The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1900-03-14

lican senators were in caucus for two
and one-half hours on the Porto Rican
bill this afternoon, and at o'clock adj
journed until 3 O'Clock tomorrow, when
the discussion will be resumed. No
vote was taken upon any of the var
ious propositions laid before the caucus.
but as a result of caucus talk the i'm
preston prevailed that there was a
great deal of opposition to the bill,
which opposition. if it was not placated,
might endangeT its passage. 1t was
also apparent that 6 number of other
senators thought the legislation was ill
advised, but, while opposed to the bill,
nevertheless would vote for it as a
party measure.
Deep feeling was displayed over the
! question by a number Of senator's, and
especially those of the middle west,
some Of whom did not hesitate to affirm
| that any effort 10 place a tariff upon
the exchange Of business between the
United States and Porto Rico probably
would have an injurious effect UPON the
Republican party in these states.
There was some sharp passages at
arms. 1t was generally agreed, how
ever, that from party standpoint al
Z most any bill was better than none,
and this feeling gave the friends OF the
measure hope, despite the\ apparently
uny1elding attitude of the opposing
factions.
Hold to Original Bill.
They are still holding to the bill as
originally introduced, and express the
belief that it will form the basis of
whatever settlement is agreed upon.
This opinion is based upon what was
said in general way and not upon aay
2 poll of the caucus, for there was notl-
ing approaching a vote during the
meeting.
one indication that an agreement is
expected tomorrow is the continue de-
termination OF the Cuban sub-eOmmit-
tee to leave here tomorrow for a tour
of Cuba
Those senators who favored the prop
osition for tariff on Porto Rican goods
coming into this country and free trade
for goods going to Porto Rico, said that
this course would be humane in prin-
ciple since il would afford free entry
of food and supplies needed by the
Porto Ricans, while the tariff on goods
coming into this country would supply
revenue for the island and also retain
the principle of protection.
Several times during the debate the
course or the administration was men
toned, and the statement made that the
country was aroused because il had
H.
trary to the wishes Of the president.
Several senators asserted that the pres
1dent was now anxious for the proposed
tariff of 10 per cent.
Foraker Was Vigorous.
Senator Foraker talked at consider
able length, and vigorously supported
the Dill, and was expressly determined
that the governmental features should
not be abandoned. He also defended
the tariff provisions as being of adyau-
tage instead of a hardship upon the
people Of Porto Rico. He declared that
the bill, as amended by the COMMITTED
levying a 10 per cent duty on products
both ways, was the best measure that
could be passed, but said he was will
ing 10 accept the compromise Lowing a
duty only on Porto Rican products
coming TO this country.
Senator Hanna made a speech thar
was listened to with great interest. He
favored the house bill and esnaciaII1,
the tariff provisions. He said thai from
party view the tariff ought 10 re-
man. This was a Republican con-
giess, and there should be Republican
legislation. If the bill was defeated he
asserted that il would hand the legisla-
ton over to the Democrats.
He also spoke of the effect of a free
trade measure would have upon the
+N+-Ac4ANAAf VIM feared the qffnpf
should the policy of free trade with the
Philippine islands be established Inv
granting free trade to Porto Rico He
urged the Republicans to stand firnIv
together for the bill.
Proctor Favors Free Trade.
Senator Proctor OF Vermont said that
ne believed in free trade with Porto
RICO aud thought the matter could he
ADJUSTED ny leaving a military COVER
nor and not attempting either a civil
government or tariff legislation at the
present time.
senator Fairbanks deplored the situ-
alton and expressed the hope that there
might be some adjustment He said
there was no question as to the feel
ing or the people in his state, who were
for free trade with Porto Rico.
senator Davis, who recently intro
ouced an amendment extending that
portion of the constitution relative 10
taxation over the island. made ouite
an extended speech, taking strong
grounds in favor Of free trade with
Porto Rico. He said that il was not
because the tariff would keep out or
let in certain products that congress
should act, but because the almost uni-
Versal sentiment Of the people should
be needed, a sentiment which. he said
had been kindled by the manner in
which Porto Rico had come into the
United States.
Will Not Apply to Philippines
He said that there was no need to
fear that in extending the constitution
lover Porto Rico it would mean like ac-
ton when legislation for the Philin-
pines was under consideration. Each
island and group should be and would
be dealt with separately and indie
pendentiy. It would be time enough
il was reached
senator Aldrich did not take apv
particular side. but counseled action
which would unite the Republican ma
j0rity.
Senator Perkins. as well as other
members of the Porto Rican- commit
tee, wanted the bill agreed lppon with
out compromise or amendment. Ouife
"A number OF senators in this connec
ton expressed the opinion that a ma
jOrity would vote for the bill as re-
ported. and took occasion To critfnisa
the unstable policy which was being
pursued, saying that the constant
changing had done more to shake fbe
faith Of the country than anything else.
Simon's Strong Stand.
Senator Simon Of Oregon. whose DO
sition was not known, went further
than any other senator in declaring his
unalterable position in favor of free
trade with Porto Rico. He said that
We had 10 right to tax our Dependent