New-York tribune., 1900-04-02
THE PUERTO RICAN BILL.
TARIFF PROVISION IN SENATE ASSURED
PLAN OF OPPONENTS.
TBr TELEGRAPH TO THE THIBUSE.l ]

Washington. April l-Tne opponents Of the
Puerto Rican bill have about abandoned all hope
ot being able defeat the tariff provision in the
Senate either by free trade amendment or by
substituting for IL internal revenue II is not
now believed that more than eight Republican Sen
sto7s viii tor e free trade amendment in any
form This would give the tariff majority OF
seven votes and the majority for the bin itself
would probably be eleven votes. The opposition
therefore. have row turned their attention and viii
direct their efforts the House Of Representatives
where they still hope that something will turn up
whieh VIII result either In free trade bill or none
at all For several days their parliamentary ex-
perts have been trying discover invent some
sort Of expedient 10 further their aims. but they
have been working under serious disadvantages
and have not been successful thus far They be-
lievs. however that IL free trade amendment
should he adopted n the Senate, and II a direct
vote on that amendment should be taken in the
House. motion 10 could be carried. but,
according present indications. neither Of those
things Eiil be likely happen. II the same course
is pursued that adopted in the Of the
taTr bills % 1873 1894 and lse7-twice by the Repub-
bcahs and once by the Democrats-the House will
vote 20 non-concur IN ali the Senate amendments
- gross. and ask the Senate for conference. the
House conferrees being then subject TO
tons; and II the conferrees report agreement
the report be voted and disposed of a
who,e- OF course. IN order pursue this course.
majority IN the House will be necessary.
and the indications that it will be obtained.
PROVISION FOR CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
This result appears more probab bic because IT
is conceded all hands that the measure ought
n Justice 70 Puerto Rico and It's inha bitants
Re disposed Of the earliest day practicable The
objections 81 the House TO the civil government
provisions Incorporated into the bill by the Senate
have been removed 70 some extent by the modifca-
tons they have undergone in that body Besides
all these provisions Of less temporary
nature ard IL IS toreseen that they will have be
supplemented a. no distant day by
plete and thoroughly digested organic act for the
civil government Of the island. In fact. this
sity and purpose distinctly recognized in the
pending bill and provision is made to carry out
the objects by means OF commission 10 be ap-
pointed by the President. by and with the advice
ard consent OF the Senate. The duties this COM
mission are: To compile and revise the laws Of
Puerto Rico. also the various codes Of procedure
and systems Of municipal government IN force
and 10 frame and report such legislation as may
be necessary TO make a simpler. harmonious and
economical government. establish Justice and Sc
cure its prompt and efficient administration.
general system Of education and public instruc-
ton. provide buildings and funds therefor equaIize
and simplify taxation and all the methods Of rails
ing revenue and make all other provisions that
may be necessary to secure and extend the benefits
Of republican form of government to all the in-
halitants of Puerto Rico"
The Commission IS TO consist OF three members.
each Of whom shall receive compensation at the
rate Of S.O,D year, and it must make full and
HH6i fteuft oI al us feNlSOns computations and
recommendations. with explanatory notes. Con-
gress within year from the date Of passage of
the
THE ARTICLES FREE OF DUTY
There appears TO be a good deal Of uncertainty
even in Congress TO what articles Of commerce
will be free Of duty when imported into Puerto Rico
from the United States If the pending bill shall
become law In the first place all articles which
admitted into the United States from foreign
countries free OF duty under the Dngley tariff will
be admitted into Puerto Rico from all other
countries Second. 2 number of articles of com
nerce which enter into general consumption will
be admitted into Puerto Rico without payment Of
duties from the United States but not from other
countries. These articles. together with the
amounts and values thereof. imported into Puerto
Rico from the United States during the eight
months ended February 28 1900 are shown in the
following statement:
Imports from United States free list proposed
eight months ended February 28 1890: