The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-08-09
TO ANNEX PORTO RICO.
The President viii Recommend immediate
Action to Congress
A TERRITORIAL FORM OF GOVERNMENT
IL to be Tried in the Island, 1t Is
said--Frec Trade Ia to lie Els
tab1ishcd.
Especial to The Post.)

Washington, Auguet SIN his annual
message to congress next December Pres
ident Mckinley will recommend the earl,
annexation of Porto Rico to the United
States. Furthermore, he VIII suggest tina,
civil government for the little island
talk the place of the military form Of
rule now maintained there. The problem
Of government for Porto Rico has been
considered thoroughly and carefully by the
administration, 1t is said, and 1t has been
decided that no reason exists for denying
it's people the privilege of governing them
selves beyond the time that the necessary
legislation can be enacted and the ma
chinery of government properly eel struct-
ed. This Information may be regarded as
official, coming, as 1t does, from mem
Der of the presidents cabinet. 1t Is pre-
sumed that congress will be prepared to
act Immediately on the presidents recon-
mendaton and that within year the
islands relations to the United States will
correspond to those enjoyed by our present
Territories. In other words, form of gov
eminent similar to that of Oklahoma,
New Mexico and Arizona will be estab-
lished there with whatever notifications
of course, that may be considered requisite
to meet any and all conditions that exist
In the island but which do not prevail
in our home Territories.
In urging congress to annex Porto Rico
and confer upon the inhabitants the right
of self government, the president VIII meet
the expectations of the people OF the island
Tney are eager and ambitious to rule them
selves and to become an integral part OF
the American republic. The administra-
ton is said to appreciate the wisdom and
justice of gratifying their wishes and
hopes and believes the Islanders are capa-
bic and deserving OF conducting their own
internal political AFFAIRS.
When Porto Rican annexation is an ac-
complished, legal fact, civil governor
will be appointed by the president ana
commercial relations. such as now exist
between our States and Territories, will be
established. In other words. it is intend
ed that free trade shall be enjoyed by
the Territory of Porto Rico and the rest
of the United States and the immense
crops of sugar, tobacco, coffee and fruits
grown there shall be admitted without
discriminating duty. The customs taxes
now imposed upon the productions Of the
island by the United States in all rroba bill
ity will be abrogated with the installation
and Inauguration of the lcv government.
Cuba and Cuban affairs will require
delicate handling by the president in his
message. However, Mckinley does not
anticipate that the administration will be
called upon to deviate from the course ana
policy it is now pursuing in that island.
The president believes re ought to remain
In control there during the period Of tran
sition and rehabilitation which IS now
on and prepare the people for SELF gov
eminent. In the me li;rn., the islan,l Is
becoming Americali2cd and within year
or two the people are % have al emporium
ity 10 declare for in independence or annexa
ton. Within chat period 1t is ANTICIPATED
that most of our troops will be with
drawn from Cuba. The wisdom of permit
ting the Administration to carry lis lens
to a successful AMI peaceful elimination
without interference o. mediling will be
suggested to cong ess when tina. body as
sembles in December.
AS to the Philippines, coming events will
have powerful influence In determining
how the president will treat that absorb
ing topic In his message.