The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-06-03
PORTO RlcAN AFFAIRS,
Recommendations Made by the Insular
Commission

Washington, June 2.-The insular COM
mission appointed by the war department
to investigate the affairs of Porto Rico
and report upon all matters relative to
currency laws, Judiciary taxation, public
improvements, education and civil affairs
generally, has made a report to the Sec
rotary of war. The commissioners say
that all classes and conditions of the
Porto Rican population are ready and
willing to accept American institutions
and to be content with them and in
general, they recommend the establish
ment of such laws, general. district and
municipal, as will give to the people of
Porto Rico substantially the same pro-
lection and the same laws which are now
enjoyed by the people of the United
States.
The report discusses the financial con-
dition of the country and says that it is
largely the outgrowth of Spanish nstitu-
tons. The currency amounts to about
81 100000, a larger sum than was in cir
culation prior to American occupation.
The report recommends that the Spanish
bank bills be redeemed and that the bank
be no longer permitted to issue currency
1t also recommends that as soon as posi-
BILE the Porto Rican money which is now
in circulation be supplanted by United
States currency and that the exchange
be made at the expense of Porto Rico.
Inc commission cOnSiQerS at some
length the question of concessions and
franchises and recommends such a gen
erous settlement of the financial question
as will give to Porto Rico every opportl-
nifty for advancement and Improvement
and encourage the investment of moneys
in the way of building railroads and other
public improvements of all kinds, all to
be regulated in such manner as shall
be to the best interest of the people Of the
al a q nd a tn he m ant
control. all such concessions to be granted
only after proper advertisement in news
papers in Porto Rico and the United
States. then sold to the highest bidder
al public sale, all to be subject to the con-
troll OF the government of tie island and
all franchises so granted to be regu-
lated in the interest of the people"
1t is recommended that the marriage
and divorce laws of the island be rene
died so as to make re-marriages compul-
sorry to REQUIRE husband and wife and
those now living together to make record
of their ,cohabtation and legitma tizing all
such living together.
The report recommends the establish
ment in the island of the public school
system of the United States. Recommen-
alton is made that there shall be Il com
plete separation of church and sta,e and
all property. Recommendation is made
for a thorough reform of the judicial sys-
tenn of the island along American lires.
The division of the country into districts
similar to those of counties in the states
Of the United States is suggested. The
commissioners recognize vested rights in
the island and recommend that they be
protected.
Another American method referred to Is
that for the recording of deeds, the pres
ent system being very cumbersome and
expensive. Other recommendations are as
follows: Better postal facilities, the
maintenance of the postal and military
telegraph in the island as part of the
postal system; that an early census of the
island be taken.