The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1909-05-15
FIGHT TAFT'S PLAN
DEMOCRATS OPPOSE LEolSLA.
TON FOR RELIEF OF
PORTO RICO.
HIS MESSAGE is HELD UP
President Tells Congress the Island
Faces Grave Situation In connec-
ton with Its Finances and Urges
Amendment to Foraker Law.

Washington, May 11.-strenuous op-
position by the Democrats in the
house prevented the reference of the
presidents message recommending
certain legislation for Porto Rico to
the committee on ways and means.
A motion by Mr. Garrett Of Tennes-
see directing the speaker to forthwith
appoint the committee on insular af-
fairs, asked by the president. which,
under ordinary procedure, would have
charge of the subject, disclosed the
fact that a quorum was not present.
Consequently the message will lie on
the speakers table until the house
meets on Thursday.
In opposing the appointment Of the
insular affairs committee the Repub-
lican leaders indicated their inten-
ton Of adhering to the policy of per-
hitting no legislation at the present
session, but that which they deem
urgent or which the president recon-
mends. The introduction and consid-
Grafton of a-Porto, Rcan bill will not
necessarily affect the program of the
leaders. as 1t does not open up any
new channel to members who desire
to have other legislation considered at
this time.
It Is believed that the house will
pass the Porto Rican bill while wait
ing on the senate's action on the tariff
bill and senators say that they see no
objection to it's consideration by the
senate after 1t disposes of the tariff.
There is no disposition in either body
to enter upon a program of federal
legislation during the present extra
session.
Porto Rico In Peril.
Mr.. Taft recommended legislation at
the present extra session, amending
the Foraker act under which Porto
Rico is governed. The president d.
reefs the attention of congress to af-
fairs on the island, laying particular
stress on what he terms "a situation
of unusual gravity" developed through
the failure of the legislative assembly
of Porto Rico to pass the usual ap-
preparation bills, leaving the island
without support until June 20 next.
Porto Ricans have forgotten the
generosity of the United States, the
president says, in the desire of certain
of the islands political leaders for
power, and he adds that the present
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 abso-
lutte power Of appropriation should be
taken away from those who have
shown themselves too irresponsible to
enjoy It,"
Must Amend Foraker Act.
But no action, the president says,
should be begun until the Foraker act
is amended 80 that when the legisla-
tive assembly shall adjourn without
making the appropriation necessary to
carry on the government, sums equal
to the appropriations made in the pre-
vious year for the respective purposes
shall be available for the current rev.
enues, and shall be drawn by the war
rant Of the auditor on the treasurer
and countersigned by the governor.
The president reviews the establish
ment of the present government for
Porto Rico by the Foraker act He
says the statute directing how the
expenses of the government are to
be provided leaves some doubt wheth.
or this function is not committed
solely to the executive council.
Shoots Wife and Servant.