The people seemed, indeed, to have no desire for independence, and public sentiment in the United States generally favored the permanent possession of the island.

After a period of rule entirely at the discretion of the President, Congress established in 1900 a form of government based on that of the American territories.

Porto Rico remained, however, unincorporated into the Union, and it was long doubtful whether it would remain a dependency or would ultimately attain statehood.

In 1917, however, the degree of self-government was increased, and the inhabitants were made American citizens.

It now seems probable that the island will ultimately become a State of the Union.
Meanwhile on the other side of the world the United States had a more unpleasant task.