The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-24
PORTO RICO DISCUSSED.
Congress Mny he Asked 10 Relieve
the Islands distress.


The Cabinet meeting yesterday was
designated hy some of the members o.
that body as dry affair." Cuba. Porto
Rico. Hawaii. and the Philippines were
discussed. and many kilograms from mill
tary, naval. and sanitary officers stationed
III these islands were read The reports
covered incidents of recent happening ard
related to n multitude of details regarding
minor movements of the military and naval
forces and the precautions taken to ward
off contagious disease. The session was
prolonged beyond the usual hour of ad-
journment.
The topic of chief interest was the sefi-
Gus condition Of affairs in Porto Rico Re-
suits of the storms last summer and IN
favorable trade conditions are resulting
dsastrously for the people of the Island.
Matters do not improve. and Secretary
Root who read several kilograms relating
to the hardships OF the population in vari-
Gus districts. urged that it was necessary
to Immediately formulate measures Of Ie-
lief. II is believed that the suspension Of
the tariff laws. by special pro :lamation.
was suggested as one means OF stimulating
trade and causing money to flow into Porto
Rico in the usual way.
But It is thought that the gravity Of the
situation demands heroic treatment. Many
Of the people are In want and must be
helped The recuperation Of industry is
essential to permanent relief and atten-
ton must be given to that point. Facli-
ties for obtaining loans on real estate and
other security are needed to refund old
debts and to start new industrial or bust
ness enterprises. In short. the Secretary
OF War made the fact plain through his
sources of information that the people OF
DnrNa sVftI
self-supporting communities. ginning
Mt the very foundation.
AS consequence OF this state of affairs
unanimous opinion prevailed in the Cabi-
net that the matter should be referred TO
Congress. The needs of situation have
outgrown executive control with its pres
ent power TO act. and there Is apparently
no relief in sight ether than that which
Congress shall authorize.
Il was rumored after the Cabinet meet
ing yesterday that the situation in Porto
Rico might be made the subject OF a spe-
cal message.
Secretary Root also announced that af-
fairs in the Philippines are rapidly pro-
crossing toward peace. The results Of the
campaign in Cavite are highly satisfactory.
the rebel forces having been routed and
scattered in the mountains The opening
OF the ports continues. and the establish
ment of government in the conquered ter
ritory of Luzon is going on as fast as cir
cumstances permit.
Secretary Long reported details OF ship
building and other routine matters con-
rected with the department.
Reference was made to the fight again t
contagious diseases in Hawaii and the
Philippines and the information an
nouneed that the Marine Hospital Service
has the conditions fairly in hand and ex-
presses the hope that the plague may be
stayed and finally eradicated.
The case OF Webster Davis. Assistant
Secretary OF the Interior. was briefly dis
cussed. and ii was intimated after the
meeting the he would be officially admon-
ished to observe discretion during the re-
maiEder of his journey in South Africa.