The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-03-17
M Porto Rico into other parts of the


United States.
Alr. Pettus, of Alabama, declared his
opposition to the bill. holding that such
appropriations were dangerous as precc-.
dents, and they ought to be abandoned.
Replying to an inquiry from Nir.WoI-
colt. Alr. Pettus denied that the appro-
priations MADE for the Mississippi flood
suffercnrs. at various times, We're more
liberal than the present measure. Tho
former had been specific appropriations
for a specific purpose.
TIDLAEAN TAKES A HAND.
Mr. Tillman said there was evidently
so much division among the Republicans
that it Appeared doubtful to him whether
they would be able to enact any Porto
Rican legislation at all. He said it
looked as if the Republican IsaSty had
reached the end of the rope, and that Its
last hope now was to contend that Con-
gress was without limitations in the gov
ernment OF, or In legislating for acquired
territory. Referring to the difference be-
tween the governments treatment Of
Hawaii and Porto Rico, as to their re-
spective products. Dr. Tillman said:
"senators owed it to themselves not to
show such discrimination on the one
hand and such outrage on the other.
He was going to vote for the perdins bill,
he said, because the enactment of the
measure into law was the only way 10
restore to the people Of Porto Rico taNss
taken from them wrongfully and uncon-
stitutionaly.
MIR. Tillman read extracts from General
Davis report, stopping In the midst OF the
reading to exclaim, Lets cast this legis-
lation like honest white men; let US nos
have amy neutrality-suspicious. and hypo-
critical philantrophy about It. That's al
Then there will be no trouble about the
main question. That will be adjusted by
Congress before adjournment, or it Will
be adjusted by the people next Novem-
bcr. and don't you forget it"
He thought the way TO help the people
Of Porto Rico to get on their feet was
to give them market through the: means
of free trade with the United States. Mr.
Tillman favored 4 civil government LOT
the island, and criticised the osndituTes
under the present military system as
expensive
PAYS REPUBLICANS TRIBUTE.
He thought the Republican, party was
in a delimma. but thought it would
come out all right. You are the best
organized party ever saw he said,
land no matter how you talk I've no
doubt you'll all round up on the vote.
Mr.. Tillman referred to what he said
would be the monumental salaries of
the officials of the insular possessions,
particularly noting the members Of the
philippines Commission.
Mr.. Foraker informed Mr.. Tillman that
he had been told that the highest salary
OF any member OF the commission "ou!u
be $4,000 year.
THAT may be disappointing to the
Senator suggested Alr Foraker.
'.No,'' replied Mr.. Tillman, I'm grau-
fied. I'm always willing to trust Will
liam Mckinley, but it is his bad and
wicked partners that I'm afraid of. He
is a patriotic and noble man, although
Just now he may be carried OFF his feet
by the desire of appearing in history
alongside of Jefferson and others, who
had added largely to our territory"
In conclusion he besought Congress to
take its hand from the throat of Porto
Ricans and give them 6 chance to gov
ern themselves, even If we had to sulde
them a little at first.
Mr.. Allison then asked for n vote u3o1
the bill and amendments, and the re-
quest was acceded to.
Mr.. Tillman urged Mr.. Jones and Mr.
Pettus to withdraw amendments which
they had offered in order that the meas
ure might be passed without delay and
inst as it came from the Senate Com
mittee.
: Mr. Jones Withdrew his amendment, but
Mr.. Pettus insisted upon vote on his
amendments, which We're in effect the
making of direct appropriation for the
relief Of the Porto Ricans without any
reference to the tariff o. customs dues.
The amendments were defeated.
The bill as reported by the Senate Com
mittee wac then passed without division.
only a few scattering ''noes" being heard
against it This disposed of. Mr.. Mason
entered a motion that the Foreign Rela-
tons Committee be discharged from
further consideration Of his resolution eX-
pressing synpa thy for the Beers.
Under the rule the motion went over.
and at 4:.O P NJ. the Senate adjourned
until MondaE.
WASHINGTON. March 16-Senator Al
Hson. chairman of the Republican caucus
of the Senate, to-day announced the Steer
ine Committee on Porto Rican Les.sla-
ton 1t is composed of Senator's Foraker
Hale. Davis, Mcmillan, Spooner, Warren
and Eear.