Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-03-15
CONGRESSIONAL TOPICS.
A Partial Agreement Reached on the Puerto
Rican Tariff Question.

Washington, March 1.-THE Republi-
can senators in caucus, today, reach
ed a partial agreement on Puerto
Rican legislation. The House bill APP
propriating 81. 900. 900 is to be taken UP
and Immediately passed. The bill for
a civil government of the island is to
be aiken up and disposed of as soon as
possible and the tariff bill is to be de-
layed for the present, while a commit
tee of seven senators to be selected by
Chairman Allison is to try to com
promise differences on the revenue bill
and secure a measure which Repub-
lican senators generally can support.
This partial agreement was reached
after a caucus lasting from o'clock
until $50.
The temper of the debate, today, was
much milder than that of yesterday.
AS soon as it was generally under
stood that the tariff features of the
legislation We're to be postponed the
discussion reverted to the government
tai features of the bill and upon this
subject the time was mostly spent.
Senator Foraker explained many fea-
lures of the bill and was frequently in
terrogated. so that he was on his feet
a great deal of the time.
Senator Elkins said that he favored
leaving not only the question of the
revenues but the government of the
island as well. to the President. lie
thought the island would be much bet
ter off under military rule for the next
two years than under any government
that could be devised by Congress He
particularly counseled delay. I'VE Will
know a lot more about this whole ques-
ton in a year or two years than We
know now" he said. land the islands
will be as well taken care of during
that time as they would be under and
legislation we may pass.
Senator Foraker said that the ques-
ton of dealing with the islands was
before Congress and h for one thought
Congress should act.
There was general unanimity as to
the wisdom of providing for immediate
action on the 100000 relief PROPOSE
ton. the opinion of all the senators be
ing that the measure should be passed
for human reasons. There was soma
effort to have the appropriation bill.
the House tariff bill and the Senate
bill considered at one time, but this
was antagonized as likely to result in
too great delay.
Senator Plat of Connecticut. who was
not heard. yesterday, expressed him
self as firmly convinced that the prin-
ciple of protective tariff in the inter
est of the industries of the United
States should be sustained in whatever
was done. He showed a leaning to-
wards the House tariff bill, as did sew
eral other senators who spoke Some
OF them expressed the opinion that this
measure would command the votes Of
tWo-thirdS of the members of the eau
Gus. if tested. Members of the Puerto
Rico committee We're not willing that
the governmental features of the bill
should be abandoned at this time
senator Foraker expressed the opin-
ION IN TINS connection that the Puerto
Rlcans themselves would not object to
The tariff provided by the House bill.
senator Hoar talked at considerable
lehgth about the legal phase of the
question, expression the opinion that
the Senate could not act with too great
ueilberaton in considering 50 momen-
tous a subject.
senator warren agreed with Hoar
upon the latter point. He had. he said
Deen favorable to absolute free trade
between Puerto Rico and the United
states, proper. but he had listened
,h interest and profit to the argu
nts on the other side and he did not
NM that the subject had been ex-
Many any means.
speeches We're made in