Evening star., 1900-09-26
PORTO RICAN CONDITIONS
DIR. HOLLAyDER SPEAKS OF THE
NEED OF THE TARIFF.

Dr. J. H. Hollander, the treasurer of Por-
to Rico, called at the Treasury Depart
ment today and had conferences with sew
eraI officials. In addition to his duties as
treasurer of the island. he is chairman Of
the executive council. DIR. Hollander called
the attention of the officials to the fact that
up to this time the internal revenue laws of
the United States have not been extended
to the island. and as a result the Spanish
Bank is allowed to issue circulation with
out the 10 per cent tax levied on state
banks in this country, and practically with
out security.
While the treasury officials fully realize
that there is danger in allowing this condi-
ton Of things to continue, they are without
authority to remedy 1t. 1t Is probable
however, that Congress will be asked to
legislate on the subject at it's next session
Porto Rtcan Tariff.
AS to the condition of affairs in the is
land. DIR. Hollander said:
When, instead of the free trade relation
which at first was proposed between Porto
Rico and the United States, 1t was decided
to impose q tariff equivalent to 15 per cent
of the Dingley schedule. this country was
swept by a wave of feeling as creditable to
its sentiment as it was dtscreditab to its
intelligence. The tariff was necessary, not
policy, but simply to preserve the Porto
Rican treasury from bankruptcy and pau
perization. The government Of the island
requires minimum expenditure of So Co.,
600 per annum II American administration
Is to mean public schools, good roads, pub
lie institutions, sanitation and all that goes
to make up an enlightened civilization, con-
siderably more than this shoul, be expend-
ed. Now, In the ten months that preceded
the passage of the civil government bill, of
which the 10 per cent tariff was a feature
the revenues of Porto Rico from other
than customs duties were at the rate of
$4,000 month
Furthermore, the destruction of prom
erty by the hurricane of August 8, 1890,
was so great that any heavy direct taxa
ton would have meant ruin and distress.
Even In the present fiscal year, with i'm
proved economic conditions. and the most
efficient administration. 1t will not be pos-
sible under existing laws to raise more
than S5OO.O0O out of the $2.OOO. 900 required
from sources or revenue other than Gus
toms duties.
The Political Situation.
''The political situation in Porto Rico is
full Of interest There are two political
parties, the fedeTals and the republicans,
with third and an increasing section,
known as independents. These parties are
largely based upon personal affiliations and
antagonisms. The republicans have shown
the stronger sympathy with American
ideals and with the purpose of the insular
administration. The federals have adopted
a carping, obstructionist policy and affect
pro-Spanfsh sentiment In appointing the
hye native members of the executive coun-
ell President Mckinley recognized the three
elements, naming two federals, two repub-
licans and one independent. These five
members were appointed a committee for
districtfng the island into the seven leeis-
latfve districts from which the delegates
to the lower house of the legislative as
sembly are to be chosen. The majority re-
port of this committee was presented by
the two republicans and the independent.
1t was clearly the most equitable and lust
and was promptly adopted by the execu-
tive council, whereupon the two federals, at
the dictation of their party organization.
resigned from the council
An excellent registration and Australian
ballot law has been adopted by the council
and on November the thirty-five members
of the house of delegates and also a COM
missioner to Washington will be elected
under n broad and liberal suffrage.
Everything that 1 have seen and ex-
perienced In Porto Rico makes me hopeful
Of the future Of the island. It is rich IN
natural resources beyond measure. Politi-
cal agitators are being discounted and
blatant demagogues are being reiegated to
their proper position. The best elements
are rauytng to the support Of American In
stttutions and Q gradual hut growing inilux
Of American capital 10 after all the most
potent argument"