The San Francisco call., 1909-05-11
TAFT WOULD TEACH
PORTO RICO LESSON
Sends Special Message Urging
Power of Appropriation Be
Taken Away
Says Islanders Have Proved
Their Inability to Govern
Themselves

WASHINGTON. May 1O.-Strenuous
opposition by the democracy in the
house prevented the reference of the
presidents message recommending GER
tain legislation for Porto Rico to the
committee on ways and means.
A motion by Garrett of Tennessee
directing the speaker forthwith to ap-
which under ordinary procedure would
have charge of the subject. disclosed
that a quorum was not present. Con-
sequently the message will lie on the
speakers table until Thursday.
President Taft sent the special mes
sage to congress today recommending
legislation at the present extra session
amending the Foraker 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 "a situation
of unusual gravity" developed through
the failure of the legislative assembly
of Porto Rico to pass the usual appro-
priation bills, leaving the island with
out support after June 80 next.
NAV IOO MUCH
Porto Ricans have forgotten the gem
erosity OF the United States, the presi-
dent says, in the desire of certain OF
the island political leaders for power,
and he adds that the present situation
indicates that the United States has
gone too fast in the extension Of po-
litical power to the Porto Ricans. He
concludes that the absolute power of
appropriation should be taken away
from those who have shown them
selves too irresponsible to enjoy it,
The president suggests to congress
the wisdom of submitting TO the appro-
priation committee the question of
qualifying some of the provisions Of
the fundamental act as to the re-
spective jurisdiction of the executive
council and the legislative assembly
But no action of this kind. the presi-
dent says, should be begun until the
Foraker act is amended so that when
the legislative assembly shall adjourn
without making the legislative appro-
prfatton necessary to carry on the
government, sums equal to the appro-
priations made in the previous year
for the respective purposes shall be
available for the current revenue and
shall be drawn by the warrant of the
auditor of the treasurer and counter
o-6hSA W lAlC OuCn a OTO-
vision applies to the legislatures of the
Philippines and Hawaii and "it has
prevented in those two countries any
misuse of the power of appropriation.
REVIEWS FORAKER ACT
The president reviews the establish
ment of the present government for
Porto Rico by the Foraker act. He
says the statute directing how the ex-
penses of the government are to be
provided leaves some doubt whether
this function is not committed solely
to the executive council. but in prac-
tiee the legislative assembly has ap-
propriated for all the expenses other
than for salaries.
The message presents an exhaustive
economic review of conditions on the
island. its trade and it's wealth and its
improved educational facilities.
1t points out that there never was
time in the history of the island when
the average prosperity of the Porto
Rican has been higher, his opportunity
greater. his liberty in thought and ac-
tiol more secure" For the first time
IN its history Porto Rico, he saws. is
living under laws enacted by its own
Legislature.