The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-03-14
He FAV|)RS FREE TRADE
SENATOR DAVIS, OF MINNESOTA
PLEADS FOR RIGHTS OF THE
PUERTO RICANS
SENTIMENT OF THE PEOPLE
Minnesotan Believes 1t Should Re-
cetVe Recognition by the Com
Gress OF the United
States.


ncan senators We're in caucus for two and
one-half hours on the Puerto Rican bill
thls afternoon, and at 6 o'clock adjourn
ed until o'clock tomorrow. when the
discussion will be resumed No vote was
taken on any of the various propositions
lald before the caucus, but as a result
OF the caucus talk the impression pre-
vailed that there was a great deal of
opposition to the bill, which opposition
II 1t was not placated, might endanger
us passage. 1t was also apparent that
number Of other senator's thought the
legislation was ill-advised, but, while
opposed to the bill, nevertheless would
vote for 1t as party measure Deep feel
Ing was displayed over the question by
number of senator's, and especially by
those of the middle West, some of whom
did not hesitate to affirm that any eff
fort to place tariff upon the exchange
OF business between the United States
and Puerto Rico probably would have an
injurious effect upon the Republican
party in these states.
Ihere were some sharp passages at
arms. 1t was generally agreed, however
that, from a party standpoint, almost any
Dill was better than none and this feel
Ing gave the friends of the measure hope
despite the apparently unyielding atti-
tCde OF the opposing factions. They are
still holding to the bill as originally in
troduced and express the belief that It
VIII form the basis of whatever settle
ment is agreed upon. This opinion Is
based upon what was said in a genera;
way, and not upon any poll of the caucus.
for there was nothing approaching a
vote during the meeting.
One indication that an agreement IS ex-
pected tomorrow Is the continued deter
mination Of the Cuban subcommittee to
leave here tomorrow night for a tour of
Cuba.
Ihose senators who favored the propo-
sltlon for tariff on Puerto Rican goods
coming into this country and free trade
for goods going to Puerto Rico said that
this course will be humane in principal,
since 1t would afford free entry of food
and supplies needed by the Puerto Rlcans.
While the tariff on goods coming into this
country would supply revenue for the
island and also retain the principle of
protection.
COURSE OF ADMINISTRAT
Several times during the debate the
course of the administration was mention
ed. and the statement made that the coun-
try was aroused because 1t seemed that
congress was acting contrary to the
wishes Of the president. Several SEN
ators asserted that the president was now
anxious for the proposed tariff of Is
per cent.
Senator Foraker talked at considerable
length and vigorously supported the bill,
and was expressly determined that thu
government features should not be aban-
doned. He defended the tariff provi-
sions as being of advantage, instead of
a hardship upon the people of Puerto
Rico. He declared that the bill, as
amended by the committee, levying Is
per cent duty on products both ways.
was the best measure that could be pass
ed, but said he was willing to accept a
compromise, levying a duty only on
Puerto Rican products coming to this
country.
MR.. HANNA'S ARGUMENT.
Senator Hanna made speech that was
listened to with great interest He ia
vored the house bill, and especially the
tariff provisions. He said that from a
party view the tariff ought to remain
This was a Republican congress- and
there should be Republican legislation
If the bill was defeated. he asserted that
1t would hand the legislation over to the
Democrats He also spoke OF the effect
a free trade measure would have upon
the worlSingnen, who feared the effect
should the policy of free trade with the
Philippine islands be established by
granting free trade to Puerto Rico He
urged the Republicans to stand firmly to-
gether for the bill.
Senator Proctor (Vt.) said that he be-
lieved in free trade with Puerto Rico and
thought the matter could be adjusted by
leaving a military governor and not at
tempting either g. civil government or
tariff legislation at the present time
Senator Davis, who recently introduced
an amendment extending that portion Of
the constitution relative to taxation over
the island. made quite an extended
speech. taking strong grounds in favor
of free trade with Puerto Rico. He said
that it was not because the tariff would
keep out or let in certain products that
congress should act, but because the al
most universal sentiment Of the people
should be needed, a sentiment which he
said, had been kindled by the manner in
which Puerto Rico had come into the
United States. He said that there was
no need to fear in extending the
constitution over Puerto Rico that it
would mean Hike action when legislation
for the Philippines was under consid-
Grafton. Each island and group should be
and would be dealt with separately and
Independently 1t would be time enough
to consider the Philippine tariff when it
was reached.