New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-02
REFORMS FOR PORTO RICO.
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE IN
sULAR COMMISSION.

Washington. June 1.-The Insular Commission
appointed by the War Department to investigate
affairs in Porto Rico and to report on all matters
relating 10 currency. laws, taxation, JUDICIARY pun
lie improvements, education and civil aHars gen
orally has made a unanimous report to the Secre-
tary OF War. The report takes UP the quesuohs
separately. discusses them at considerable length
and makes recommendations The Commissioners
say that all classes and conditions OF the foi'o
Rican population ready and willing 10 aceeP'
American institutions and to be content Win 'iein'
and In general they recommend the Establishment
OF such laws. general district and MUNICIPAL 90
will give TO the people Of Porto Rico Substantially
the same protection and laws wnlcn are en'o'eN ~
the people OF the United States
In regard TO the financial condison OF the coun-
try the report says that II is largely the ouIslo"
OF Spanish institutions. The currency amounts "
about 81 600 900. larger sum than was IN circuia-
ton before the American occupation II recon-
mends that the Spanish bank bills be redeemed ana
that the bank be longer permitted 70 issue cur
rency also that as soon possible the Porto hicah
money now in circulation be suppanted by United
States currency and that the exchange DC maze
at the expense OF the Island
In regard to concessions and franchises the Com
mission recommends such generous settlement
of this question will give TO Porto Rico every
opportunity for advancement and improvement ana
encourage the investment OF moneys IN the way VI
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 'he
island and all to be under Government control all
such concessions 10 be granted only after proper
advertisement in newspapers in Porto Rico and the
United States and then sold to the highest bidder
at public sale all be subject to the control OF the
government o. the island. and all FRANCHISES ~
granted TO be regulated and directed for the dement,
OF the people" -
MANI OF the people are represented to be living
+ba
ceremonies under the old system were so great tha
they could not afford secure the necessary per-
mts In consequence Of this condition OF aHars
II is urged that the marriage and divorce laws OF
the island be at once reformed .
II recommends the establishment in the Island OF
the public school system of the United states ana
that the English language be taught in the schoois
competent teachers 10 be employed and the schooi
fund to be kept separate. 1t says that the chdreh
are bright unusually apt and quick to learn ana ex
ANXIOUS az they vii quickly prove
their ability to profit by the adVantages gwen i, ~
them and within a reasonable time Will snow 10 tne
world that Porto Rico Is not unworthy TO be con-
sldered part Of the United states
Recommendation Is made that there snail pc d
complete separation of Church and State, and all
property including cemeteries, purchased with pup
lie money shall be declared properly VI arc te ned for
religious services exclusively, which are allowed to
run IN tne TFed taat public be
lished under the exclusive control OF the authoi-
OF the dead be prohibited forever except und a
proper health regulations or for repurlai py irlnus
Rerommendatio1 is made for a thorough reform
Of the judicial system Of the island on American
lines The division of the country mo 9s s
like the counties in the States OF the united oa'es
Is also suggested l., 49,
The Commissioners recognize vested rights IN tne
island and recommend that they be protected An
other American method recommended for adoption
is that for recording deeds. the present system
being cumbersome and expensive. Otner RECON-
mendations are as follows Better postal facilities
the maintenance OF the postal and military tele-
granh as part OF the postal system. and that an
early census OF the people be taken The Commits
soners deny the reports OF starvation IN me isano
and say that while the people are poor there is no
danger OF starvation. as the island Is so rich and
produces much tropical fruit OF al KINDS that 1t
Is almost Impossible TO starve the inhabitants