The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-06
OvERSTREETs POSITION.
he indianapolis Representative
Makes Another Statement.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, March Sin a letter to
an Indianapolis friend, written this after
noon. Representative Overstreet makes the
following good-tempered and earnest state
ment In further justification of the affir-
native position of the House majority on
the Porto Rican bill, and his own position
in particular. He writes:
Il fully appreciate the feeling of the
country. and by no means underestimate
the public criticism which has been direct
ed against this Porto Rican tariff legis-
lation. am a close reader of the news
papers, and have universally given the
most courteous consideration to all corre-
spondence. 1t is a trying situation for
legislator. Our country has never had in
its history such a question before it, for
the reason that We have never had any
island possessions. The novelty of the
question. the lack Of precedent controlling
legislation affecting the same. and the
earnest and ardent manner of the Ameri-
can people in directing attention to all
public questions, and particularly to new
questions. naturally develops many doubts
concerning both the wisdom and expedi-
ency Of any legislation affecting these new
questions. / have at all times admitted
that the subject was most perplexing, and
accompanied by many grave doubts.
Nevertheless, the war with Spain, which
was particularly the peoples war. has en-
tailed upon us legislation which must nec-
essarily allow the acquisition of this ter
ritory, which has come to us as a legacy
from that war. Where absolutely new
questions of law and policy arise, it is by
no means certain that mistakes may not
be made.
"In considering this Porto Rican question
Congress was confronted with this situa-
ton: First, from what basis of law should
the legislation spring, whether from the
Constitution in express terms treating
these possessions as integral parts of the
United States. with legal status. which
would naturally develop into territories
and possibly statehoods. or whether the
legislation should spring from congress
sional action. on the theory that the island
possessions were not integral parts of the
United States? Certainly. such a question
could not be expected to be determined
IN a day. nor without debate and doubt
Upon the threshold of the consideration
of this vital question came the question of
the immediate treatment towards the peo-
pie OF Porto Rico, made necessary by rea-
son of unfortunate conditions created by
storm and flood. To meet their present
necessities Congress must either make di-
rect appropriation, raise money by direct
| taxation among the people or by a tariff
wisely adjusted. IL free trade should be
established between Porto Rico and the
| United States, the means of raising the
| money absolutely necessary at the present
| time to meet these unfortunate conditions
would be serious question.
'I take ii, without going into details,
| that you are familiar with this proposition,
| and only direct your attention to it TO i'm
press upon you the gravity of the problem
which was thrust upon Congress for de-
| termination. 1t may have been better to
| have treated Porto Rico as an integral
] part OF the United States and at once have
| levied taxes upon the people, the same as
| we do in our present States. 1t is conceded
| that the spreading OF the American inter-
nal revenue laws over the island would
not have reached the situation, and resort
would necessarily have been made either to
| direct taxation, loan, or direct apr-opri-
alton from our treasury. 1 think that you
| will appreciate that these things. crowding
| themselves upon the attention of Con-
gress. were entitled to fair consideration.
| However that may be. the House acted
under the light and advice it then had.
| /, realizing through 1t all. much doubt.
/ felt justified in my course, supported as
was by united party. with six exceptions.
and under the leadership OF the executive.
who is the head OF our party. think the
American people are sufficiently just and
considerate to permit further debate upon
the question and await the final conclu-
sion. AIS We'll that ends WELL and as
this subject has not yet been determined.
feel that with some patience and for
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