New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-03-01
THE MEANING or THE VOTE.

ClrcumSpection in dealing with the problems
of expansion has won an important victory
over well meant thoughtlessness and clever In
trigue. The sentimental impulse and the happy
go-lucky optimism so characteristic of our
people gave the first proposition to make Puerto
Rico at a prospective State under the Con-
stitution certain favor among people who had
not stopped to count the cost. At the same time
the Democrats and others who were seeking
not the success of our eXtra-continental admin
istration but its failure. were sharp enough to
see that If they could prevent the establishment
In Puerto Rico Of precedent for ruling the
islands unhampered by the restrictions Of the
Constitution they would have placed almost in
surmountable difficulties in front Of the Repub-
licans. They would have interfered with the
open door policy in China. They would have
forced the government Of the Philippines under
rules unsuited TO their condition.
The anti-expansionists, who have been all
along demanding the recognition of a native
government at Manila, turned for a mere par
tisan purpose and sought to establish cOnsti-
tutonal doctrine which would irrevocably have
fixed the status of the Philippines that OF
territory the road to Statehood. Against this
combination sober second thought has won,
The vote in the House yesterday will doubtless
have great weight and the need of Puerto
Rican legislation Is so urgent that Ii may fairly
be expected that the Republicans In the Senate
will by general agreement hasten to rattfy the
action of the Representatives.
OF course the opposition will make great out
CRY about the "sefshness" and the brutality" of
the bill. They will also continue TO charge that
the abandonment OF the original scheme for
Puerto Rican free trade dictated by sinister
motives. But the simple fact is, as Mr.. Grosvenor
stated yesterday. that when the bill was first
thor
ing was involved except the benefits which
might accrue to the people Of Puerto Rico from
free trade, but it developed In the discussion
that much else was involved. The future inter
probation of the Constitution was involved. The
whole question OF governing distant possessions
according to their needs rather than the laws
made to suit own was involved. And this
was only slowly realized.
AS The Tribune strenuousIy opposed starting
out on wrong principles and establishing trouble
some presidents, when the opposition
seemed almost hopeless, 1t naturally takes salts
faction in seeing its views finally accepted by
the Republican party. Ii also takes satisfaction
in the belief that the bill which passed the
House yesterday will give TO Puerto Rico irnme-
diate relief and early prosperity. The duties
levied are SO nearly nominal 10 be no barrier
to commerce. Probably not pound of freight
less will go either way between the United
States and Puerto Rico than II absolute free
trade were accorded
This small duty protects no American indus
| try and is intended to protect none. 1t merely
| raises a needed revenue for the island from the
people best fitted TO contribute it, and it offers
| an Immediate opportunity for the Government
| Of the United States to establish beyond all
| question it's capacity TO meet its obligations in
| any part of the world. This bill passed by
| Congress and upheld by the Supreme Court will
complete the work begun by Jefferson when, in
| 1903. he showed that this country could grow
| and govern In spite of those who thought they
| had bound 1t forever in territorial and admins
| trative swaddling bands