the founding of ·the Commonwealth .of Puerto Rico

program of events july 25th 1952 july 25th the date that grew ln• meanlng•

FOR MORE THAT fifty years July 25th has been a holiday in Puerto Rico, a date set aside to mark an event in his­ tory. Like so many events distin­ guished in the history books, this one was military in character, though ex­ ceptionally lacking in bloodshed : on July 25th, 1898, the Army of the United States, at war with Spain, landed at the little south coast town of Guanica. The subsequent defeat of the Spanish defenders and the occupation by the Americans was accomplished with dis­ patch. Within a few weeks Puerto Ri­ cans were moved from the orbit of the old kingdom of Spain of which the is­ land had been a part since Columbus landed, to the orbit of the United States. The event which we are here to ce­ lebrate today on the same day of the month of July of 1952, is no less im­ portant historically, but totally differ­ ent in its whole nature: it is an act of freedom, of mutual agreement. To­ day the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico stands created by the common will of the people of Puerto Rico and the Con­ gress of the United States. From to- Continued on next page day on, July 25th will be a date that ment of the Commonwealth which we has grown in meaning for the people are celebrating today means the remov­ of Puerto Rico; a date made memorable al of the last shred of the colonialism not in records of war and acts of power, real or imaginary, that once bound th~ but rather in that history where the people of Puerto Rico. true growth of mankind is written The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico down-the annals of government by has grown organically out of traditional the consent of the governed. Puerto Rican aspirations. It provides The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a~tonomy without separation, inclusion the product of historical development, Without loss of identity. of triumphant ideals, of economic real­ Henceforth Puerto Ricans will live ities and also of the inventive tenacity un~er their own constitution written by of a people. The roots of this new kind their own elected constitutional conven­ of body-politic go deep. Even in the tion, and approved by the people of Puer­ days of Spain, while the large and po­ to Rico under a compact with the Con­ tentially rich countries to the south we­ gress of the United States. Our own re taking their freedom by force, Puer­ elected Legislature makes all local laws. to Rico, a small island with few resour­ Our own elected governor administers ces, sought autonomy rather than sep­ aration. The goal held little glamour th~se laws and has the power of ap­ pomtment over all insular officials. but much promise. Its attainment was Thus local government is made entirely difficult, reqmrmg dogged patience responsible to our electorate. rather than military heroism. There were no battles, but years of conferen­ And, recently, that same electorate ces that brought forth hard-gained, was given the opportunity to approve limited concessions. Finally, in 1897, or disapprove existing relations between the goal was achieved: Spain granted the island and the Federal Government. Puerto Rico a Charter of Autonomy. These relations - containing generous Yet that charter was really a grant provisions most advantageous to the by a friendly government in Madrid, ra­ island-were overwhelmingly approved ther than a compact between peoples. by the Puerto Ricans. As it turned out, a change of sovereign­ The proclamation of the new Com­ ty revoked it within a year. monwealth and its Constitution is the And so, the whole long, ardous task final proof of good faith and complete had to be undertaken again, from the confidence between the Federal Union beginning. Confidence had to grow and Puerto Rico. It would be note­ and understanding, a mutual under­ worthy at any time. In today's world standing between peoples of different of tension and violence this peaceful, backgrounds, different traditions, dif­ democratic and creative solution of a ferent languages. It was a slow pro­ difficult problem by two peoples is a cess, slow as all real growth is slow. national and international event of the first magnitude. Yet the progress over the last half century has been tremendous. It can­ not be measured only by documents and charters. It must be measured also in terms of a vital intangible-the growing faith of one people in another. In that last half century the people of Puerto Rico have come all the way from mili­ tary government to the enjoyment of full self-government. The establish- Convention. The Convention convened in San Juan on September 17, 1951, and concluded its deliberations on February 6, 1952. The Constitution approved by the Constitutional Convention was sub­ statement by the President mitted to the people of Puerto Rico in a referendum on March 3, 1952, and was approved by an overwhelming of th.e United States majority. On April 22, 1952, I trans­ mitted the Constitution to the Con­ gress for approval in accordance with· the provisions of the Act of July 3, 1950. The Constitution will now be­ come effective upon the acceptance by the Constitutional Convention The White House, July 3rd 1952 of the conditions of approval and the issuance of a proclamation by the I HAVE TODAY signed H. J. Res. 430, Governor of Puerto approving the Constitution of the Rico. Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which H. J. Res. 430 is the culmination of was adopted by the people of Puerto a consistent policy of the United States Rico on March 3, 1952. to confer an ever-increasing measure of local self-government upon the I welcome this early approval by the people of Puerto Rico. It provides Congress of the Constitution of the additional evidence of this nation's Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which adherence to the principle of self­ I recommended in a Special Message determination and to the ideals of on April 22, 1952. freedom and democracy. The adoption of this Constitution Vie take special pride in the fact was authorized by the Act of July 3, that this Constitution is the product 1950. It is gratifying to me to be of the people of Puerto Rico. When able to sign the Act approving the the Constitution of the Commonwealth Constitution of the Commonwealth of of Puerto Rico is proclaimed by the Puerto Rico two years to the day after Governor, Puerto Rico will have a I approved the enabling legislation. government fashioned by the people of Puerto Rico to meet their own needs, The Act of July 3, 1950 authorized requirements and aspirations. the people of Puerto Rico to organize a republican form of government pur­ With the approval of H. J. Res. 430, suant to a constitution of their own the people of the United States and choosing. That Act, adopted by the the people of Puerto Rico are about to Congress in the nature of a compact, enter into a relationship based on became effective only when accepted mutual consent and esteem. The Con­ by the people of Puerto Rico in a stitution of the Commonwealth of referendum. Puerto Rico and the procedures by which it has come into being are On June 4, 1951, the people of Puer­ matters of which every American can to Rico voted by a large majority to be justly proud. They are in accord­ accept the Act of July 3, 1950, thereby ance with principles we proclaim as reaffirming their union with the the right of free peoples everywhere. United States on the terms proposed July 3, 1952 should be a proud and by the Congress. Following the happy day for all who have been as­ referendum, the voters of Puerto Rico sociated in a great task. elected delegates to a Constitutional Whereas the Act entitled "An Act to provide for the organization of a constitutional gov­ ernment by the people of Puerto Rico", ap­ proved July 3, 1950, was adopted by the Congress as a compact with the people of Puerto Rico, to become operative upon its approval by the people of Puerto Rico; and Whereas the people of Puerto Rico overwhel­ mingly approved such Act in a referendum held on June 4, 1951, and a constitution for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was draft­ resolution by the ed by a constitutional convention held as provided by such Act from September 17, 1951, to February 6, 1952; and Constitutional Convention Whereas such constitution was adopted by the people of Puerto Rico, by a vote of three hundred seventy-four thousand six hun­ dred and forty-nine to eighty-two thousand of Puerto Rico nine hundred and twenty-three, in a refer­ endum held on March 3, 1952; and Whereas the President of the United States has declared that the constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico conforms ful­ ly with the applicable provisions of such Act of July 3, 1950, and of the Constitution of Resolution No. 34, approved the United States, that it contains a bill of July 10, rights, and provides for a republican form 1952 of government, and has transmitted the constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto To accept, in behalf of the people of Rico to the Congress for its approval; and Puerto Rico, the conditions of ap­ Whereas the Congress has considered the cons­ proval of the Constitution of titution of the Commonwealth of Puer.to the Rico and has found it duly to conform to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico pro­ above requirements; Therefore be it posed by the Eighty-Secoad Congress Resolved by the Senate and House of Re- presentatives of the United States of Ameri­ of the United States through Public ca in Congress Assembled, That the constitu­ Law 447 approved July 3, tion of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico 1952. which was drafted by the selected delegates to the Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico Whereas, the Constitution of the Com­ and adopted by the people of Puerto Rico in a monwealth of Puerto Rico, as adopt­ referendum of March 3, 1952, in accordance with the Act entitled "An Act to provide ed by the people of Puerto Rico in a for the organization of a constitutional gov­ referendum held March 3, 1952, was ernment by the people of Puerto Rico", ap­ proved July 3, 1950 (64 Est. 319; 48 U. S. C., submitted to Congress by the Pres­ sees. 731b-731e), is hereby approved by the ident of the United States pursuant Congress of the United States, except section 20 of article II of said constitution; Provided, to the terms of the compact referred That section 5 of article II thereof shall have to in Public Law 600, approved by no force and effect until amended by the peo­ ple of Puerto Rico under the procedure pres­ the President of the United States cribed by article VII of the constitution of the July 3, 1950 and by the people of Commonwealth of Puer;to Rico by adding to such section 5 the following declaration: Puerto Rico at the -referendum of "Compulsory attendance at elementary public June 4, 1951; schools to the extent permitted by the facilities of the s.tate as herein provided shall not be Whereas, the Congress of the United construed as applicable to those who receive elementary education in cchools established States has approved the Constitution under nongovernmental auspices"; Provided of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico further, That except for the purpose of adop­ ting the amendments to section 5 of article II to be operative if the Constitutional and to section 3 of article VII as herein pro­ Convention accepts the terms of said vided, article VII of said constitution likewise shall have no force and effect until amended Public Law 447 of July 3, 1952, which by the people of Puerto Rico under the terms reads as follows: of said article by adding to section 3 of arti­ cle VII the following new sentence: 'Any PUBLIC LAW 447 amendment or revision of this constitution shall be consistent with the resolution enacted Approving the constitution of the Common­ by the Congress of the United States approv­ wealth of Puerto Rico, which was adopted ing this constitution, with the applicable pro­ by the people of Puerto Rico on March visions of the Constitution of the United 3, 1952. Continued on next page Sta.tes, with the Puerto Rican Federal Relations de julio de 1950 (64 Est. 319; 48 C. de EE. Act, and with Public Law 600, Eighty-first UU.; sees 731b-731e), queda por la presente a­ Congress, adopted in the nature of a compact': probada por el Congreso de los Estados Uni­ And provided further, That the Constitution dos, excepto la seccion 20 del articulo II de of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico hereby dicha Const1tucion; Disponiendose, que la sec­ approved shall become effective when the cion 5 del articulo II de la misma no tendra Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico shall fuerza y vigor hasta que sea enmendada por have declared in a formal resolution its ac­ el pueblo de Puerto Rico de acuerdo con el pro­ ceptance in the name of the people of Puerto ~edimiento prescrito por el articulo VII de Rico of the conditions of approval herein con­ la Constitucion del Estado Libre Asociado de tained, and when the Governor of Puerto Rico, Puerto Rico, agregandole a dicha secc1on 5 la being duly notified by the proper officials of siguiente declaracion: "La asistencia obliga­ the Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico toria a las escuelas publicas primarias, hasta that such resolution of acceptance has been donde las facilidades del Estado lo permitan, formally adopted shall issue a proclamation to segun se dispone en la presente, no se inter­ that effect." pretara como aplicable a aquellos que reciban instruccion primaria en escuelus establecidas The Spanish translation of the fore­ bajo auspicios no gubernamentales"; Dispo­ niendose, ademas, que excepto para el fin de going English text is the following: adoptar las enmiendas a la seccion 5 del ar­ ticulo II y a la seccion 3 d el articulo VII, se­ LEY PUBLICA 447 gun se dispone en la presente, el articulo VII de dicha Constitucion no tendra asimismo nin­ Aprobando la Constitucion del Estado Libre guna fuerza y vigor hasta que sea enmenda­ Asociado de Puerto Rico, que fue adoptada do por el pueblo de Puerto Rico de acuerdo por el pueblo de Puerto Rico en 3 de marzo con los terminos de dicho articulo, agreg{mdo­ de 1952. le a la seccion 3 del articulo VII la siguiente Por cuanto, la ley titulada "Ley proveyendo nueva oracion "Cualquier enmienda o revision para la organizacion de un gobierno consti­ de esta constit ucion aebera. ser compatible <"On tucional por el pueblo de Puerto Rico", apro­ la resolucion decretada por el Congreso de los bada en 3 de julio de 1950, fue adoptada por Estados Unidos aprobando es.ta constitucion, el Congreso como un convenio con el pue­ con las disposiciones aplicables de la Consti­ blo de Puerto Rico, para tener efecto una tucion de los Estados Unidos, con la Ley de vez aprobada por el pueblo de Puerto Rico; y Relaciones Federales con Puerto Rico y con la Ley Publica 600 del Congreso Octogesimo­ Por cuanto, el pueblo de Puerto Rico aprobo primero, adoptada con el caracter de un con­ abrumadoramente dicha ley en un referen­ venio"; Y disponiendose tambien, que la Cons­ dum que se llevo a cabo el 4 de junio de titucion del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto 1951, habiendose redactado una constitucion Rico que por la presente se aprueba comenza­ para el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Ri­ ra a regir cuando la Convencion Constitu­ co por una convencion constituyente que se yente de Puerto Rico haya declarado en reso­ efectuo segun lo dispuesto por dicha ley, lucion formal su aceptacion, a nombre del pue­ desde el 17 de setiembre de 1951 hasta el 6 blo de Puerto Rico, de las condiciones de apro­ de febrero de 1952; y hacion aqui contenidas, y cuando el Goberna­ dor de Puerto Rico, luego de ser debidamente Por cuanto, dicha constitucion fue adoptada notificado por los funcionarios correspondien­ por el pueblo de Puerto Rico en una vota­ tes de la Convencion Constituyente de Puerto cion de 37 4,649 contra 82,923 en referendum Rico de que se ha adoptado formalmente tal celebrado el 3 de marzo de 1952; y resolucion de aceptacion, expida una procla­ Por cuanto, el Presidente de los Estados Uni­ macion a tal efecto" dos ha declarado que la Constitucion del Es­ WHEREAS, as it appears from the tado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico esta en­ teramente conforme a las disposiciones a­ report of the Bill of Rights Committee plicables de dicha ley del 3 de julio del 1950 of the Constitutional Convention, from y de la Constitucion de los Estados Unidos, que contiene una carta de derechos y provee the debates in the Constitutional Con­ para una forma republicana de gobierno, y vention and from the explanations to ha transmitido la Constitucion del Estado Libre Asocia.do de Puerto Rico al Congreso the people in connection with Section para su aprobacion; y 20 of Article II of the Constitution of Por cuanto, el Congreso ha considerado la the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, it Constitucion del Estado Libre Asociado de has always been the purpose of the Puerto Rico y ha hallado que la misma lle­ na debidamente los anteriores requisitos: people of Puerto Rico and their repre­ sentatives in the Constitutional POR TANTO, Con­ vention to give to said Section the sole Resuelvese por el Senado y la Camara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos de Ame­ scope of a declaration of human rights, rica reunidos en Congreso: Que la Constitu­ whose value before God and before life cion del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Ri­ co que fue redactada por los delegados electos is evident, and toward whose realiza­ a la Convencion Constituyente de Puerto Ri­ tion the State may and should cooper­ co y adoptada por el pueblo de Puerto Rico en referendum del 3 de marzo de 1952, de acuer­ ate through equitable measures of a do con la ley titulada "Ley proveyendo para public nature that will encourage pri­ la organizacion de un gobierno constitucional por el pueblo de Puerto Rico", aprobada el 3 vate initiative, promote industries and further the development of social re­ First: To accept, in behalf of the people of sponsibility; Puerto Rico the conditions of approval of .the Constitution of the. Commonwealth of WHEREAS, as it appears from the Puerto Rico proposed by the Congress of the report of the Bill of Rights Committee, United States, as set for.th in Public Law 447. from the debates in the Constitutional Convention and from the explanations Second: That a certified copy of this Resolu­ to the people with reference to Section tion be transmitted by the President of this 5 of Article II of the Con~titution of Convention to the Governor of Puer:to Rico the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the so that the latter may proceed to proclaim the effectiveness of the Constitution of the people of Puerto Rico and their repre­ Commonwealth of Puerto Rico according to sentatives in the Constitutional Con­ the terms embodied in this Resolution. vention, in establishing compulsory edu­ cation in the elementary public schools Third: To ask the Governor of Puerto Rico the purpose of making such to notify the President of the United States, never had for his information and ,that of the Con­ obligation applicable to persons receiv­ gress, of the approval of this Resolution by ing elementary education in private the Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico. schools; Fourth: To request of the Governor of Puerto WHEREAS, as it appears from the Rico to call the Legislature of Puerto Rico report of the corresponding Committee to special session, once the effectiveness of from the Constitution of the Commonwealth of of the Constitutional Convention, Puerto Rico shall have been proclaimed, the debates in the Convention and from with the recommendation that the said le­ the public explanations relative to Arti­ gislative body propose the necessary amend­ cle VII of the Constitution of the Com­ ments to Section 5 of Article II and Section monwealth of Puerto Rico, it was al­ 3 of Article VII which shall be submitted to the people of Puerto Rico at the next gen­ ways understood by the people of Puer­ eral election, so that, if" approved by the to Rico and by their repre~entatives in people, the said amendments may form a the Constitutional Convention that part of the Constitution of the Common­ amendments to the Constitution would wealth of Puerto Rico, and Section 5 of have to be adopted in conformity with Article II and Article VII of the said may take force and effect." the fundamental provisions embodied Constitution in the Compact agreed upon between the people of Puerto Rico and the Con­ gress of the United States;

WHEREAS, it behooves this Consti­ tutional Convention to accept or reject, in behalf of the people of Puerto Rico, the stipulations contained in Public Law 447; WHEREAS, in the judgment of this Constitutional Convention, the said sti­ pulations should be accepted, to the end that the Constitution of the Com­ monwealth of Puerto Rico may take effect immediately according to its own terms. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THIS CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF PUERTO RICO in the exercise of its authority and in the fulfilment of its obli­ gation toward the people of Puerto Rico: on one side with a white five-pointed star on the field of the triangle". This design is the same as that of the Cuban flag, except for the colors of the field and the three main stripes. In fact, due to the similarity of the two flags the Directorate of the Puerto the .flag Rican section of the Cuban Revolution­ ary Party in New York City, sought, of the Commonwealth and secured, the approval of the ban­ ner by the Cuban delegate, Tomas Es­ trada Palma, who later became the of Puerto Rico first president of the Republic of Cuba. The association of Cuba and Puerto Rico in their struggle for freedom has a deep meaning for both our peoples. THE FLAG now officially approved The Puerto Rican flag is blessed with by the Legislature as the symbol of this strong feeling for freedom within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico has the pattern of American democracy. long been a part of our love of country. The flag which Governor Luis Muiioz As all great flags, ours was first born Marin will raise today, side by side in the hearts of the people and has with the flag of the United States, is become something deeply rooted in the flag of a bulwark of government our feelings for freedom. of the people, by the people and for the people. The flag was first presented at a meeting of Puerto Rican patriots as­ Truly, the lone white star, symbol sembled in Chimney Corner Hall, New of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, York City, on December 22, 1895. stands on solid ground-the three This group was affiliated with the equal sides of its blue triangle really Puerto Rican section of the Cuban Re­ evoke the integrity of the democratic volutionary Party, spearhead of the government in its three branches, legis­ movement for the independence of both lative, executive and judicial. Again, countries from Spain. the three free-flowing red stripes are three branches of Although at that time the flag was the lifeblood of the although perform­ presented to the group by Juan de government which, and separate func­ Mata Terreforte, its design had been ing independent by a system of approved at a previous meeting of the tions, are kept together the two white Directorate of the Puerto Rican sec­ checks and balances- for the freedom tion at the suggestion of Manuel Be­ stripes which stand and the rights of sosa. The original flag was made by of the individual the young daughter of Manuel Besosa, man. beautiful Mirna, still living and now These are the principles of Puerto participating in these ceremonies. Rican democracy. They have been According to Mirna Besosa, her fa­ a living tradition with our people for ther brought home a few pieces of quite some time. They are today pro­ ribbon and asked her to make a small perly and honorably embodied in the flag "about five inches wide by eight Constitution of the Commonwealth inches long, with five alternate red because they have been all along in our and white stripes and a blue triangle hearts and in our minds. july 25th Constitution Day

Military and civic parade, (see details in following pages) . Ceremony of the Flag. The Gover­ Reading of the Proclamation by nor will raise the flag of the the Governor, creating the Com­ Commonwealth of Puerto Rico monwealth of Puerto Rico, by while the band plays the Puerto the Ron. Roberto H. Todd, Jr., Rican anthem. Simultaneously, Chief Justice of the Supreme the flag will be raised in simi­ by the mayors Court. lar ceremonies throughout the 77 municipalities the Island. At 4 PM, in spe­ the Preamble of the of Reading of cial ceremony, the Governor will Constitution of the Common­ raise the flag over fortress El wealth, by the Ron. Antonio Morro. Fern6s Isern, Resident Commis­ by the Go­ sioner of Puerto Rico in the Presentation of Colors to the commanders of of the United States. vernor Congress the armed forces of the Common­ National Guard and In­ Ron. wealth, Proclamation address by the sular Police, and to two repre­ Luis Mufioz Marin, Governor of sentatives of the civilian com­ the Commonwealth of Puerto munity, rural school teachers Mi­ Rico. Lala Rivera de Rivera and guel A. N egr6n Toro. of the U. S. Air Force and Planes Anthem of the United the U. S. Navy in formation National flight. States of America. SECOND DIVISION

Assistant Grand Marshal- Col. Manuel A. Font, U.S. Inf. Res., former member 65th . lnf. Adjutant- Major Jose Fuertes, Ret. U.S.A., former the order member 65th Inf. ' Civil Air Patrol Association of Retired Officers of the of the parade 65th. Inf and other services of the U.S. Armed Forces American Legion Executive Committee Massed Colors Legionnaires American Legion Auxiliary Motorcycle Escort Insular Police Boy Scouts of America Grand Marshal- Girl Scouts of America A. Munoz Col. Miguel Volunteers, Civil Defense, Government of the Capital A~sistant Grand Marshal­ Lt. Col. Otto T. Riefkohl Insular Fire Service Adjutant- THIRD DIVISION (Motorized) Col. Rafael Sepulveda Honor Escort- Assistant Grand Marshal­ Veterans of the Spanish American War Captain Gerardo Delgado, I.P. Veterans of the Korean War. Adjutant- Lt. Jesus Martino Martinez, I. P. FIRST DIVISION Insular Police Units Assistant Grand Marshal­ Floats- Col. Virgilio Cordero, U.S.A. Agricultural Extension, UPR Adjutants- Boy Scouts of America Lt. Col. J. V. Lyons, U.S.M.C. Boy Scouts of America Major M. Figueroa, U.S.A. Department of Education Lt. C. R. Nevins, U.S.N. Department of Health Department of Finance Units of the Army of the United States Puerto Rico Land Authority Puerto Rico Housing Authority Army Band No. 81 Administration of Korean War Economic Development Veterans Department of Agriculture and Company F, 296th Infantry Field Commerce Heavy Mortar Company 482nd. of the Capital Batallion Government Artillery Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Battery "A", 482nd Field Artillery Symbolic Float of The Flag. Batallion. Units of the Tenth Naval District, U.S. Navy U.S. Navy U.S. Marine Corps. Unit of the U.S. Air Force Puerto Rican National Guard 123rd. Antiaircraft Artillery Batallion Economically, the arrangement of imperial thing ~rade pref~r~nce is the most important under m the Bnt1sh system. Puerto Rico, similar the new constitution, will have a it will arrangement with the United States; like remain within our tariff walls. Further, will the dominions, Puerto Rico henceforward The legislate for itself on internal matters. be able excerpts Congress in Washington will no more editorial to alter its future laws than the Parliament in London can alter the laws of Australia. consti­ a,nd other comment When the Congress ratifies the new century tution, as it is expected to do, its half of rule over Puerto Rico will be finished. The Sun, Baltimore, Md., March 5, 1952

Puerto Rico, a Commonwealth Caribbean Charter The Constitutional Assembly of Puerto by a the preparation of the funda­ Puerto Rico's new constitution, voted Rico completed law of the country on Feb­ 4% to 1 majority, is a remarkable document. mental public the preamble to the consti­ it ,the people of this Caribbean island ruary 6th . . . In In of democratic have voted to constitute them­ tution, which is a model dependency factors in the life selves a commonwealth-or, as the constitu­ doctrine, the determining stated to be as follows: "our tion phrases it in Spanish, a free associated of Puerto Rico are that States of America; state-of the United States. The fact citizenship of the United of the principles of the Federal the constitution is wholly the product our loyalty to the in Puerto Rico Puerto Ricans themselves is an effective Constitution; the coexistence Puerto of the American answer to the propaganda charges that of the two great cultures This for education; our Rico is being held in a sort of bondage. Hemisphere; our fervor at its best. faith in justice; our devotion to the courage­ is anticolonialism life; ous, industrious, and peaceful way of effect of the constitution is above The practical our fidelity to individual human values Rico complete home rule. to give Puerto and beyond social position, racial differences, a large measure of a The island has enjoyed economic interest; and our hope for gained the right and home rule for many years; it based on these principles". in 1900 better world to elect one house of its Legislature grant­ in a deep under­ and the other in 1917. In 1947 it was These principles, inspired elects social realities, and ed the right to elect its Governor (as it standing of political and new adhered to faith­ its Delegate to Congress). Under the on a sound idealism, are its of the constitu­ constitution Congress will relinquish fully throughout the text and has been born residual right to repeal insular laws, tion . . . In America there justices the unimpeachable the power to appoint auditors and a Free State . . . under elections, by of the insular Supreme Court, previously juridical procedures of free to the assembly and by vested in the President, will now go debate in a representative of people themselves. Thus, the people popular ratification. full American Puerto Rico, who are, of course, March 11, 1952 affairs El Tiempo, Bogota, Colombia, citizens, will manage all their own of the in the same fashion as residents States. The New Juridical-Political Status of Puerto Rico The Washington Post, Ma1·ch 9, 1952 study It will be extremely interesting to fact the Puerto Rican political process. The as has The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that its constitution takes inspiration, of the been announced, from the constitution important exception that Puerto this With the United States, gives assurance that allegiance to no crown, the consti­ on Rico owes political document is fundamentally based tution approved in Monday's referendum ideology. Within with the the essence of democratic places the island in a relationship Puerto Rican com­ that its internal autonomy, the United States closely approximating by American Com­ munity will be influenced between the dominions of the British United next page monwealth and the Government of the Continued on Kingdom.

I democratic institutions -those institutions which in the United States represent the highest level of democracy and which at the same time provide clear proof of what a republic ought to be. The Panama American, Panama City, March 7, 1952

Puerto Rico Committee Drafts Excellent Judicial Article . . . the Journal has been privileged to 1:eceive a copy of the judicial article pre­ sented by that committee to the convention early in December . . . Here is a pattern for a well-integrated, well-managed, and well­ safeguarded judiciary, which would be a credit to any freedom-loving people. Journal of the American Judicature Society, December, 1952

The Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico As provided by the new constitution there will be a general election every four years and direct vote, the to elect, by popular Published by governor of the island as well as the members COMMITTEE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR of the Senate and House of Representatives. GOVERNOR'S CONSTITUTION The Legislature shall enact ali the laws of THE PROCLAMATION OF THE the State, and the governor shall execute TEODORO MOSCOSO, Chairman them through a full cabinet of ministers or secretaries. The Secretary of State, con­ firmed by the Legislature, shall · be the lieutenant governor. The island keeps revenues from local income tax as we]] as from customs. Excise taxes collected on island products in the Mainland will be returned to Puerto Rico. This is effective and economically independent self-govern­ ment. The new constitution blazes a trail in the constitutional system of the United States. This is the first time a territory chooses directly its own authorities, makes its own laws, handles its own revenues. The gov­ ernor and the judges of Alaska and Hawaii are appointed by the President of the United States. Here the Puerto Rican government designates its whole judicial power. Puerto Rico will have a representative in Congress, with voice but no vote. This is in reality a Commonwealth. The only thing asked by the United States in authorizing ,the creation of the new state-and I presume Munoz Marin himself suggested it-was that the constitution be a democratic charter. This is what was desired and nothing else. German A1·ciniegas in El Tiempo, Bogota Jan. 1951 Printed by CASA BALDRICH, INC .. SAN JUAN