The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-03-14
CAUCUS ON PUERTO RICO.
SENATORS FAIL As YET TO COME
TO AN AGREEMENT.
1t Is Believed, However. a Settlement
of Existing Difficulties in Repub-
Iican Ranks VIII he Reached
Today on Lines of Present Bill.

WASHINGTON, March 13.-The Repub-
| can senator's were in caucus for two and
one-half hours on the Puerto Riean bill
this afternoon. and al oelock adjourned
until .. m. tomorrow, when the discus
sion will be resumed No vote was taken
upon any Of the various propositions laid
before the caucus. but as a result OF the
caucus talk the impression prevailed that
there was a great deal of opposition to the
bill, which opposition, IL not placated.
might endanger its passage. II was also
apparent that a number of other senators
thought the legislation was ill-advised,
but while opposed to the bill, nevertheless
would vote for it as party measure.
Deep feeling was displayed over the
question 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 tariff upon the
exchange Of business between the United
States and Puerto Rico probably would
have an Injurious effect upon the Repub-
lican party in these states.
There were some sharp passages at
arms. 1t was generally agreed, however.
that from party standpoint almost any
bill was better than none, and this feel
ing gave the friends of the measure hope.
despite the apparently unyielding attitude
Of the opposing factions. They are still
holding to the bill as originally introduced
and express the belief that IL will form
the basis Of whatever settlement is agreed
upon. This opinion Is based upon what
was said In general way, and not upon
any poll OF the caucus
An Agreement Expected.
One indication that an agreement is ex-
pected tomorrow is the continued deter
mination OF the Cuban subcommittee to
leave here tomorrow for a tour of Cuba.
The senators who favored the PROPOSE
tion for tariff on Puerto Rican goods
coming into this country, and free trade
for goods going 70 Puerto Rico, said that
this course would be humane in principle,
Several times during the debate the course
of the administration was mentioned and
the statement was made that the country
was aroused because 1t had seemed that
congress was acting contrary TO the wishes
Of the president.
Several senator's asserted that the presi-
dent was now anxious for the proposed
tariff of IL per cent
Foraker supports the Bill.
Senator Foraker talked at considerable
length, and vigorously supported the bill,
and was expressly determined that the gov
ernmentsl features should not be ahan-
doned.
lie also defended the tariff provisions. as
being OF advantage instead of hardship
upon the people Of Puerto Rico. He de-
ciared that the bill as amended by the
committee, levyinR a Is per cent duty on
products both ways; was the best measure
Hanna Favors the Tariff.
Senator Hanna made speech that was
listened to with great interest He favor
ed the house bill, and especially the tariff
plans.
He said that from a party view the tariff
ought 10 remain. This was a Republican
congress and there should be Republican
legislation. IL the bill was defeated he as
serted that il would hand the legislation
over to the Democrats.
He urged the Republicans to stand firm
ly together for the bill
Proctor Favors Free Trade.
Senator Proctor of Vermont said that
he believed In free trade with Puerto Rico.
and thought the matter could be adjusted
by leaving q military governor, and not
attempting either n civil government or
tariff legislation at the present time.
Fairbanks wants TO Wait.
Senator Fairbanks deplored the situa-
tiou and expressed hope that there might
no question as TO the feeling of the. people
in his state. VINO were for free trade with
Puerto Rico.
Davis Opposes Tartn.
Senator Davis said that It was not be-
cause the tariff would keep out or let in
certain products that congress should act,
but because the almost universal senu-
ment OF the people should be Needed, q
by the manner in which Puerto Rico had
come TITO the United States.
II would be time enough 70 consider the
Philippines tariff when II was rachel,
Senator Perkins wanted the bill agreed
upon without compromise or amendment.
simon for Free Trade.
Senator simon. OF oregon, Went further
than any other senator In declaring his
unsiterabie position IN favor OF free trade
with Puerto Rico. lie said that had
ne right 10 tax our dependencies and that
II We did not intend 70 treat the new se-
quisitions We treated other acquired
territory We should not retain them.
Mason Also.
Senator Mason also took strong ground
In favor of free trade with the islands II
they were to be retained as a possession
or a part Of the United States. He said
the trouble was not with Puerto Rico. but
with the Philippines
spooner urges Hnrmany.
Senator spooner urged party harmony.
and believed that the senators could and
some common ground upon which differ
eucss could be adjusted.