The Portland daily press., 1900-03-05
interests of Millions
Will be Affected.
Bravery of Two Maine Men To
BE Rewarded.
ESPECIAL TO THE PREss.l


washington, March 2.-Now that the
du.t of the great contest In the House Ia
settled the Importance Of the debate over
the Puerto Rioo bill begins to be under
stood better. The whole thing hinges on
one line OF the Constitution can duties,
imposts, and excuses shall be uniform
throughout the United States" The
Ways and Means Committee had not been
considering the subject Of Puerto Rico
many days before MIR. Nswlsnds Of Ne
vada, quietly moved one day that . cub
committee be appointed to report on the
mean ing of the words "Unitsd States"
In this line. Up to that time free trade
with Puerto Rico had been assumed as
matter of course, In accordance with the
Presidents recommendation. But the
Presidents recommendation had aroufed
q countsr-movement which had as Its
objective the establishment of coustruc-
ton Of the Constitution that would en-
able this country TO avoid free trade with
the Philippines. Free trade with Puerto
Rico menaoeo nobody; but as to the Phil
ippines, with the guaranteed ''open door
policy" and the millions of cheap labor
ers. the free trade proposition was full
and OVERLOOKING with difficulties. These
were 80 great that many thought the re-
tant,on OF the Philippines would be i'm
practicable under free trade. All the
industrial interests of the United States
would be up in arms against such
proposition, as well as against a propo-
sition which should tax the people of THE
country to support oriental colonies.
There is every reason for believing that
the Pre- sIdeDt became impressed with the
momentous oons quenoes involved Is
early, ct Least, as the Ways and Means
o ommittee or the House began TO study
the meaning OF the words United States
and that he and they moved with nearly
equal steps towards the idea that an early
moment must be taken to establish ty
legislation the principle that the newly
acquired territories are without and not
within the Constitution. Hence it hap
pensd that the War Department In reality
drafted the bill which the Ways and
Means committee reported az its own.
When this storm arose against the bill
in the House and in the committee 1t
seemed defeated for a time; but it was
soon developed that Executive influence
was working with tine leaders OF the
House to pass the bill. The rate of duty
was relatively INN Rterlal, and the Ways
and Means committee yielded readily on
that feature. The real Object OF the bill
YVES to establish the principle. 1t was
for this that the Republican leaders
lsbored. They wish the new possessions
to be without the Constitution. In order
that they may be governed without the
restrictions of that document, especially
as to tariffs. In this way 1t IS believed
that the Philippine problem inny b.
handled without de,riment to the labor
and industrial Interests OF the United
States.
The Senate will now wrsstle with the
question. 1t ssems to be expected that
they will pass tbs bill. II they do the
President will sign this bill as he assured
the House leaders ana as they announced
to the Republican members Ia one of the
conferences.
After that the measure Is surs to go to
the Supreme Cours of the United States;
and that tribunal will decide finally what
the words "Unitsd STATES mean, and
whether or not the new possessions are
under the Constitution. 1t Is many T.
long year since So great question hR7
been argued before that oouit, and the
decision will Affect the interests Of
millions, In other lands as well as In
this.
The House Is considering and will IN
doubtedly pass bill which has already
passed the Senate and which authorized
two Maine men to accept the reward OF
gallant deed done several years ago.
1he bill provides: "lhat c. Il. Mari and
+. Ii. PisrSs. keepers of the Cuck Odds
Maine, fog-signal station, be, and are
hereby, authorized to accept each a silver
watch awarded TO tn am, respsetlY rely, by
the government of the Dom MON OF Can
ads In recognition OF their services in res
ouing the captain and craw of the sohoon-
sr Aurora, of Harboursville, Nova Scotia,
on January fourth, eighteen hundred anu
ninery-six."
Washington. March 3 The Senate held
a brief session today, adiourning early on
account OF the death Of Represen tatiye
Epes Of Virginia. During the session. MIR.
Ross OF Vermont spoke In opposition to
the seating of Hon, NJ. S. Quay and MIR.
Teller SPOKE In criticism of the confer
sncs report uDon the currency bill. A
numter OF private pension bills were
passed during the day.
PERSONAL.
Senator Hale has bean absent from the
Senate for few days. being confined to
his home with a severe cold.
Mr.. Frederick Hale. of Portland. has
been In washingon for few days on his
way home from hunting trip in Vir-
ginia.
The less Democrats In the next city
government the more harmonious 1t will