The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-03-14
SEATTLE, WEDNESDAY, MARCH ~.
A Fatuous Opposition.


Through fatgous and persistent mis-
understanding OF the effect which the
proposed Puerto Rican tariff law win
have upon the people OF that island,
sstently playing into the hands of the
opposition. and publishing arguments,
based upon false premises. which are
being eagerly grasped by the Demo-
cratic press for campaign material.
Whatever objections may be urged
against the proposed legislation. and
whatever the reasons why free trade.
In the future, may be desirable.
as between the island and the United
States. the argument that the pecuniary
interests OF the islanders viii be in
jnriousiy affected by the pending meas
ure is absolutely untenabie, and can
only be advanced through persistent
Ignoring OF the real facts
A sample OF this mlsapprehension Is
seen I'm recent issue Of the Chicago
son OF the pending legislation for Ha-
wall with that for Puerto Rico, and in
sisis that the Pacific islands are being
treated In a more liberal spirit than
the West Indian possession. Nothing
could be further from the truth Ha-
wall would be glad indeed II II could
leaf, he
as are to be extended to Puerto Rico.
and of the two II IL Hawaii which
makes large pecuniary sacrifice In be-
coming dependency OF this country,
while Puerto Rico reaps direct pecu-
mary benefit As conditions stand to-
day. Hawaii has its local custom house
which large share OF the necessary
expenses OF the local government are
collected. On the extension OF the pro-
posed system OF government over the
islands, all the customs and internal
revenue receipts win 20 To the United
states. while Hawaii win have TO make
created by direct taxation upon lands
and personal property.
The Puerto Riean bin. with accom-
panying legislation, on the other hand,
leaves to that island the control of it's
customs. and all the money 10 be coll
lected both through that source and
from Internal revenues, The federal gov
eminent viii not collect FOR Its own uses
dollar OF revenue within the islands;
and further than this. all OF the rev.
enues collected AZ the United States Gus
tom houses upon Puerto Rlcan products
are turned back to tho island for It's
own uses. II either has cause for COM
plant OF discrimination. u IL Hawaii.
not Puerto Rico, In fact there is not
an organised territory OF the United
States which has ever been treated with
the ltberality proposed for the West In
dian possession.
WAY there should he such persistent
misinterpretation Of the pending bin Is
singular. The complaints DO not come
from the people Of Puerto Rico. but
from this country. 4 campaign Of mis-
representation scems 20 be- on hand.
Without questioning the motives OF an
OF those who are taking part In this
campaign. Il may wei be noted that
the existing stocks Of sugar ana to-
haeco In Puerto Rico have been pur-
chased ana are now tn the hands %
specalaters,- or trust agents These
stocks are not heing moved because
the SPECTATORS DO not desire % pay tbs
duties al pseSsn; imposed. They have
a direct personal Interest Ga the pass
age ~ an act through congress which
viii permit the entry ~ these x0nds
free into the United States u IS fair
60 presume that these spectators are
working In their own interest and con-
seauen;iy that large share ~ the prc-
vsiiing nisapprehensioa in r0gard 20
the nature and eTeCt ~ che proposed
Puerto Rican law Is due 60 the EFFORTS
% these interested parties 60 hcfog the
situation.