The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-04

the inhabitants OF Porto Rico on April
II. 1899. and still owned by them. and
for their admission to the coasung
trade OF the United States.
Section . provides for the establish
ment OF quarantine stations.
Section 10 provides for the substitu-
tion OF American coins for those OF
Porto Rico and for the purchase OF
the peso al the rate of 60 cents but
debts nov due are to be payable IN
Porto Rican coin or in United states
coins at that rate Of exchange.
Section II directs the payment ut the
expenses Of the Porto Rican govern
ment out of its own revenues.
Section y extends 10 Porto Rico the
statutory laws Of the United States
not locally inapplicable, except the
internal revenue laws.
Section 13 gives TO the legislative au-
thorities power to amend. alter mod
ify. or repeal any existing law or ordi-
nance. civil or criminal
Section Il requires an judicial pro-
cess to remain in the name OF the
United States Of America" and all
criminal or penal prosecution TO be
conducted in the name OF the people
of Porto Rico, and IL requires all
officials to take an oath to support the
Constitution Of the United States and
the laws OF Porto Rico.
Section Is defines the powers and
duties of the Governor Of Porto Rico.
Section Is provides for the appoint
nent by the President for four years
OF a Secretary. Attorney General, Treas
ureT, Auditor. Commissioner Of the In
terror, Commissioner OF Education. and
Eve other persons to constitute an exc
cutive council At least five Of its
members are to be native inhabitants
of Porto Rico.
Section Il prescribes the duties OF
the Secretary.
Section IS provides that in case Of
the death. removal. resignation, CT dis
ability OF tae Governor, his powers
shall be exercised by the Secretary.
Sections 19 to a prescribe the duties
of the Attorney General. Treasurer,
Auditor. Commissioner of Interior and
Education. and the other members Of
the executive council
Section 25 vests legislative powers
in two houses. the executive council
and the house Of delegates. consist
ing Of thirty-fve members, elected BIZ
ennially.
Sections &c, q. Is. and % apply to
the election Of delegates, aud define
legislative authority.
Section 81 regulates the judiciary of
the island The Chief Justice and the
Associate Justice Of the Supreme Court
and the marshal are TO be appointed
by the President. and the judges of the
district court by the Governor.
Section "a directs that the salaries
# ~
the revenues OF Porto Rico. The an
nual salaries are as follows: The
Governor with the occupancy OF the
executive building). $1,000: the Sec
retary, $1,000; Auditor. 81 GOO. Attor-
ney General $4,000; Commissioner Of
The Interior. $4,000; Treasurer. $1,000.
Commissioner OF Education. So. 900;
Chief Justice Of Supreme Court. s.. 900:
United States district judge. s. 600:
four associate justices. each. S4500:
United States district attorney $4,000:
Marshal Supreme Court 5000. and
district marshal, 50 500
Section sc provides that no export
duties shall be levied or collected on
exports from Porto Rico. but that
taxes and assessments on property and
license fees may be imposed by act Of
the legislative assembly. Bonds in
anticipation of taxes and revenues may
be issued 10 an amount not greater
than per cent OF the aggregate tax
valuation
Section 81 provides for a resident
commissioner to the United States.
who shall be entitled to official recog-
milton by all departments. and whose
salary OF s.. 900 annually shall be paid
by the United States. He must be
bona fide resident of Porto Rico. thirty
years OF age and must read aud write
the English language.
Section IS provides for a commission
Of three members Zone at least a ma
tive citizen OF Porto Rico, to be ap-
pointed by the President. 10 compile
and revise the laws OF the island
Section 80 (the last) makes the act
take effect on May 1. 1900.
MIR. MnsOn's Argument.
Mr.. Mason. who made the first speecl
ifter the opening OF the session. did no
'onfne his remarks to the Porto Ricai
1ill. but entered into a general discussion
II all the problems relating TO the gov
srnment and control OF the insular pos
sessions. He began by saying that he wa
n favor OF free trade between Porto Ric
Ind the United States, and that he wa
opposed to the resolution authorizing tn
President TO govern the Philippines unit
congress shall otherwise provide. This b
'Onsidered a legitimate part OF the Port
2ican question.
Mr.. Mason resented as cOwardly and IN
ust any reflection upon his patriotism an
lis love for the flag because OF his opin
ons regarding the Philippines. Referrin
o the subject Of the limitations Impose
~ the Constitution. Mr.. Mason "a d.
4 do not say that in matters Of iegisla
ion we may not pass rules, regulations. q
avs which are not specifically menti1ne
10 the Constitution. but I do say that uu
Ter the decisions u the Supreme Court Z
he United States We have no power {
pass a law here in violation Of The rcst.ie
lions laid down in our Constitution. An
plying this law 10 Porto Rico. / say. frs
hat when the treaty between S9ul ar
The United States was ratified ana ID
people accepted us as sovereign. Port
Rico became a part OF the United State
)f America.
Second. That until it is organized. a
We propose TO do with Hawaii we hav
he power In Congress to make laws an
10 govern the people there; that tina
power to govern did not need any treat
sgreement with Spain
Third. We can not make an unconstl
.utional law there. Whether the Consti