rections.

(7) Aguadilla to San Sebastian, 18.

(8) Arecibo to Utuado, 33.

Highways of first class in the island, 335 kilometers.

Along these roads are, at a distance of 8 to 10 kilometers, a fort,
stone, and brick barracks, or large buildings, where the Spanish
troops stop and rest when on the march.

Railroads.--In 1878 a report was presented to the minister of the
colonies on a study made by the engineer and head of public works of
the island in view of constructing a railroad which should start from
the capital and, passing through all the chief towns and through the
whole island, return to the point of departure.

Of this railroad the following parts have been completed: San Juan,
along the coast through Rio Piedras, Bayamon, Dorado, Arecibo, and
Hatillo, to Camuy; Aguadilla, through Aguado, Rincon, Anasco, and
Mayaguez, to Hornigueros. A branch of this railroad from Anasco,
through San Sebastian, to Lares. Ponce, through Guayanilla, to
Yauco. This latter railroad follows the southern coast line and
is followed by a wagon road throughout its course. In one place
the railroad and road run within a few hundred yards of the coast
line. According to the Statesman's Year Book for 1898 there are
in operation 137 miles of railroad, besides over 170 miles under
construction.

All the railroads are single track, and the gauge is 1 meter 20
centimeters, or 3 feet 11 1/4 inches.

The following are the railways of 1-meter gauge:

(1) San Juan to Rio Piedras, 11 kilometers. (2) Catano to Bayamon,
10 kilometers. (3) Anasco to San Sebastian and Lares, 35 kilometers.

Total of three lines, 56 kilometers.

The lines are all in good shape; have plenty of engines and cars;
speed, 20 kilometers per hour; use coal for fuel imported from the
United States; supply usually large, may be small now; hard coal;
fine stations; plenty of water, and everything in shape for business.

Telegraphs.--The capital communicates with the principal towns of the
coast and interior by means of a well-connected telegraph system. There
are in all some 470 miles of telegraph.

Telephones.--The British Consular Report says that the telephone system
of San Juan, Ponce, and Mayaguez have recently been contracted for
by local syndicates. In Ponce a United States company obtained the
contract for the material. There are 100 stations already connected,
and it is expected that 200 more will be in operation shortly.

Administration.--From an admi