The evening times., 1899-11-01

Some important recommendations for the
| future government of Porto Rico are given
in the report issued late yesterday after
noon by Brig. Gen. George W. Davis. the
mary Of which appeared in the Times. Gen.
eral Davis also gives some interesting in
formation as to the business relations OF
the island with the United States. In part
General Davis says:
Trade relations with the United States
are Of prime Importance. Formerly Porto
Rican products found their way to Spanish
and Cuban markets, both Of which have
been practically cut on. Any reform that
would tend to develop trade with the
United States would be OF benefit to the
island.
"A market for sugar, coffee, and tobac-
CO is indispensable. Next in order of i'm
portance is the Improvement or making of
roads from the interior to the coast, by
which the products of the island may be
transported cheaply to seaports.
Around the island we have as ports of
entry San Juan, Arecibo, Aguadilla, May
aguez, Guanica. Ponce. Arroyo, Humacao,
and Fajardo. These should be connected
by good roads and from these roads others
should be built to the agricultural high
lands in the interior. BY such a system OF
communication the producer would be en-
abled to reach a port always with an ex-
treme distance Of about thirty miles.
A Reduction of Duties.
"a reduction of the duties on Porto
Rican products entering the United States,
and also on some American products .nter-
ing Porto Rico. would facilitate the de-
velopment OF trade relations with the
United States.
1T would have. for its first effect, a
greatly increased production of all the
principal commodities, and this would give
employment to more people, increase
wages, and consequently enable them to
better meet the expenses OF the govern
ment and develop its capabilities. By a
removal OF the duty on Porto Rican sugar
in the United States. its output would be
more than doubled. while corresponding
increase would doubtless take place in the
coffee and tobacco output.
1T would also be advantageous to re-
move the existing duty In Porto Rico on
machinery and repair parts that are used
in the production of these articles. Lum-
ber is also an article OF prime necessity.
together with materials used in the con-
struction of dwellings, =.
vi llupOI upon GER
tain articles OF consumption such as cod
fish. rice. etc, will not, under the exist
ing conditions OF retail trade, much di-
minish the price to the consumer. for the
present duty is very low, and the small
amounts usually purchased at one time by
the consumer. deprives him OF material
benefit. On the other hand. the necessary
revenue might be obtained by increased
duties on all articles of luxury and increas-
ing the excise tax. especially on rum.
In order to promote closer relations
between Porto Rico and the United States
and thus bring about increased trade. it
would be wise to reduce the present pos
tai rates and make them the same as the
United States domestic rates, thereby IA
cilitating correspondence and increasing
the familiarity OF the Porto ,Ricans with
the United States, and its manufactures TO
the people. following in this respect ex-
isting postal regulations between Canada
and Mexico with the United States.
"Once a market for the produce OF the
island is found, capital will be needed for
the development of its resources. and this
capital will then be forthcoming by loans
which will be comparatively easy to nego-
tiate because of increased security.
1T is stated that about one-half of the
$500, 900 pesos Of the present circulation
is in the hands Of individuals and the other
half in banks. This currency should be
withdrawn and United States currency sub
stituted. so as to facilitate as much as pos
sible our trade relations with this island.
The Islands Water Power.
Attention is called to the possibility Of
developing the water power of the island.
which is very large and valuable. The
constant and abundant rainfall throughout
the year supplies the river, the mouths of
which are advantageously distributed at
comparatively equal intervals around the
island.
1T is believed that the above sugges-
tions, il approved, will tend to promote
the welfare of the island, and that the
revenues necessary for the expenses of the
government will be easily obtained through
an increase Of duty upon articles of lux
ury and by an increased excise tax upon
rum and tobacco
Taxation Not Adjusted.
In speaking of the system of taxation in
vogue the report says: i,-
"A complete system of taxation of the
island has not yet been adjusted, but that
relating to real estate has been fixed. The
tax on industry and commerce 0iquor, to-
bacco. etc. is now being adjusted. One
half of the land tax is paid to the insular
treasury and the other half to the district
or municipality, each of these halves being
paid respectively at the Offices of the COL
iectors of internal revenues and at the de-
positories of the Districts
In referring to the susceptibility of the
Porto Ricans to American rule, General
Davis says:
This capacity and these conditions can
be developed only under a system which
will wisely control, guide, and support
them until they attain sufficient vigor to
support and control themselves. Such
system is found in the military control now
''If this government is prematurely with
drawn and territorial! form of govern
ment placed in control as has been suggest
ed in some quarters 1t would, in my
Judgment, be the most unfortunate meas
ure that could possibly befall the island.
Under the present system and the further
reforms now under consideration by the
department. commander, every administra-
tive department or bureau will have the |
benefit of American influence and advice. |
Under a territorial system this leaven |
would be wanting, the legislature would |
consist exclusively Of Porto Ricans. and |
the laws, the courts, the bar, and the in |
stitutions, and customs of the country |
would remain for an Indefinite period |
Spanish and un- American.