United States Passport – Island of Puerto Rico

United States Passport – Island of Puerto Rico 1926
Issued 1926 in the city of San Juan to Mario Brau, brother of Puerto Rican official historian Salvadore Brau. Signed by Acting Governor Bulle and Governor Horace Mann Towner, who renewed his passport in 1927, valid till 1928. The passport has a visa for Venezuela including a revenue stamp. The passport pictures show Brau in a full-body picture, which is also unusual. The condition of the large folio document is excellent besides the usual wear. In 1898, Puerto Rico became a colonial possession of the United States after the Spanish–American War under the Treaty of Paris.

Horace Mann Towner (Oct 23, 1855 – Nov 23, 1937)

served over six terms as a Republican United States Representative from Iowa’s 8th congressional district, and six years as the appointed Governor of Puerto Rico. In an era in which the federal government’s role in health and education was small, he was an early leader of efforts to expand that role.

During his congressional service, Towner was chairman for four years of the United States House Committee on Insular Affairs, a committee with oversight responsibility for protectorates and territories. In early 1923, President Warren G. Harding appointed Towner Governor of Puerto Rico, a post he held until September 29, 1929. His incumbency was characterized by the construction of a high number of public works projects, such as the system of aqueducts in various sectors, the irrigation system in Isabela, the School of Tropical Medicine building in Puerta de Tierra and the penitentiary. He also implemented a retirement law for public employees and a new tax law.

Towner resumed the practice of law in Corning, until his death on November 23, 1937. He was interred in Walnut Grove Cemetery. He is the namesake of Horace Mann Towner Primary School in Comerío, Puerto Rico.

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