The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-21
PORTO R|CANS BRING
WOES TO CONGRESS
lnSular Government in Dead
lock, Rival Delegations
Seek Support Here.

With deadlock on between the upper
and lower houses Of the Porto RiSau
Insular government, two delegation
from that country are now en- route to
Washington 70 present to the President
and to Congress divergent views as to
what Porto Rico wants as a new organic
act commissioner Larrinaga is in sym
patty with the reform delegation, which
probably will reach Washington tomor-
row. He will introduce a bill in the
House OF Representatives this week en-
bracing such concessions, as he believes
the Porto Ricans are now entitled TO.
The Foraker act, under which the in
sular government was established. when
the island came into the possession Of
the United States, is said to be unsatis-
factory to the Porto Rican people and
the commissioners idea is that Con-
gress should pass a resolution appoint
ing a commission to review and amend
the Foraker act, making IL more in har-
mony with American ideas Of Govern
ment. The Foraker act. il is claimed,
was intended merely as a temporary
organic act. but instead, has been used
as a permanent one
Cause of Split.
II is over the matter or a more liberal
colonial government that the two Porto
Rican legislative bodies have split. The
upper house. known as the executive
council, is formed Of SIX heads of de-
partments and FIVE Porto Ricans, all
appointed by the President. They de-
cline 10 approve any OF the reform bills
passed by the lower mouse, which is
elected by the people. The lower house,
probably in retaliation, has cut the ap-
preparations made by the upper house.
Neither will compromise; hence the
visit Of the two delegations to America.
Mr.. Darrinaga was asked concerning
the rumor that the stand-pat delegation
would endeavor TO enlist the aid OF
Seligman & Co, New York bankers,
who are negotiating the Porto Rican IT.
rigation Losn, on the theory that the
New Workers would not negotiate the
loan II the present form OF colonial gov
ernment is changed Commissioner
Barrinaga said that ne had received
cable messages to this effect
What about the sentiment OF anti
Americanism which was said TO exist
sometime ago on the island?'' the com
missioner was asked
This is trick used to engage the
Va TIE american people,
piled Mr.. Darrinaga. 1T aims to preiU-
dice Congress against US. 1t was al
ways used in the Spanish times by the
conservative party to stop political re-
form whenever a liberal government
was in power at Madrid
Object of Visit
Mr.. Larrinaga believes one object of
the visit OF the upper mouse delegation
is to get Congress TO approve the ap-
preparations as passed by that body.
Commissioner Larrinaga will make
every effort TO have his liberal govern
ment bill passed at the extraordinary
session of Congress. He has announced
his intention to STANG by the union
party, which elects the lower house. so
long as that party represents the wishes
OF the people. This is Dir. Larrinaga's
third term as commissioner at large
from Porto Rico. an office to which he
was elected by more than 10000 votes
A number of interesting situations
doubtless. will develop when tie two
delegations begin to intercede With the
President and Congress. The upper
house, or American delegation. is com
posed of Attorney General Hoyt, Treas
urer Willoughby, and Auditor Ward.
The Porto Rican, or lower house deIega-
ton, consists Of Delegates Benitez,
Munoz Rive a and CucEi.