TERRITORIES: Wanted: Statehood

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The Puerto Rican Senate last week adopted (11-to-3) a House resolution which made territorial history. For the first time the insular legislature petitioned the Congress in Washington to call a constitutional convention for the admission of Puerto Rico to the Union as the 49th State. The three opponents of the resolution were Liberals who demanded not Statehood but Independence. The argument for Statehood: it would insure peace and plenty. The argument against: it would mean economic ruin and degrade Puerto Rico's "national soul."

Indignant at the vote for Statehood, Professor Clemente Pereda who hunger-struck for independence (TIME, April 9) demanded the formation of an Independence Party. Angry that the Professor should seek to split the Nationalist Party (which also carries the independence banner ) Student Francisco Pagan Rodriguez assaulted Patriot Pereda. In no wise had seven foodless days permanently incapacitated the Professor. With one roundhouse right he floored his assailant, proceeded to pummel him until they were separated.