923.11
22,480.16
283,424.43
Do Constan cia..................... Corporation Azucarera Sauri & Subira
Rio Piedras Vann in a Central Vannina, Inc.................................
Salinas Aguirre ........................ Central Aguirre Sugar Company..........
1B-/nU.................. Cojrean CJodreau y Compania.............
San Sebastian Plata Plata Sugar Company, Inc..................... 3,675.38
11,510.00
14,210.00
9,138.00
18,211.00
4,907.25
1,410.31
15,513.56
4,043.75
20,265.50
22,562.00
16,423.00
23,154.62
7,144.15
1,439.00
28,102.57
Rftnfa Tsahpl Central Cortada Central Aguirre Sugar Co.......................
Toa Baja Constan ci a .................. Compania Azucarera del Toa.................
Vega Alta Carmen Centrale Carmen Centrale, Inc...............................
Vega Baja San Vicente Rubert Hermanos, Inc..............................
Vieques Playa, Crande Benitez Sugar Co.......................................
Villalba Central Herminia . Jose & Santos Semidey............................
Yabucoa................ Central Roig................ The Yabucoa Sugar Co............................
585,047.62 855,351.80 783,295.27 986,107.52 827,481.35 1,100,909.59 762,400.14 923,018.74 995,640.71 1,073,243.357 8,775,862.920

OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 97
Exhibit No . 35
TOBACCO ACREAGE, PRODUCTION AND PRICE
Crop year Acreage Production
(pounds)
Yield per acre
(pounds)
Average price
received by
farmers per
pound
(cents)
(1)
1921................................................................. (1) 40,000 1922................................................................. (1) 25,000,000 625.00 21. 93 (1) 35,000 (1) 22,500,000 642.85 24. 76 1923................................................................. (1) 41,500 (1) 26,000,000 626.50 29. 70 1924................................................................. (1) 40,000 (1) 25,000,000 625.00 20. 50 1925................................................................ (2) 34,023 (2) 23,000,000 676.01 31.07 1926................................................................. (2) 58,000 (2) 36,000,000 620.68 39.15 1927................................................................. (2) 81,900 (2) 50,000,000 610. 50 22.00 1928................................................................. (2) 40,345 (2) 27,000,000 669. 22 25. 00 1929................................................................. (2) 39,075 (2) 28,000,000 716. 57 23.00 1930................................................................. (2) 43,312 (2) 32,500,000 750.36 28. 00 1931. .............................................................. (2) 50,000 (1) 37,300,000 746.00 20. 00 1932........................................................... (2) 10,079 (1) 6, 000, 000 595.29 15.00 1933........................................................... (2) 25,300 (1) 16,783,000 663.35 15. 00 1934................................................................. (1) 45,500 (1) 25,000,000 549. 45 17.00 1935................................................................. (2) 38,000 (1) 22,500,000 592.10 20. 00 1936................................................................. (2) 43,809 (2) 26,000,000 593.48 (2) 12.00 1937................................................................. (3) 50,000 (3) 34,983,117 699. 66 (2) 14.00 1938................................................................. (3) 63,000 (3) 44,069,272 699. 51
_____
(2) 11.00
Source: (1) Commission for the Protection of P. R. Tobacco.
(2) Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
(3) Tobacco Institute.
98 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No. 36
COEFEE PRODUCTION IN PUERTO RICO
Crop year
Production
(pounds)
1920-21........................................................................................................................
1921-22..............................................................................................................................
1922-23..........................................................................................................................................
1923-24..............................................................................................................................
1924-25......................................................................................................................................
1925-26..................................................................................................................................
1926-27..............................................................................................................
1927-28...................................................................................................................... ’ ............................
1928-29.......................................................................................................................................... ......................
1929-30........................................................................................................................ .
1930-31.............................................................................................................................. . . .....................
1931-32.............................................................................................................................. .........
1932-33.............................................................................................................................. ....................
1933-34......................................................................................................................
1934-35.............................................................................................................................. ........................
1935-36..............................................................................................................
1936-37.......................................................................................................................... .................................
1937-38.................................................................................................................. .............
44,194, 219
38, 367,875
25, 271, 306
28, 908, 342
34,177,196
36, 334, 570
39,124, 692
32, 393, 259
18,446, 602
5, 351, 599
6,000,000
10, 090, 219
11, 381, 096
9, 000, 000
8,000, 000
20, 000,000
20, 500,000
16, 639, 200
Source: Department of Agriculture and Commerce.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 99
Exhib it No . 37
Distribution of Cultivated and Non-Cultivated Area of Puerto Rico,
Year 1938
Thousands
of Acres
LAND
NOT IN
fl - PASTURE' CLEAR
B - SUGAR CANE
C - COFFEE
D - MINOR CROPS
E ~ NOODLAND____________________
F - PASTURE, NOODLAN D
6 • TOBACCO
H - COCONUTS
I - GRAPEFRUIT AND ORANGES
d ~ PINEAPPLES__________________
K - COTTON
L ~ OThER LAND IN FARMS
M -LAND NOT IN FARMS
100 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bit No. 38
Value of sugar, raw and refined; tobacco unmanufactured; fruit, fresh
and canned; and coffee, raw and roasted, exports from
Puerto Rico—Fiscal years 1901 to 1938
Millions
of Dollars
1
1 I
1
t
1
1
1
1
__________SUG
________ FOB
........... . . FRU
__________COF
tf/?, KflW-flND
flCCO UNMflA
IT, FRESH F
FEE, MW M
REFIHED
UFACTURED
ND CANNED
D ROASTED
1
f
I
I
1
I
1
1 A
t
1
<
1
1
1
1
1
t 1
1
A I
1
1
1 J
r -I ( - A
1 1
/ ; ;
1 v
1 i
; /
1 /
/
1 1
1 1
" i
A
1
1
1
1 y \ /
V ■ .... . . z
✓
Z' "
/
X z------------- ''
/ z*
\ *• ’*
FISCAL YEARS
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 101
Exhib it No. 39
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OF MERCHANDISE INTO AND FROM PUERTO
RICO, FISCAL YEARS 1901 TO 1938
Value in dollars
Fiscal year
Imports Exports
From the
United States
From Foreign
Countries Total
To the
United States
To Foreign
Countries Total
1901...................... 6, 955, 408 1,952, 728 8, 908,136 5, 581,288 3, 002, 679 8, 583, 967
1902...................... 10,882, 653
12,245,845
2, 326, 057
2,203,441
13, 208, 710
14, 449, 286
8, 377, 766
11,051,195
4,056,190
4,037,884
12,433, 956
1903...................... 15, 089, 079
1904...................... 11,210,060 1, 958,969 13,169, 029 11,722,826 4, 543, 077 16,265, 903
1905...................... 13, 974, 070 2, 562,189 16, 536, 259 15, 633,145 3,076, 420 18, 709, 565
1906...................... 19, 224,881 2, 602, 784
3, 580, 887
21, 827, 665 19,142,461 4,115, 069 23,257, 530
1907................ 25, 686,285 29, 267,172 22,070,133 4, 926,167 26, 996, 300
1908...................... 22, 677, 376 3,148, 289 25,825, 665 25. 891, 281 4, 753,209 30, 644, 490
1909.................... 23, 618, 545 2, 925, 781 26, 544, 326 26, 394, 312 3, 996, 913 30, 391, 225
1910...................... 27,097, 654 3, 537, 201 30, 634,855 32, 095, 645 5,864, 575 37, 960, 220
1911...................... 34, 671,958 4,115,039 38, 786, 997 34, 765, 409 5,152, 968 39, 918, 377
1912...................... 38,470, 963 4, 501, 928 42, 972, 891 42, 873, 401 6,832, 012 49, 705,413
1913...................... 33,155,005 3, 745, 057 36, 900,062 40, 538, 623 8, 564, 942 49,103,565
1914...................... 32, 568, 368 3,838, 419 36, 406, 787 34,423,180 8, 679, 589 43,102, 769
1915...................... 30, 929, 831 2, 954, 465 33, 884, 296 42,311,920 7, 044, 987 49, 356, 907
1916...................... 35,892, 515 3, 058, 641 38, 951,156 60, 952, 768 5, 778,805 66, 731, 573
1917...................... 49, 539, 249 4,005, 975 53, 545, 224 73,115,224 7,855, 693 80, 970,917
1918...................... 58, 945, 758
57,889,085
90, 724, 259
4, 443, 524
4, 502, 275
5, 664, 275
63, 389, 282
62, 391, 360
96, 388, 534
65, 514, 989
71, 015, 351
133, 207, 508
8, 779, 033
8, 480, 689
17, 603, 941
74, 294, 022
79, 496, 040
150,811, 449
1919......................
1920......................
1921.................. 97.074, 399 8,405, 304
6, 775,121
7,201, 043
105, 479, 703 103, 368, 227 8,890, 348 112, 278, 575
1922...................... 57,400,028
64, 743, 462
64,175,149
71, 944, 505
66, 229, 771
77, 007, 257
5, 942, 800
5, 285, 793
72,172, 571
1923...................... 82,293, 050
1924...................... 80, 590, 021 8, 779, 603 89, 369, 624 80, 754, 975 7, 525, 565 88, 280, 540
1925...................... 79, 349, 618 11,154,983 90, 504, 601 84, 411, 792 10,407,152 94,818,944
1926...................... 83, 056, 553 12, 211, 711
11, 764, 431
95, 268, 264 88,106, 570 10, 618, 281 98, 724, 851
1927...................... 87, 049, 962 98, 814, 393 99, 223,154 7, 493, 433 106, 716, 587
1928...................... 79, 701,911
85, 077,039
72, 789, 414
12,599, 241
12, 782,164
10, 844,050
92, 301,152
97, 859,203
83, 633, 464
96, 662, 619
76, 471, 829
95, 097, 640
6,872,120
5, 378, 691
4, 553,438
103, 534, 739
81,850, 520
99, 651,078
1929......................
1930......................
1931...................... 68, 018,167 8, 419, 243 76, 437, 410 94, 876, 997 3, 523, 930 98. 400, 927
1932...................... 52,826, 794 8,454, 307 61, 281,101 83, 645, 863 2, 822, 967 86, 468, 830
1933...................... 48,886, 844
57, 503, 315
5,859, 067
6,421, 568
54, 745, 911
63, 924, 883
73, 387, 498
83, 769, 987
2, 084, 791
2, 757, 501
75, 472, 289
1934...................... 86, 527,488
1935...................... 63, 573, 575 6, 412, 365 69, 985, 940 77, 602,195 2,075, 493 79, 677, 688
1936...................... 77, 715, 486 6, 414, 882 84,130, 368 97,155, 761 2,142, 285 99, 298,046
1937...................... 90,288, 508
84, 987, 994
8. 571, 461
8, 326, 789
98, 859, 969
93, 314, 783
112,857, 749
79, 808,113
2,096, 078
2,269, 065
114,953, 827
1938...................... 82,077,178
Figures from 1926 to 1937 have been revised.
Source: Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Monthly Summaries of Foreign Commerce
of the United States and annual reports, customhouse.
102 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No . 40
POSITION OF PUERTO RICO IN TRADE OF THE UNITED STATES WITH
LATIN AMERICA
Calendar Year s 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937
EXPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES IN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE IN 1937
(All figures in dollars)
Countries 1934 1935 1936 1937
1. Mexico................................................................... 55, 061, 282 65, 573, 806 76,040 683 109 449 580
2. Argentine............................................................. 42, 687”, 763 49,374,421 56, 910, 088 94 173’ 088
3. Cuba............................................................ 45’ 323' 374 60,138 935 67 420 984 92 282 75§
4. PUERTO RICO............................................. 59,477, 288 70, 052, 462 86’ 351^ 952 90 043’ 856
5. Brazil............................................. 40, 375,070 43, 617, 614 49 019 226 68 631 287
6. Venezuela................................................... 19,281, 247 18, 585,060 24^ 079’ 037 46 470 096
7. Colombia........................................ 21, 942, 772 21,636 265 27 728’ 953 39 200 173
8. Panamfi................................................................. 18, 335, 512 20,815, 494 22, 716^ 844 25 234’ 832
9. Chile....................... 12' 030' 334 14, 947 753 15 738 931 23 997 007
10. Peru......................................................... 9, 891,498 12,174, 077 13’439’ 447 19 016 161
11. Uruguay......................... 6,140 456 6 222 911 8’ 530’ 816 13 202 660
12. Guatemala........................................................... 4,069, 756 3, 918, 293 4^ 553^ 076 7 611 741
13. Dominican Republic................................... 5' 819' 915 4, 517, 553 4 577 872 6 468? 951
14. Bolivia............. *. .................................................. 5,118, 274 2, 829, 214 3 563, 659 5’ 862’ 852
15. Honduras..................................................... 5, 993' 332 5, 633,026 4 900 481 5 568’383
16. Ecuador................................................................ 2, 342, 613 2,842, 962 3, 326, 455 5’ 051’ 756
17. Costa Rica..................................................... 3' 125^ 508 2,318, 283 3 027 313 4 476’ 706
18. Haiti...................................................... ................ 3,435, 885 3,249, 737 3, 941^ 603 4’ 083’ 793
19. El Salvador......................................... Z, 130' 111 2,830, 881 2 794 460 3 628 135
20. Nicaragua............................................................. 2, 524, 491 2,434, 383 2, 411^ 529 3’ 352’ 647
21. Paraguay.............................................................. ' 646, 531 699, 593 324,351 ' 742^ 792
IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES IN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE IN 1937
(All figures in dollars)
Countries 1934 1935 1936 1937 •
1. Cuba...................................................................... 78,928, 916 104,303, 464 127, 474, 821 148 046 616
2. Argentine................................... 29,487, 327 65, 408 352 65, 881, 887 139 122 627
3. Brazil............................. 91, 484, 306 99, 685, 007 102, 004, 041 120 639’ 251
4. PUERTO RICO..................................... 81,184, 396 87, 726, 308 103, 951, 645 102’, 859’, 041
5. Mexico................................................ 36, 495, 473 42, 467, 092 48,937, 695 60 120 352
6. Colombia............................... 47,115,152 50,443 195 43, 084, 515 52 329 091
7. Chile................................................. 22,909, 616 24,100, 593 25,804, 255 46 251’ 070
8. Venezuela......................................................... 22,120,365 21,428, 443 26, 257, 539 22, 769^ 879
9. Peru................................................... 6j 190^ 978 7,46L 630 9, 022, 803 16, 524, 501
10. Uruguay........................................................... 4, 711, 203 6, 887, 268 12, 232,493 13,789, 476
11. Guatemala..................................... 4^ 542' 552 6,144, 435 8' 364' 194 9 611,453
12. El Salvador......................................................... 2, 538,983 4, 934, 452 5,021, 491 8, 563, 488
13. Dominican Republic..................................... 3, 784,939 4, 982' 872 5' 353, 833 7, 377,422
14. Honduras........ .................................................... 7, 790" 924 6^ 225, 652 6, 078j 298 5,674,118
15. Panama............................................................. 4,186, 732 5,113' 741 4' 593, 652 4, 621,190
16. Costa Rica.......................................... 2, 101,810 3, 089' 140 3' 347^ 374 4, 434, 488
17. Ecuador............................ 3' 098. 648 3, 265, 832 3, 331, 291 4,012 145
18. Nicaragua................................................. 1, 668, 286 2, 782, 899 1,895, 398 3,102, 787
19. Haiti....................................................... 1, 223, 019 1,160, 788 1,817, 903 2, 895,784
20. Bolivia................................................................... ' 151^ 999 ' 370^ 280 ' 567, 024 1, 362, 778
21. Paraguay.............................................................. 403', 772 743; 381 539, 774 1, 097,813
Figures for 1934, 1935 and 1936 have been revised.
Source: Monthly Summaries of Foreign Commerce of the United States, December 1935, 1936 and 1937.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 103
Exhibit No . 41
POSITION OF PUERTO RICO IN THE EXTERIOR TRADE OF THE UNITED STATES
Calendar Year s 1934, 1935, 1936 and 1937
EXPORTS FROM THE UNITED STATES IN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE IN 1937
(All figures in dollars)
Countries 1934 1935 1936 1937
1. United Kingdom.............................................. 382, 748, 926 433,399,239 440,122,163 534, 564, 427
2. Canada.................................................................. 302, 433, 260 323', 193, 949 384", 150; 694 509,508,119
3. Japan..................................................................... 210,480,173 203, 282,955 20< 348; 300 288, 377; 550
4. France................................................................... 115i 703, 916 117; 012, 642 129', 457', 203 164; 31i; 186
5. Germany............................................................... 108, 738, 464 91, 980, 719 101,956,411 124,166', 260
6. Mexico................................................................... 55, 061, 282 65i 573', 806 76, 040, 683 109, 449; 580
7. Hawaii................................................................... 63, 472, 395 78,924, 776 85, 743, 998 104,180', 911
8. Argentine.............................................................. 42; 687, 763 49, 374,421 56, 910, 088 94,173; 088
9. Netherlands....................................................... 50, 967, 793 49, 111, 154 53,252, 568 94, 093,410
10. Cuba....................................................................... 45,323, 374 60,138, 935 67, 420, 984 92, 282,753
11. PUERTO RICO............................................. 59,477, 288 70, 052, 462 86, 351, 952 90, 043,856
12. Union of South Africa................................... 45, 350, 316 52, 860,468 70, 079,180 88, 572,141
13. Philippine Islands............................................ 47,128, 516 52, 640, 315 60, 349, 778 85,03i; 293
14. Italy........................................................................ 64i 577, 707 72; 416; 249 58; 989, 087 76; 792', 424
15. Australia............................................................... 43; 228, 704 57, 088,464 58,491,415 73, 406; 160
IMPORTS INTO THE UNITED STATES IN ORDER OF MAGNITUDE IN 1937
(All figures in dollars)
Countries 1934 1935 1936 1937
1. Canada.................................................................. 231, 695, 583 286, 444, 365 375, 831, 804 398, 538, 675
2. British Malaya.................................................. 105, 498, 852 131, 607, 249 167, 996, 709 235,193 546
3. Japan...................................................................... 119; 251', 106 152; 902; 341 17i; 743; 835 204, 201, 555
4. United Kingdom.............................................. 115; 357; 580 155; 282; 206 200', 385; 477 202, 770, 743
5. Cuba....................................................................... 78i 928; 916 104, 303,464 127; 474, 821 148, 046, 616
6. Argentine............................................................. 29, 487,327 65, 408, 352 65, 881, 887 139,122; 627
7. Hawaii................................................................... 94; 513; 699 98, 695, 969 125', 537; 355 130; 138', 166
8. Philippine Islands............................................ 87,811, 089 96, 998, 922 101,679, 421 126; 207; 124
9. Brazil..................................................................... 91, 484, 306 99, 685,007 102; 004; 041 120, 639, 251
10. Netherland India............................................. 42,426; 401 50, 294; 670 69; 804; 569 115,172, 005
11. British India ................................................... 55,082, 367 61, 980, 761 70; 339, 556 103', 622; 438
12. China..................................................................... 43; 932; 503 64; 200,127 74; 23i; 699 103, 616,122
13. PUERTO RICO............................................. 81,184, 396 87, 726, 308 103; 951, 645 102', 859; 041
14. Germany............................................................. 68,805,488 77', 792; 373 79; 679i 143 92, 644,171
15. France................................................................. 6i; 037; 255 58; 106', 721 65; 288; 257 75, 663, 019
Figures for 1934, 1935 and 1936 have been revised.
Source: Monthly Summaries of Foreign Commerce of the United States, December 1935, 1936 and 1937
104 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 105
Exhib it No . 43
ANNUAL1TRADE BALANCE OE PUERTO RICO AND SHARE OF THE
UNITED STATES IN THE COMMERCE OF THE ISLAND
Fiscal Year
1901...........................................
1902............................................
1903.................
1904..............................
1905...................
1906...........................
1907...................................
1908...........................................
1909...............................
1910.......................................
1911.........
1912...........
1913.......................
1914.............
1915.......................
1916.........................
1917.........................
1918.......................
1919...............
1920...................
1921...............
1922...................
1923...................
1924...................
1925...................
1926..................
1927....................
1928.....................
1929.......................
1930................. :...........
1931.........................
1932....................
1933....................
1934........................
1935.........................
1936....................
1937.......................
1938.................
Fis cal Year s 1901 to 1938
Imports Exports
Balance
Share of
the United
States
(Percentage)
In favor
of
Puerto Rico
Against
Puerto Rico
8, 908,136 8, 583,967 324,169 71.670
13, 208, 710 12, 433,956 774, 754 75.110
14,449, 286 15, 089,.079 639, 793 79.237
13,169,029 16, 265, 903 3,096, 874 77.910
16, 536, 259 18, 709, 565 2,173, 306 84.002
21,827, 665 23, 257, 530 1,429, 865 85.099
29, 267,172 26,996, 300 2, 270,872 84.879
25, 825, 665 30, 644, 490 4,818,825 86.007
26, 544, 326
30, 634, 855
30, 391, 225
37, 960, 220
3, 846, 899
7, 325, 365 ...................8..7....8..41
86.293
38, 786, 997 39, 918, 377 1,131, 380 88.224
42, 972, 891 49, 705,413
49,103, 565
6, 732, 522 87.770
36, 900, 062 12, 203, 503 85.686
36, 406, 787 43,102, 769 6, 695,982 84.255
33, 884, 296 49, 356, 907 15, 472, 611 87.987
38, 951,156 66, 731, 573 27, 780, 417 91.637
53, 545, 224 80, 970,917 27, 425, 693 91.181
63, 389, 282 74, 294, 022 10,904, 740 90.396
62, 391, 360 79,496,040 17,104, 680 90.849
96, 388, 534 150, 811, 449 54,422,915 90.587
105,479, 703 112, 278, 575 6, 798,872 92.057
64,175,149 72,172, 571 7, 997,422 90.672
71,944, 505 82, 293, 050 10, 348, 545 91.904
89, 369, 624 88, 280, 540 1.089, 084 90.821
90, 504, 601 94, 818, 944 4, 314, 343 88.369
95, 268, 264 98, 724,851
106, 716, 587
3. 456, 587 88.231
98, 814, 393 7, 902,194 90.630
92, 301,152 103, 534, 739
81, 850, 520
99, 651, 078
11, 233, 587 90.057
97, 859. 203
83, 633i 464 16, 017, 614
.. 16,008,683 89.894
91.599
76, 437, 410 98,400, 927
86,468,830
21, 963, 517 93.169
61,281,101 25,187, 729 92.367
54. 745, 911 75,472, 289 20, 726, 378 93.899
63, 924,883 86, 527, 488 22, 602, 605 93.899
69, 985, 940 79, 677, 688 9, 691, 748 94.328
84,130, 368 99, 298, 046 15,167, 678 95.334
98, 859, 969
93, 314, 783
114,953, 827 16,093,858 95.010
82,077,178 11. 237, 605 93.958
Figures from 1926 to 1937 have been revised.
Source: Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Monthly Summaries of Foreign Commerce of
the United States and annual reports, Customhouse.
106 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No . 44
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO THE UNITED STATES,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Total Valve .................................................................................... 79, 808,113
Fore ign Merchand is e ........................................................... 76, 930
Uni ted Stat es Products Ret urn ed ..................................... 1, 026, 440
Porto Rican Produ cts ............................................................... 78, 704, 743
Group 00—Anima ls and Anim al Products , Edib le ...
Anima ls , Edible :
Cocks and chickens, live...............................................................
.......................... 571
No.................. 30 254
Dai ry Products :
Cheese..................................................................................... Lb. 622 140
Fis h :
Lobsters fresh, and other fresh fish......................................
Group 0—Anim als and Anim al Products , Ined ib le ...
Hide s and Skin s , Raw , exce pt Furs :
Cattle hides...............................................................................
Lb.................. 1, 521 177
118,147
Lb.. 1,007,346
36, 004
89, 928
Goat skins.............................................................................. ."... Lb.......... 13, 050
Leat her Manuf actures :
Gloves......................................................................................... Doz................ 290 4,118
Trunks........................................................................................... 200
Animal Oils and Gre as es , Inedibl e :
Tallow......................................................................................... Lb.................. 5,970 582
Othe r Inedibl e Anim als and Anim al Products :
Animals, live:
Birds........................................................................................ No..................
No..................
No..........
73
13
7
80
591
44, 745
29, 050
125
30
250
50
2,585
675
6,554
Cats.........................................................................................
Dogs................................................................................
Toads...................................................... ............................ No............
Tortoise shell........................................... Lb
Animals’ horns and bones................................................ Lb................
Beeswax............................................................. Lb..............
Group 1—Vege tabl e Food Prod ucts and Bev er age s .
Grai ns and Pre parat ions :
Vermicelli.....................................................................
.......................... 57,104, 571
69
Veget ables and Preparations :
Vegetables, fresh................................................................ Lb................ 4,113, 719
31, 318
466,883
168, 470
3, 074
20, 947
Pasteles, canned................................................................................. Lb..................
Other vegetables, canned, dried, etc........................................
Frui ts and Pre parat ions ................................................
Lb..................
1, 756, 774
Subtropical fruits:
Grapefruit......................................................................... 127, 366
1,976
484, 734
270, 219
3,984
939, 451
622
37, 664
318, 699
163, 711
275
21,989
160
Oranges............................................................
Pineapples.......................................................................
Other fresh fruits..........................................................................
Canned, prepared or preserved:
Citrons............................................................................................ Lb.................. 1, 001, 694
5, 754, 067
2,858, 771
1,400
554,839
3,900
Grapefruit......................................................................................... Lb..................
Pineapples..................................................................................... Lb..........
Branched tropical fruits....................................................... Lb..................
Other prepared or preserved fruits............. .........................
Orange peel..........................................................................................
Lb..................
Lb..................
Nut s :
Coconuts in the shell.............................................................. M... 11,488 295, 597
Coconuts, green.................................................................................. 2,186
Coco a and Coffe e :
Cacao beans.............................................................................. Lb 27, 749
600
3,956
Chocolate............................................................................................... Lb............ 108
Coffee................. .................................................................................... Lb.................. 555, 719 103, 520
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 107
Exhi bi t No . 44—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO THE UNITED STATES,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEARJ1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 1—Continued
Coco a and Coffee —Continued
Coffee—Continued
Green:
For export............................................................................. Lb.. 416, 090
120,152
975
18, 502
82,520
14, 983
300
5, 717
Other................................................................................... Lb.
Roasted:
For export......................................................................... Lb..
Other......................................................................................... Lb... .
Spice s :
Ginger root, not prepared............................. ■.................. Lb 50,427
802
1,732
Vanilla beans................................................................................... Lb... 2,106
Sugar and Relat ed Products :
Sugar............................................................................................. 1,000 Lb... 1, 471, 081 50, 144,811
Unrefined...................................................... 1,000 Lb....
1,000 Lb....
1, 259,189
211,892
40, 447, 278
Refined................................................................................... 9, 697, 533
Molasses.............................................................. 28, 891, 650
7,033
5,042
1, 457,023
1, 215,826
1, 562
1,851
68, 835
Confectionery................................................................................ Lb.
Nougat..................................................................................... Lb
Honey................................................................... Lb
Bever ages :
Rum................................................................ 694, 216
3, 691
329, 635
3,106, 279
32, 705
174,163
Cordials........................................................................ Pf. gal.
Fruit juiee................................................ ..................
Group 2—Veget able Products , Inedibl e Excep t
Fibers and Wood .............................................. 8, 539, 756
Rubber and Manufac tur es :
Rubber scrap.............................................. Lb.. 18,405 400
Drug s , Herbs , Leaves and Roots , Crude :
Mavi bark................................................................................ 78
Veget able Oils :
Bay oil................................................................... Lb 14, 111
24, 348
19, 826
Other vegetable oils................................................................... Lb.... 13,076
Seeds , Excep t Oil se ed s :
Seeds......................................................... Lb. 24,357 1,836
Nurs ery and Gre en hou s e Sto ck :
Bulbs, roots, trees, plants, etc.......................................... Lb.. 195, 300 24,116
Tobac co and Manufa ct ure s ................................. 8, 480, 008
Tobacco, unmanufactured:
Leaf tobacco:
Unstemmed................................ Lb..................
Lb
104, 783
16, 270, 735
4, 323,126
12,003
5,877
1,897
29,861
7, 648, 805
560, 466
215,189
24, 633
1,054
Stemmed...........................
Stems, scrap and trimmings.............................................. Lb...
Tobacco, manufactures:
Cigars and cheeroots........................................................... M
Cigarettes........................................................................ M
Other tobacco manufactures............................................. Lb................
M is cel laneous :
Dried leaves, dried flowers, dried plants, etc..................... Lb.................. 659
1,030
304
112
12,022, 453
Maraeas...................................................
Group 3—Texti le Fibe rs and Manufactures ................
Cotton Unmanu fac ture d :
Cotton lint.......... . Lb. 244, 613 73, 548
Cott on Manu fa ctures .............................. 9, 788,201
Wearing apparel:
Gloves............................................................................ Doz................ 51 1 662
108 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No . 44—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO THE UNITED STATES,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 3—Continued
Cott on Manufac tures —Continued
Wearing apparel—Continued
Women’s:
Dresses, skirts and waists.....................................................
Underwear....................................................................................
Babies’ underwear........................................................................
Children’s dresses.........................................................................
Men’s and boys’ clothing..........................................................
Nightgowns and pajamas..........................................................
Handkerchiefs.....................................................................................
Hairnets.................................................................................................
Bridge sets............................................................................................
Doz................
Doz................
Doz................
Doz................
Doz................
Doz................
Doz................
Gross.............
201, 844
151, 752
1, 930
239,410
92,025
782,269
2,101,176
76,013
1, 759, 947
699, 784
1,900
954,604
449, 357
3, 729, 369
1, 665, 572
152, 496
Luncheon cloths, table covers and scarfs...............................
Towels....................................................................................................
Sheets and pillow cases..................................................................
Hooked rugs........................................................................................
Rags.........................................................................................................
Other cotton manufactures...........................................................
Doz................
Doz................
Doz................
No..................
Lb..................
5,115
14,017
96, 804
5,203
23, 262
5,949
13, 359
318, 694
3, 977
432
32, 099
Line n Manufacture s .................................................................. 577, 423
Wearing apparel.................................................................................
Handkerchiefs......................................................................................
Bridge sets............................................................................................
Doz................ 292,835
10, 131
546, 391
Luncheon cloths, table covers and scarfs..............................
Other linen manufactures.............................................................
Doz................ i 32
20, 869
Veget able Fibers and Manufactures :
Coconut fiber..................................................................................
Straw slippers....................................................................... .............
Straw mats and baskets.................................................. ..............
Other straw manufactures.............................................................
Lb..................
Doz................
Lb..................
3,015
185
24
90
259
347
57
Wool Manufa ct ure s :
Men’s suits and pants....................................................................
Hand-tufted woolen rugs............................................................... No.................. 2,197
870
6,573
Sil k Manuf actures ....................... . ............................................. 1,310, 561
Dresses....................................................................................................
Underwear............................................................................................
Other silk manufactures.................................................................
Doz................
Doz................
1,573
48, 438
51, 206
797, 727
461, 628
Mis cel laneous Texti le Products :
Hats of straw or fiber.................................................................
Paper bangkok hats.........................................................................
Doz................
Doz................
44, 512
91
263, 478
1,046
Group 4—Wood and Paper ....................................................... 5, 473
Wood and manufactures................................................................ 5,473
Group 6—Met als and Manufactures Exce pt Machin -
ery and Vehicles ............................. . ................................... 126, 568
Fer ro -All oys :
Manganese ore:
Manganese content.......................................................................
Gross weight....................................................................................
Ton................
Ton................
/ 801
|1603
56, 746
Nonfe rrous Metals , Exce pt Precious :
Copper ore.......................... ............................................................. Lb.................. 24, 320 180
Scrap metals........................................................................................ Lb.................. 946, 702 69, 642
Group 8—Che mi cal s and Related Products ................... .......................... 565, 650
Medic inal and Pharmaceut ical Pre parat ions :
Proprietary medicinal preparations...................................... .......................... 19, 047
Chemi cal Speci alti es :
Orange oil......................................................................................... Lb.................. 1, 020 825
Indu st ri al Chemi cals :
Alcohol denatured.............................................................................
Fusel oil.................................................................................................
Gal.................
Gal.................
2,047, 970
51, 530
507,281
13, 345
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 109
Exhi bi t No . 44—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO THE UNITED STATES,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 8—Continued
Soap and Toil et Prepa rati ons :
Bay rum.........................................................................
Perfumery, cosmetics and toilet preparations
Gal. 7,601 10, 951
14, 201
Group 9—Mis cell aneous 221, 554
Printed matter...........................................................
Buttons, pearl or shell.............................................
Souvenirs made in Puerto Rico...........................
Displays for advertising purposes.......................
Miscellaneous articles for exhibition purposes.
Household and personal effects............................
All other articles.........................................................
Gross. 392, 303
6,39®
152, 520
25
75
1,165
60, 030
1.343
110 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No . 45
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO.
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Total Value .................................................................................... 84,987, 994
Group 00................................................................................................... 8, 931, 570
Anim als , Edibl e ............................................................................. 48, 677
Cattle......................................................................................................
Other live animals, edible.............................................................
No.................. 265 36, 005
12, 672
Meat Products .......................................,..................................... Lb.................. 28,147,285 3, 686,818
Beef and veal:
Fresh or frozen............................................................................... Lb.............. 591,989 Pickled or cured............................................................................ 143, 946
Pork:
Lb.................. 34, 961 5,876
Fresh or frozen............................................................................... Lb.................. 270, 761 50,497 Hams and shoulders, cured...................................................... Lb.................. 5,814, 377 575, 556 Bacon.................................................................................................. Lb.................. 330,027 46,862 Other pork, pickled or salted................................................. Lb.................. 11, 822, 280 1.214, 030 Mutton and lamb............................................................................. Lb.................. 38, 906 10, 231 Sausage, not canned.........................................................................
Canned meats:
Lb.................. 2,094,667 445,050
Beef...................................................................................................... Lb.................. 69, 332 10,096 Pork..................................................................................................... Lb.................. 295, 212 67,192
Sausage....................................................................................... Lb.................. 2, 069,118 390,108
Other canned meats..................................................................... Lb................225,004 33, 793 Poultry and game, fresh...............................................................
Sausage ingredients, salted or otherwise cured...................
Lb.................. 109, 365 31,869
Lb.................. 4,255, 630
125, 656
243, 605
Other meats and sausage casings.............................................. Lb.................. 18,107
Anim al Oils and Fats , Edibl e ............................................... Lb.................. 28,280,07 7 3,185, 342
Lard............................................................................. Lb.................. 28,136,037 3,169,071
Oleomargarine of animal or vegetable fats.......... Lb.................. 112,707 14,004
Other animal oils and fats, edible............................................ Lb.................. 31, 333 2, 267
Dairy Products .............................................................................. Lb.................. 10,967, 677 1, 527, 760
Milk and cream:
Condensed (sweetened).................................... Lb.................. 413,212 55, 279
Evaporated (unsweetened)....................................................... Lb.................. 7, 580, 458 634^ 893
Dried................................................................................................... Lb.................. 595, 690 195, 807 Butter..................................................................................................... Lb.................. 677,973 244, 392
Cheese................................................................. Lb.................. 1, 317,225 260,836
Infants’ foods, malted milk, etc......................................... Lb.................. 383,119 136; 553
Fis h ....................................................................................... ...............
— ■ ■ ■ = ——
Lb.................. 4, 699,242 372,387
Salted, pickled or dry-cured:
Salmon............................................................... Lb.................. 14, 450 1,751
Cod, haddock, hake, pollock, and cusk.............................
Fish, canned:
Lb.................. 603, 650 36; 637
Salmon................................................................................................ Lb.................. 1,116,198 100, 646
Sardines............................................................................................. Lb.................. 2, 583, 203 186,004
bnellnsn.............................................................................................. Lb.................. 77, 906 16,185 Other fish and fish products..................................................... Lb.................. 303,835 31,164
Eggs in the shell...........................•...................... Doz................ 348, 233 86, 937
Other animal products, edible........................................................ 23; 649
Group 0..................................................................................................... 3, 678, 316
Leat her .............................................................................................. 47, 521
Upper leather:
Cattle side upper........................................................................... 5,353
Goat and kid............................................................................ Sq. ft............. 46,140 5,826 Other upper leather................................. .................................... Sq. ft............ 15, 621 2, 834
Patent upper leather..................................... Sq. ft............. 146, 733 22, 849
Other leather and tanned skins................................................. 10; 659
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 111
Exhib it No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 0-—Continued
Leat her Manuf actures ............................................................. 3, 383,862
Boots and shoes:
Men’s ............................................................................ Pairs.............. 956,190
185, 328
1,057,018
488,847
24, 082
92, 511
1,353,822
213, 702
I, 097. 716
339, 400
23, 942
60,181
70, 408
20, 638
15,579
78,064
9,080
69, 587
31,743
Youths’ and boys’ .................................................................... Pairs..............
Women’s and misses’.................................................................. Pairs..............
Infants’ and children’s................................................................ Pairs..............
Slippers (all leather)........................................................................ Pairs..............
Boots, shoes, and other footwear with leather soles and
uppers of material other than leather............................. Pairs..............
Discontinued models, old stvle. and second-hand shoes..
Leather belting ........................................................................ Lb.................. 12, 153
Harness and saddles ..................................................................
Handbags, pocketbooks, purses, card cases, and similar
articles. ............................................................................ No.................. 164, 317
Suitcases and traveling bags........................................................ No.................. 4,048
Leather wearing apparel .............................................................
Other leather manufactures.........................................................
Fish oils .............................................................................. Lb.................. 110, 391
26,239
21
13, 232
4, 319
4,145
27, 002
11,981
186,254
Other animal oils and greases, inedible. ................................ Lb..................
Horses......................................................................................................... No..................
Other live animals .............................................................................
Glue of animal origin ............................................................... Lb.................. 58,220
Other animal products, inedible....................................................
Group 1 ............................................................... 16,980,821
Grains and Prepa rati ons .........................................................
/
10,942, 706
Corn. . ........................................................................ 56 lb. bu.. ..
196 lb. bbl...
Lb..................
11,105
53, 862
117, 046
120, 303
1,679, 498
256,952,142
458,103
1,918,399
1,134, 407
1, 628, 614
156,103
54, 726
9,829
197,466
15, 205
62, 608
169,053
7, 556, 304
2, 321, 623
286,129
166,400
109, 791
16, 777
7, 562
23, 959
722,113
Corn meal.............................................................................................
Corn cereal foods, ready to eat..................................................
Oats.. . ............................................................................. 32 lb. bu....
Oatmeal, groats, and rolled oats................................................ Lb..................
Rice . ............................................................... Lb..................
Wheat flour. ................................................................................ 196 lb. bbl...
Lb..................
Biscuits and crackers:
Not sweetened or flavored........................................................
Sweetened or flavored ............................................................. Lb..................
Macaroni, spaghetti and noodles............................................... Lb..................
Wheat cereal foods ..................................................................... Lb..................
Cereal foods, n e s .................................................................. Lb..................
Other grains and preparations....................................................
Fodders and Feeds .................................................................. Tons.............. 17, 274
Hay. . . ................................................................. Tons.............. 135
363
12,864
1,067
2,845
3,035
15,959
553, 930
49, 251
99,938
Oil cake and oil cake-meal........................................................... Tons..............
Mixed dairy and poultry feeds.................................................. Tons..............
Other prepared and mixed feeds............................................... Tons..............
Other feeds, bran, middlings, etc............................................. Tons..............
Vege tab le s and Pre parat ions .............................................. 3,172, 511
Beans, dried......................................................................................... Lb.................. 36, 752,135
5, 773, 899
735, 959
8, 393, 085
48, 789, 398
1, 531,053
190,271
34,113
138, 577
410,366
58, 254
Peas, dried ...................................................................................... Lb..................
Vegetables, fresh:
Beans.............................................................................................. Lb..................
Onions. . .................................................................................. Lb..................
Potatoes, white ............................................................ Lb..................
Other fresh vegetables.................................................................
Vegetables, canned........................................................................... Lb.................. 4,194, 247 328, 667
Asparagus ....................................................................................... Lb.................. 124,052
152, 549
303,465
1,035,063
244,599
407, 650
1,155,299
771, 570
25,892
11,351
26,903
88,005
12, 779
25,932
77,639
60,166
Corn. ................................................................................. Lb..................
Peas. ..................................................................................... Lb..................
Soups . ....................................................................... Lb..................
Tomatoes ......................................................................................... Lb..................
Tomato paste.................................................................................. Lb..................
Tomato juice................................................................................... Lb..................
Other canned vegetables .......................................................... Lb..................
112 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 1—Continued
Veget ables and Prepa rati ons —Continued
Pickles.......................................... Lb 89, 420
4,145, 637
426,197
62,129
799,874
10,029
266, 551
74,195
25,259
99, 328
5.848
Ketchup and tomato sauces................... Lb
Other sauces and relishes.............. Lb
V inegar.................................................. Gal
Yeast............................................... Lb
Other vegetable preparations...............
Fruits .........................................
________ ____
493, 519
Fresh fruits:
Apples....................................... 73,825
50, 518
22, 677
27, 355
Grapes.................................. Lb 766,967
Pears........................................... Lb 413, 480
Other fresh fruits........................
Dried and evaporated fruits.......... Lb 1, 047,145 74, 987
Raisins.................................. Lb 547, 636
274, 007
225, 502
32, 362
16,894
25, 731
Prunes................................... Lb
Other.......................................... Lb
Canned fruits.................................. Lb 2,191,235 221, 243
Peaches.................................. Lb 436,295
809, 679
239, 626
430,851
274, 784
38,113
76, 676
27, 528
51,785
27,141
Pears......................................... Lb
Pineapples...................... Lb
Fruits for salad.................... Lb
Other canned fruits................... Lb
Preserved fruits, jellies and jams.. .. Lb 82,058
64,289
13,112
Other fruit preparations.................. Lb 9,802
Nuts................................. Lb 227, 772 36,065
Vege tabl e Oils and Fats , Edibl e Lb 2, 562, 940 300,998
Coconut oil, edible........................... Lb 542, 940
121,139
735,184
20, 541
784,806
358, 330
37, 795
15, 385
77, 632
2,353
86, 641
81,192
Cottonseed oil, refined................ Lb
Soybean oil.............................. Lb
Corn oil............................... Lb
Cooking fats, other than lard............. Lb
Other edible vegetable oils and fats.... Lb
Cocoa, powdered................... Lb 103,489
482, no
6,078
395,867
58, 555
10,824
139, 668
1,375
36, 311
3, 343
15, 509
154, 947
216,302
28, 015
70, 733
Chocolate, including sweetened. . Lb
Coffee.............................. Lb
Spices...................................... Tib
Sugar and Rela ted Products :
Sugar, refined.................. Lb
Molasses and sirups...............
Confectionery:
Chocolate candy.................. Lb 886,850
1, 635, 911
96,466
192, 626
Other candy.................................. Lb
Confections, n. e. s.................... Lb
Chewing gum........................... Lb
Beve rages .... 632, 535
Malt extract and malt sirup......... Lb 254,202
405, 861
3,188
3,015
131,687
21,476
173,214
11,909
23,227
19,958
274,056
17,016
15,067
82,488
17,444
164,119
24,131
18, 256
Malt liquors............................. Gal
Rum.................................. Pf gal
Other distilled liquors................. Pf gal
Wines.............................. Gal
Mineral waters, natural and artificial........ Gal.
Fruit juices............................ Gal
Sirups and flavors for beverages.............. Gal
Other beverages............................. Gal
Other vegetable products................ _______ 3, 347
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 113
Exhib it No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 2................................................. 4,821, 585
Rubber and Manufac tur es , .. 1, 082, 800
10, 240
3,226
51. 042
15,937
29,071
26,099
24, 207
163,933
530,276
58,926
25, 583
765
8, 237
35, 581
42, 447
16, 864
40, 366
Rubberized automobile cloth, piece goods, and hospital
sheeting............................ Sa. vd 21, 356
6,863
102,623
25, 683
Rubber footwear:
Boots and shoes...............................
Canvas shoes with rubber soles....
Rubber heels.......................................
Druggists’ rubber sundries.......................
Rubber balloons, toys, and balls..............
Hard rubber goods...................
Tires:
Truck and bus casings............... No 9, 369
64,053
40, 919
8,681
41
Other automobile casings.. No .
Automobile inner tubes.......... No
Other casings and tubes.................. No.
Solid tires for automobiles and motor trucks. No..
Tire sundries and repair materials..,.
Rubber belts and belting........ Lb 58,218
128, 381
44, 709
Rubber hose........................ Lb
Rubber packing......................... Lb
Other rubber manufactures....
Naval stores, gums and resins... 16,203
7,706
92, 287
57, 509
11, 480
8,135
Drugs, herbs, leaves and roots, crude. Lb 25, 983
819, 398
247,495
220, 515
72, 604
Linseed oil.................... Lb
Other inedible oils and fats. .. Lb
Dyeing and tanning extracts.. Lb
Seeds, field and garden, except oilseed.... Lb
Tobacc o and Manufac tur es . .. 3,411,807
Leaf tobacco:
Bright flue-cured............ Lb..................
Lb
1,595
366, 098
138,801
52, 324
732,818
111, 792
39,497
46
759, 745
50, 708
8, 604
175
21,211
10,053
3,038
180,931
6,632
1,362
1,328
3,167, 586
15, 317
4,174
Burley........................
Dark fired Kentucky and Tennessee . Lb
One sucker leaf tobacco......... Lb..................
Cigar leaf...................... Lb
Other leaf............. Lb
Tobacco stems, trimmings and scrap Lb
Cigars and cheroots............. M
Cigarettes........................ M
Chewing tobacco, plug and other. Lb
Other tobacco manufactures......... Lb
Starch and corn flour....... Lb 2,758, 738
2,142
100, 337
8, 549
24, 772
Brooms...................
Other inedible vegetable products.
Group 3........ 14, 767, 219
Cott on Sem im anuf actur es :
Cotton rags, except paper stock.... Lb 103,981
1, 358, 241
109,252
111, 005
6, 730
50, 251
24, 569'
3, 980
Cotton waste................... Lb Cotton yarn......................... Lb
Other semimanufactures. Lb
Cotton Manufacture s .... 9,795,944
Cotton thread and cordage:
Sewing thread................... Lb 294,821
2,335
512, 264
256,859
3, 372
119,046
Crochet, darning, and embroidery cotton . Lb
Twine and cordaee.................. Lb
Cotton duck......................... Sq. yd........... 355, 704 78,495
Heavy filter, paper dryer, hose and belting duck....
Unbleached (er ay).................
Sq. yd........... 42, 382
149,807
119,363
44,152
13,235
26, 225
22,984
16,051
Bleached.................. Sq. yd...........
Colored............................... Sq. yd...........
114 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OE MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 3—Continued
Cotton Manufactures —Continued
Cotton cloth........................................................................................ Sq. yd........... 70, 703, 360 6,240, 126
Unbleached (gray)....................................................................... Sq.yd........... 3, 776, 941 200, 881
Sheetings........................................................................................ Sq. yd........... 3, 582, 472 186, 932
Other unbleached...................................................................... Sq. yd........... 194,469 13, 949
Bleached............................................................................................ Sq. yd........... 31, 533,172 2, 699, 617
Drills, twills, and sateens..................................................... Sq. yd........... 239, 056 32, 247
Sheetings 40 inches wide and under................................ Sq. yd........... 21, 350, 635 1, 931,033
Sheetings over 40 inches wide............................................ Sq. yd........... 4, 992, 794 317, 655
Other bleached........................................................................... Sq yd........... 4, 950, 687 418, 682
Colored............................................................................................... Sq. yd........... 35, 393, 247 3, 339, 628
V oiles.............................................................................................. Sq. yd........... 1,177,145 107, 615
Percales and prints, 32 inches and narrower............... Sq. yd........... 539, 652 49, 679
Percales and prints, over 32 inches wide...................... Sq. yd........... 9, 756, 743 827, 379
Flannels and flannelettes...................................................... Sq. yd........... 187,753 18,983
.Khaki and fustians.................................................................. Sq. yd........... 712, 822 102,642
Denims........................................................................................... Sq. yd........... 412,136 49, 660
.Suitings (“drills”, etc)........................................................... Sq. yd........... 4, 084, 937 574, 397
Chambrays................................................................................... Sq. yd........... 1,299,845 95, 663
Other printed fabrics, 7J^ and more yards per pound Sq. yd........... 3, 767, 482 301, 261
■Other printed fabrics, less than 7^ yards per pound. Sq. yd........... 4, 580, 759 390, 636
Other piece-dyed fabrics 5 and more yards per pound Sq. yd........... 5,255, 527 433,173
Other piece-dyed fabrics, less than 5 yards per pound Sq. yd.......... 2,449, 763 232,474
Other yarn-dyed fabrics........................................................ Sq. yd........... 434, 379 45,242
Cotton and rayon mixtures (chief value cotton).... Sq. yd........... 734, 304 110,824
Other cotton fabrics:
Blankets........................................................................................ Lb.................. 332,465 130,563
Cotton fabrics sold by the pound..................................... Lb.................. 210, 035 46, 246
Other cotton fabrics................................................................. Sq. yd........... 48,166 14, 704
Cotton wearing apparel.............................................................. 1,758,278
Hosiery:
Women’s.................................................................................... Doz. pr......... 52, 291 56, 588
Children’s................................. . ..............................................
Men’s socks.............................................................................
Doz. pr.........
Doz. pr.........
41, 457
74, 300
33,198
75, 822
Underwear knit......................................................................... Doz................ 150,755 240,943
Sweaters, shawls, and other knit outerwear................
8,381
24, 420
Cotton overalls, breeches, and pants............................... Doz................ 83,922
Underwear, not knit................................................................
Shirts...............................................................................................
Doz................
Doz................
27, 323
46, 636
76,812
360,046
Dresses, skirts, and blouses................................................. No.................. 255, 671 117, 502
Other cotton clothing.............................................................. 689,025
Handkerchiefs................................................................................. Doz................ 598, 357 169,142
Laces, embroideries and lace window curtains..............
58, 400
80, 921
Towels, wash cloths, and bath mats................................... Doz................ 77, 956
Cotton bags..................................................................................... Lb.................. 1, 387,484 359, 949
Quilts, comforts, counterpanes, and bedspreads............ No.................. 148, 791 110,123
Bed sheets, pillow, bolster, and mattress cases.............. Doz................ 46, 626 183, 995
Other cotton manufactures....................................................... 166,169
Bags of jute......................................................................................... Lb.................. 2, 617, 897 248, 838
Other jute manufactures................................................................ Lb.................. 595, 256 52,402
Flax, hemp, and ramie manufactures..................................... 144,465
Cordage, except of cotton or jute:
319,839
u*
Manila cordage...............................................................•............... Lb.................. 34,020
Other cordage................................................................................. Lb.................. 626, 291 54, 605
Other vegetable fiber, straw, or grass manufactures........ 29,197
Wool Manu fa ctures ............................................................... 671, 654
Fabrics................................................................................................ Lb.................. 130, 348 221, 648
Carpets and rugs of wool......................................................... Sq. yd........... 19, 469 39,178
Knit bathing suits........................................................................ Doz................ rj 329 16,856
Men’s and boy’s overcoats, suits and pants................... No.................. 43,078 361, 303
Other wearing apparel................................................................ 11, 623
Other wool or mohair and manufactures.......................... .......................... 21,046
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 115
Exhi bi t No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 3—Continued
Sil k Manuf actures ........................................................... tw 754, 409
Fabrics, broad silk...........................................................................
Other silk fabrics..............................................................................
Wearing apparel:
Yd.................. 165,950 87, 709
14, 626
Underwear........................................................................................
Dresses, skirts and blouses.......................................................
No..................
No..................
229, 649
12, 840
174, 304
Hosiery......................................................................... 50, 815 Doz. pr......... 122, 959 381, 245 Other silk wearing apparel....................................... 24, 433 Other silk manufactures.............................................................. 21,277
Rayon and other Synthet ic Texti les ...............................
—---------------.-----
2,279,187
Y arn.................................................................................... Lb.................. 89, 254 70, 689 Piece goods, wholly or chiefly rayon.......................................
Dresses, skirts and blouses...........................................................
Hosiery:
Women’s and children’s.............................................................
Sq.yd...........
No..................
Doz. pr.........
3,710,716
281, 576
106, 346
832; 634
890, 662
121, 293
Men’s socks........................................................... Doz. pr......... 101, 986 97,025 Knit underwear......................................... Doz................ 26,082 65; 205
Ribbons, braids, and trimmings.......................................... 19, 089
Other synthetic textile manufactures......................................
Misc ellaneous Text il e Products .........................................
===== =====
182, 590
616, 968
Linoleum and felt-base floor covering..................................... Sq.yd........... 233, 072 66,080 Oilcloth for shelf, table, and wall.............................................
Pyroxylin and other coated or impregnated fabrics.........
Sq. yd...........
Sq. yd...........
248, 703
64, 245
34, 549
Corsets, brassieres and girdles.................................................... 26,134
Hat braids of natural fibers or synthetic textiles..............
No.................. 77, 272 28; 733
67, 870
Hats and caps..................................................................................... No.................. 324, 489 126, 436
Hats of straw, palm leaf, etc...................................................
Fur-felt hats....................................................................................
No..................
No..............
168,145
7,268
63, 819
Wool-felt hats................................................................................. 12, 278
Other hats, caps and berets.....................................................
No..................
No..................
48,054
101,022
24, 345
25, 994
Artificial or ornamental flowers, etc........................................ 32,423 Mattresses, cotton, kapok, moss and hair............................
Absorbent cotton, gauze, and sterilized bandages.............
Garters, arm bands and suspenders....................................
No..................
Lb..................
2, 896
205, 564
34,069
77, 563
13; 039
Other textile manufactures........................................................... 110, 072
Group 4..................................................................................................... 4, 797, 445
Wood and Manufactures ......................................................... 3,010, 527
Railroad ties.................................................. ......................................
Piling..................................................................................
No..................
Lin. ft...........
127,106
45, 872
72,404
22, 099
Telegraph, trolley, and electric-light poles..........................
Other unmanufactured wood...............................................
No.................. 3,054 32, 638
Sawed timber...................................................................................... 5,156 M.ft............. 830 39, 509
Boards, planks, and scantlings................................................... M. ft............. 59, 261 1, 515, 549
Cypress............................................................................................ ..
Douglass fir:
M.ft............. 610 51,125
Rough............................................................................................. M. ft.............. 1, 748 45,003 Dressed..........................................................................................
Southern pine:
M. ft.............. 10, 394 210,876
Rough..................................................... ;..................................... M. ft.............. 15, 723 375, 892 Dressed...................................................................... M. ft............. 30,491 811, 804
Other softwood...............................................................................
Hardwood.........................................................................................
M. ft..............
M. ft..............
149
146
IL 350
9,499
Staves, headings, cooperage, shooks, etc.......................... 54,020 Box shooks:
Southern pine................................................................................. Bd. ft............. 568,355 29, 366
Gum.................................................................................................... Bd. ft............. 414, 602 17,427 Other.................................................................................... . Bd. ft............. 280,135 12,140
Veneer packages for fruits and vegetables............................
No..................
Lin. ft...........
82; 806
Doors, sash, and blinds...................................................................1
Trimmings and moldings....................................
3, 523
2, 538,808
22, 207
28, 656
Other millwork and house fixtures........................................... ] 35; 885
116 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 4—Continued
Wood and Manufactures —Continued
Furniture of wood:
Chairs................................................................................................. No.................. 44, 274 133, 609
Office furniture and store fixtures......................................... 16, 333
Other wood furniture.................................................................. 743, 673
W oodenware...................................................................................... 20, 226
Other wood manufactures............................................................. 126, 824
Cork manufactures............................................................................... 39,182
Pap er and Manu fa ctures ........................................................ 1, 747, 736
Newsprint............................................................................................. Lb.................. 2, 267, 582 58, 923
Book paper, not coated.................................................................
Greaseproof and waterproof paper............................................
Lb.................. 638,134 45, 863
Lb.................. 279, 221 36,945
Wrapping paper................................................................................. Lb.................. 11, 371, 103 501, 914
Surface-coated paper....................................................................... Lb.................. 800,182 64,078
Tissue and crepe paper................................................................. Lb.................. 149, 299 18, 656
Toilet paper......................................................................................... Lb.................. 452, 011 32, 620
Paper towels and napkins............................................................ Lb.................. 192, 621 18,871
Box board............................................................................................. Lb.................. 1, 800,943 46,125
Other paper board............................................................................ Lb.................. 2,043, 747 72, 420
Filing folders, index cards, and other office forms............ Lb.................. 106,847 23,474
Papeteries (fancy writing paper)............................................... Lb.................. 66, 670 11, 955
Other writing paper......................................................................... Lb.................. 1, 698,115 131, 415
Paper bags............................................................................................ Lb.................. 3, 8/8,175 293, 965
Boxes and cartons............................................................................. Lb.................. 1, 244, 562 64, 034
Envelopes.............................................................................................. Lb.................. 267, 713 36, 985
Other paper and paper products............................................... .......................... 289, 493
Group 5.................................................................................................... 5, 506, 865
Coal......................................................... .................................................... Tons.............. 16, 887 82,131
Coke............................................................................................................ Tons.............. 4,489 41,384
Pet rol eum and Prod ucts (Barrel-42 gallons)..................... .............2..,.8..9...1..,. .8.66
Gasoline and other petroleum motor fuel............................. Bbl................ 740, 783 1,844, 068
Naphtha, solvents, and other finished light products... Bbl................ 368 2,194
Illuminating oil (kerosene)........................................................... Bbl................ 121,362 376,151
Gas and fuel oil................................................................................. Bbl................ 181, 655 240, 794
Imbricating oil......................... :........................................................ Bbl................. 25,044 277, 891
Lubricating greases........................................................................... Lb.................. 604,293 34,906
Petroleum asphalt............................................................................. Tons.............. 7,054 110,447
Other petroleum products............................................................ — 5,415
Marble and other manufactures of stone..................................
376 lb. bbl.. 452, 310
71,385
Cement hydraulic................................................................................. 634,840
Lime............................................................................................................ 200 lb. bbl.. 7,317 9, 950
Glas s and Glas s Produ cts ....................................................... .................8..2..7..,. .3. 74
Plate and other glass....................................................................... 106, 988
Unfilled glass containers................................................................ 521, 435
Table glassware.................................................................................. 125, 570
Lamp chimneys and lantern globes.........’.............................. 11,723
Globes and shades for lighting fixtures.................................. 14,434
Other glassware.................................................................................. 47, 224
Clay and Clay Product s .......................................................... 697, 324
Clays.......................................................................................................
China and porcelain:
Tons.............. 279 8, 329
Table and kitchen articles........................................................ Doz................ 92, 939 99, 318
Closet bowls and water closet sets....................................... Pieces............ 5,892 46, 375
Lavatories, sinks, etc...................■.......................................... .. Pieces............ 1,841 25, 576
Electrical porcelain....................................................................... Lb.................. 163,948 19,744
Other china and porcelain........................................................
Earthenware and stoneware:
32, 547
Table and kitchen articles........................................................ Doz................ 46, 672 51,180
Other earthenware and stoneware......................................... 42,876
Fire-clay brick................................................................................ M.............. ..... 845 54, 710
Other brick...........................................................................................
Sq. ft.............. 910, 335
24,427
Floor and wall tiles.-........................................................................ 153, 393
Other terra-cotta and ceramic manufactures...................... .......................... 138,849
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 117
Exhib it No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 5—Continued
Othe r Nonme tai .lic Mine rals ..........•..................................... 250, 611
Abrasives...............................................................................................
Asbestos: 33, 582
Textiles, yarn and packing......................................................
Brake lining...................................................
Lb.................. 31,407 15, 893
17,470
Other asbestos and manufactures, n. e. s. .. 9; 851
Asphalt and bitumen, natural........................... 13, 452
Manufactures of plaster of paris................................................
Sulphur.................................................................................................. .......................... 20, 335
Salt........................................................................................................... 35,364
Other nonmetallic mineral products including precious
Lb.................. 2, 318, 862 29,483
stones..........:...................................................................................... 75,181
Group 6..................................................................................................... 6, 742, 636 -- ------------------ ____ _ ________
Iron and Stee l Manufac tur es .............................................. .......................... 5, 808, 846
■ Concrete reinforcement bars......................................................... Lb.................. 12, 920, 747 327,182
Steel bars not containing alloy................................................... Lb.................. 10, 614,134 284, 808
Other iron and steel bars.............................................................. Lb.................. 1,169, 997 38, 972
Iron and steel plates........................................................................ Lb.................. 4,148,336 98,853
Iron and steel sheets, galvanized.............................................. Lb.................. 12, 566, 730 533, 069
Iron and steel sheets, black......................................................... Lb.................. 861, 241 42, 551
Tin plate and taggers’ tin............................................................
Structural iron and steel:
Lb.................. 1, 576, 442 89, 726
Tanks (storage)..............................................................................
Structural shapes:
Lb.................. 952, 711 53, 326
Not fabricated............................................................................. Tons.............. 3, 937 236,046
Fabricated..................................................................................... Tons.............. 2,430 213, 507
Plates, fabricated, punched, or shaped.......................... Lb.................. 283, 784 11, 798
Sashes and frames of iron or steel.................................... Lb.................. 380, 915 69, 487
Metal lath and sheet piling.................................................
Railway track material:
Lb.................. 793, 421 30, 788
Rails.................................................................................................... Tons.............. 1, 593 63, 654
Rail joints, splice bars, fishplates and tie plates........... Lb.................. . 497,098 21, 815
Switches, frogs and crossings.................................................. Lb.................. 110, 931 7, 640
Railroad spikes............................................................................... Lb.................. 237, 469 8, 719
Railroad bolts, nuts, washers, and nut locks................. Lb.................. 133,109 9, 212
Tubular products and fittings.................................................... Lb.................. 21, 331, 332 810, 285
Boiler tubes..................................................................................... Lb.................. 647,024 55,107
Casing and oil-line pipe............................................................ Lb.................. 200, 204 7, 968
Malleable-iron screwed pipe fittings................................... Lb.................. 482,457 69, 938
Cast-iron screwed pipe fittings.............................................. Lb.................. 588, 522 42, 471
Cast-iron pressure pipe and fittings.................................... Lb.................. 9,106,818 220, 422
Cast-iron soil pipe and fittings..............................................
Welded black pipe:
Lb.................. 4,440, 928 131, 400
Steel................................................................................................. Lb.................. 2,066, 929 87, 656
Wrought iron..............................................................................
Welded galvanized pipe:
Lb.................. 698,021 42, 870
Steel................................................................................................. Lb.................. 2, 704, 778 127,078
Wrought iron.............................................................................. Lb.................. 310, 489 20, 068
Other tubular products and fittings.................................... Lb.................. 85,162 5,307
Wire and manufactures.................................................................. Lb.................. 4, 457, 893 303, 615
Iron and steel wire, uncoated................................................. Lb...'............ 614, 373 45,037
Galvanized wire............................................................................. Lb.................. 846, 423 38, 688
Barbed wire..................................................................................... Lb.................. 928, 640 34, 363
Woven-wire fencing..................................................................... Lb.................. 785,114 55,021
Woven-wire screen cloth........................................................... Lb.................. 128,105 21,357
Wire rope, wire strand............................................................... Lb.................. 255, 057 34,957
Other wire manufactures.......................................................... Lb.................. 900,181 74,192
Nails and bolts (except railroad):
Wire nails......................................................................................... Lb.................. 4, 278, 586 150, 353
Other nails and staples.............................................................. Lb.................. 606, 028 34,129
Bolts, machine screws, nuts, rivets, and washers.........
Castings and forgings:
Lb.................. 1, 397, 425 111,968
Iron and steel castings............................................................... Lb.................. 261, 919 22, 522
Car wheels, tires, and axles.....................................................
Horseshoes and calks...................................................................
Lb.................. 742,146 30, 250
Lb.................. 168, 899 10,422
Iron and steel forgings, n. e. s................................................ Lb.................. 88, 464 7, 096
118 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO ,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 6—Continued
Iron and Steel Manu f act ure s —Continued
Cutlery:
Safety razors.................................................................................... 4,540
417,457
8, 544
11, 934
66,180
9,396
15,049
32, 093
73, 512
220,183
45,812
Safety razor blades.......................................................................
Scissors, shears, and snips.........................................................
Table and kitchen cutlery.......................................................
Other cutlery and parts.............................................................
Doz................ 12,480
Hollow ware:
Tin and galvanized hollow ware...........................................
Tin cans, finished or unfinished............................................
Enameled ware of StCOl
Bathtubs...........................................................................................
Lb..................
Lb..................
No..................
645, 361
2,494, 661
1,278
5,655
869,677
1,927
1,946
Lavatories, sinks, and other plumbing fixtures.............
Enameled household ware.........................................................
Metal furniture and fixtures:
Sheet-metal lockers and storage cabinets..........................
Sheet-metal filing eases..............................................................
No..................
Lb..................
No..................
No..................
53, vol
143,520
18,437
26,833
40, 584
93, 201
90,292
4'3, 241
15, 674
Other office furniture and fixtures........................................
Metal beds and bed springs.................................................... No.................. 13, 611
Other metal furniture.................................................................
Stoves and furnaces, except electric:
Gas stoves, ranges, and heaters.............................................
Kerosene cooking stoves............................................................
No.................
No.................
1, 585
2, 038
Other stoves.................................................................................... 23', 565
22,855
48, 618
10, 208
13,854
108, 517
26, 803
29,891
9,041
28, 301
87, 546
Tools:
Saws and blades ..........................................................................
Files and rasps............................................................................... Doz. .............. 52, 465
2, 755
1,985
Hammers and hatchets............................................................. Doz ..............
Shovels, spades, scoopes, and drainage tools...................
Mechanics’ and other hand tools.........................................
Doz ..............
Hardware:
Padlocks of iron, steel, brass, and bronze.........................
Door locks and lock sets of iron, steel, brass, and bronze
Cabinet and other locks, of iron, steel, brass, and bronze
Hinges and butts, iron or steel.............................................
Other builders’ hardware . ..........................................
Doz ..............
Doz ..............
Doz..............
Doz. pr.........
21, 621
4, 979
9, 335
23, 291
Furniture hardware 12i 937
9,014
57,903
37, 506
44, 230
22,686
48,641
210, 721
318, 374
Car and marine hardware.........................................................
Other hardware... . ............................................
Chains:
Sprocket, and other power transmission...........................
Other chains....................................................................................
Lb..................
Lb..................
149, 275
463, 344
Automatic scales (except coin-operated) ..........................
Other scales and balances. .
No.................
No...........
1, 628
4,347
Metal drums and containers, for gas, oil, and other liquids
Other iron and steel manufactures...........................................
Aluminum and manufactures.... 53,154
Copp er .............................................................................................. 507, 291
Pipes and tubes............................................................................... Lb................ 541, 897
104, 646
274, 653
683, 426
230, 248
368, 386
122,146
26, 811
45,462
150, 355
42, 257
98,891
21,369
Plates and sheets.............................................................................. Lb..................
Wire (bare) ...................................................................................... Lb..................
Insulated copper wire and cable:
Rubber-covered wire............................................................ Lb..................
Weatherproof wire. Lb..................
Other insulated copper wire..................................................... Lb..................
Other copper manufactures.... ■
Brass and Bron ze ........................................................................ 216, 241
Pipes and tubes................................................................................. Lb.................. 21, 226
71,381
4, 685
44, 238
56, 006
Pipe fittings and valves................................................................ Lb..................
Plumbers’ brass goods ................................................................... Lb. . . . 104, 364
Hardware of brass or bronze (including locks).................. 35,170
Other brass and bronze manufactures..................................... 76,142
Lead :
Pigs, bars, sheets, pipes, etc........................................................ Lb.................. 329, 010
68, 837
22,314
Solder ................................................................................................ Lb.................. 17,057
Other lead manufactures............................................................. 14, 723
17, 356
54, 235
31,419
Plated ware, other than gold or silver, except cutlery....
Other metal and metal composition manufactures..............
Gold and silver manufactures, n. e. s........................................
........................
------------------.—
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 119
Exhibit No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 7 ................................................................................................... 8, 526, 547
Electri cal Machin ery and Apparatus ............................... .......................... 2,144, 308
Generators and parts....................................................................... 173, 793
6 and 12 volt storage batteries...................................................
Other batteries....................................................................................
No................. 8, 606 40, 836
15,924
Distribution transformers, 500 kilovolt amperes and less. No................. 585 95,192
Other transformers...................... ............................. . .....................
Other transforming and converting apparatus.....................
No................. 2,008 67, 270
3,004 Switchboard bane's, 6XC6pt telephone............................. 50,823
Power switches, and circuit breakers over 10 amperes.. 37,021
Watt-hour and other measuring meters............................... No................. 8,203 64, 784
Other transmission and distribution apparatus..................
732
38,193
Motors.................................................................................................... No................. 85, 852
Starting and controlling equipment portable tools, accessories,
and parts for motors.....................................................
Electric refrigerators and parts: .......................... 66, 612
Household......................................................................................... No................. 2, 908 272, 355
Commercial up to 1-ton............................................................ No................. 597 90, 702
Parts for electric refrigerators..................................................
2,165
45, 479
Electric fans......................................................................................... No................. 17, 740
Electric incandescent lamps......................................................... No................. 606, 039 63,498
Electric flatirons................................................................................. No................. 11,981 17, 364
Electric cooking ranges................................................................... No................. 413 30, 412
Other electric heating and cooking devices.......................... No................. 5, 699 32, 683
Therapeutic X-ray apparatus.....................................................
Radio apparatus:
.......................... 42,484
Transmitting sets, tubes, and parts.....................................
9, 702
14, 320
Receiving sets................................................................................. No................. 286,956
Receiving tubes............................................................................. No.................. 22, 697 10, 976
Receiving-set components......................................................... 20, 389
Other radio apparatus................................................................. 4, 281
Telephone apparatus....................................................................... 38, 314
Metal conduit, outlet, and switch boxes.............................. 99,184
Sockets, outlets, fuse blocks, and lighting switches......... 50, 965
Electric interior lighting fixtures............................................... 78, 721
Other wiring supplies and line materials.............................. 55, 764
Other electrical apparatus.............................................................. 132, 417
Industri al Machin ery ................................................................. 2, 621,301
Steam engines..................................................................................... No.................. 3 38,125
Locomotive parts and accessories..............................................
Sq. ft............. 56, 379
42, 936
Steam boilers, tube.......................................................................... 91, 589
Other steam engines and parts, condensers, heaters and
accessories.......................................................................................... 15, 914
Steam specialties................................................................................
Internal-combustion engines........................................................ No.................. 67
30,124
91.026
Engine accessories and parts........................................................ 21, 228
Excavators and parts......................................................................
122
35, 227
Concrete mixers................................................................................. No.................. 43, 488
Road making equipment and parts.........................................
Cranes..................................................................................................... No.................. 5
14, 997
21, 469
Hoists .................................................................................................. No.................. 178 31,281
Elevators, freight and passenger................................................ No.................. 30 47, 997
Other construction and conveying machinery.................... 149, 529
Mining, quarrying, well, and refining machinery.............
Pumping equipment: .......................... 86, 788
Centrifugal pumps........................................................................ No.................. 224 74, 725
Rotary pumps................................................................................ No.................. 310 33,180
Deep well turbine pumps......................................................... No.................. 29 28. 771
Reciprocating steam and power pumps............................. No.................. 70 25,372
Other pumps and parts............................................................. 61,106
Metal-working machinery............................................................
Sewing machines:
106, 449
For domestic use........................................................................... No.................. 1,814 64,349
For factory or industrial use...................................................
Sewing machine parts.................................
No.................. 331 33,022
45, 905
Cigarette, cigar-making, and other tobacco machinery..
Bakery machinery and parts...................................................... .......................... 2, 549
20, 247
Sugar-mill machinery...................................................................... 610, 546
Woodworking machinery...............................................................
Bottling, bottle-washing, and bottle labeling machinery
35, 610
47, 363
Ice-making and refrigerating equipment...............................
No..................
58,310
Air compressors.................................................................................. 52 23, 427
120 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 7—Continued
Indu s tri al Machi nery —Continued
Laundry machinery......................................................................... 13, 977
13, 516
96, 745
464,414
Water meters and parts.................................................................
Iron and steel body valves for steam, water, oil and gas..
Other industrial machinery and parts...................................
Off ice App lia nces .................................. ....................................... 205, 716
Listing adding machines................................................................ No . . . 291
36
25
296
1,116
20, 743
8, 691
31,169
17,824
35,936
60, 596
30, 757
Calculating machines...................................................................... No . .
Card punching and tabulating machines..............................
Other accounting and calculating machines and parts..
Cash registers......................................................................................
Typewriters..........................................................................................
No..................
No..................
No . .
Other office appliances....................................................................
Print ing and Bookbinding Machi nes ................................. 164, 805
Agri cul tur al Machin ery and Imp le me nts ...................... 366, 704
Horse and power plows................................................................. No . 407 31, 202
32, 927
178,087
81, 877
42,611
Other cultivating implements and parts...............................
Wheel and tracklaying tractors..................................................
Parts and accessories for tractors..............................................
No.................. 94
Other agricultural machinery, implements, and parts...
Autom obi le and Other Vehicl es ..........................................
..........................
3,023, 713
Motor trucks, busses, and chassis.............................................
Passenger cars and chassis............................................................
No..................
No .
1,008
2,074
741,765
1, 543, 792
397, 204
13, 834
20,167
43, 578
31, 612
77,034
3,953
9, 681
48, 428
11, 784
8, 815
17, 550
54, 516
Automobile parts, except battery boxes, tires, inner
tubes, and engines..................................................................
Automobile accessories....................................................................
Pumps for gasoline and oil........................................................... No . 153
Automobile service appliances.....................................................
Aircraft and parts.............................................................................
Cycles and parts................................................................................
Internal-combustion marine engines........................................
Railway cars.......................................................
No..................
No .
28
30
Railway air-brake equipment and parts, except axles
and wheels..................................................
Wheelbarrows.................................................................................. No . . 3,410
354
1, 956
Push carts and hand trucks ...................
Wheels, except automobile and car..........................................
Other vehicles and parts...............................................................
No.................
Group 8....................................................... 6, 686, 879
Coal-tar products ............................................................................... 13, 365
Med ici nal and Pharmaceut ical Prep ar atio ns ............. 1,197, 485
Castor and white mineral oils ...................................................
Biologies:
Serums and antitoxins for human use ..........................
Gal................. 16, 402 16,812
39,151
31, 838
45, 916
119,875
170, 027
68,094
20, 329
59, 943
36, 255
11, 647
248, 702
96, 547
36, 958
16,013
19, 936
159, 442
Vaccines for human use.............................................................
Other biologies................................................................................
Elixirs tinctures, extracts, ampoules, and similar liquid
solutions........................................................................
Tablets, pills, capsules, powders, ointments, and similar
manufactures...............................................
Household medicinal chemicals and pharmaceuticals in
small packages ....................................................................
Mouth washes, gargles, and personal antiseptics..............
Salves and ointments........................................... ?.......................
Cold, cough, and bronchial preparations..............................
Malaria, chill, and fever remedies...........................................
Tonics, blood purifiers, emulsions, and appetizers...........
Laxatives, purgatives, and cathartics ...................................
..........................
Milk of magnesia...............................................................................
Digestive preparations...................................................................
Headache, neuralgia, and pain remedies..............
Other proprietary medicinal preparations............... —z....■ . :------ —
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 121
Exhib it No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO.
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 8—Continued
Indust rial Chemicals , Incl udi ng Spec ialt ies ................... 756,179
Agricultural insecticides, fungicides, and similar preparations
and materials............................................................... 69, 292
31, 918
10, 234
13,174
7, 278
37, 736
12, 241
113, 233
35,180
80,088
45, 631
30,090
36, 169
19, 237
214, 678
Household and industrial insecticides and exterminators.
Household and industrial disinfectants, deodorants, and
similar preparations................................................................
Lb..................
Lb
153, 903
125,418
112, 613
30, 570
249,952
2, 144
Baking powder......................................................................... Lb
Water softeners, purifiers, boiler and feed-water compounds...............................................................
Lb
Polishes....................................................... Lb
Flavoring extracts................................... Gal .
Other chemical specialty compounds....................................
Acids and anhydrides............................................................... Lb 1, 647, 435
Alcohols...........................................................
Other organic chemicals......................... Lb 444, 383
1, 256, 689
1, 454, 967
218, 074
Hydroxide....................................................................... Lb
Other sodium compounds...................... Lb
Gases, compressed, liquefied, and solidified.........................
Other industrial chemicals ...................................................
Lb..................
Pigm ent s , Paints and Varni sh es ...................... 646, 027
Mineral earth and chemical pigments.............................:...
Bituminous paints, liquid and plastic..................................
Lb.................. 602, 285 52, 949
9, 255
62, 604
35,487
26, 670
420, 617
15, 184
23, 261
Paste and semi-paste paint colors in oil, putty, and
paste wood filler............................................................. Lb 452,155
610, 486
11, 933
268, 005
20, 926
15, 858
Kalsomine or cold-water paints, dry.......................... ...........
Nitrocellulose (pyroxylin) lacquers...........................................
Ready-mixed paints, stains and enamels.................;.........
Thinners for nitrocellulose lacquers .....................................
Varnishes (oil or spirit, and liquid dryers).........................
Fer til ize rs and Fert il iz er Mate ri als ............
Lb..................
Gal................
Gal.................
Gal.................
Gal.................
2,353, 319
Ammonium sulphate............................. 56, 989
612
32, 771
7, 978
642
5, 567
1, 607,112
18, 702
358, 323
277, 228
24, 002
67, 952
Other nitrogenous chemical materials.....................................
Phosphatic fertilizer materials.....................................................
Potassic fertilizer materials...........................................................
Prepared fertilizer mixtures.........................................................
Tons.............
Tons.............
Tons.............
Other fertilizers..............................................................
Expl osive s , Fuses , Etc ......................... 72, 300
Dynamite.......................................................................... Lb 339, 000 45, 916
Other explosives and fuses.......................................... 26, 384
Soap and Toil et Prep arati ons ............................................
______________ __________
1, 648, 204
Soap:
Medicated....................................... Lb..................
Lb
31, 339
1, 094, 228
17, 645, 302
1, 224, 330
1, 123, 948
76, 785
158, 605
9, 582
197,404
798, 977
66,154
53, 352
12, 788
130, 029
28, 649
100,199
59, 569
23, 899
28,720
37,905
53, 019
47, 958
Toilet or fancy................................................................................
Laundry............................................. Lb
Powdered or flaked................................................ Lb
Scouring bricks, pastes, powders, soaps, and washing
powders.................................. ........................................ Lb..................
Other soap............................................. Lb
Dental creams. ................................................. Lb
Toilet powders:
Talcum powder.................................................................
Face and compact powder ...................................................
Cold cream............................ Lb.................. 65, 685
Other creams, lotions, and balms...........................................
Rouges and other cosmetics.................................
Hair preparations ......................................
Perfumery and toilet waters .......................
Other toilet preparations...........................................................
122 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No . 45—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM THE UNITED STATES TO PUERTO RICO,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 9 .................................................................................................. 3, 548, 111
Photographic and Project ion Goods ................................ .......................... 214, 657
Motion-picture sound equipment..........._..............................
Motion-picture films........................................................................
Other sensitized films, not exposed (rolls or packs)........
Lin. ft...........
No.................
3, 593, 984
207, 096
19, 950
95, 513
49, 680
Photographic paper ........................................ ..............................
Other photographic apparatus and supplies......................
Lb.................. 26, 044 18, 282
31,232
Optical goods...<..  *!Electe ical Machin ery and Appa eatus :
Generators:
Direct current................................................ No 1 210
24
756
6
134
Accessories and parts for generators...
Batteries:
6 and 12 volt storage batteries....................... No 123
75
134
Radio B and C batteries (dry)........................... Cell
Other dry and wet cell primary batteries.... No..
Transmission and distribution apparatus:
Power switches, and circuit breakers over 10 amperes
Fuses.............................. No 6
24
1
Watt-hour and other measuring meters............................ No.................. 218
132 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhibit No . 46—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 7—Continued
Electri cal Machi nery and Apparatus —Continued
Motors, starters, and controllers:
Motors, 1/a horsepower and under.........................................
Stationary motors, 1 to 200 horsepower.............................
Accessories and parts for motors...........................................
Electric refrigerators and parts:
Household........................................................................................
Parts for electric refrigerators..................................................
Electric appliances:
Electric incandescent lamps:
For automobiles, flash lights, and Christmas trees..
Other metal-filament lamps................................................
Other electric lamps.................................................................
Other domestic motor-driven devices, except tools....
Electric flatirons ..........................................................................
X-ray tubes...............................................................................
Other X-ray apparatus and parts ......................................
Signal and communication devices:
Radio apparatus:
Transmitting sets, tubes and parts..............................
Receiving sets.............................................................................
Receiving set components.....................................................
Other receiving-set accessories..........................................
Telephone equipment.................................................................
Other electrical apparatus:
Metal conduit, outlet, and switch boxes..........................
Electric interior lighting fixtures...........................................
Other wiring supplies and line material .........................
Electric razors.................................................................................
Other electrical apparatus.........................................................
No ................
No.................
No.................
No.................
No.................
No.................
No ................
No.................
No ................
No ................
No.................
33
3
4, 250
1, 682
1
96
1
5
4
105
235
119
611
100
182
271
37
50
192
23
713
1, 551
375
1,049
213
655
27
7,551
32
5,502
Indu st ria l Machi nery :
Power-generating machinery, except, electric and automotive:
Steam engines:
Condensers, heaters, and accessories.............................
Steam specialtie..........................................................................
Internal-ccmbustion engines:
Stationary and portable, not over 10 horsepower....
Engine accessories and parts...............................................
Construction and conveying machinery:
Dredging machinery................................................................
Other construction equipment and parts.........................
Hoists.................................................................................................
Derricks, except minirg............................................................
Mining, well, and pumping machinery:
Mining and quarrying machinery....................................
Well and refining machinery:
Petroleum and gas well-drilling apparatus..................
Other petroleum well and refining machinery...........
Other well-drilling apparatus..............................................
Pumping equipment:
Centrifugal pumps...............................................................
Rotary pumps............................................................................
Other pumps and parts.........................................................
Power-driven metal-working machinery:
Other metal-grinding -machines and parts........................
Forging machinery and parts..................................................
Rolling-mill machinery and parts.........................................
Portable and hand or foot operating metal-working
machines and parts.... .............................................................
Textile, sewjng, and shoe machinery:
Textile machinery:
Knitting machines and part.............................................
Cotton carding and other preparing, spinning and
twisting machinery and parts.....................................
Sewing machines for domestic use........................................
Sewing machine parts.................................................................
Other industrial machinery:
Sugar-mill machinery:
Cane mills ..............................................................................
Other sugar mill machinery................................................
Paper and pulp mill machinery..........................................
Bottling, bottle-washing, and bottle-labeling machinery
Ball bearings and parts..............................................................
Roller bearings and parts..........................................................
No................
No.................
No.................
No.................
No.................
No ................
No ................
1
41
11
123
4
2, 290
4,001
150
655
1,875
6,452
805
1,300
1,737
6,848
12,391
70
217
200
1, 036
48
140
534
267
11
70
1,274
420
2,500
85,274
128
415
21
5
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 133
Exhi bi t No . 46—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 7—Continued
Indust rial Machi ner y —Continued
Other industrial machinery—Continued
Iron or steel body valves and parts for steam, water
and gas..................................................................... 279
Other industrial machinery and parts . 1,947
Off ice Appli ances :
Accounting and calculating machines:
Typewriter-bookkeeping-billing machines....... No. . 1 100
164
248
166
17
Listing adding machines...................................... No . 1
Calculating machines.................................... No . 1
Other, including used and rebuilt............ No... 2
Parts for accounting and calculating machines
Duplicating machines, parts and supplies for. 18 Cash registers:
New........................................... No 13 2,644
90
38
223
275
1
Used and rebuilt................................. No . 3
Parts..............................................
Typewriters:
Standard typewriters, new.... No 2
Used and rebuilt typewriters .... No .
Other office appliances..........................
Prin ting and Bookbi ndin g Machiner y :
Printing, and typesetting machinery and accessories.. . . 517
Agricul tural Machine ry and Impl ement s :
Incubators and brooders.......... No . 1
Small sprayers for garden and household use (Valued
less than $2).............................. No 345
30
9
553
5, C52
2,649
3, 556
90
1,812
4,100
16, 455
4, 743
958
Implements of cultivation:
Horse and power plows................... No .
Harrows...............................
Other cultivating implements and parts. ...
Feed cutters, grinders, and crushers. .. . No. 1
Tractors and parts:
Tracklaying tractors (carburetor type):
Under 35 drawbar horsepower.... No . 1
35 to 59 drawbar horsepower................ No . 1
Tracklaying tractors fuel injection type, 35 to 59
drawbar horsepower...................... No 4
Parts and accessories for tractors..........
Other agricultural machinery, implements, and parts...
Automobi le s and Other Vehi cle s :
Automobiles, parts, and accessories:
Motor trucks, busses, and chassis (new):
Under 1 ton.......................... No . 2 1,200
Over 1%, not over 2J/j tons............... No. 1 878
Over 2J^ tons.................................... No . 12, 734
Passenger cars and chassis (new):
Not over $850......................................... No 1
Over $850, not over $1,200........ No 1 950
Passenger cars and chassis (second-hand)......................... 8 3,150
Automobile parts for replacement:
Spark plugs.................................................. No . 24
Other automobile parts for replacement ...................... 1,243
10
Automobile accessories:
Automobile horns, hand and electric............... No . 1
Other automobile accessories..................... 502
Automobile tire-service equipment........ 3
Pumps for gasoline and oil................................ No . 4 51
Other automobile service appliances 152
Aircraft parts, instruments, and accessories (except tires). 10,169
Bicycles.................................................................... No 2
Small watercraft (except motor boats)............ No . 2 3, 250
1,000
456
Motor boats with engines installed.................... No . 1
Other vehicles and parts.........................................
Group 8—Che mica ls and Related Products ... 111,441
Coal -Tar Product s :
Crude and refined coal tar.................. Gal 127 50
Other crude coal-tar products.......................... Lb 4,800
10
360
Coal-tar colors, dyes, stains, and color lakes . . Lb 10
134 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No.46—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES,
■ BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 8—Continued
Medic inal and Pharm aceuti cal Prep arati ons :
Castor oil.......................................................................................... Gal.. . 175 44
Biologies:
For animal and veterinary use.............................................. 453
Serums and antitoxins for human use................................ 3
Vaccines for human use............................................................. 120
Glandular products, enzymes, ferments, etc ................ 10
Druggists’ nonproprietary preparations:
Elixirs, tinctures, extracts and similar liquid solutions. 63
Tablets, pills, powders, etc...................................................... 136
Household medicinal chemicals and pharmaceuticals in
small packages, solids.............................................................. 289
Proprietary medicinal preparations:'
Mouth washes, gargles, and personal antiseptics.......... 35
Plasters.............................................................................................. 25
Liniments......................................................................................... 94
Salves and ointments:
For burns, cuts, etc............................................................. 1,640
1,924
833
For coughs, colds, and bronchial infection...................
Cold, cough, and bronchial preparations..........................
Asthma, catarrh, and hay-fever preparations, including
inhalants.................................................................................... 110
Tonics, blood purifiers, emulsions, and appetizers... . 824
Laxatives, purgatives, and cathartics.................................. 590
Milk of magnesia......................................................................... 134
Headache, neuralgia, and pain remedies........................... 73
Other proprietary medicinal preparations......................... 205
Che mi cal Spe cialti es :
Agricultural insecticides, fungicides, and similar preparations
and materials............................................................... Lb. . . 1, 594 153
Household and industrial insecticides and exterminators:
Liquid............................................................................................. Lb................ 2,808
281
567
Solid............ .......................................................................... Lb. . 90
Household and industrial disinfectants, deodorants, germicides,
repellants and similar preparations................ Lb............ 1,060 41
Petroleum jelly.................................................................................. Lb.............. 3, 388
51
177
Textile specialty compounds...................................................... Lb... 11
Other cementing a*prraetpions for repairing, sealing and
adhesive use................................................................................. Lb.................. 880 158
Specialty cleaning and washing compound......................... Lb.................. 12 2
Shoe polishes and shoe cleaners................................................. Lb................ 307 44
Flavoring extracts............................................................................. Gal................. 2 8
Animal charcoal or bone char, deodorizing, decolorizing,
and gas absorbing carbons.................................................... Lb.................. 40, 000 2,836
Other chemical specialty compounds...................................... 1, 550
Indust rial Chemi cals :
Hydrochloric (muriatic) inorganic acid............................... Lb.................. 2,480
323
75
Alcohols................................................................................................. Lb.................. 60
Formaldehyde (formalin) .......................................................... Lb.................. 450 28
Calcium carbide................................................................................. Lb.................. 211 10
Sodium compounds:
Soda ash............................................................................................ Lb.................. 10, 000 181
Sal soda............................................................................................. Lb.................. 850 65
Other sodium compounds......................................................... Lb.................. 300 36
Gases, compressed, liquefied, and solidified:
Ammonia, anhydrous............................................................... Lb.................. 260 90
Other gaseous refrigerants......................................................... Lb.................. 286 281
Other gases ..................................................................................... Lb.................. 19, 263 11, 790
Other industrial chemicals............................................................ 70
Pigmen ts , Paint s and Varnishes :
Ocher, umber, sienna and other forms of iron oxide
for paints................ ,....................................................................
Chemical pigments:
Red lead........................................................................................
White lead, dry.............................................................................
Other chemical pigments...........................................................
Bituminous paints, liquid and plastic....................................
Paste and semipaste paint colors in oil, putty and paste
wood filler.....................................................................................
Kalsomine or cold-water paints, dry......................................
Lb..................
Lb..................
Lb..................
Lb..................
Lb..................
I Lb..................
1, 534
765
648
2, 381
10
15, 336
183
80
98
272
393
2
1, 288
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 135
Exhi bi t No . 46—Continued
SHIPMENTS OF MERCHANDISE FROM PUERTO RICO TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES,
BY ARTICLES, FISCAL YEAR 1937-38
Articles Unit Quantity Dollars
Group 8—Continued
Pigm ents , Paints and Varni s hes —Continued
Nitrocellulose (pyroxylin) lacquers:
Clear............................................................................................... Gal................ 1 6
Thinners for nitrocellulose lacquers.....................................
Ready-mixed paints, stains and enamels.............................
Varnishes..............................................................................................
Gal................ 25 56
Gal................
Gal................
633
5
1,042
11
Fer ti li ze rs and Fer ti li ze r Mate rial s :
A mmoniiim sulphate. . . .................................... Ton................ 25 804
Phosphatic fertilizer materials:
Superphosphate.......................................................................... Ton................ 65 2,641
Other phosphate materials....................................................... Ton................ 4 187
Potassic fertilizer materials.......................................................... Ton................ 46 2,150
Prepared fertilizer mixtures......................................................... Ton................ 825 31,075
Exp los iv es , Fus es , Etc .:
Dynamite.......................................................................................... Lb.................. 50 12
Soap and Toil et Prep arations :
Soap:
Medicated.................................................................................... Lb.................. 415 287
Toilet or fancv .............................. Lb.................. 16,199
83, 398
4,182
3,498
2
Laundry............................................................................................ Lb..................
Powdered or flaked...................................................................... Lb.................. 45
Shaving creams.............................................................................. Lb.................. 208 112
Scouring bricks, pastes, powders, soaps, and household
washing powders........................................................ Lb.................. 1,122 37
Other soap....................................................................................... Lb.................. 34 5
Dental creams.................................................................................... Lb.................. 291 154
Toilet powders:
Talcum powder, in packages.................................................. 174
Face and compact powder . .......................... 2,691
220
Creams, rouges, and other cosmetics:
Cold creams................................................................................. Lb.................. 664
Vanishing creams.. .............................................................. Lb.................. 491 199
Other creams lotions and balms 1, 835
Rouges . . ...................................................... 405
Lip sticks . .............................. 372
Other cosmetics .............................................. 354
Manicuring preparations.............................................................. 93
Depilatories and deodorants........................................................ 8
Hair preparations . ... .................................. 7,087
15, 879
7,199
Perfumery and toilet waters........................................................
Other toilet preparations . ..........................
Group 9—Misc ellaneo us . ........................ _____________ 57,136
Photographic and Proj ecti on Good s :
Motion-picture sound equipment:
Recording .................................... 10
Reproducing ................................................ 179
Sterebpticons, magic lanterns and other projection
apparatus....................................................................................... 13
Motion-picture films:
Sensitized, not exposed, positive films less than one
inch in width.... ...................................................... Lin. ft.......... 1,000 32
Exposed motion-picture films:
Negative:
Newsreels (silent and sound)......................................... Lin. ft.......... 20,497 262
Other, sound........................................................................... Lin. ft.......... 879 23
Positive:
Newsreels (silent and sound)...................................... Lin. ft.......... 76. 256 812
Other:
Silent.................................................................................... Lin. ft.......... 950 35
Sound .................................................................................... Lin. ft.......... 4, 589,118 16,135
X ray sensitized films, not exposed......................................... No.................. 295 39
Photographic paper... ...................................................... Lb.................. 439 614
Other photographic apparatus and supplies 284
Scie nt if ic and Prof ess ion al Inst rum ent s , Appa rat us
and Supp li es :
Optical goods:
Spectacles eve1)
Fiscal Year Quantity
(pounds)
Dollars
Average
value per
exported
pound
(dollars)
1901.............................................................................................. 12,157, 240 1,678, 765 1380
1902.................................................................................................. 26^ 906^ 399 3,195, 662 1187
1903.................................................................................................. 35,' 207^ 139 3,970, 574 1127
1904.................................................................................................. 34,329', 972 3', 903', 257 1136
1905.................................................................................................. 16' 949,739 2,141,' 019 1263
1906.................................................................................................. 28^ 290^ 322 3; 48i; 102 1230
1907.................................................................................................. 38', 756, 750 4; 693; 004 1210
1908.................................................................................................. 35,256,489 4,304, 609 1220
1909.................................................................................................. 28' 489^ 236 3,725, 744 1307
1910.................................................................................................. 45^ 209^ 792 5; 669; 602 1254
1911.................................................................................................. 35^ 937^ 021 1,992; 779 1389
1912.................................................................................................. 40j 146', 365 6; 75U 915 1682
1913.................................................................................................. 49^ 774,197 8,' 51i; 316 1709
1914.............................................................................................. 50^ 311', 946 8; 193; 544 1628
1915................ 51i 125^ 620 7; 082; 791 1385
1916.................................................................................................. 32', 144' 283 5', 049', 283 1570
1917.................................................................................................. 39; 615i 146 5; 892; 081 1487
1918.................................................................................................. 37; 618, 613 5, 505', 316 1463
1919.................................................................................................. 27^ 897' 771 6; 065; 573 2174
1920.................................................................................................. 32' 776', 754 9', 034; 028 2756
1921.................................................................................................. 26^ 73h 648 5,352; 924 2002
1922.................................................................................................. 23i 402', 127 4; 316; 859 1844
1923.................................................................................................. 16j 82L 939 3,188, 002 1895
1924.................................................................................................. 21, 859,215 4; 595', 811 2102
1925.................................................................................................. 23^ 782, 996 6', 575', 635 .2764
1926.................................................................................................. 26', 332; 766 7,071,407 .2685
1927.................................................................................................. 19^ 356, 904 5; 748; 877 2969
1928.................................................................................................. 7,837^ 800 2, 596; 872 3313
1929.................................................................................................. L 428', 757 ' 513; 043 3590
1930.................................................................................................. ' 433; 901 15i; 550 .3492
1931................................................................................................ 1, 977, 779 546; 613 .2763
1932.................................................................................................. ' 589^ 602 154', 903 .2627
1933.................................................................................................. 549; 839 124; 558 2265
1934.................................................................................................. 2, 969; 505 67i; 800 .2262
1935.................................................................................................. ' 799; 950 207; 739 .2594
1936.................................................................. 2, 465; 133 496; 404 2013
1937................................................................................................ 8; 340; 114 1,169; 684 .1402
1938.................................................................................................. ' 592,' 807 110; 987 .1872
(1) Includes raw or green and roasted coffee.
Source: Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Monthly Summaries of Foreign Commerce of
the United States and annual reports, customhouse.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 151
Exhibit No . 50
COFFEE REPORT, FISCAL YEAR 1937-1938
Imports:
From the United States........................ ..................................
From foreign countries...............................................................
Quantity
(pounds)
Dollars
Duties
Collected
Sec. 319
Tariff
Act 1930
6, 078 1,375 $911. 70
Total....................................................................................... 6, 078 1,375 $911. 70
Exports:
To the United States:
For export:
Green......................................................... 416, 090
975
120,152
18, 502
36, 512
576
82, 520
300
14, 983
5,717
7, 303
164
Roasted..............................................................................
For consumption:
Green.....................................
Roasted..............................................................................
To foreign countries direct:
Green................................................................................
Roasted ......................................................
Total....................................................................... 592,807 110, 987 ..........................
DESTINATION OF COFFEE SHIPPED TO FOREIGN COUNTRIES DIRECT
Country
Quantity
(pounds) Dollars
Italy.......................................................................... 20,899 4 037
C zechoslovakia..................................................................................................................... 15, 213 3,174
Netherland West Indies................................................................................................... ' 576 164
Dominican Republic......................................................................................................... 400 92
Total................................................................................................................. 37, 088 7,467
E X P E N D IT U R E S O F T H E IN S U L A R D E P A R T M E N T O F H E A L T H D U R IN G T H E F IS C A L Y E A R S 1931-32, 1932-33, 1933-34, 1934-35,
1935-36, 1936-37, 1937-38, S H O W IN G P E R C A P IT A C O ST O F IM P O R T A N T A C T IV IT IE S '
(*) F u n d s from In su lar L o ttery included.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 153
Exhi bi t No . 52
LIST OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH UNITS IN OPERATION ON JUNE 30, 1938, WITH THE
POPULATION SERVED BY EACH
Adjuntas........................................................................................................................
Utuado......................................................................................................................
Jayuya........................................................................................................................
Estimated
Population
of Individual
Municipalities
1938
Population
of Area
Covered
by Unit
18,142
39, 279
12, 223
69, 644
Aguadilla.......................................................................................................................
Isabela ...............................................................................................................
31. 558
25, 692 57, 250
Aguada..........................................................................................................................
Moca. ..........................................................................................................................
Rincon__ .. ..............................................................................................................
Anasco .................................................................................................................
16, 031
18,136
8,178
14, 630
56, 975
Arecibo........................................................................................................................... 64, 528 64, 528
Bayamon.......................................................................................................................
Catano... ....................................................................................................................
Guaynabo.................................................................................................................
34, 427
9,466
15,684
59, 577
Barranquitas...............................................................................................................
Orocovis....................................................................................................................
Comerio....................................................................................................................
17, 567
16,406
18, 334
52, 307
Cabo Rojo....................................................................................................................
Lajas............. ...................................................................
24,909
12,889
5,102
42, 900
Hormigueros............................................................................................................
Caguas............................................................................................................................
Aguas Buenas........................................................................................................
57, 232
14, 608 71,840
Camuy...........................................................................................................................
Hatillo........................................................................................................................
Quebradillas............................................................................................................
17, 688
17, 938
10, 829
46, 455
Cayey................................................................................... 32,945
18, 851
23, 581
Aibonito..................................................................................................................... 75, 377
Cidra...........................................................................................................................
Ciales..............................................................................................................................
Morovis.....................................................................................................................
20, 492
19, 469 39,981
Fajardo..........................................................................................................................
Luquillo....................................................................................................................
Ceiba..........................................................................................................................
17, 947
9,045
8, 341
35, 333
Guayama......................................................................................................................
Arroyo ................................................................................................................
Patillas.......................................................................................................................
27,184
9,109
14,178
50,471
Humacao.......................................................................................................................
Naguabo....................................................................................................................
Las Piedras..............................................................................................................
29,683
20,154
14,746
64,583
Juana Diaz. .................................................................. ...............................
Villalba .............................................................................................................
Coamo .................................................................................................. ..................
20, 305
11, 847
18,434
50, 586
Juncos ................................................................................................................
Gurabo.......................................................................................................................
San Lorenzo............................................
20,940
16,878
27, 774
65, 592
Lares...............................................................................................................................
Las Marias..............................................................................................................
San Sebastian.........................................................................................................
29,082
8, 881
28, 617
66, 580
Manati...........................................................................................................................
Barceloneta..............................................................................................................
28,647
17, 604 46, 251
Mayaguez............................... 71,675
Maricao..................................................................................................................... 6,463 78,138
Ponce.............................................................................................................................. 100, 619 100, 619
154 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhibit No . 52—Continued
LIST OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH UNITS IN OPERATION ON JUNE 30, 1938, WITH THE
POPULATION SERVED BY EACH
Rio Grande..................................................................................................................
Carolina.....................................................................................................................
Loiza............................................................................................................................
Estimated
Population
of Individual
Municipalities
1938
Population
of Area
Covered
by Unit
14, 764
21, 317
21,144
57, 225
Rio Piedras..................................................................................................................
Trujillo Alto............................................................................................................
55,188
11, 268 66, 456
Salinas............................................................................................................................
Santa Isabel.............................................................................................................
17,435
10,199 27, 634
San German................................................................................................................
Sabana Grande.......................................................................................................
Guanica......................................................................................................................
23,768
11, 881
10,466
46,115
Saia Juan....................................................................................................................... 30, 222 30, 222
Santurce........................................................................................................................ 118,928 118, 928
Toa Baja.......................................................................................................................
Toa Alta...................................................................................................................
Corozal.......................................................................................................................
Naranjito..................................................................................................................
12,079
12,651
18,125
12,557
56,412
Vega Baja.,................................................................................................................
Vega Alta.................................................................................................................
Dorado.......................................................................................................................
24,155
14,236
8, 974
47,365
Vieques........................................................................................................................... 10, 582 10, 582
Y abucoa.........................................................................................................................
Maunabo...................................................................................................................
23, 767
9,971
33, 738
Yauco..............................................................................................................................
Guayanilla................................................................................................................
Penuelas.....................................................................................................................
29,344
13,952
13, 278
56, 574
1, 745,238 1,745, 238
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 155
Exhibit No . 53
TABLE SHOWING SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PUBLIC HEALTH
UNITS IN THE FISCAL YEARS 1935-36, 1936-37 AND 1937-38
1935-36 1936-37 1937-38
Publ ic Heal th Educat ion :
Health Talks............................................................................................. 23, 741 21,679 25,528
Attendance................................................................................................. 555,422 509,879 650', 130
Home Vis it s mad e by Nurs es :
To cases of transmissible diseases.................................................... 12,945 8, 273 16, 268
To patients of tuberculosis clinics.................................................. 19, 470 16, 760 20, 015
T® tuberculosis contacts................................................................. 26, 060 43, 828 40, 277
To patients of prenatal clinics........................................................... 12,146 14, 616 14,662
To patients of infarat hygiene clinics... 41,693 25,779 37,396
To patients of preschool clinifis........................................................ 7,658 7,306 10, 253
Total nurses’ visits................................................................... 119, 972 116, 652 138,871
Pers ons Rece ivi ng Spe ci fi c Immu niza tion or Treatment :
Vaccination against smallpox. 27, 939 16,427 126, 679
Immunization against typhoid fever............................................ 38, 392 74, 936 37, 099
Immunization against diphtheria (Toxin-antitoxin and
toxoid) ................................................. 3,787 4, 652 7,239
Treatment for uncinariasis (total).... 167, 367 184, 559 220,835
In schools................................................ 117,376 129, 812 163,849
Others....................................................................... 49, 991 54, 747 56,989
Spe cim ens f or Labor ator y Diagnos is Examined or
Forwarde d to th e Biological Laboratory :
Cultures for diphtheria.................................................................... 31, 320 36, 351 50, 057
Blood for Wasserman reaction.................................................. 58, 561 61, 594 84,428
Sputum for tubercle bacilli............................................................... 20, 731 16, 452 16,638
Blood for malaria........................ 27, 090 31,046 34, 807
Specimens for intestinal parasites...................................................... 124, 330 104,659 170, 399
Cli ni c Activ iti es :
Tuber culos is Cli nics :
New cases examined during the year.................................... 8,922 8, 367 7,010
Number of new contacts examined............................................... 7,316 7,016 5,586
Number of positive cases remaining under care of the clinics
at the end of the year................................................................... 4,516 5, 417 5,891
New cases found positive.................................... 4,317 4, 085 4,418
Total number of consultations............. 28,611 25, 351 34,653
Number of home visits of nurses:
To cases................................................................................................. 19,470 16, 760 20,015
To contacts............................................................................................... 26, 060 43, 828 40, 277
Prenat al Cli nics :
New cases examined............................................ 12,193 12,140 14, 031
Total consultations....................................................................... 44,237 42, 556 49,041
Deliveries of patients under clinic care......................................... 6,396 8,489 8, 003
Home visits of nurses..................... ........................................................ 12,146 14, 616 14, 662
Inf ant Hygi ene Cli ni cs :
New eases examined........................................ 10, 471 9,810 11,100
Total consultations........ 46, 934 44,021 51,066
Home visits of nurses............................................................................. 41, 693 25, 779 37, 396
Pres chool Cli nics :
New cases examined.................................................................... 4, 522 5, 574 6, 661
Total consultations............................................... 15, 707 18, 921 24,368
Home visits of nurses.............. .............................................................. 7,658 7,396 10, 253
Examinat ion of Scho ol Chi ldre n :
Number of children examined................................................. 118, 230 102, 763 161,183
Children found with intestinal parasites................................. 26,333 19, 782 27,395
Children found with dental caries............................................ 67, 724 53, 919 9i; 726
Children found with skin affections............................................. 3,617 3, 758 4, 671
Children found with visual defects................................................... 5,110 3,638 7,701
156 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
C A SE S F R O M R E P O R T A B L E D IS E A S E S IN P U E R T O R IC O F O R T H E Y E A R 1937, B Y M O N T H S , A N D A V E R A G E C A SE S F O R T H E
F IV E Y E A R P E R IO D 1932-1936
T otal
A verage
1932-1936
:gS^i5SfeSSS
i "5 2 -r oo-
1,925
103, 034
6,273.8
T otal
J
ic’33g”F
602
42, 839
2,415.9
1 s
7, 097
i
161
9
26
709
119
8, 482
5, 632.1
N ov.
53 :SS
1
45
1
4, 791
: i F” i|
73
5,807
3,984.5
I
4,449
gOH • ‘ co
98
5
37
672
89
5,643
3, 747.0
Sept.
47
1
28
16
1
1
GO 1Q CO ; T“l
93
7
21
50
4,433
3,041.7
Aug.
CO ■ co CO
1
40
1
1,282
-co
157
10
8
862
45
2,088
1, 666.7
Ju ly
:SS C • • 00 i i—~ is
23
2, 510
1, 386.4
June
g? £2 :■
65
1
748
s i” •j-< (M
1
83
6
57
1
832
39
2,049
1,405.3
M ay
CO is i§ S : ; ’—l
86
8
52
1,101
10
2,191
1,454.8
A pril
9 is is S i i T*“l i i»sg i§ 28
3,105
2,130.4
g- oi co o oq § • r-iCO
55
18
114
723
35
2,328
1,545.8
Feb.
3
4
278
3
714
130
16
2
1
3 i
49
1, 959
1,440.1
§
3
111
1
963
18
4
170
678
42
2,244
1, 490.0
I
0
C hicken P o x ............................................................. uz-e5_rC_ Di_L_U o p iu m iv iu u m g iu o . . . . D ip h th e ria .................................................................
D y sen tery ..................................................................
E ry sip elas..................................................................
Infantile te ta n u s.....................................................
; ■:
’HI
P ellag ra.......................................................................
P oliom yelitis.............................................................
P u erp eral fever........................................................
xviLigwurm..................................................................
SMcarleit: f:ev:e:r.............................................................. .............. : : : ................
T y p h o id fever..........................................................
T rach o m a ..................................................................
T uberculosis (all form s)......................................
Y lllU C Llb 0 a n g in a ..........................................................................1 W hooping cough ....................................................
T o ta ls..........................................................
R ates per 100,000 p o p u latio n ............
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 157
Exhi bi t No . 55
BIRTHS AND BIRTH RATES PER 1,000 POPULATION IN PUERTO RICO
DURING THE YEARS 1937, 1936 AND 1935
Municipalities
Births Rates
1937 1936 1935 1937 1936 1935
PUERTO RICO.... 67,919 68,962 67, 585 38.3 40.6 40.4
Adjuntas.................................... 939 847 876 47.2 46 7 48 3
Aguada....................................... 765 763 758 44.1 48.6 48 8
Aguadilla.................................. 1,154 1,104 1, 106 36.0 35.9 36 4
Aguas Buenas......................... ' 644 ' 658 ' 652 42 7 46 4 46 6
Aibonito.......................... .......... 665 670 657 38.5 36.7 36 6
Anasco........................................ 658 708 678 41.4 48 7 46 8
Arecibo ................................... 2, 451 2, 392 2, 421 37 8 38 2 39 3
Arroyo........................................ ' 376 '373 336 39 4 42 0 38 3
Barceloneta.............................. 703 779 821 39.4 45.4 48 5
Barranquitas........................... 620 638 604 37.5 37 7 36 4
Bayamon.................................. 1, 265 1, 357 1,311 38.5 40 8 40 2
Cabo Rojo...................... 1,153 1' 179 L 107 43 2 47 8 45 2
Caguas........................................ L 950 2,112 1', 864 39.9 38.4 34 7
Camuy............;......................... 681 742 664 37.9 42.8 38 8
Carolina.................................... 814 886 812 36.9 42.8 39 8
Catano........................................ 295 257 278 35.5 27.8 30 5
Cayey......................................... 1,152 1,212 1,101 37.1 37.9 35 0
Ceiba.......................................... ' 246 ' 288 ' 275 30.9 35.6 34 6
Ciales.......................................... 857 902 874 35.6 44 0 42 7
Cidra.......................................... 685 783 704 33.0 34.6 31 8
Coamo........................................ 855 765 802 38.3 41.7 43 8
Comerio................................... 772 769 654 43.9 42.9 36 8
Corozal....................................... 701 741 740 35.9 41.8 42 2
Culebra...................... 36 31 37 38.0 36.4 43 5
Dorado....................................... 267 316 310 29.8 36.6 36 6
Fajardo...................................... 692 787 729 36.6 44.3 42 0
Guanica................................... 498 498 468 41.5 47.8 45 1
Guayama.................................. 1,082 1, 058 1,053 37.7 42.2 40 7
Guayanilla................................ ' 593 ' 535 '617 38.6 38.9 45 2
Guaynabo................................. 521 537 524 33.2 35.4 35.2
Gurabo....................................... 565 632 585 35.8 38.4 36.0
Hatillo........................................ 719 724 693 40.8 41.3 40 1
Hormigueros............................ 225 252 259 37.9 49.9 51.6
Humacao.................................. 1,141 1,193 1,136 38.7 41.6 40.3
Isabela........................................ 908 909 951 34.8 36.3 38 4
Jayuya....................................... 709 690 672 49.2 56.4 55 0
Juana Diaz.............................. 784 777 780 37.3 38.6 39.0
Juncos........................................ 705 809 728 35.3 40.2 37 0
Lajas........................................... 620 577 574 44.5 45.1 45 1
Lares........................................... 1,307 1,256 1, 325 43.7 43.8 46.6
Las Marias.............................. 382 400 353 41.4 45.0 39.7
Las Piedras.............................. 619 685 647 39.6 47.9 46.0
Loiza........................................... 839 827 878 38.9 40.2 43.3
Luquillo.................................... 332 350 354 39.7 40.0 41.2
Manati....................................... 1.039 1, 187 1, 161 36.5 42.8 42.6
Maricao..................................... 324 359 367 41.6 55.5 56.8
Maunabo.................................. 452 481 482 42.0 49.3 50.0
Mayaguez................................. 2,639 2,669 . 2,495 36.2 39.0 37.3
Moca.......................................... ' 681 698 705 32.8 39.0 39.7
Morovis..................................... 693 733 754 34.3 38.6 40.3
Naguabo.................................... 830 830 740 40.1 42.2 38.1
Naranjito.................................. 504 500 530 36.8 40.5 43.3
Orocovis.................................... 813 785 824 42.5 48.0 50.5
Patillas....................................... 678 754 727 42.0 53.2 51.3
Penuelas.................................... 580 583 582 39.6 43.9 43.8
Ponce.......................................... 3, 413 3, 559 3, 419 33.9 36.5 35.7
Quebradillas............................ 475 476 505 42.6 44.6 47.7
Rincon....................................... 448 446 417 53.3 54.5 51.0
Rio Grande.............................. 556 634 666 34.3 43.4 45.9
Rio Piedras.............................. 1,714 1,692 1,517 30.4 32.7 30.3
Sabana Grande...................... 699 611 669 54.7 51.4 56.3
Salinas........................................ 711 725 729 37.4 42.8 43.6
San German............................ 957 1,054 1,008 37.2 44.3 42.4
San Juan................................... 5, 157 5,023 4,835 36.1 35.6 35.3
San Lorenzo............................ 1,023 1,050 1,030 39.4 39.3 39.3
San Sebastian......................... L 243 1.204 1,163 45.1 43.1 42.2
Santa Isabel............................ 522 462 492 49.4 46.8 50.6
Toa Alta................................... 492 528 496 36.8 42.5 40.3
Toa Baja................................... 387 449 497 37.8 38.9 44.1
Trujillo Alto........................... 396 406 510 36.1 37.4 47.8
Utuado....................................... 1,617 1, 542 1,663 35.9 39.7 43.1
158 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhibit No . 55—Continued
BIRTHS AND BIRTH RATES PER 1,000 POPULATION IN PUERTO RICO
DURING THE YEARS 1937, 1936 AND 1935
Municipalities
Births Rates
1937 1936 1935 1937 1936 1935
Vega Alta................................. 565 608 597 41 0 44 1 44 1
Vega Baja................................. 945 959 931 39 9 41 2 40 8
Vieques...................................... 409 449 418 40 7 42 4 39.5
Villalba...................................... 670 580 596 50 9 49 0 50.3
Y abucoa.................................... 1,002 1,032 1 042 39 8 44 2 45 1
Yauco......................................... i; 340 1,126 1, 250 43^6 38.9 43.4
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 159
Exhi bi t No . 56
DEATHS AND DEATH RATES PER 1,000 POPULATION IN PUERTO RICO
DURING THE YEARS, 1937, 1936 AND 1935
Municipalities
Deaths Rates
1937 1936 1935 1937 1936 1935
PUERTO RICO.... 37,132 34, 788 30, 753 20.9 20.5 18.4
Adjuntas.................................... 373 336 301 18. 7 18. 5 16 6
Aguada....................................... 460 401 331 26. 5 25 5 21 3
Aguadilla................................... 773 753 629 24.1 24. 5 20 7
Aguas Buenas......................... 307 225 187 20. 4 15 8 13 4
Aibonito.................................... 295 249 198 17.1 13 6 11 0
Anasco........................................ 395 338 356 24. 9 23 2 24 5
Arecibo....................................... 1, 526 1,461 1, 405 23. 5 23. 3 22 8
Arroyo........................................ ' 214 ' 177 154 22. 4 19. 9 7 5
Barceloneta............................... 415 393 392 23. 3 22 9 23 1
Barranquitas............................ 213 214 206 12 9 12 6 12 4
Bayamon................................... 664 657 525 20.2 19. 8 16 1
Cabo Rojo................................ 519 484 462 19. 4 19 6 18 8
Caguas........................................ 1,295 1,149 938 26. 5 20. 9 17 4
Camuy....................................... ' 395 ' 325 342 22. 0 18. 8 20 0
Carolina..................................... 353 299 240 16. 8 14. 4 11 8
Catano........................................ 151 137 134 18. 2 14. 8 14 7
Cayey......................................... 726 686 550 23. 4 21 5 17 5
Ceiba.......................................... 96 107 85 12.1 13. 2 10 7
Ciales.......................................... 328 317 272 13. 6 15. 5 13 3
Cidra........................................... 308 239 230 14. 8 10. 6 10 4
Coamo........................................ 348 340 291 15. 6 18. 5 15 9
Comerio..................................... 323 283 227 18. 4 15.8 12 8
Corozal....................................... 253 254 231 12. 9 14. 3 13 2
Culebra...................................... 6 9 13 6. 3 10. 5 15. 3
Dorado....................................... 121 136 90 13. 5 15. 7 10 6
Fajardo....................................... 392 396 387 20. 7 22. 6 22 3
Guanica..................................... 213 242 194 17. 8 23. 2 18 7
Guayama.................................. 758 724 654 26. 4 27. 5 25 3
Guaya»illa................................ 264 278 248 17. 2 20. 2 18 2
Guaynabo................................. 206 194 180 13.1 12.8 12 1
Gurabo....................................... 330 330 249 20. 9 20.1 15. 3
Hatillo........................................ 358 271 285 20.3 15. 5 16. 5
Hormigueros............................. 134 125 120 22. 6 24.8 23. 9
Humacao................................... 759 706 616 25.8 24. 6 21 9
Isabela........................................ 572 548 457 21. 9 21. 9 18. 5
Jayuya........................................ 308 260 207 21.4 21. 3 16.9
Juana Diaz............................... 439 429 411 20. 9 21. 3 20. 5
Juncos.......... 583 432 388 29. 2 21. 5 19 7
Lajas........................................... 241 250 214 17. 3 19. 6 16. 8
Lares .. 652 689 664 21. 8 24 0 23 3
Las Marias............................... 148 131 108 16.0 14. 8 12 2
Las Piedras.............................. 308 278 217 19. 7 19.4 15. 4
Loiza........................................... 353 360 285 16. 4 17. 5 14.1
Luquillo..................................... 159 198 135 19.0 22. 6 15. 7
Manati....................................... 612 600 451 21. 5 21. 6 16. 5
Maricao...................................... 138 119 147 17.7 18.4 22. 7
Maunabo................................... 228 227 167 21. 2 23. 3 17.3
Mayaguez................................. 1,795 1,728 1,534 24.6 25. 2 23. 0
Moca........................................... ' 343 '271 ' 269 16.5 15.2 15.1
Morovis..................................... 225 270 235 12. 6 14.2 12. 6
Naguabo.................................... 398 329 342 19.2 16.7 17.6
Naranjito................................... 164 133 130 12.0 10.8 10. 6
Orocovis..................................... 252 246 197 13.2 15.0 12.1
Patillas....................................... 416 322 277 25.7 22.7 19.5
Penuelas..................................... 260 254 216 17.7 19.1 16. 3
Ponce.......................................... 2,706 2, 548 2,239 26.9 26.1 23.3
Quebradillas............................. ' 266 '248 ' 234 23.9 23.2 22.1
Rincon........................................ 171 188 128 20.3 23. 0 15. 7
Rio Grande.............................. 259 268 205 16.0 18.4 14.1
Rio Piedras.............................. 1,618 1,515 1,407 29.2 29.3 28.2
Sabana Grande....................... 335 '328 297 26.2 27.6 25.0
Salinas........................................ 405 351 327 21.3 20.7 19. 6
San German............................. 567 492 464 22.1 20.7 19.5
San Juan................................... 2,832 2,697 2,362 19.8 19.1 17.3
San Lorenzo............................. 560 444 ' 386 21.6 16.6 14.7
San Sebastian......................... 555 594 513 20.1 21.3 18.6
Santa Isabel............................. 236 305 244 22.3 30.9 25. 1
Toa Alta.................................... 226 171 168 16.9 13.8 13. 7
Toa Baja................................... 199 180 149 19.4 15. 6 13. 2
Trujillo Alto............................ 150 121 118 13. 7 11.1 11.1
Utuado....................................... 758 801 706 16.8 20.6 18. 3
160 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhib it No . 56—Continued
DEATHS AND DEATH RATES PER 1,000 POPULATION IN PUERTO RICO
DURING THE YEARS, 1937, 1936 AND 1935
Municipalities
Deaths Rates
1937 1936 1935 1937 1936 1935
Vega Alta......................... 239 213 1% 17 Q Vega Baja....................... 395 405 14.5 385 io 7 15. 5
V ieques.............. 172
10. / 17. 4 16. 9
Villalba.......................... 248 26? 195
1Z. 1
1C Q 16.1 13. 2
Yabucoa........................ ........... 614 420 422
lo. O
24.4
22.1
18.0
16. 5
Yauco......................................... 728 18. 3 758 695 23.7 26.2 24.1
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 161
Exhi bi t No . 57
DISTRIBUTION OF THE POPULATION OF PUERTO RICO BY AGE, SEX AND COLOR
AS OF JULY 1, 1937
1937
Age
Male
White
Female
White
Male
Colored
Female
Colored Total
All Ages ........................................ 679,953 678,861 206, 794 208,142 1, 773, 750
Under one year............................................... 21, 380 20, 869
72, 771
6,960 6, 875 1— 4 years....................................................... 56, 084 75, 223 24, 248 23, 690 195, 932 5— 9 years.......................................................
10—14 years.........................................
94, 322
88,880
66, 941
91,894
87,152
72,150
28, 569
28, 241
21,174
28, 590
27,623
21, 906
243,375
231, 896
15—19 years....................................................... 182,171
20—24 years....................................................... 82,451 86, 963 25, 417 25,845 220, 676 25—34 years....................................................... 82,166 87, 372 24,648 25, 431 219, 617 35—44 years....................................................... 71, 844 72,027 20, 666 21, 380 185, 917 45—54 years....................................................... 49, 681 43,007 14,160 13,292 120,140 55—64 years............................................. ... ... 26, 797 23,392 7,206 6,944 64, 339 65—74 years..................................... 13, 370 13,058 3,465 3,808 33i 701
75 years and over........................................... 6,898 8,206 2,040 2,758 19i 902
Note:—There is a difference between the total estimated population (1,773,207) and the total of the
various groups of the above table, which is due to different forms of computation.
162 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
T A B L E S H O W IN G G E N E R A L A V E R A G E S O F W E E K L Y W A G E S A N D W O R K IN G H O U R S A N D O F E A R N IN G S P E R H O U R O F W O R K E R S IN
1004 E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V A R IO U S IN D U S T R IE S IN T H E IS L A N D O F P U E R T O R IC O , D U R IN G T H E F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-38,
B U T W IT H O U T R E G A R D T O O C C U P A T IO N S , T O G E T H E R W IT H A S T A T E M E N T O F T H E T O T A L N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D O F
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V E S T IG A T E D IN E A C H IN D U S T R Y
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 163
Br o o m F a c t o r ie s
164 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
E x h ib it N o . 58—C ontinued
TABLE S H O W IN G G E N E R A L A V E R A G E S O F W E E K L Y W A G E S A N D W O R K IN G H O U R S A N D O F E A R N IN G S P E R H O U R O F W O R K E R S IN
1004 E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V A R IO U S IN D U S T R IE S IN T H E IS L A N D O F P U E R T O R IC O , D U R IN G T H E F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-38,
B U T W IT H O U T R E G A R D T O O C C U P A T IO N S , T O G E T H E R W IT H A S T A T E M E N T O F T H E T O T A L N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D O F
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V E S T IG A T E D IN E A C H IN D U S T R Y
Al l ,

166 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
T A B L E S H O W IN G G E N E R A L A V E R A G E S O F W E E K L Y W A G E S A N D W O R K IN G H O U R S A N D O F E A R N IN G S P E R H O U R O F W O R K E R S IN
1004 E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V A R IO U S IN D U S T R IE S IN T H E IS L A N D O F P U E R T O R IC O , D U R IN G T H E F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-38,
B U T W IT H O U T R E G A R D T O O C C U P A T IO N S , T O G E T H E R W IT H A S T A T E M E N T O F T H E T O T A L N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D O F
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V E S T IG A T E D IN E A C H IN D U S T R Y
A verage
A ctual
earnings
per w eek
4.50
3.00
4.12
7.29
5. 49
4. 88
5.11
7. 28
7.12
5.53
6.81
6.35
11. 60
6. 86
5. 34
2.76
5.89
F u ll tim e
earnings
per w eek
5.78
6.00
5. 82
7.37
5.74
6.15
5.98
7.28
8.06
6. 61
7. 79
6.35
11.60
8. 28
7. 21
4.75
1 7.65 1
E arnings
per hour
. 1205
. 125
. 1212
. 1338
. 1192
. 1285
. 1245
. 1517
. 1656
. 1404
. 1609
.1323
.2417
. 1744
.1518
.099
1 .1607 1
Percentage
of full
tim e
actually
w orked
in one
w eek
77.8
50.0
70.8
98.8
95.5
79. 1
85. 5
100.0
88.3
83.6
87.4
100.0
100.0
82.7
74.0
58.0
1 77.1 1
A verage
H ours
actually
w orked
per w eek
37.3
24.0
34.0
54.5
46.1
37.9
41.1
48.0
43.0
39.4
42.3
48.0
48.0
39.3
35.2
27.8
1 36.7 |
F u ll tim e
hours
per w eek
48.0
48.0
48.0
55.1
48.2
47.9
48.0
48.0
48.7
47.1
48.4
48.0
48.0
47.5
47.5
48.0
1 47.6 I
S tarts
per w eek
4.6
3.0
4.2
5.7
5.7
4.9
5.2
6.0
5.4
5.4
5.4
6.0
6.0
5.1
4.5
3.6
1 4.7 |
N um ber
of
em ployees
CO r-4
4
267
156
249
405
52
321
79
400
156
5
60
65
7
1 132 1
N um ber
of
establishm
ents
and farm s
u n d er
consideration
1
15
44
39
48
1
23
11
23
1
1
6
7
1
IN D U S T R IE S
H a t R e p a ir in g Sh o p s : M a le s .................................................................................
F em ales......................................................................................
Al l .............................................................................
Ic e F a c t o r ie s :
M ales ...... ...........................................................................
La u n d r ie s : M a le s.................................................................................
F em ales......................................................................................
Al l .............................................................................
Lim e P l a n t s : M a le s.................................................................................
Liq u o r M a n u f a c t u r in g a n d B o t t l in g E s t a b l is h -
m e n t s : M a le s.................................................................................
F em ales......................................................................................
Al l .............................................................................
M a n g a n e s e M in in g : M a le s ..................................................................................
M a r b l e w o r k s P l a n t s :
M ales .......... ......................................................................
M a t t r e s s , Qu il t , a n d Pil l o w F a c t o r ie s : M a le s .................................................................................
F em ales......................................................................................
G irls.............................................................................................
Al l ..............................................................................
i
X
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 167
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.2404
. 1615
.1376
.0417
. 140
.3125
. 1293
.0833
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.1378
. 1324
. 1376
.071
co
co
. 180
.1445
. 1238
s
.1526
. 1542
. 1132
IQ
. 1692
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.1702
.1328
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168 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
E x h ib it N o . 58—C ontinued
T A B L E S H O W IN G G E N E R A L A V E R A G E S O F W E E K L Y W A G E S A N D W O R K IN G H O U R S A N D O F E A R N IN G S P E R H O U R O F W O R K E R S IN
1004 E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V A R IO U S IN D U S T R IE S IN T H E IS L A N D O F P U E R T O R IC O , D U R IN G T H E F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-38,
B U T W IT H O U T R E G A R D T O O C C U P A T IO N S , T O G E T H E R W IT H A S T A T E M E N T O F T H E T O T A L N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D O F
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V E S T IG A T E D IN E A C H IN D U S T R Y
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 169
170 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
T A B L E S H O W IN G G E N E R A L A V E R A G E S O F W E E K L Y W A G E S A N D W O R K IN G H O U R S A N D O F E A R N IN G S P E R H O U R O F W O R K E R S IN
1004 E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V A R IO U S IN D U S T R IE S IN T H E IS L A N D O F P U E R T O R IC O , D U R IN G T H E F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-38,
B U T W IT H O U T R E G A R D T O O C C U P A T IO N S , T O G E T H E R W IT H A S T A T E M E N T O F T H E T O T A L N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D O F
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V E S T IG A T E D IN E A C H IN D U S T R Y
6.30 I 4.62
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 171
172 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
E x h ib it N o . 58—C ontinued
T A B L E S H O W IN G G E N E R A L A V E R A G E S O F W E E K L Y W A G E S A N D W O R K IN G H O U R S A N D O F E A R N IN G S P E R H O U R O F W O R K E R S IN
1004 E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V A R IO U S IN D U S T R IE S IN T H E IS L A N D O F P U E R T O R IC O , D U R IN G T H E F IS C A L Y E A R 1937-38,
B U T W IT H O U T R E G A R D T O O C C U P A T IO N S , T O G E T H E R W IT H A S T A T E M E N T O F T H E T O T A L N U M B E R O F E M P L O Y E E S A N D O F
E S T A B L IS H M E N T S A N D F A R M S IN V E S T IG A T E D IN E A C H IN D U S T R Y ,
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 173
Exhib it No. 59
CLASSIFICATION OF SCHOOLS (1)
A. Acco rdi ng to Numbe r op Pup ils Enrolled
Number of Schools
High
Elem.
Urban
Elem.
Rural
Second
Unit
Trade
School
Total
0— 9 pupils.
10— 19 pupils
20— 39 pupils
40— 69 pupils.
70— 99 pupils.
100—199 pupils.
200—299 pupils.
300—499 pupils.
500—999 pupils.
1,000—and over..
3
52
4
6
7
6
2
2
16
24
46
36
49
85
11
724
389
253
29
9
2
25
26
15
746
417
328
97
80
92
13
Total......................... 35 269 1,453 68 I 5 | 1, 830
B. According to Numb er of Teaching Posi tions
1—Teaching Position........ 6
2—Teaching Positions.... 1
3—Teaching Positions..............................
4—6 Teaching Positions... 4
7—10 Teaching Positions.. 4
11—20 Teaching Positions.. 13
21—50 Teaching Positions.. 7
51 and over.......................................................
Total....................... 55 269 1, 453
1,131
291
85
86
89
124
24
(1) Definition of School.—A school for this report is a one-room school employing only one teacher,
or a school of two or more rooms usually housed in the same building, but not necessarily so, and having
a principal or teacher in charge. Therefore, a one-room rural school is one school; a two-room rural
school is one school also, and a second-unit rural school (usually of two or more buildings) is one school
too. When a high school is housed in the same building with an elementary school count them as two
separate schools. In buildings having more than one teacher each room should not be considered a school for
the purpose of this report.
Exhibit No. 60
AGE GRADE DISTRIBUTION OF ENROLLMENT
HIGH SCHOOLS (*)
C. Boys and Girls
Grade
Age Total
10...
11...
12...
13...
14. . .
15...
16...
17. ..
18...
19. ..
20...
21...
22...
23...
24...
25...
26 +
Total....................................................
1
14
129
547
1,262
1,286
787
395
120
41
10
5
4
1
4
87
408
909
898
637
225
95
28
751
16
80
350
662
695
417
159
40
14
10
3
4, 603 3, 305 2,447
18
111
366
587
499
265
81
28
12
3112
14
133
650
1,768
2, 656
2,713
2,314
1,261
560
159
54
31
8
1
3
3
12, 329
Median Age...................................... 14.77 15.77 16.67 17.34 15.85
(*) “Continuation” (part high school) included.
174 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 175
Exhi bi t No . 62
ENROLLMENT BY GRADES
Grade Urban Rural Total Per Cent
1..................................................................................................... 22, 526 46 222 68 748 26 21
2..................................................................................................... H 749 28, 312 43’ 061 16 42
3..................................................................................................... 15, 633 24, 725 40 358 15 39
4..................................................................................................... 15^ 471 16,168 31’ 639 12 06
5..................................................................................................... 13, 489 9, 015 22 504 8 58
6..................................................................................................... 12i 476 5, 528 18 004 6 87
7..................................................................................................... IO-, 517 3 325 13 842 5 28
8..................................................................................................... 9,207 2,568 11’ 775 4 49
9..................................................................................................... 4, 603 4, 603 1 76
10..................................................................................................... 3,305 3 305 1 26
11................................................................................................... 2, 447 2 447 0 93
12..................................................................................................... i; 974 1 974 0.75
Adult Schools............................................................................ 8, 502
Adolescent Schools.................................................................. 7, 503
Total..................................................1..2..6..,. .3..9..7..............1..35,863 278, 265 100.00
■hmi
176 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhi bi t No . 63
NUMBER OF TEACHING POSITIONS
Position by Contract
1. High School..............................................
2. Continuation (181)
a—Academic..........................
b—Manual Tiaining........................
c—Home Economics........................
d—Vocational Home Economics,
e—Agriculture.....................................
3. Principal (Assistant Superintendent)
4. Assistant Principal....................................
5. Teacher of English..................................
6. Continental Teacher of English........
7. Special Teacher of English (100)
a—High School......................
b—Elementary.....................................
8. Physical Education.................................
9. Elementary Urban Teacher (1,402)
a—Academic............................
b—Home Economics.........................
c—Vocational Home Economics.,
d—Manual Training..........................
10. Consolidated Rural Teacher (300)
a—Principal Second Unit...............
b—Academic..........................................
c—Manual Training..........................
11. Teacher of Second Unit (189)
a—Social Worker.................
b—Agriculture......................................
c—Home Economics..........................
d—Vocational Home Economics.,
e—Manual Training..........................
f—Industrial Work.............................
12. Rural Teacher (2,019)
a—Principal Second Unit.
b—Academic..........................................
13. Needlework..................................................
14. Special Teacher, Act 101, (313)
a—High School.....................
b—Agriculture......................................
c—Principal Second Unit................
d—Social Worker................................
e—Industrial Work............................
f—Manual Training...........................
g—Home Economics..........................
h—Academic for Second Unit....
15. Elementary, Act 101, (540)
a—Elementary Urban.......
b—Elementary Rural........................
c—Home Economics..........................
d—Manual Training..........................
e—Physical Education......................
f—Social Work......................................
g—Special..............................................
16. Adult *...........................................................
17. *Adolescent ................................................
Total
Number
Total
Insular Municipal
199 4 203
74 74
38 1 39
26 2 28
41 41
2 2
53 53
97 97
182 182
199 199
41 41
59 59
13 • •• • .............. 13
1, 360 75 1,435
15 15
3 3
24 24
39 39
253 253
8 8
31 31
54 54
39 39
10 10
32 32
23 23
7 7
2,012 30 2,042
5 5
104 104
22 22
22 22
36 36
35 35
28 28
22 22
44 44
183 183
316 316
10 10
10 10
6 6
13 13
2 2
132 132
220 ...................... 220
6,139 117 6,256
*Late afternoon and evening teaching positions most of whose teachers are duplicates.
*
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 177
Exhib it No . 64
PER CAPITA EXPENDITURES
Based on Insular Municipal Total
1. Total Enrollment............................................................ .... $21 50 $4 27 $25 77
2. Average Number Belonging................................................................... 22.62 4 49 27 11
3. Average Daily Attendance..................................................................... 24.23 4.81 29.04
Exhi bi t No. 65
ESTIMATED VALUE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
A. Govern men t Owned
Type of School Sites Buildings Equipment
Total
Estimated
Value
High Schools..............................................
Elementary Urban Schools.................
Elementary Rural Schools..................
Second Unit Rural Schools................
Total Estimated Value.........
$120, 600.00
754,876.69
172,017.37
80, 781.33
$1,548,968.84
5,862,022.01
2,043, 328.31
821,901.54
$224,894.54
723,989.74
308,264.51
100, 884.40
$1,894,463.38
7, 340, 888.44
2,523, 610.19
1,003, 567.27
$1,128,275.39 $10, 276, 220.70 $1, 358, 033.19 $12, 762,529.28-
B. Pri vate Rente d Prop ert y
Type of School Sites Buildings Equipment
Total
Estimated^
Value
High Schools..............................................
Elementary Urban Schools.................
Elementary Rural Schools..................
Second Unit Rural Schools................
Total Estimated Value.........
$4,500.00
74,745.00
72,370.00
26,040.00
$22,250.00
271,520.00
297, 420.00
54,300.00
$4,894.00
29, 874.74
68,792.38
10, 331.44
$31,644.00
376,139.74
438, 582.38
90, 671.44
$177, 655.00 $645,490.00 $113, 892.56 $987,037.56
Exhi bi t No . 66
COMPARATIVE STATEMENT SHOWING THE GROWTH OF THE PUERTO RICO
CIVIL SERVICE
Fiscal Year
Approximate
Number of
Employees in
Classified and
Unclassified
Service
Approximate
Number of
Classified
Employees
Per Cent
of
Classified
Employees
Natives
Non-
Natives
1928-29.................................................. 8, 703 2,754 1929-30.................................................. 31.6 8,517 186 8, 403 2,614 31.1 8, 251 152 1930-31.................................................. 8, 362 2,712 32.4 8, 197 165 1931—32.................................................. 8,814 2,838 32.2 8', 648 166 1932-33.................................................. 8, 914 2,838 31.8 8, 759 155 1933-34.................................................. 8, 965 2,868 31.9 8,817 148 1934-35.................................................. 9,827 2,948 30.0 9, 682 145 1935—36.................................................. ■ 10, 830 3,184 29.4 10, 629 201 1936-37.................................................. 12, 414 3,751 30.2 12i 172 242 1937-38.................................................. 13, 435 4. 067 30.2 13; 069 366
178 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Exhibit No . 67.
(a) NEW INDUSTRIES EXEMPT FROM TAXES PRIOR TO THE
FISCAL YEAR UNDER REVIEW 1937-1938.
Names Kind of Products Manufactured
Alvarez Hnos., San Juan, P. R------------ -—Bodies and tops for motor vehicles.
Appelbee, Frank J., Montclair, N. J_______ Buttons.
Arcelay and Company, Maria Luisa, Mayagiiez,
P. R___________________________ Children’s Garments.
Arecibo Pants Mfg. Co., Arecibo, P. R____ Men’s and Children’s garments.
Armstrong Suers., Ponce, P. R------------------Refrigerating plant for meats and fish.
Artificial Gem Mfg. Co., San Juan, P. R____ .Artificial gems, glass beads and pearls.
Auto Body Corporation, San Juan, P. R._—Bodies and tops for motor vehicles.
Atlantic Ore Company, Juana Diaz, P. R___ Manganese.
Balasquide, Gabino, Penuelas, P. R-------------Preparation of cotton and cotton
goods.
Benet Col6n, Jose, Rio Piedras, P. R_______ Men’s and women’s fabric gloves.
Berrocal, Jos6, San Juan, P. R____________ Mattresses and beds.
Bigas Molins, Juan, Ponce, P. R---------------- Biscuits.
Bird Arias, Jorge, Fajardo, P. R--------------- Hydrated lime, paint and by-products.
Bird Arias, Jorge, Fajardo, P. R--------------- “Blesso” cleanser.
Borinquen Refining Co., San Juan, P. R------ Crude oil, gasoline and by-products.
Borinquen Trunk and Bag Co., San Juan,
P. R_____________________ ______________ Trunks and bags.
Buso Poncio F., Santurce, P. R---------------- Candies.
Catalan Gonzalez y Cia., San Juan, P. R____ Shirts.
Celotex Company, San Juan, P. R-------------Building material made from bagasse
(residue of sugar-cane after the extraction
of the juice).
Colon Raidiris and Co., San Juan, P. R------- Men’s garments.
Collete Mfg. Co., San Juan, P. R-------------- Hair nets.
Compania Curtidora de Puerto Rico, San
Juan, P. R____________________________ Tannery.
Compania Industrial de Aguadilla, Aguadilla,
P. R_________________________ >____Furniture.
Compania Industrial Leon, Inc., Jayuya,
P. R_____________________ ._____________ Umbrellas.
Corona Brewing Corporation, San Juan,
P. R___________________________________ Beer.
Davila y Texidor, San Juan, P. R--------------Drinking Cups.
Del Rio and Company, Pablo, Santurce,
P. R_____________________ ______________ Men’s Garments.
Del Rio, Felix, Santurce, P. R------------------- Neckties.
E. Sole and Co., S. en C., San Juan, P. R---- Bodies and tops for automobiles.
Figueroa & Gautier, San Juan, P. R---------- Bodies and tops for automobiles.
Funtane & Cia., S. en C., Guayama, P. R-----Men’s garments.
Garcia and Company, Inc., Felix, Aguadilla,
P. R._ ______________________________ Furniture.
OF THE GOVERNOR OF PUERTO RICO 179
Names Kind of Products Manufactured
Gatti, Aurele, Guayama, P. R-------------------- Cutting and setting of precious stones.
Gaudier, Martin, Mayaguez, P. R__________ Candies.
Gil Rosio, Pedro, San Juan, P. R.---------------New Advertising Signs.
Gonzalez, Alfonso, Mayaguez, P. R?________Tannery.
Grau Oliver, Pedro, Mayaguez, P. R----------- Soap and polish paste for furniture
and automobiles.
Gutierrez and Co., M., Arecibo, P. R._______Men’s garments.
Hernandez, David, Arecibo, P. R__________ Preparation of ink.
Herrera, Santiago, Mayaguez, P. R_______ Wine.
Industrial Algodonera, Inc., San Juan, P.R—Shirts and Mattresses.
Kerr & Co., John, San Juan, P. R_________ Wine.
Laboratorio Viguie, San Juan, P. R._______Films,
Land and Miskend, Inc., Lares, Mayaguez
and other towns---------------------------------- Silk underwear for women.
Manrique Cartagena, Nicolas, Santurce,
P. R---------------------------------------------------- Shoes.
Margarida, Jose, & Co., San Juan, P. R.___ Furniture.
Margarida, Rafael, & Co., San Juan, P, R.___Furniture.
Miranda Hermanos, San Juan, P.R._______Men’s garments
Mendez, Tomas, San Juan, P.R------------------steel beds, infants’ beds and frames
for same. ,
Nin, Inc., Salvador R., Santurce, P. R.______Curtains.
Nelson, Adrian, San Juan, P. R.--------------- Bodies and tops for motor vehicles.
Noble Gonzalez, Jose, Vega Baja, P. R_____ Candies.
Novas Mattress, Inc., San Juan, P. R______ Mattresses.
Oliver, Andres, Arecibo, P. R____ __________ Cement Tiles.
Oliver Aresti, Manuel, Arecibo, P.R----------Dehydrated fruits.
Ongay Garage and Radio Co., Inc., Bayam6n,
P. R---------------------------------------------Storage Batteries, etc.
Pan American Match, Inc., San Juan, P. R.__Matches.
Parkhurst Fruit Co., Bayamon, P. R----------- Canned grapefruits.
Parsi, Juan J., San Juan, P. R___________ Milk Caps.
Piza, Pedro, San Juan, P. R---------------------- Bodies and tops for motor vehicles.
Polo Norte, Inc., San Juan, P. R---------------- Refreshments by special chemical process.
Ponee Milk Products, Ponce, P.R.--------------Pasteurized milk and cheese.
Porto Rico Clay Works, Inc., Rio Piedras,
P. R----------------------------------------------------- Quarrytiles, drain pipes, hollow partition
blocks, face bricks.
Porto Rico Container Co., San Juan, P. R.-----Manufacture of containers.
P. R. Distilling Co., Arecibo, P.R.---------- Special combustible for motor vehicles
(alcomotor).
P. R. Distilling Co., Arecibo, P. R_______Animal food.
P. R. Distilling Co., Arecibo, P.R---------- Insecticide (kereside).
Porto Rico Hats Manufacturing Co., San
Juan, P. R--------------------------------------------Hats.
180 THIRTY-EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Names Kind of Products Manufactured
P. R. Products Co., San Juan, P. R------------Cotton seed oil and cocoanut oil.
P. R. Dairy, Inc., San Juan, P. R--------------Pasteurization of milk and cheese
making.
Porto Rico Shirts Co., Mayaguez, P. R_____ Shjrts, collars and cuffs.
Ramirez de Arellano, Sergio, San Juan,
P. R---------------------------------------- ------------ Refrigerating plant.
Ramirez, David, San Juan, P. R__________Oxygen.
Ramirez, David, San Juan, P. R__________Acetylene Gas.
Ramos, Angel, San Juan, P. R________ _____Paper bags and wrapping paper.
Real Hermanos, Inc., San Juan, P. R_____ Special Lithographic Process.
Rodriguez, Constantino, San Juan, P. R____ Stationery and note books.
Rodriguez, Elisa, Ponce, P. R_____________Women’s Underwear.
Rodriguez, Francisco, San Juan, P. R.______Men’g Garments.
Rodriguez & Cia., San Juan, P. R________ _Men’s garments, pillows and sheets.
Rovira, Tomas Joaquin, Guayama, P. R____ Children’s garments.
Santamaria, J. R., Bayam6n, P. R------------ Oxygen.
Serralles, Suers, de J., Ponce, P. R------------ Refining of sugar by special process.
Smallwood, Thomas H., San Juan, P. R____ Bodies, chassis and tops for motor
vehicles.
Solivellas & Co., Yauco, P. R______________Chocolate.
Sues, de Blanes, Inc., Mayaguez, P. R_____ Shirts.
Sues, de F. Bages & Co., Mayaguez, P. R___ Men’s garments.
Sunnyside Poultry Farm, Inc., San Juan,
P. R__________________________ .________Poultry.
The Fajardo Confectionery Co. of P. R.,
Fajardo, P. R--- .------------------------------- Candies.
The Hills Brothers Company of P. R., Rio
Piedras, P. R__________________________ Canned fruits and vegetables.
The National Hat Co., Vega Alta, P. R------ Hats.
Tropical City Ice Co., Inc., Ponce, P. R____ Candies.
Universal Furniture Mfg. Co., San Juan,
P. R___________________________________ Furniture.
Vidal Alvarez & -Cia., Ponce, P. R_________ Men’s garments.
Villar e Hijos., M., S. en C., Utuado, P. R-----Soap and leather polish.
Vivaldi & Arbona, Mayaguez, P. R__ ________ Underwear for men and children.
West India Machinery and Supply Co.,
San Juan, P. R_______________________ Bodies and tops for motor vehicles.
Worms, Ralph, Santurce, P. R------------------- Artificial Pearls.
(a) NEW INDUSTRIES EXEMPT FROM TAXES DURING THE
FISCAL YEAR 1937-1938.
Puerto Rico Mills, Inc., San Juan, P. R------ Silk hosiery.


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