The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1900-04-03

i'm the warld. Under these conditions
they will control the price both of the
things which the island consumes ana
which the island produces until edu-
cation, intelligence and varied en-
ploymcnts have redeemed the island.
A startling instance is given OF this
by cable, which informs us of the
rise in the price of food during the
last few days. Under the executive
orders of the president all breadstufcs
now enter Puerto Rican territory free
of duty, and yet the few men who
control the supplies which feed the
Puerto Rican people and import them
from the United States, though they
go in absolutely free. have raised the
price 100 per cent. to these poor starv-
ing people, who are unable to get any
relief. The tariff of fifteen per cent.
If imposed would not raise this price;
it would be paid by these dealers. 1t
would amount to four cents a barrel
on flour and to the same, proportion
ately, on other products, but the vivl.
flying influences of revenue in ~thc
hands of an intelligent government and
the great profit in the importations
would speedily open the way for the
farmers of the United States to ship
into that market their products in
such measure that, while they made
money these eXactions could no longer
be imposed upon the Puerto Rican
people.
Lasts Only Two Years.
Under this bill this tariff lasts only
two years, and may be ended by the
Puerto Rican legislature at any time.
1t is a tentative measure: it is wholly
for the benefit of the people of Puerto
Rico; it's proceeds are used for no
other purpose than to improve their
conditions and enlarge their opportu-
mites. Congress is always in session,
and two years will be an object lesson
in the experiment of caring for and
governing the Puerto Ricans.
The history of remedial legislation
presents no example of baseless eX-
citement like that which prevails over
this measure in certain parts of the
United States. The lOcaliZation of the
storm is unprecedented. 1t has great
volume and force in one state, with
little evidence of it in the adjoining
commonwealth. A Northwestern state
may have the fever, while the Middle
States and New England are normal.
In every instance in the contests Of
parties where principle was at is
sue, the sentiment of the party in one
state has been equally pronounced IN
every state. This phenomenal localiza-
tion of interest comDels the conclC-
sion that 4 mere matter OF providing
means for carrying on government and
relieving distress has been eXagger-
ated into an acute struggle over n
fundamental principle of right, or
morals, or both.
The Peoples Law.
This bill is the peoples law. 1t re-
striCts, as far as can be done, the pow
err of trusts or combinations or con-
centration of industries. 1t puts upon
the free list these products going from
the United States in Puerto Rico-the
food products from the American far
mer-so that the American farmer has
this market free as against the agri-
culture of other countries, whose inn
ports must pay Dingley tariff rates. It
gives to the Puerto Ricans the fullest
opportunity for cheap food. Agricul-
tural implements, which are so neces-
sary for the resurrection of island cul-
tivation, and the adoption of modern
machinery TO aid in lower cost and
larger crops, are free. Rough lumber
for mills, coopers' materials for sugar.
molasses and tobacco, and bags for
coffee, are free.
Carriages to cheaper transportation
and trees and plants to give variety
In crops by raising large and smei
fruits, for which the island is pecu-
liarly adapted, are free, as are all
drugs which are used in the malarial
diseases of tropical countries. In u
word, every product of the farm or