Special Message

To the Senate and House of Representatives:

Referring to section 32 of the act approved April 12, 1900, entitled "An act temporarily to provide revenues and a civil government for Porto Rico, and for other purposes," I transmit herewith an ordinance enacted by the executive council of Porto Rico on April 2, 1904, authorizing the transfer to the Ponce and Guayama Railroad Company of the franchise, rights, and exemptions granted to the "Compania de los Ferrocarriles de Puerto Rico" for the construction and maintenance of a railway between Ponce and Guayama, and also the transfer and assignment of such franchise, rights, and exemptions from the American Railroad Company of Porto Rico Central Aguirre Operator to the said Ponce and Guayama Railroad Company.

This ordinance was approved by the President of the United States on May 2, 1904, subject to qualification.

Attention is invited to the accompanying report of the Secretary of State.

THEODORE ROOSEVELT.