Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-12
Political Conditions in Porto Rico
Discussed.
PETITIONS FROM 4HE CITIZEN
Plan of Government Proposed by
the President.
P PHILIPPlNE AMPAIGN

The cabinet meeting today was devoted
almost wholly to the discussion of the polit-
ical and financial conditions in Porto Rico
The matter was brought up by Secretary
Root, who stated that communication had
been received from the governor general Of
the island inclosing petitions from citizens
of the island describing the situation and
asking for action by Congress which would
determine their political status and rela-
ton to the United States. 1t was repre-
sented in these papers that while the island
belongs to the United States and the people
are living under Its sovereignty the country
has no status whatever. The island was in
a state of profound peace and stagnation
and in the opinion of prominent citizens
something should be done to relieve the
unsatisfactory condition of things. While
the island itself had no public debt, yet the
planters, as a rule, were heavily involved.
NO money was coming into the country for
investment, and altogether the situation
was not calculated TO foster trade or COM
merce.
The Secretary of War shares the views
of the governor general and people and is
extremely desirous that Congress shall take
early action to secure to the islanders
stable and agreeable form of government.
A Plan of Government.
1t is understood that the President and all
the members of the cabinet are in favor of
giving to the Porto Ricans a form of gov
ernment similar to that given to Louisiana
at the time of the purchase of that terri
tory from the French in 1903. This form of
government was planned by President JEFF
ferson. 1t authorized the President to ap-
point governor for the territory, and at
the same time authorized him to appoint a
number of prominent citizens of the coun-
Try VINO acting together. were empowered
to legislate for the territory. The governor
mad the veto power, and his acts, in turn.
were subject to review by the President of
the United States 1t is not altogether i'm
probable that the President will send mes
sage to Congress reviewing the situation in
Porto Rico and asking that measures be
taken to bring about a satisfactory state of
affairs in the island. 1t may be, however
that nothing will be done until after COM
mittees have been appointed and Congress
gets well down TO work
No Closing Thursday.
The President laid before the cabinet the
request made that the President close the
departments on the day OF. the Washing
ton celebration at Mt. Vernon. The cabi-
net quickly decided that it would not be
advisable to bring about the closing
Campaign in the Philippines.
The cabinet again talked over the cam
paign in the Philippines, reading some of
the telesrans of recent receipt from Gen.
Otis. The adminstrati ton, it is stated, is
fully satisfied with the way Gen. Otis is
conducting the fighting.
Want Departments Closed.
Senator Martin of Virginia, r. T. W.
Duke, jr., Maj. II. R. Courtney and Col. NJ.
NJ. Parker of this city conferred with the
President this morning about The Masonic
celebration Thursday at the tomb of Wash
ington Mr. Duke Is the grand master of
the Virginia Masons and will be in charge
of the celebration. After the brief address
of President Mckinley, Mr.. Duke will make
the leading address of the day.
The delegation made request that Pres
ident Mckinley close the executive depart
ments Thursday and pointed out the ma
tional scope of the celebration. The Pres
ident said he would take the matter under
advisenent, but it is not believed an order
will be issued.