The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-02-19
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TARIFF OR FREE TRADE.
QUESTION WITH REFERENCE TO
NEW ISLAND GOVERNMENTS.
Opinion Much Divided, Republicans
I'm Congress Generally Favorins
Tariff while Democrats Hold That
the Constitution Prohibits IL.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-THE attention
of the senate this week will be given
largely to the relations OF the United
States to its insular possessions me Dill
providing form OF government Tor the
Hawaiian islands has right-of-way and.
II It should be so fortunate as to be finally
acted upon before the close OF the week,
the Puerto Rican bill will be Immediately
taken up. The probabilities are that the
Hawaiian bill will be debated at consid-
cradle length, and that many amendments
will be offered to II. and II may be made
the basis OF more or less general talk on
the question OF the policy to be pursued
towards the new. possessions. Considera-
bic time win probably be necessary to
the final disposal OF the bill.
All admit the urgency of legislation CIV
ing the Hawaiian islands a government
but there are some points on which there
ara radical differences of opinion. The
most important OF these is the question
as to whether the commercial intercourse
between the United States and the ISL
lands shall be under tariff or under the
free trade system allowed between the
states OF the Union The bill provides for
free trade but several of the senator's
under the leadership of Senator Platt. Of
Connecticut, are making an effort to Sc
cure radical amendments in this respect
Senator Cullom. In charge OF the bill. will
resist, and he will be supported by some
Republicans and nearly all the Democratic
members Practically the same fight will
be made on the Puerto Rican bill
On Wednesday Senator Lodge will de-
liver prepared speech on the Philippine
situation, and Senator Kenney will deliver
n set speech on that question on Tues
day.
The conference report Of the currency
bill will likely BIO brought In during the
nnrk nj 4. - -.
laid aside for its consideration. A very
short debate is expected over this report
when made. The diplomatic appropriation
bill may be considered during the week.
In the House.
The house tomorrow will enter upon the
consideration of the Puerto Rican tariff
Dill. and tho debate upon II promises to be
memorable. The vital question at issue is
whether that clause of the constitution
providing for equality OF impost and excise
taxes throughout United States territory
extends over the island of Puerto Rico
and In this is involved. perhaps. the de-
termination OF the future status and gov
puhlicans. In framing the bill, have pro-
ceeded upon the theory that the constitu-
ton and its immunitics do not extend over
Puerto Rico. The Democrats are solidly
aIrayed upon the other side, and In COM
mittee they were joined by one Repuhli-
can. Mr.. Call. of Massachusetts Among
the other Republicans who take the same
view is Mr.. Iittleneld. of Maine, who ste
ceeded the late Mr.. Dingley The support
OF these two prominent Republicans has
raised some hopes I'm the opposition that
they may be able to defeat the bill al
though this hardly seems probable at this
writing Both sides are preparing for a
royal struggle. Mr. Payne, the floor lead
or OF the majority, will open In support
OF the bill MFR. Bailey of Texts Will close
OF the bill Mr.. Bailey. of Texas, win con-
tinue throughout the week The vote will
be taken on the following Monday.