The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-01-15

the islands. As chairman OF the Porto RI
co committee. however. he has been In
consultation with Gen. Davis, the military
governor of the island. and as a result
probably viii either introduce substi-
tute bill or will secure in committee some
material modincations In the measure orig
inaily drafted. There notifications. SO far
as is known now, will apply chiefly to es-
tablishing such qualifications for the elec-
toraI franchise as Will keep the voting
power from the illiterate and vicious
classes.
1t seems probable now that the presi-
dents recommendation for free trade for
Porto Rico will be accepted by the senate,
for the Republican members are convinced
that unless Porto Rico is given free trade
with the United States the commerce and
business interests of the island would be
crushed out OF existence. The Republic
ans expect that the Democrats will vote
with them in support of free trade. as that
is one of the essential Democratic prin-
ciples.
The temper of the house is not known
so definitely The house insulao commit
tee met and organized today, and while
none of its members will talk for publi-
cation, 1t is evident that there will be
considerable opposition to granting free
trade in Porto Rico. AS this Is an admin
istration measure. however. 1t is to be ex-
pected that 1t will command majority In
the house.
Free Trade for Hawaii.
Hawaii also viii be given free trade.
These islands having been annexed by
resolution. stand upon different foot
ing than do Porto Rico and the other pos
sessions which came to us as a result of
the war with Spain. Hawaii is a portion
of United States territory, and in the
opinion Of many good lawyers must be
given the same rights and privileges as
those enjoyed by any other part OF the
national domain.
Plans NJ to Cuba.
Indications are accommodating that the
committee on Cuba. like that on the Phil
ippines, will be occupied chiefly in repres-
sing rather than formulating legislation
This also is in accord with the desires OF
the administration. After the Spanish resi-
dents of the island have chosen their al
legiance, either to Spain or to Cuba, there
will be municipal and provincial elections,
to be followed by constitutional conven-
tion whence will germinate government
by the citizens of the island themselves
Meantime, the interests of Cuba will be
safeguarded until the natives are advanc-
ed enough to conduct their governmental
affairs without the projecting hand of the
United States.
Collection of Revenue.
Representative Gordon. of Ohio will very
shortly show his friendship for the coll
t,nxx
country by introducing bill in the house
providing for substantial increase in
their salaries. He maintains that the COL
lection of the war taxes has more than
doubled the work of collectors and that
their salaries should be increased in pro-
portion to the increased responsibilities;
that. where formerly collectors only came
in contact with very small proportion OF
the taxpayers. now they meet almost all
Of the business men OF the country and
have dealings with them.
Under the terms Of Mr.. Gordon's bill
collectors whose volume Of business is $685.
900 and less will receive salary of 5000.
Collectors. in districts where the volume
exceeds this, are to receive 1850 and a
commission of one-tenth of per cent, on
all war taxes. A maximum salary, how
ever, is to be established as follows:
A salary of 5000 for those who collect
between $1,000 900 and s.. 900 GOO; salary of
$500 for those who collect between s2,0Oo.-
600 and s5.O0O000; 5000 for those who col
lect between 100000 and $40 100000 and a
salary of $500 for those who collect over
that sum.
Another Pension Bill.
Representative Lybrand. of Ohio, has In
troduced bill in the house providing for
the pension of every old soldier who serv-
ed in the civil war.
Under 1t, any veteran who served ninety
days or more. shall receive a pension of
IS a month, and. in addition. sum per
month equal to a cent day for each days
service Under the proposed act widows
of men who served three years are to re-
ceive s12 a month and 81 for each minor
child. Widows whose husbands served
three years are to receive SO month
and widows of men who served less than
that time are to receive So month. On
the death of the widow the pension goes to
ha children