The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-03-24
PORTO R|CANS SEEK
ADVICE FROM TAFT
Delegation Reaches Wash
ington Today-FinanceS
of Island Tangled.

Hoping as a last resort that President
Taft can suggest a way ont of the dif-
ficulties now besetting Porto Rico be-
cause its legislative bodies cannot agree
upon an appropriation bill for the next
year, a delegation of three members Of
the lower house OF the island reached
Washington tbs nsornin. and imnedi-
ateiy Went in conference with Commits
sloner Larrinaga, who has espoused
their attitude Another delegation com
prised of Americans and representing
the executive council, or upper house. is
also said TO be en- route to Washing
ton in an attempt to enlist the Presi-
dents aid in their favor.
The committee from the lower house,
which Is elected by the people. consists
or Representatives L. MIunoz Rivera,
Eugenio Benitez. and Cay Coll Cuchl.
Finances Muddled.
According to the story told by Mr..
Rivera today. financial governments!
afTairs seem pretty badly muddled over
IN Porto Rico. How the island is going
TO run along for twelve months without
any money. whereas about three and a
half millions are ANNUALLY appropriated.
Is the problem that brought the delega-
-
Rivera said the journey was made on
twenty-four hours nOt.ce, following the
adjournment Of the legislature with
both houses at war and unable to agree
on anything This is the way he ex-
claims how the peculiar situation came
about:
I'VE are without any appropriation
laws for the next fiscal year. The house
of delegates, composed of thirty-hye
members elected by the people, follow
ing the suggestions of Governor Post
in his annual message, proposed several
amendments TO the appropriation bill,
which originates in and was passed by
the executive council The hOyISe amend
menCs slightly reduced the Salaries OF
some employees who were highly paid,
and, on the other hand left untouched
all the public expenses for public works
and education.
Councils Stand.
The executive council declined to
concur IN the amendments. The I,egis-
latUre was adjourned by the council
without anything being done The coun-
Gil. Furthermore, refused t~ consider or
pass any of the bills originating In the
house, some Of which tie people were
demanding, including So hool laws, an
act relating to the election of municipal
Judges and mayors, a If.w dividing the
Island into counties aid providing 2
plan Of property assess nent, an act es-
tablishing an agricultural bank and 9TH /
ers.
Finally the house agreed to accept 7
the appropriation bill passed DIV the
executive council providing 1t in return /
would pass just TWO out of the 20O /!
house, bills. These two provided for
lqdges The council refused, and would 4
give US no reason therefor. No plan /
AZ all had been agreed upon for run |
ling the government
AT 2 o'clock in the morning ON the
llSht or March Is, when the house
Vas trying TO smooth out the difficult |
les' message was received from the
souHcH saying they were ready TO ad- |
ourh' 1hat was he end Of it,
Object of Council.
Mr.. Rivera says tls object of the
council is To maintain complete control
II the government, whereas the people
want more liberal construction of the
'oraker act. The President and Con-
;ress' the delegation believes. will rec
'gnize the justice of their position
IF the policy Of the council absO-
uiely prevails says Mr.. Rivera, "the
VIII OF the people will be eliminated in
government, and a deep resentment will
,e created The United States will then
;ause great injustice 70 a people not !
ltrong enough to take up its own de-
ense IN the present situation"
commissioner Ldrrinaga probably will
orange an audience with President |
Iatt at once The delegation will re-
main In Washington until Porto Rico Is
Ntrlcated IN some way from its pres
mt troubles Delegate Cuchi, who
peaks English even more fiuently than
us companions, Is former student and
graduate Of Georgetown University.