The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-31
!. Porto Rico rnr, of .merica.

Before today We have felt IL duty 20
express regret for the apparent backslid-
ing of the President in the matter of free
trade with Porto Rico Formerly IT was
our pleasure 10 praise him as one deter
mined to see justice done to loyal people
who had gladly renowned allegiance to
Spain that they might become Americans.
and whose reward. so far, has been the
cutting of OF their Cuban and Spanish
markets. the exclusion of their products
from the markets of the American main
land and their deliberate oppression and
starvation under the blighting curse OF
Dingleyism We did not particularly mind
it because Mr.. Mckinley tried TO 90 all
around Robin Hoods barn to do righteous
thing We appreciated the vicious ten
denotes and effect Of his antecedents and
environment and. if he wanted TO dodge
his power and duty 10 extend free trade
to Porto Rico by eNect.ive order the island
having become a part of the United States.
and his right to issue such an order having
been settled afiirmatiyely by the Court of
Appeals in the Alaska decision it did not
much matter. Once the outraged and starry
ing inhabitants of Porto Rico were given
a chance to live We felt confident that the
constitutional question would be soon
brought TO an issue and decided in their
favor and that OF our other American CO.
lonial possessions. which also arc integral
parts Of the United States, rs the Filipinos
and Chinese protectionists viii find TO
-
chance to lay down Il rule on the sub
jerf SO We were pleased and for imme-
diate purposes. satisfied with the declara-
ton. contained in the Presidents annual
message Our plain duty is 10 abolish all
customs tariffs between the GATED states
and Porto Rico. and give her products free
access TO our markets"
1t was made plain that Mr.. McKinley's
policy in regard 10 Porto Rico had the sup
port Of his Cabinet advisers. in his own
annual report. the Hon Elihu Root, Secre-
tary Of War, spoke as follows:
'Thc highest oon-id,rat ions OF justice and good
faith demand tiIt should nor dissrpDlut ihe
confident expectation OF sharing iu our plus'
pcrity with which tie people % PORTO Rico 50
gladly transferred thvir allegiance 20 toe tIit.4
Stale. and that should toa. thr interest.
OF this people D, otr own; aud I wish most
strongly 10 urge that ihc custom, Guties between
Porto Rico and The United states be- removed
There is no room for doubt. therefore.
hat at the beginning Of the present ses-
sion Of Congress the Administration was
earnestly in favor OF granting 10 Porto
Rico as an act Of grace what ultimately
will have 10 be conceded as one of corsti-
/ ,f.,1g- Tafr
a Presidential year. The Republican party
leaders appear to have been influential
enough with Mr. Mckinley &c force a re-
treat on his part from the just and popu-
lar position he originally held ia the con-
nection. His. and Secretary Roots, prop
ositlon caused resentment and dismay in
the camp OF The tariff monopclists. The
champions OF Connecticut cabbage leaf To-
bacco. OF trust and beet sugar. OF Florida
oranges, and OF New England rum, pooled
their issues and determined TO demand that
the Republican Administration should con-
tinue TO prosecute and starve Porto Rico.
or they would refuse all contributions 10
the Republican corruption fund of 1900.
They came. they saw Hanna, and they con-
quered!
But perhaps they have no. finally con-
quered the President. We are not ready 10
believe that he can he forced 10 resort TO
such a subtcrfuge as that put in his mouth
by the tarin aud monopoly manipulators.
IL is said on their part that he has de-
cIded not 10 press the matter Of free trade
with Porto Rico until decision can be had
from the Supreme Court as 10 the legal
status Of The island. To ascribe such an in
,ention 90 MI Mckinley IS the reverse of
complimentary 10 his good faith and good
sense. lie migh, CO manx things for the