New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-22
THE PUERTO RICAN TARIFF
PROSPECT OF PASSING THE BILL SEEMS
TO BE IMPROVING.
uR. CROMWELL SAYS HE WILL VOTE FOR
TT-sTRONG ARGUMENTS OF MEssRs.
RAY AND LONG
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE


which was contributed by Mr. Bromwen, of
ohio who. it has been asserted. had declared his
unalterable opposition TO the measure and had
repeatedly expressed his determination to vote
against It under any and all circumstances OF
course, the Democrats welcomed his support
and Mr.. Richardson cheerfully yielded to him
portion OF the time allotted to the opposition.
Mr. Bromwell is remembered as the Republican
representative in the last Congress who was
perhaps the iercest and most outspoken of all
IN his criticism Of the Administrations Cuban
uolcy and loudest in his demand for the recog-
milton by the United States of the Cuban Re
pubuc" To-day he appeared as the self-chosen
Republican champion of what he alleged to be
the Presidents policy and desire respecting
trade relations with Puerto Rico 1t is doubtful
If the Executive will feel wholly grateful for the
manner matter Of Mr.. BromweIrs advocacy
of his recommendation and exposition of his
policy
DEMOCRATS DISAGREEABLY SURPRISED.
The Democrats themselves did not have so
much reason 10 feel grateful to the Ohioan as
they had expected, for he fatty repudiated their
chief doctrine and contention that the Constitu-
ton and laws Of the United States are already
operative in Puerto Rico and the Philippine
Archipelago. and that the inhabitants thereof
are even now full fedged citizens of the United
gave the Democrats another dsagreeable sur
prise when he said that he would vote for a
motion recommit the bill, and If that motion
should be lost he would vote for the bill itself.
Mr.. Bromwell was the first Representative who
opposes any provision OF the measure to sug-
gest any plan TO provide money to carry the
functions Of civil government in Puerto Rico,
10 establish and support public schools or build,
repair and maintain public highways. One Of
his suggestions appropriations Of money
from the National Treasury; a second was for
the National Government to guarantee the pay
rent Of Puerto Rican bonds and the third was
the levying Of internal taxes on real and per-
sonaI property and on occupations and manu-
features in the island.
Mr.. Henry. of Texas. who spoke in the time of
M Cooper, CT the same State, who is men,
Der Of the Ways and Means Committee, deliv-
cred long argument in which he attempted TO
show that Congress has not the power and au-
thority 10 make different laws for or impose
different conditions upon the inhabitants of
Puerto Rico the Philippines than have been
enacted in the case of New Mexico and other
Territories. His arguments had been completely
answered before he submitted them by Messrs.
Dazell, Hopkins and Ray.
Mr. RAYS STRONG LEGAL ARGUMENT.
The speech Of Mr.. Ray, of New-York, who is
notable and important contribution to the dis
cussion, and in some respects was the strongest
one. He has been studying the subject for
weeks and his arguments and conclusions were
irresistible It was known to some of his friends
thar at the outset Mr.. Ray found dIfficulties
il the way, and it was only after the most
painstaking and thorough investigation that he
reached some Of the conclusions embodied in his
speech to-day.
SOME NEW FACTS PRESENTED.
Another notable contribution TO the debate to-
day the powerful speech of Mr.. Long. of
Kansas. who is one Of the Junior members of the
Ways and Means Committee. He began with
plain statement of the existing conditions in
Puerto Rico and the Immediate necessity Of
practical legislation to afford relief Such
position was needed, and he ably and effec-
lively supplemented the speech of Chairman
Payne, who opened the debate. Mr.. Longs ex-
haustive researches also enabled him to present
some new facts and add some new arguments in
support of the position taken by the majority.
One Of these was the historical fact that for
twelve years after the cession of Louisiana the
cargoes carried by French and Spanish vessels
10 ports in Louisiana were admitted at 10 per
cent lower rates Of duty than cargoes brought
by the same Fessels TO New-York or other ports
in The United States. Spanish vessels enjoyed
Ike privileges in FLORIDA ports for term of
years after the cesson of that territory TO the
United States by Spain. These privileges were
accorded by virtue of treaty stipulations, and no
question was ever raised against importations
under them.
PROSPECT APPARENTLY IMPROVING.
The prospect of the passage of the bill appears
10 be better than on yesterday, although reports
Of Republican disafection here and there con-
tinue TO circulate. 1t asserted to-day that
a majority Of the Republican Representatives
from New-Jersey We're opposed to the bill, but
desired to vote with the majority OF their party.
One Of them is reported TO have said that he
had heard from a member of the House who
had talked with the President" that the latter
stin adhered TO his original position. Other
members Of the House who have conferred with
the President have obtained contrary impress
sion The New-Jersey Representative above
quoted said that the debate would probably
continue through next week, land end in the
defeat or withdrawal OF the bill" This opinion
does not agree with that expressed by the chair
man and several other Republican members OF
the WAYS and Means Committee late this after
noon. 1t seems altogether probable that
at least six Democrats will vote for the bill, and
that number is more likely TO increase than di-
mhish before the debate ends. On account of
the pressure for time, the debate hereafter will
begin at il o'clock. and there will be night ses-
dons on Thursday and Friday
II was asserted tonight by DR. Ames. one OF
tao Puerto Rican delegates in Washington, that
a agreement had just been effected in accord
aace with which the bill would be recommitted
c the Ways and Means Committee next SatuI-
dey This was news TO members OF that com
m1tee.
CONSTITUTIONAL PHASE OF THE QUESTION.
Wr Paw 6e,oted himself closely to the legal and