The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-03-23
PORTO RICAN LEGISLATION.
Session Just Closed More Satisfactory Than
the First One Held.

the First One Held.
SAN JUAN. p. R.. March 1.-THE frst
session Of the second Legislative Assem-
bly,. which was adjourned last Friday.
marks new era In the political history
OF the island. For the first time members
Of both political parties were seated In the
House Of Delegates. The FIRST election,
held In 1900, was considered 90 unjust that
the Federal party refused to 60 to the polls,
as a result Of which the first Legislative
Assembly was composed entirely Of Repub-
licans. The legislation Of such . body
can easily be imagined.
But in the election OF 1907 the Federals
elected ten Delegates to the House. The
representation OF the opposition had q
salutary effect. In some instances where
the minority took the initiative the Repub-
licans at first threw aside patriotism and
common sense to oppose the bill. though
II might be Of real benefit to the island;
but later, recognizing their impolitio atti-
tude. supported and passed the measure.
Ia: ure, said. IT VIII Be well q devote speds
attention at this session TO perfecting Laws
already upon the statute books rather
than 10 try TO adopt radically new systems.
Nor shall ! recommend much legislation.
'V RSVoA w So 8sosoeS oAioso oboeAS
be avoided.
But the House did not take this advice.
The House introduced lis measures. includ-
ing joint resolutions and memorials, OF
Council presented % bills. is being signed.
But OF the ffty-two new laws few are OF
importance.
The most important measure, perhaps,
passed at this session Is an act defining
natural marriages and providing a pro-
unions. The moral conditions In this re-
spect are deplorable. and the necessity OF
such law Is obvious when the vital stats
tics show nearly 30 per cent. OF the births
to be illegitimate. The writ Of habeas
placed on the statute books at this session.
The bill for the establishment Of Q Uni
versity Of Porto Rico will be a blessing to
the island. Another new law that carries
with It much benefit provides for the estab-- |
iishment OF the Supreme Court as Court OF
Other bills Of importance are as follows: |
An act to define homestead and exempt |
II from forced sale; exempting from taxa |
ton the Vandergrift Construction Com
has a franchise to build an electric railroad |
from Ponce to San juan; providing for
an insular library; to provide permanent |
improvements for the United States Agri- |
cultural Experimental Station Of Porto
AeAco anu W COnuOlI rptClhi luVe8NlkbtAOfl8
IN tobacco and coffee; authorizing the
Governor of Porto Rico TO convey certain |
lands To- the United States for naval, mill
tary and other purposes.
good deal Of discussion. but which were
defeated, was the bill providing for the
negotiation Of q loan OF 5000 900 to be
guaranteed by the island and to be devoted
to the Development OF agriculture. An
other btl that was killed was one providing
for thu ok,cltabv ~ ha Aastk ltx1
Two civil service measures were indeh-
nitely postponed solely on the ground
that they carried appropriations With
them. Resolutions were adopted however.
authorizing the Governor and the Executive
Council to draft civil service rules which
would be no expense to the Government.
The House memorial and resolution
praying Congress TO extend the constltu-
ton to Porto Rico and TO make Porto Rico
q Territory created feeling Of indignation
bers Of the Executive Council, who were
Instrumental in preventing the passage Of
these measures. The Judiciary Com |
mittee reported adversely on the two acts. I
ss :ss f SSsS Would sss'
suffered by this island In becoming Terri
tory. The Porto Rican members OF both
bodies were unanimous. however. In their
willingness to shoulder all responsibilities
or burdens. whether financial or otherwise,
provided that the island secured territorial
rights
When the Council forwarded the appropri-
alton bill 10 the House the Finance Committee
set to work 10 reduce IL about 500 900 They
used their pencils numerically. and many
debts. personal and political. we're settled
But when the bill returned 70 the Council
In - mutilated q state. with evidence that
personal rather than the public interests had
been considered. II Vas voted not 70 concur IN
the smendnents A conference COMMITTEES
WAS requested. The fight lasted eighteen
hours u vas finally agreed 10 allow the salA-
r,es 70 remain ~ lAst year :, hut this other re-
ductions made by the House COMMITTEES
the Delegates refusing 70 oonoeds
anything Ga tho Council. Tho reduction