The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-04-04
PORTO RlCAN TARIFF PASSED.
Continued from First Page.

Sress was apt 20 be partisan, and such
being the fact, prohiSacy and oppression
We're 10 be expected. Already the sSirm-
ish lines had been thrown out for a
change on the part of imperialists by
Senators Lodge and Beveridge, the latter
expressing preference for the unwrt-
ten constitution of the' aristoeracy of
Great Britain. There could be no ques-
ton that the President had violated the
constitution when he had levied a duty
upon articles exported from the United
States to Porto Rico.
Mr.. Culberson also argued that the tax
proposed would be oppressive an assault
upon our institutions and a crime against
free government.
Senator CIay's Opposition.
The order for fifteen-minute speeches
or less then went into effect.
Senator Clay of Georgia, the first speak
er. in reviewing the status of the legisa-
tion s it stood before the Senate show
ed the different phases of legislative jug
Cling which have been made necessary by
the way the Republicans have changed
front on all the material features of this
great question. He devoted his remarks
principally to the features of the bill
which provide tariff duties between The
United States ana Porto Rico and which
treat Porto Rico as a fore gn country. He
did not attempt to discuss the legal ques-
ton as to whether the constitution by
virtue of its own force extends TO the is
land, His sp ech was rather as to the pol
icy which justice and right demands we
should pursue in dealing with the people
Of Porto Rico. lie spoke of the conditions
in the island showing that the people are
peaceable and law abiding and were even
faithful to Spain.
Senator Clay said that never before in
the history of our country have so many
public men in so short time changed
their views as to certain line of public
policy. He pointed out how from the
President down. all of the Republican
leaders had at first favored free trade
for the island The President had not
only recommended free trade. but had
recommended the same territorial form of
government as we have given to the peo-
pie of our territories. That was the only
communication which the President has
ever sent Congress. So far as Congress
knows, he has never changed his mind.
If he had done so it was his official
duty to submit to the Senate a message
setting forth this fact and giving fully
his reasons for his change of faith. SO
far as any facts which have been dis
closed are concerned there is absolutely
nothing before Congress TO warrant this
change in position on the part of the Re-
publican leaders. He pointed out, vivid
ly. the effect of this injustice with the
people of Porto Rico, who now have been
leu 10 DtllGNt lIldI we are illAlt DtttCl
than robbers. He could not see why this
government should not be equally just to
the people of Porto Rico as it has been
toward Hawaii.
'Give to the people of Porto Rico Amer
lean liberty, American freedom and Amer
lean opportunity" he said land then we
will preserve American honor, American
liberty and American institutions"
Mr.. Ross of Vermont argued in favor
of the bill. but thought free trade should
be established as soon as possible be-
tween the United States and Porto Rico.
Mr.. Teller entered his protest against
the pending bill. He would vote against
it. because the United States ought to
treat the people of Porto Rico as it was
proposed to treat those of Cuba. He be-
lieved Congress had ample power to leg
slate for the Porto Ricans under the Paris
treaty.
''If we had a ebony" he said I'VE
| could give its people either a tariff or free
| trade"
From Free Trade to Tariff.
| Mr.. Bacon of Georgia adverted to what
| he termed the evolution of the pending
bill" showing how IT had developed from
a free trade to a tariff measure. The pro
vision relating to the citizenship of the
people had likewise been changed and up
on the enactment of the pending bill they
were to be disa Dpointed in not becoming
citizens of the United States. When this
bill should pass it would be the first law
declaring that people for whom Congress
had legislated were not citizens of the
United States. 1t was indeed an historic
occasion.
Senator Bacon added an interesting feat
ure to the debate by presenting the orig
inal proclamation in Spanish, under which
the Porto Ricans held their great mass
meeting of rejoicing over the promise OF
American friendship. This showed not
only the character Of the promises which
were held out to them but also showed
the eagerness with which the people of
Porto Rieb accepted the opportunity to
come under the American flag as a part
of the country to which they appropriate
ly belong. Senator Bacon pointed out the
weakness of the Republican position, both
from legal standpoint and from stand
point of right and justice.
Mr.. Wellington of Maryland opposed the
pending measure, although he said he had
stood ready to support the first bill pre-
scented to The Senate upon the subject.
That bill he regarded as just and consd-
tutional
But" he said "the legislative mon
strosity now before us transgresses every
principle of national honor, patriotism,
/ good faith and justice. ! am compelled
therefore to part from my colleagues on
the Republican majority and vote against
this bill"
MIR. Foraker Explains.
Mr.. Foraker explained that the changes
made in the bill had been explained again
and again The necessity for the measure
was beyond bubble.
Did that necessity" inquired Mr.. TILL
man, change the political status of the
people of Porto Rico from citizens of the
United States to citizens OF Porto Rico?"
NO" answered Mr.. Foraker. THAT
was not the reason. The reason for that
change was the opposition of Democratic
senator's They maintained that the con-
ferring of citizenship of the United States
upon the people of the island was a prac-
teal extension of the constitution over the
island.
1T was not for Gen. Miles to speak for
the government as to political policy
that was for Congress. His duty was to
carry the flag there, as he calamity did.
The Secretary of War had made no
r.lodc.a. A.. ~ Ilrc.cil..rat q 10.