The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-03-09

speakers were Mr.. Foraker, Rep) Of
Ohio, in charge OF the measure, and Mr..
Pettus. Dcm0 of Alabama, but lively
coiloquies occurred in which other Sena-.
tors We're participants.
Mr.. Foraker occupied the moor during
most of the session. He explained the
measure in detail, and gave the reasons
why the committee had determined upon
the levying of a tariff upon Porto Rican
products. In his opinion, it was fmpos-
ssible for direct tax to be levied upon
the people Of TIE island to support a local
government, because of their present
destitute condition. The committee, a,e
said, had conceived the idea of placing
small tariff on Porto Rican products to
raise a sufficient sum, with the sum
otherwise raised, to give the people of the
island not only a good government, but
also to build school-houses and to make
necessary public improvements.
Mr.. Mason, of Illinois, moved to dis
charge the Committee on Foreign Rela-
tons from further consideration of his
resolution expressing sympathy fer the
Beers. Under the rules the motion went
over until tomorrow.
PORTO RICO BILL.
Mr.. Pettus, of Alabama, then addressed
the Senate on the Porto Rico bill He
congratulated the president on the posi-
ton he had taken in his last annual mes
sage, favoring free trade between the
United States and Porto Rico.
MT. Pettus maintained that the policy
OF the bill was bad aside from the ques-
ton of law. 1T is Illegal he declared.
'and rs hardly decent
In conclusion, Mr.. Pettus besought the
Senate not to attempt by act Of Con-
gress to change the Constitution.
Mr.. Morgan gave notice OF his intention
at the proper time and without restrict
ing debate, to move to lay the entire
substitute of the Senate committee for
the House bill on the table.
Mr.. Foraker, in charge Of the pending
bill. replied to Mr.. Pettus. He was of
the opinion that a msundars tanding of
the measure prevailed both in the Senate
and in the country.
Instead of being illiberal.'' said Mr..
Foraker, "the measure is the most lib
eral and generous legislation ever pro-
posed for a territory Of the United
States.''
In round figures the revenues under
the bill. which inures to the sole benefit
of Porto Rlcans under the bill, would
aggregate $1,000 OO0-about s1,4Oo.GOO from
customs and 100000 from internal reve-
nue..
Continuing the Senator said that after
all means Of raising revenue had been
considered, it was found necessary to
provide at least s1,Og0.O0O more per an
mum. Then it was proposed to levy a duty
of % per cent. Of the Dinglcy law on
products OF the island imported into this
county, and to turn the amount SO raised
back to Porto Rico.
1.-THE situation in Porto Rico,' he ex-
planned sis anomalous. If the island is
to have schools good roads and public
improvements it must get them through
taxation, and such taxation as is proposed
in this BILL
ON THE TRUSTS.
Mr. Foraker said that it was generally
understood the sugar and tobacco. trusts
owned all of the sugar and tobacco on
the island. and the proposed tariff would
fall upon those well able to bear it.
In a colloquy with Mr. Hoar, Mr.. Fora
ker finally declared that the question in
point had passed beyond the law-book
stage" and had become one .of justice
and humanity.
Mr. Foraker finally replied THAT the
contention will have to be determined
ultimately by the Supreme Ciurt.
Mr.. Hoar urged indirect appropriation.
to which Mr.. Foraker replied that could
not be depended upon.
Mr.. Foraker said he regarded Porto
Rico as a dependency, not an integral
part of the United States.
Mr. Bacon pointed out the alleged in
consistency for providing for delegate.
not a citizen, not elected by citizens. to
take the oath to obey the United States
constitution.
Mr. Foraker cited Florida, Louisiana
and other precedents.
The chair announced the appointment of
Senators Hanna, Of Ohio. and Tillman. of
South Carolina, a 5 members of the Board
Of Visitors to the Naval Academy.
AT 5 O'Clock the Senate took a recess
until o'clock
AT to-n!sht's session ffty-nine pages
of the Alaskan code bill was read. and the
Senate adjourned till tomorrow.