New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-30
CHANGES IN PORTO RICO.
COMMISSIONERS VIEWS OF NEEDS IN
THE ISLAND.
COMPLETE CHANGE IN JUDICIARY SYSTEM
PROPOSED-EATON'S POLICY OF EDO-
CATION CRITICISED - HENRY
OPPOSES THE PLANS.

San Juan de Porto Rico April 1s.-Messrs Ken
nedy and Curtis. of the lnsular Commission. VINO
sailed to-day though they declined to Indicate
what their report would be spoke freely in gen
oral way Of their work They had visited every
part OF the island and given much attention TO
local conditions They said they were highly
pleased with the island. and believed 1t possessed
almost illimitsbe agricultural and commercial
possibilities. Its climate they consider unsurpassed
It's people they have found 'law-abiding and in
telligent." Messrs. Kennedy and Curtis, however
are firmly convinced that what is needed here is "a
strong policy Of immediate and almost peremptory
colonial ton" They contend that the only way to
accomplish the AmericaniZation OF the island is by
the Immediate introduction Of Americans in office
and the introduction of American methods In every
department.
In judicial matters they favor a complete change.
They have been quoted saying that the Porto
Rican judicial system is bad and its administration
corrupt. They have not hesltated to critcise the
Supreme Court. claiming that the tribunal is dila
tory in the trial OF and that its methods are
they visited one Of the sessions Of the court and
held a conference at the close with the judges.
appointed to administer the laws here The Porto
Rican Judges replied that, nasmuch as the Amer
its language il would be Impossible for them to
discharge judicial duties effectively Thereupon, 1t
favor of establishing an entirely new system Of
law and of appointing American judges.
OPPOSITION TO PLANS.
These views OF the Insular Commissioners created
considerable friction. The Supreme Court and the
Secretary of Justice addressed to the Military Gov
ernor communication in the nature of a complaint
at what they called "the unwarranted interference
of the Commission" In this address they recited
that the main body of law in vogue in Porto Rico
was well adapted 10 the sla nd and its people and
that II represented the experience and wisdom Of
the ablest judicial minds, both here and In Spain.
fharo were
ticulary in the administration OF the criminal law.
the iais Of lesay detained prisoners and IN
pairing law for the establishment OF habeas
American practice. He nveighed however, against
the appointment for the present 81 least Of Amer;
defence Of the Island judiciary.
General Henry informed the Commissioners that
II they favored the displacement OF Porto Ricans
and a radical change in the government. he
Numerically opposed to their programme He
not in that way. The Commissioners maintained
their position. insisting that the judicial system
source OF corruption.
AMERICAN TEACHERS WANTED
In the matter OF education the Commissioners
criticised the system established by General Eaton
They believe in the appointment of experienced
and active American teachers They say II will
be impossible to teach to Porto Ricans the AmerI-
can language and American ways by the present
The system of taxation recently adopted came in
the Commissioners who expressed themselves as
favorng the immediate application Of the American
system OF taxation by an assessment according 10
values. alleging that the present method Is COM
pcated and unjust
Long before the Commissioners departed the
knowledge that they held these opinions had
aroused an unfriendly spirit regarding them among
the influential islanders. In General Henry's reply
to the address Of the Secretary OF Justice and the
members OF the Supreme Court, above referred TO-
he said: THE Insilar Commission does not seem
10 have left a good impression here"
Nevertheless a large number OF Americans here
cordially ndorse the Views OF the Commissioners
particularly with reference 10 the appointment OF
Americans office. II is quite evident that GA ch
side has its adherents. The Porto Rcans IA a
rule, support General Henry. while large element
OF the American colony supports the Commission