Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1909-05-14
WOULD CURB
PORTO RICANS
President Finds Island POIitj-
clans Too Anxious For Power
HOUSE HOLDS UP MESSAGE

Remains on Speakers Table as Result
of Democrats Objection to Its
Reference to Ways and Means Com
mittee-lntroductio and Consdera-
ton of Bill Will Not Affect Program
of Leaders-Tariff Comes First
Washington, May Strenuous
opposition by the Democrats in the
house prevented the reference by
Speaker Cannon of the presidents
message recommending certain legis-
lation for Porto Rico to the commit
tee on ways and means A motion by
Mr. Carrot tenn. }, directing the
speaker to forthwith appoint a com
mittee on insular affairs, which under
ordinary procedure would have charge
of the subject, disclosed that a quo
rum was not present. Consequently
the message will lie on the speakers
table until the house meets on Thurs
day.
Speaker Cannon said that in sug-
costing the reference lie did he had in
mind the present conditions of the
house, only four committees having
been appointed, of which the COM
mittee on insular affairs was not one.
A long, argument ensued over the
right of the speaker to override the
rules, and ended with a motion by
Carrot that the speaker be directed
forthwith to appoint committee on
insular affairs to consider the mes
sage"
The vote disclosed but 105 members
present, far short of quorum,
whereupon Mr.. Payne moved an ad-
journment, remarking as he did SO .
that he hoped a quorum would be
present when the house next met.
In opposing the appointment of the
insular affairs committee the Repub-
lican leaders indicated their intention
of adhering to the policy of permitting
no legislation at the present session
but that which they deem urgent or
which the president recommends.
The introduction and consideration
of a Porto Rican bill will not neces-
sarily affect the program of the lead
ers, as it does not open up any new
channels to members who desire to
have other legislation considered at
this time.
1t is believed that the house will
pass the Porto Rican bill while waiting
on the senates action on the tariff
bill and senators say that they see no
objection to it's consideration by the
senate after it disposes of the tariff I.
There is no disposition in either body
to enter upon a program of general
explanation during the present extra
session
President Taft's special message
recommended legislation at the pres
ent extra session amending the Fora
ker act under which Porto Rico is
governed. The president directs the
attention of congress to affairs on the
island, laying particular stress on
what he terms situation of unusual
gravity" developed through the failure
of the legislative assembly of Porto
Rico to pass the usual appropriation
bills, leaving the island without sup
port after June 80 next.
Porto Ricans have forgotten the
generosity of the United States, the
president says, in the desire of GER
tain of the islands political leaders
for power, and he adds that the pres
ent situation indicates that the United
States has gone too fast in the ex-
tension of political power to the Porto
Ricans.
He concludes that the absolute
power of appropriation should be
taken away from those who have
shown themselves too irresponsible to
enjoy it"
The president suggests to congress
the wisdom of submitting to the ap-
preparation committees the question
of qualifying some of the provisions
of the fundamental act as to the re-
spective jurisdictions of the executive
council and the legislative assembly.