PUERTO RICO: Home-Rule Charter

President Truman last week called on Congress to approve the new Puerto Rican constitution, "a proud document that embodies the best of our democratic heritage."

The new charter is the first constitution to be enacted under U.S. federal auspices since Arizona and New Mexico joined the union 40 years ago. Puerto Ricans boast that it is the most up to date. After years of emotional turmoil over what governmental status they wanted, Puerto Ricans chose neither statehood nor independence. They decided to become a sort of associated free state or commonwealth. Sumner Welles...

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