The Indianapolis sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1880-1904, 1885-01-18
THE SPANISH TREATY.

THE SPANISH TREATY.
This is the name given to certain negoH-
atoms pending between Spain and the
United States. But we trust we are not vio-
lsting diplomatic condolences when we say
that the proposed overturss relate practically
almost wholly to the commercial intercourse
between our own country aud the Spanish
islands in the Gulf of Mexico. The object
of the new treaty is to increase and facili-
tate the business of the exchange of COM
modities between this continent and the
islands referred to, especially Cuba.
A glance at the statistics shows that three
fourths Of the commerce OF this, one of the
wealthiest Islands IN ihs world, ;s carried
on with countries situate across the Atlantic
5000 miles away; that very little of il,
comparatively, 10 transacted upon our
coasts, though they are only few hours
sail from Havana. This state of affairs Is
neither natural nor advantageous. Many
OF the products of Cuba are in demand
in the United States. On the other hand.
very many Of cur own productions are
needed in the islands; and we therefore favor
the policy of providing, as far as possibly
consistent with the exigencies of revenue,
that the intercourse between the people of
the two countries shall be easy and mex
pensive and as liberal as practicable. These
negotiations have been conducted on the part
of our Government by Mr.. Forster, an old
citizen and resident of Indiana, formerly
engaged at Evansville very largely in prac-
ticsl business pursuits. We make no doubt
that the interests of the Northwest, of the
entire Mississippi Valley, have been carefully
considered and are to be materially promoted
by the terms Of this international PROJECT.
We notice that the burst OF opposition to
the confirmation OF the treaty comes
almost altogether from the classes called
highly protected under the existing tariff
law, now regulating trade between the two
countries. But this Is no cause for its re.
jection-rather q reason why it should be
favored. We need hardly expect that the
advantages flowing from the adoption of
such q compact will be all on our side.
Both parties to it have sought and desired q
mutual benefit in its enforcement. We be-
l;eve that the effect OF its provisions will
be such as to substantially advance the
welfare of the masses of the people
of both countries, Notwithstanding that 1t
may operate to the disad vantage of certain
special classes. The treaty, If adopted, being
the highest and latest Law. will control and
modify existing regulations, and so will. in
come degree, alleviate and lessen the evils OF
certain high prohibitory tariff measures.
made in the behalf Of few favored and
privileged monopolies engaged in the West
Indian trade. OF this We moet
heartily approve. Perhaps. after all,
the treaty making power, if properly
and Justly exercised. might rid us
of many evils of this kind as much as any
mere domestic leg 'slation. We favor any
measure, national or international, which
shall give us better market for American
products and man features, aud which will
tend to remove the deadlock in trade now
prevalent, induced by the glutted and closed
markets of tariff exclusion.
Only thirty years ago much used to be
said among us about the acquisition
Of Cuba We think this sentiment
not dead now-only dormant. Indeed, we
think it fully alive vet to the extent that
although the Island may adhere to Spain,
We should be very unwilling to witness its
transfer to the possession of any other
power in Europe. We think the new regu-
lations respecting commercial intercourse
with that island will tend at least to better
and closer acquaintance between o1rselve,
and its people. Trade is great
means OF introduction and alliance.
We have no objections to even an
intimate connection and friendship with the
''ever faithful Isle." The Gem of the An.
TILES may yet sparkle among our own stars
and stripes. In the Congress of 1885 the
Senator from Cuba may be as we'll known a
figure as the Senator from kansas or Ken
lucky.
This would be q contamination in the d.
rect line Of historic precedent, for We be-
lieve that since the beginning of the present
century, with the exception of Alaska, every
foot of territory acquired or annexed by Us
has once formed q part of the Spanish do
minions in North America