New-York tribune., 1900-04-17
PORTO RICAN FRANCHISES.
THE TRIBUNE'S PROPOSITION WARMLY
APPROVED IN, CONGRESS-
FURTHER SAFEGUARDS LIKELY TO BE
THROWN AROUND THE GRANTING
OF CONCESSIONS.
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

tBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.l
Washington, April 16.-The proposition edi-
torially advocated in The Tribune to-day in re-
lation TO the sale and taxation OF franchises in
Porto Rico and the Philippines was warmly ap-
proved by a number of prominent members of
the majority in the House of Representatives
10 whose attention il was called including
Chairman Payne and General Grosvenor, of the
Ways and Means Committee; Chairman Cooper,
of the Insular Committee; Chairman Ray. of the
Committee the Judiciary. and others. ma
jority Of them expressed the opinion that no fur
ther or additional legislation would be required
10 enable the Governor and the Executive Coun-
eli OF Porto Rico. to whom authority and power
10 grant public and quasi s-public franchises and
concessions given by the new law. to impose
any reasonable conditions they might deem
suitable and desirable. including the pay
ment of money for charters and a per-
centage Of future receipts or profits. Chairman
Cooper, of the Insular Committee however, said
that il would be wiser have the powers of the
Governor and the Executive Council in the
premises defined and regulated by Congress, in
stead OF leaving the matter wholly in their
hands
TALK OF AMENDING THE LAW.
Mr.. Cooper is deeply impressed by the
conviction that the provisions of the law
in relation 10 the granting Of franchises
privileges and concessions are somewhat de-
fective and is earnestly in favor Of sup
Elementary legislation before any action is
taken under those provisions. An amendment
providing that all railroad telegraph, telephone
and other insular franchises and concessions
shall be approved by the President of the United
States before they shall become operative he re-
CARDS as vital, and other influential leaders OF
the majority inclined to agree with him.
That provision in the bin as reported and
amended by the Senate Committee Pacific
Islands and Porto Rico on the suggestion Of
Senator Money the safeguard was removed, and
the grants are to he made by the Executive
Council. with the approval Of the Governor.
1t is fair TO say that Mr.. Coopers views in re-
gard 10 this subject are shared by number Of
members of the majority IL the Senate, who
after reflection. have reached the conclusion
that such an amendment ought TO be adopted
and that such other safeguards may be neces-
sary and practicable ought to be thrown around
the granting of franchises. New questions Of
course. are constantly arising in regard to the
organization and distribution Of powers of the
new Government Of Porto Rico. One of these
has been raised by the Spanish Bank of Porto
Rico, whose charter will not expire until 1912
The charter granted by the Government Of
Spain thirteen years ago, and among its pro-
visions is requiring that all amendments Of
its bylaws shall be submitted to and approved
by official OF the Spanish Government at
Madrid before hey become valid and operative.
Now the bank wants TO adjust itself to the new
political and other conditions resulting from the
transfer Of sovereignty over Porto Rico from
Spain TO the United States. 1t wants to get rid
Of the word Spanish in its title name; 1t
wants to know TO what authority il shall submit
proposed changes of its bylaws for approval; TO
what official authority it shall make its reports,
etc These questions will be discussed in a con-
ference between Governor Allen, the Secretary
q the Treasury and Chairmen Foraker and
Cooper Of the committees having charge Of pro-
posed legislation for the benefit of the island.
probably tomorrow.
RUSH FOR THE OFFICES.
Meanwhile the scramble over the offices of the
new Porto Rican Government which are to be
filed by the President goes merrily on. 1t is
already intimated in well informed quarters that
at least five Of the eleven members Of the Ex-
ecutive Council Will be chosen from among citi-
zens and residents of Porto Rico. and it is
serted that the President has already virtually
chosen two if not three, of the five subject, of
course. to reconsideration. Senator Gallinger
and Representative SullOway. of New Hamp
shire to-day presented the name Of a New
Hamnshire man-Professor George c. Kimball-
as a candidate for the office Of Commissioner Of
Education. Senator Gallinger is a member Of
the Committee Pacific Islands and Porto
Rico. II is not expected that the names Of the
members OF the Executive Csuncil will be sent
TO the Senate for several :a:s to come. Gov
ernor Aliens nomination sent in to-day.