Page:Statesman's Year-Book 1913.djvu/707

 GUAM OQD

GUAM

The Island of Guam situated at the southern extremity of the Marianas Arcliipelago, is the largest island of that group. It was ceded by Spain to the United States in 1898 and, having a convenient harbour, it is now used as a United States naval station. The length of the island is 32 miles, the breadth from 4 to 10 miles, and the area about 210 square miles. The capital is Agaua (5 miles distant from Apra Harbour). The number of inhabitants on June 30, 1912, was: native, 12,139; foreign, inclading members of the naval establishment, 378 (American, European, Chinese, and Japanese); total, 12,517. The native language contains Chamorro and Tagal words, but Spanish is also spoken, and the use of English is compulsory.

The Commandant of the naval station is also, by appointment of the President, Governor of the island. The judiciary svstem comprises one Island Court for the trial of all cases, criminal and civil, and one Court of Appeals. The Spanish Colonial laws, modified by executive general orders issued as necessary by the Governor, are in force.

There are 1,560 children from 6 to 12 years of age and a compulsory school system is now in operation, both in Agafia and in the \Tllages. The children are taught in English, and learn also carpentry and other handicrafts. An a'^aicultural experimental station has been established, supported by Federal appropriations.

Public works are being carried out, new roads constructed, and old ones kept in good condition. The Federal Government has provided water supply systems "for the naval station and t!ie ca])ital, Agana, a town of more than 7,000 inhabitants, and for the village of Piti, the landing place. The Insular Government has installed water supply systems in the villages of Sinajana, Ynarajan, Merizo, Umata, and Asan. These furnish a plentiful supply of good, wholesome water. Extensions into the other villages are contemplated. The U.S. Naval Hospital comprises three commodious buildings, of which two are in operation and the third (for gangosa and other special patients) completed. The station is equipped with a wireless telegraph plant. Electric lighting is installed in the city of Agana, and ice is distributed to those desiring it. The harbour is beiiig improved. Since April, 1905, the_ island has been in telegraphic communication with Yap in the Carolines, Manila, the Bonin Islands, San Francisco, and with Menado in Celebes and thus with the eastern telegraphic system. The telephone is in operation between Agana and the outlying villages. There is a month'y mail service per U.S. army transports, from San Francisco, via Honolulu, and to Manila. Japanese schooners ply their trade between Japan, via Saipan, and to Guam.

The products of the island are maize, copra, rice, sweet potatoes, coffee, cocoa, and sugar, besides valuable timber. There are about 5,000 head of cattle, including 800 water buffaloes. The imports into the island in the year ending June 30, 1912, amounted to 129,449 dollars, and the exports to 60,674 dollars, all for copra.

The official currency is that of the United States. Governor. — Captain R. E. Coontz, U.S. Navy.