Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-01-16
CULUN NTHC IA w ,
he.Question of Discriminating Duties
for the Islands.
WAYS And MEANS COMMITTEE
A Declaration as to the Constitu-
tionaI Provision Expected.
MEANS COMMITTEE
A ESTION OF POLICY

1t has become manifest that there is a
very determined purpose with strong ele-
ment in Congress to overturn the conStruc-
| ton of the Constitution which extends to
| all the territory of the United States the
provision for uniformity of revenue laws
among the states. The subcommittee of
the ways and means committee which is
now considering this question has thus far
not gone beyond an academic discussion.
but the belief is growing that the outcome
will be declaration supported by the ma
Jority that the Constitution does not compel
the extension of uniformity in laws to the
acquired possessions. If this course is pur-
sued the proposition will be promptly seized
upon by the >anti-expansionists as an evil
dence that the policy of expansion of ter
rltory involves a departure from our con-
stitutional forms and the adoption of an
imperial policy. They are looking forward
to such action with expectancy for a vindi-
cation of their contention that the govern
ment of acquired islands inhab abited by an
alien race is not practicable under our in
st1tutions, and that if it is undert aiken the
principles of the republic must be sacrificed
IN order to adapt ourselves to new condi-
tionS.
As to Puerto Rico.
The administration does not want the
question of discriminating revenues raised
as " ueIto RICO, out wants the laws aN
tended over that island by free grace and
not constitutional right, so as not to be
committed to the same course as to the
philippines. Secretary Roots argument on
the question placed the extension of the
revenue laws to Puerto Rico on the ground
OF pollcE not OF constitutional construction
the plain purpose being not to tie the hands
OF the government when the question has
to be settled with respect to the Philip
pines
If discriminating duties are placed upon
commerce between PuertoRico and the rest
of the country the question will undoubted-
iy be taken to the Supreme Court for set
tlement. and should that court sustain the
theory which has heretofore been generally
accepted. that the Constitution forbids such
discrimination, it would become obligatory
TO extend the laws of this country to the
fhlilpplnes. or else to amend the Constitu-
uon But by establishing free trade with
Puerto Rico merely as a matter of policy the
necessity of determining whether such
policy is obligatory under the Constitution
can be avoided, to be settled later when it
comes 10 dealing with the Philippines.
Some Demand Protection.
The Representatives of the several local
interests that might be injuriously affected
by free trade with Puerto Rico, however
are persistent in their demands for protec-
tion from competition with Puerto Rico, and
it IS believed by many in Congress that this
influence will be strong enough to compel
new construction of the Constitution
which will admit of different revenue laws
for the islands.
Around this question is expected to turn
the discussion Of the whole subject of the
establishment of a colonial government
under the authority of the United States,
but not a part of it nor under its uniform
laws.
There is said to be plan on foot to make
a test of the right to free importation from
the Philippines by refusal to pay duties
and by carrying the case to the Supreme
Court.