The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-09
senator Foraker. Reply.

Mr.. Foraker replied to Senator Pettus.
Advertipg to the criticism aroused by the
bill both In the newspapers and among the
people, Mr.. Foraker said it seemed that the
idea was abroad that the act proposed to
deal illiberally with the people of Porto
Rico. He was of opinion that a misunder-
standing of the measure prevailed. Instead
of being illiberal,'' said Mr.. Foraker. 1.-The
measure is the most liberal and generous
legislation ever proposed for a Territory of
the United States" So far as he had been
informed, no intelligent and ap%preciative
man in Porto Rico had dissented from
the propositions of the measure. There
may a been some criticism on the part
of the Porto Ricans, but generally it was
accepted as an excellent bill.
Mr.. Lindsay inquired If Governor Gen.
eral Davis himself had not recommended
free trade with Porto Rico.
YES" replied Mr.. Foraker, "he did
make such a recommendation. But the
committee, after full consideration, de-
cided against his proposition. We are here
to legislate for the whole United States
and We are forced to consider the question
from all points of view. The tariff pro-
vision was conceived in mercy to the Porto
Ricans and in its generosity its without
precedent In the territorial legislation of
the United States"
The mortgage Indebtedness of the island,
Sdlu MI. Il OIdhcI, IL SlO,VvVsVV. lie OUlttu
States government extended the time for
the paymen of that debt for eighteen
months. If ii had not been for the United
States the whole of this vast property
would have been sold to satisfy creditors.
If necessary the time will be extended
again and perhaps again until Congress
gets done discussing constitutional ques-
lions and goes to the relief of a suffering
people.
Mr.. Foraker explained the provisions
of the bill, showing that all the internal
revenue taxes and the custom duties, in
stead of being paid into the United
States treasury as had been the case in
every other Territory, would go into the
treasury Of the island and be used for the
benefit of the Porto Ricans. In round
figures these revenues would aggregate
100000, about 81, 400. 900 from customs and
5000, 900 from internal revenue.
WHAT SPANISH RULE COST.
Mr.. Lindsay asked how much the last
year of Spanish rule on the island cost the
inhabitants.
About $4,000. 0O0." replied Mr.. Foraker.
And 1t was expended as only Spaniards
can expend money that comes to them in
that way"
Mr.. Gallinger interjected the remark that
it was proposed to expend $1,000, 900 for
schoolhouses on the island Inc q like sum
for the construction Of roads.
Yes" continued Mr.. Foraker. I've pro-
pose to do that and we propose in that con-
nection to provide the inhabitants with re-
munerative labor and employment"
Continuing, the Ohio senator said that
after all means of raising revenues had
been considered ii was found necessary to
Then 1t was proposed TO levy a duty of Is
per cent. of the Dingley law on products
of the island imported into this country
and TO turn the amount so raised back TO
Porto Rico.
The senator admits" said Mr.. Davis,
interrupting, that this handing back of
revenues to a political subdivision of the
United States is unprecedented. Then
why not raise the revenue as usual, and, IL
necessary TO relieve distress in Porto Rico.
provide the relief by a direct appropriation
from the United States treasury"
1.-The United States has never undertaken
TO support a local government in any terri
tory" replied Mr.. Foraker. 1.-THE situation
in Porto Rico is anomalous. II the island
is TO have schools. good roads and public
improvements II must get them through
taxation, and such taxation as Is proposed
in this bill"
what effect is a gratutity of this kind
inquired Mr.. Davis. "a gratutity which
places the inhabitants in the status OF
mendicants, going to have upon the people
Of Porto Rico? II seems TO me direct ap-
propriations for their needs would be much
TO be preferred
This is a great emergency" replied Mr..
Foraker. we cannot depend upon such
appropriations as the senator suggests. The
people would all be dead of starvation be-
fore the relief could reach them. The sem
ator from Minnesota would vote for such
an appropriation and other senators would
not. TIL committee thoroughly considered
that matter and decided that IL would be
better to adopt the provisions Of this bill
unexampled In their generosity and lib
crafty"
In response 70 an inquiry Mr.. Foraker
said It was generally understood that al Of