manifold structure on on a finite dimensional real vector space

The space $\mathbb{R}^n$ has coordinate functions $x_j:\mathbb{R}^n\to\mathbb{R}$, projection onto the $j^{th}$ axis. If $(\phi,U)$ is a coordinate system on a manifold $M$, then we get coordinate functions on $U$ by composing $\phi$ with the $x_j$.

Warner is just saying that by choosing a basis on a real vector space $V$, you induce a bjiective linear map (hence homeomorphism) $A$ between $V$ and $\mathbb{R}^n$, and that homeomorphism is a global coordinate system with coordinate functions $x_j\circ A = r_j$. The open neighborhood about each point is the entire space $V$.

To see that the structure is independent of choice of basis (up to diffeomorphism), try the construction with a different basis; can you see a diffeomorphism between the two structures?