The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-03-14
Who Said There Was No Doubt About
the Feeling Of the People of His
State Being for Free Trade.
SPEECH BY SENATOR FORAKER
WHO DEFENDED HIS BILL AND ITS
TARIFF PROVISIONS.
He Was willing, However, to Accept
the Compromise Proposed-Mark
Hanna for Protection.

WASHINGTON, March 1s-The Repub-
lican senators were in caucus for two and
a half hours on the Porto Rican bill this
afternoon and at o'clock adjourned until
o'clock tomorrow, when the session will
be resumed. No vote was taken on any
of the various propositions laid before
the caucus. but as a result of the caucus
talk the impression prevailed that there
was great deal of opposition to the bill,
which opposition, IL not placated, might en-
danger its passage. 1t was also apparent
that a number of other senators thought
the legislation was i'll advised, but while
opposed to the bill, nevertheless would vote
for it as a party measure.
Deep feeling was displayed over the ques-
ton by number of senators and especially
by those of the middle West. some of
whom did not hesitate to affirm that any
effort to place a tariff on the exchange Of
business between the United States and
Porto Rico probably would have an in
furious effect on the Republican party in
these States.
There were some sharp passages at arms.
1t was generally agreed. however, that
from a party standpoint almost any bill
was better than none, and this feeling gave
the friends Of the measure hope despite
the apparent unyielding attitude Of the op-
posing factions. They are still holding to
the bill as originally introduced, and ex-
press the belief that it will form the basis
of whatever settlement is agreed upon.
This opinion is based on what was said
in general way and not on any poll OF the
caucus, for there was nothing approaching
a vote during the meeting. One indication
that an agreement is expected tomorrow
is the continued determination Of the Gu
ban subcommittee to leave here tomorrow
night for a tour Of Cuba.
Those senators who favored the PROPOSE
tion for a tariff on Porto Rican goods COM
ing into this country and free trade for
goods going to Porto Rico said that this
course would be humane in principle since
it would afford free entry of food and sup
plies needed by the Porto Ricans, while the
tariff on goods coming into this country
would supply revenue for the island and
also retain the principle Of protection.
THE PRESIDENTS POSITION.
Several times during the debate the
course of the administration was men,
toned and the statement made that the
country was aroused because it had seemed
that Congress was acting contrary to the
wishes of the President. Several senators
asserted that the President was now anx-
ious for the proposed tariff Of Is per cent.
Senator Foraker talked at considerable
length and vigorously supported the bill,
and was expressly determined that the
governmental features should not be aban
doned He also defended the tariff pro-
visions as being of advantage instead of
q hardship on the people Of Porto 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 passed, but said he was will
| ing to accept the compromise levying
duty only on Porto Rican products coming
| to this country.
| Senator Hanna made speech that was
listened to with great interest. He favored
| the House bill, and especially the tariff pro-
visions. 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 de-
feated, he asserted that it would hand the
| legislation over to the Democrats. He also
| spoke of the effect a free trade measure
would have on the workingmen. who feared
| the effect should the policy Of free trade
| with the Philippine islands be established
| by granting free trade to Porto Rico. He
| urged the Republicans to stand firmly to-
gether for the bill.
| Senator Proctor said he believed in free
trade with Porto Rico, and thought the
measure could be adjusted by leaving a
military governor and not attempting either
| a. civil government or tariff legislation at
| the present time.
Senator Fairbanks deplored the situation,
and expressed the hope that there might be
some adjustment. He said there was no
question as to the feeling of the people in
his State. who were for free trade with
| Porto Rico.
| DAVIS FAvORS FREE TRADE.
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 Porto Rico. He said that II was not
because that tariff would keep out or let
| IN certain products that Congress should
| act, but because the almost universal SEN
| timent of the people should be needed. a
| sentiment which. he said. had been kindled
by the manner in which Porto Rico had
| come into the United States. He said that
| there was no need to fear that in extending
| the Constitution over Porto Rico that IL
would mean like action when legislation
for the Philippines was under considera-
tion. Each island and group should be and
would be dealt with separately and inde-
| pendently. II would be time enough to con-
slider the Philippine tariff when 1t was
reached.