The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-03
All the Revenue Collected on Impor-
tations from Porto Rico Since the
Spaniards Left the Island.
BILL AT ONCE INTRODUCED
AND ADOPTED 1872 TO 1O7 AFTER A
BRIEF, SPIRITED DEBATE.
1t Provides that All Future Ccllec-
. tiOns BE Also Applied for Benefit
of the Impoverished Natives.

WASHINGTON, March 2-Within two
hours of a special message from the Presi-
dent recommending the immediate passage
of bill to place in his hands all the
moneys collected on Porto Rican goods
since the Spanish evacuation of the island.
TO be used for the relief of the Porto
Ricans, had been read to the House to-day
the House had passed and sent to the Sem
ate bill to carry out the recommendation.
The message came like a bolt out of
clear sky to the minority. They were at
first inclined to hail it with delight as a re-
proof of the majority for the passage of
the Porto Rican tariff bill on Wednesday.
The Republican leaders, however, had
bill ready to carry the Presidents recon-
mendations into effect. Mr.. Cannon asked
immediate consideration for 1t and this
was given. 1t was only when the debate
opened-it had been agreed that twenty
minutes should be allowed on a side-that,
under the leadership Of Mr.. Bailey, of
Texas. the Democrats began lining up
against the bill because it placed no limita-
tion on the Presidents discretion in the
use of the money. The bill was passed by
.,
two Populists and two silver Republicans
voting with the Republicans in the affirma-
tive. Subsequently the Aldrich-Robbns
| contested election case from the Fourth
Alabama district. which the House twice
refused to consider yesterday, was taken
up-1S6 to 129-and was debated for the re-
mainder Of the day.
In his invocation to-day, the blind chap
lain of the House prayed for Mr.. Eppes, OF
Virginia, who was operated upon for ap-
pendicitis at the Garfield Hospital this
morning.
THE MESSAGE.
A special message from the President
| was read, recommending that all the reye-
nue. collected on importations from Porto
Rico since the evacuation of the island by
Spain amounting to over $40 OO0), should
be placed at the disposal of the President
for the relief of the island. The messags
| follows:
ITO the Senate and House of Representa-
tfveS: Since the evacuation of Porto Rico
by the Spanish forces on the 18th day of
October, 1S9S the United States has COL
lected on products coming from that island
to the ports of the United States the duties
fixed by the Dingley act and amounting to
s2O9o, 45o3s, and will continue to collect un-
| direct. Although had the power and hay-
ing in mind the best interests of the people
of the island, used it, to modify duties on
goods and products entering into Porto
| Rico, did not have the power to remit or
modify duties on Porto Rican products
| coming into the ports of the United States
| In view of the pressing necessity for imme-
date revenue in Porto Rico for conducting
| the government there and for the extension
| of public education, and in view also of the
provisional legislation just inaugurated by
| the House of Representatives and for the
purpose or making the principles embodied
| in that legislation applicable to the imme-
diate past as well as to the immediate
| future, recommend that the above sum so
| collected and the sum hereafter collected
under existing law SHALL without waiting
| for the enactment of the general legislation
now pending, be appropriated for the use
and benefit Of the island
The Republicans greeted the conclusion
Of the reading OF the message with demon
strations of enthusiasm. az hope the recon-
mendation will meet with favor on that
side of the House." said Mr.. Richardson,
the minority leader.
'Tll see IL 1t meets with favor on that
side of the House." retorted Mr.. Cannon.
| sharply.
the immediate consideration of bill to
| into force"
DEMOCRATS ASTONISHED.
The suddenness of the request spread
CONSERVATION on the Democratic side
There was no time for consultation Mr..
Richardson stood hesitating moment.
Better do 1t at once" said Mr. Cannon,
before you change your minds" This
shaft raised laugh.
Mr.. Richardson said he would not object
but wanted to know how much time would
| be allowed for debate.
Mr.. Cannon replied that he hoped there
| would be no debate. The bill contained an
| exceedingly plain proposition and needed
no explanation. He finally suggested
| twenty minutes on a side.
To this Mr.. Richardson assented. observ-
| ing: 'I do not suppose gentlemen on the
other side can be of one mind longer than
forty minutes. [Laughter.] We agree If it
| will help you out of the hole"
The bill was then offered and read 1t
| follows:
"Be IL enacted, etc. that the sum of ST.
| 095, 455. being the amount of customs reve-
| nue. received on importations by the United
| States from Porto Rico since the evacua-
| ton of Porto Rico by the Spanish forces
| on OCT. IL, 1875, 10 JAN i, l0o, together with
| any further customs revenue collected on
| importations from Porto Rico since JAN
| l. 1900, or that shall hereafter be collected
| under existing law, shall be placed at the
| disposal OF the President, to be used for
| the government and benefit of Porto Rico
| until otherwise provided by law: and the
| revenues i.ere.n referred to. already col
| lected and TO be collected under existing
| law. are hereby appropriated for the pur-
| poses herein specified out OF any moneys
| In the treasury not otherwise appropri-
| ated.'
CANNONS STATEMENT.
| Mr.. Cannon said there was no time to
make an extended argument in support of
the bill. The brief message of the Presi-