Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-12-07

/ SUBSTANTIALLY the only law providing ~
| civil government for this territory is the
/ act Of May Z, 1884. This is meagre I'm
/ its provisions, and is fitted only for the
administration Of affairs in country
/ sparsely inhabited by civilized pcople
and unimportant m trade and produc-
ton as was Alaska at the time this act
was passed. There is no authority. ex-
cept in congress, to pass any law, nonat-
ter how trivial. see no reason
/ why more complete form Of territorial
organization should not be provided. cm-
bodying "A system of laws providing for
the incorporation and government OF
towns and cities having certain popu-
lation, giving them the power to estab-
lish and maintain a system Of oduca-
ton to be locally supported, and ord
inances providing for police, sanitary
and other purposes.
PORTO RICO.
recommend that legislation TO the
same end be had with reference to the
government Of Porto Rico. The time
is ripe for the adoption Of Il Temporary
form Of government for this island TIL.
system Of civil Jurisprudence now
adopted by the people of this island is
described by competent lawyers. who
are familiar with it. as thoroughly
modern and scientific, as far as it re-
lates to matters Of internal business,
trade, production and social and pri-
vate rights in general. The cities Of the
island are governed under charters.
which probably require little or ma
change. So, that with relation o. mat
tors Of local concern and private right.
1t is not probable that much. II any. leg
islation is desirable; but with reference
to public administration and the rcle-
lions OF the island 10 The federal govern
ment, there are many matters which ar,
of pressing urgency Since th, oessiou
Porto Rico has been denied the prln-
cipal markets she has long enjoyed. and
our tariffs have continued against
her products as when she was under
Spanish sovereignty.
The markets Of the United Statos
should be opened up to her product
Our plain duty is To- abolish all customs
tariffs between the United States AMI
Porto Rico, and give her products free
access to our markets.
1t is desirable that the government
OF the island under the law of bellgerent
right, now maintained through the de
partment Of executive should h.
SUPERSEDED nv tho odroinietratIor =,
tlrely civil in its nature For rresa,+
purposes | recommend +bo+ cor,re,.,
pass n law for tho orga,i,,+io. -.
temporary government. which sbali.,,r,.-
vide for the amendment b,, tho rrs,,
ident subject to confirmation Nv. tb.
senate. of governor and such otb.r
officers as the general administration n.
the island require and that for Lie
lative purposes unon subjects Of a local
nature not ,artol,ine If foderai
character. a legislative council. com
posed partly of Porto Ricans and part
ly of citizens Of the United States. shall
be nominated and appointed by the
president subject to confirmation BY
the senate, their acts TO be subject to thu
approval Of the congress or the president
prior to going into effect In the muni..
qualities and other local subdivisions
recommend that the principle of local
government be applied at once, so a t.
enable the intelligent citizens Of the
island TO participate in their own gov
eminent and to learn by pracS,a al ex
perience the duties and requirements
self-contained and self governing PEG
Pile. have not thought it wise t.
commit the government Of the island
to officers selected by the people be-
cause | doubt whether in habits train
ing and experience, there are such as
to fit them to exercise a once SO large
degree Of government, but 1t is my
judgment and expectation that they
soon will arrive at an attainment Of eX-
perience and wisdom and self-control
that viii justify comforting upon them
a much larger aiucipatlon IN the choics
of their insular officers.
CIVIL SERVICE.
Concerning the order Of May 90 1899,
amending the civil service laws. tie
president says The principal purpos.
of the order was TO except from COM
petitiye examination certain places ill.,
volving dduciary responsibilities or
duties of a strictly confidential, scientific
or executive character which it Was
thought might better be filed by nom
competitive examinations, or in the dis
erection of the appointing officer than L v
open competition. All Of the amend
ments had for their main object more
efficient and satisfactory admiuistra-
ton Of the system Of appointments es-
tablished By the civil service law. Tie
results attained show that under their
operation the public service has iW-
proved. 1t is believed that the meii.
cNStar, I.aO frreqrIN ctraugflrf.D.