The times., 1899-06-02
CONDITIONS IN PORTO RICO.
The Insuiar Commission Presents n.
Reuorf


The Insular Commission appointed by
the War Department to investigate anairs
in Porto Rico and to report upon all mat
ters relating to currency. laws. taxation.
Judiciary. public Improvements, education.
and civil affairs generally. has made its
report to the Secretary OF War.
The report speaks of the people OF Porto
Rico and their loyalty and devotion to
their new country. and that they are very
solieitous to become and be regarded IS a
part thereof. All classes ami conditions
are ready and willing to accept American
institutions. The population Is estimated
at from 500. 900 TO 100000.
While the people are poor, there Is no
danger OF starvation, as Porto Rico is SO
rich and produces SO much tropical fruit
OF all kinds.
The present civil government OF the ISL
and is largely a continuation OF the old
civil government under Spanish rule.
The Commission reports that il is too elab-
crate. expensive. and complicated 10 be
continued. and will recommend new sys-
tenn more after the forms OF those in the
United States.
The report discusses the question of a.
nance and the financial conditions of the
country, and says that it is largely the
growth Of Spanish institutions. The cur
rency OF the country consists OF S5.5O0.0
in Porto Rico silver in circulation. and
about ST. 100 COO in Spanish bank bills. To
! this there has been added by reason OF
payments to United States soldiers. visit
ors. and investors. perhaps S5.ee0,000 more.
The Commission recommends that the
Spanish bank bills be redeemed. and
that the bank be no longer permitted to
issue currency. Ii recommends that as soon
as possible the Porto Rican money which
is now in circulation be supplanted by
! 81. ~
, change be made at the expense of Porto
Rico. 1t says that the double standard
upon which business is now conducted in
Porto Rico, or two standards. one based
upon the American dollar and the other
on the Porto Rican peso, disturbs busi-
ness and makes confusion In all kinds of
trade.
The report advises a division OF the
country into districts corresponding with
counties in the United States. with local
self government and district officers for
the assessment and the collection OF taxes
and for the management OF local affairs.
all TO be regulated BY laws which shall
require careful estimates and judcious ex-
penditures after the system now prevail
ing in the United States.
Ii discusses the question of concessions
and franchises and recommends such
generous settlement of this question as
VIII give f-OFtO fSiCO every
advancement and Improvement
The Commission makes long report
about the prisons Of the island and gives
particular statements concerning some OF
them and especially as to the prisoners
confined there, showing that in the jails
of Porto Rico there were at the time Of
their visit nearly 2.e00 men awaiting trial
for crimes some of the most Insignificant
character The system of courts which Is
to be adopted is for the purpose Of reliev-
ing the congested condition of affairs and
freeing the people from the enormous bur
den of taxation which is necessary for the
purpose of caring for and feeding such a
great number of prisoners in the public
jails.
The Commission recognizes vested rights
in the island and proposes methods to care
for and maintain them.
The Commission recommends the enact
ment OF such laws as will give to the
people of Porto Rico substantially the
same protection which is now enjoyed by
the people of the United States.