The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1899-06-06
Report of the Insular
Commission.
AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS
Desired by all Ciasse. OF Population.
The Commission Recommend civtas
the People the Same LAW. and Pro-
lection, Substantially as These OFT his
Country-Nouce to Holder Of Revo.
iuuonary Land ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
rioi.ter to he Presented Saturday.

Washington, June 1.-The secretary
OF the interior is preparing TO give no
tice 10 the holders or owners OF out
standing military land warrants issued
by the state OF Virginia for military
services during the revolutionary wsr.
OF the action OF congress al the last
session, limiting the payment OF the
warrants 20 the cext twelve morths-
A large number OF these warrants we're
issued 10 soldiers and seamen. and the
national government assumed thei.
payment, by agreeing 10 exchaaga pub
lie land scrip for them at the rate OF
sl.25 per acre. Many have been pre-
tsented in past years, but there is still
an indefinite number outstanding. In
der the terms OF the new law, II they
are presented TO tns secretary before
the 3rd OF March, 1900, land scrip will
be given for them. IL not presented with
in that time they will be considered
cancelled.
REPORT ON AFFAIRS IN PORTO
RICO.
The insular commission appointed by
the war department TO investigate the
affairs Of Porto Rico and to report upon
all matters relating TO currency, laws.
taxation, judiciary, public improve
ments, education and civilian affairs
generally has made a unanimous report
to the secretary OF war.
The report takes up the questions
separately, discussing them at consid-
erabel length and makes recommended
tions upon them. The commission says
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
mum ;ipal, as will give to the people
OF Porto Rico substantially the same
protection and the same laws which are
now enjoyed by the people OF the Unit
ed States.
The commissioners take occasion to
say that the reports concerning star
walton on the island are without foun-
dation, n they say that, while the
people are poor, there Is no danger of
starvation, as the island Is SO rich and
produces so much tropical fruit OF all
kinds 1t is almost impossible TO starve
a people in such a place.
THE SPANISH MINISTER.
Duke d'Arcos, the new Spanish min
lister, today talked In an informal man
ner OF his plans, official and personal.
AS to the treaties he said: There Is
no purpose, so far as / know, TO take
up the matter Of new treaties at once.
At least | have given it no considera-
ton thus far, and | do not know that
either OF the governments has outlined
its plans. OF course there will be need
OF new treaties, of naviga-
ton, extradition and the like, but IL re-
mains to be determined what they will
be and when they will be taken up."
Duke dArcos says the only selections
made thus far are Senior Nevarro al
consul general at New York city and
Senior Petinto, as consul at New Or
leans.
Speaking generally Duke d'Arcos
s he was glad to come back to Amer
lea for, Notwithstanding all that had
occurred, he was still an admirer OF
this country, its people and its institu-
lions.
Arr 'ngements were made for the pre-
sentation OF the minister TO President
Mckinley on Saturday next at II a. m.
If possible Mr.. Storer will be received
in Madrid at the same time.