The Pittsburgh Press (February 14, 1946)
Tugwell wants liberal successor
Says goodbye to island legislature
By John A. Thale
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Gov. Rexford Guy Tugwell, former Roosevelt brain-truster, said yesterday in a farewell address to the insular legislature that it would be a “tragedy” if he were replaced by a governor hostile to the “unique” political or economic system now in operation.
He expressed the opinion, however, that President Truman is not likely to choose, if it is left to him, a governor who will undo all the work “so well begun in these recent years.”
Predicting continued liberal rule, he told the island legislators that they had made Puerto Rico “something unique in the world.” He expressed regret that he would not be here to sec the plan developed.
“I had hoped to see through the inevitable attacks of the reactionaries on the government corporations set up to carry out the economic program,” he said.
“I realize that it would be a tragedy if either, through appointment or election, there should be a governor at La Fortaleza (the governor’s office) during the next few years hostile to either the political or economic change.”
Mr. Tugwell expects to leave in mid-June to take a post in the University of Chicago. Legislation, now in Congress, proposes that the Puerto Ricans elect the next governor. If the bill is not passed by the time Mr. Tugwell leaves, President Truman will appoint a successor in the usual manner.
Mr. Tugwell warned that the island’s main industry, sugar, was bound to suffer during the post-war years. For the time being, he said, “I can see no recourse except special appeals for aid from the federal government.”
The governor’s message to the Legislature opened a special three-week session. It included recommendations for strengthening and continuing government projects in transportation, land, water resources, communications, reform of the penal system and other matters.