The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-04

the naturalization of vessels owned by
the inhabitants of Porto Rico on April
IL, 1899. and still owned by them. and
for their admission to the coasting
trade OF the United States.
Section provides for the establish
ment OF quarantine stations.
Section 10 provides for the substitu-
tion OF American coins for those OF
Porto Rico, and for the purchase OF
the peso at the rate of 60 cents. but
debts now due are to be payable IN
Porto Rican coin or in United States
coins at that rate of exchange.
Section IL directs the payment OF the
expenses of the Porto Rican govern
ment out of its own revenues.
Section u extends TO Porto Rico the
statutory laws of the United States
not locally inapplicable, except the
internal revenue laws.
Section 13 gives to the Legislative au-
thorities power to amend. alter. mod
ify, or repeal any existing law or ordi-
nance. civil or criminal.
Section II requires all judicial pro-
cess to remain in the name of the
United States of America, and all
criminal or penal prosecution to be
conducted in the name of the people
of Porto Rico" and it requires all
officials to take an oath to support the
Constitution of the United States and
the laws OF Porto Rico.
Section Is defines the powers and
duties of the Governor of Porto Rico.
Section 16 provides for the appoint
ment by the President for four years
OF Secretary, Attorney General, Treas
urer. Auditor. Commissioner of the In
NJ r1tNa fnn mr.
Ave other persons to constitute an exc
cutive council. At least five of its
members are to be native inhabitants
of Porto Rico.
Section II prescribes the duties Of
the Secretary.
Section is provides that in case Of
the death. removal, resignation, or dis
ability of the Governor, his powers
shall be exercised by the Secretary.
Sections 10 to "a prescribe the duties
of the Attorney General. Treasurer.
Auditor. Commissioner of Interior and
Education. and the other members Of
the executive council
Section 25 vests legislative powers
In two houses. the executive council
and the house of delegates. consist
ing OF thirty-five members. elected BIZ
ennialIy.
Sections &c, 81. Is. and % apply to
the election OF delegates. and define
legislative authority.
Section 81 regulates the judiciary of
the island The Chief Justice and the
Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
and the marshal are to be appointed
by the President. and the judges Of the
district court by the Governor.
Section "a directs that the salaries
OF all the officials shall be paid out of
the revenues of Porto Rico. The an
nual salaries are as follows: The
Governor with the occupancy of the
executive building). $4,000: the Sec
retary. $4,000; Auditor, $4,000: Attor-
ney General, $4,000; Commissioner of
the Interior. $4,000; Treasurer, 5000;
Commissioner OF Education. So. 900;
Chief Justice of Supreme Court. So, 900;
United States district judge. So. 600:
four associate justices. each. S4500:
United States district attorney, $4,000;
Marshal Supreme Court, $1,000, and
district marshal, 80. 500.
Section sc provides that no export
duties shall be levied or collected on
exports from Porto Rico. but that
taxes and assessments on property and
license fees may be imposed by act of
the legislative assembly. Bonds In
anticipation of taxes and revenues may
be issued to an amount not greater
than per cent of the aggregate tax
valuation
Section 81 provides for a resident
commissioner to the United States,
who shall be entitled to official recog-
milton by all departments, and whose
salary of $1,000 annually shall be paid
by the United States. He must be a
bona fide resident of Porto Rico. thirty
years of age. and must read and write
the English language.
Section IS provides for a commission
of three members tone at least a ma
tive citizen OF Porto Rico), 10 be ap-
pointed by the President, to compile
and revise the laws of the island
Section 80 (the laso makes the act
take effect on May l. 1900.
Mr.. Mason's Argument.
Mr. Mason, who made the first speecI
fter the opening of the session. did no
onfine his remarks to the Porto Rica
ill, but entered into general discussio
Il all the problems relating to the gov
and control OF the insular pos
SESSIONS. He began by saying that he wa
n favor OF free trade between Porto Ric
md the United States, and that he wa
opposed to the resolution authorizing tn
President TO govern the Philippines unit
congress shall otherwise provide. This b
onsidered legitimate part of the Port
sican question.
Mr.. Mason resented as eowardly and un
ust any reflection upon his patriotism an
lis love for the flag because OF his opin
ons regarding the Philippines. Referrin
o the subject OF the limitations impose
" the Constitution. Mr.. Mason sad.
Il do not say that in matters of iegisla
ion we may not pass rules. regula :ions, {
avs which are not specifically mentione
q the Constitution. but / do say that uu
Ter the decisions 1f the Supreme Court
he United States We have no power I
lass law here in violation OF the rcstrie
ions laid down in our Constitution. An
llying this law to Porto Rico. | say. frs
hat when the treaty between Spun ar
he United States was ratified ana til
1eople accepted us as sovereign, Port
Rico became a part of the United State
II America.
Second. That until IL is organized a
We propose to do with Hawaii, we hay
he power in Congress to make laws an
o govern the people there; that tina
power to govern did not need any treat
agreement with Spain.
Third. We can not make an unconst
utional law there. Whether the Consti