The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-01-21
THE SPANISH TREATY,

This s the name given to certain negot-
atoms pending between Spain and the
United States. But we trust we are not vio-
lating diplomatic condolences when We say
that the proposed overtures relate practically
almost wholly to the commercial intercourse
between our own country and the Spanish
islands in the Gulf of Mexico. The object
Of the new treaty is to increase and fscili-
tate the business of the exchange of COM
modities between this continent and the
islands referred to, especially Cubs.
A glance at the statistics shows that three
fourths Of the commerce Of this, one OF the
wealthiest islands in the world, is carried
on with countries situate across the Atlantic
5000 miles away; that very little of it,
comparatively, is 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 our 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 inex-
pensive and as liberal IS 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 prao-
teal 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 reason why it should be
favored. We need hardly expect that the
advantages flowing from TIE adoption Of
such q compact will be 81 on our side.
Both parties to it have sought and desired
mutual benefit in its enforcement. We be-
lieve 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 disadvantage of certain
special classes. The treaty, If adopted, being
the highest and latest Law, will control and
modify existing regulations. and 30 will, in
some degree, sllsvists and lessen the evils OF
certain high prohibitory tariff measures,
made in the behalf OF q few favored and
privileged monopolies engaged in the West
T.
heartily approve. Perhaps, after all,
the treaty making power, il properly
and justly exercised, might rid as
of many evils Of this kind rs much as any
mere domestic legislation. We favor any
measure, national or international, which
shall give Us better market for American
products and manufactures, and 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 as about the acquisition
of Cuba. We think this sentiment
not dead now-only dormant. Indeed, We
think Il fully alive vet to the extent that
although the island may adhere TO Spain,
NC suOUlu 70 NctJ " UAthooo Aos
transfer to the possession Of any other
power in Europe. We think the new regu-
lstions respecting commercial intercourse
with that island will tend ct least 10 better
and closer acquaintance between ourselves
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 well known a
figure ss the Senator from Kansas or Ken
lucky.
This would be a contamination in the di
rect line OF historic precedent, for we be-
Heve 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 part of the Spanish do
minions in North America.
THEN AND NOW.
In 1871 the Missouri Republican proposed
a ueu nau,ocrafic denartura involvfnp the