New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-25
RELIEF FOR PTERTO RICO

The Puerto Rican Relief bill. which finally
passed yesterday. will not open up the markets
of the island or bring the prosperity for which
there is such urgent need of legislation. Its
value is an assurance Of goodwill and generosity
as a provision for the carrying on at once Of
public work which will promote the permanent
welfare of the people and also give them remu-
lucrative employment during the period of re-
covery from the effects of the hurricane. 1t
should however. be followed by speedy action
TO open up the avenues of commerce and give
Puerto Rico a profitable market.
This can most quickly and surely be done by
the massage of the House Tariff bill by the Sen
ate. There has been much difference of opinion
over this measure and vast amount of misrep-
resentation by its opponents, who have talked
as if it meant the raising OF Chinese Wall be
tween the United States and Puerto Rico, in
stead the lowering to practically nominal rates
of the present legal barrier. Whether it is ex-
actly what some people want or not, all must
confess that il is a substantial measure of re-
lief which will enable Puerto Rico to send its
products here al good profit and take from us
what they want at reasonable terms 1t is pos
sible 70 understand opposition to this bill on
constitutional and political grounds though if
the Democrats are so sure il is unconstitutional
st might be thought they would be glad to see
the Republicans pass il TO be dscredited by the
Supreme Court. But how anybody pretending
concern for Puerto Rico can strive TO block ac-
ton is beyond explanation. At present the
Dingley tariff is operative against Puerto Rico,
and there is no power in the President TO remit
its duties. 1t is asserted by some that ii ought
not TO apply. but the Interpretation of the law
adopted by the Administration is one that Chief
Justice fancy himself promulgated, and even
If il is not correct II cannot be set aside with
out a Supreme Court decision some time IN the
future Meanwhile the Government must apply
the law as it believes it should be applied until
Congress by legislation changes il. So for
practical purposes it is the Dingley tariff or
such law Congress can be got TO pass. 1t
must be evident 10 even the advocates Of no
tariff that the conversion Of Congress to their
view at this stage Of affairs would be a long
and tedious process, even if it could be finally
successful OF course. they can rail at their
opponents, but that not does not alter the fact
Perhaps the friends Of the bill deep dyed
villains. but a conviction Of their wickednesS
does not make the passage OF another bill any
easier The House bill be passed. and Mt
once if the people anxious 10 help Puerto Rico
will accept the situation BY trying to delay lis
enactment they will simply keep Puerto Rico
shut off from markets by the Dingley tariff
The people who do not like the House bill and
want 10 make political capital OF ii would If il
passed have liberty 10 do so until the certain
revival Of prosperity under IL discredited their
walls and indicated its wisdom a practical
measure of administration. Those who believe
must adopt Puerto Rico into the Union as
constitutional necessity would look forward for
HE decision to reward or blast their hopes. And