The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1891-08-06
SPANISH RECIPROCITY.

The Treaty Between Cubs and Porto Rico
Proclaimed by President Harrlson-su-
gar, Molasses, Conee and Hides to He
Admitted Free by America. e''@
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1.-The president
Friday night issued his proclamation
announcing the completion of q reci-
procity treaty with Spain as to certain
products of Cuba and Porto Rico and
the United States.
The treaty contains two distinct pro.
visions: 1. For the transitory schedule
from September l, 1891, to July l, 1892.
2. For a definite schedule of goods to
be reciprocally exchanged after that
date.
The products to be imported from
Cuba and Porto Rico are those pro-
vit}ed in section of the Mckinley act,
viz: Sugar, molasses. coffee and hides.
The products and manufactures of the
United States, which are to be ad-
mitted free, or at greatly reduced rates,
are set forth in long schedules.
The formal correspondence between
the two countries which preceded this
proclamation is of the most friendly
character. The details of the neeotia-
ton have been under the SUPER
vision of Hon. John w. Foster,
former minister to Spain. 1t is
to be noticed that there are some
restrictions, due to the international
obligations of Spain; and some condi-
tons imposed by the provincial laws
and customs, and others out of regard
for the agricultural interests of Spain.
The condition as to United States -four
is one of these.
The Spanish minister in his conclud-
ing communication says: 1.-The bene-
tit in the reduction of duties granted TO
American wheat and wheat -four shall
not take effect until the first day of
January, 1892. Flour shall be excluded
from said reduction, and shall not
therefore share in it, which, on its de-
parture from the ports of the union
destined to those of Cuba and Porto
Rico, may be favored with draw backs
or other tariff advantages.
This restriction was deemed neces-
sary by the cabinet of Spain in order
that the Spanish farmer and miller
might have some slight advantage
over the United States in the
matter of export -four. Cuba has
been the chief market for Span
ish -four; and it has been made
so on account of tariff negotiations
which Disseminated in favor of Span
ish flour. American manufacturers,
by better methods of manufacture bet
ter quality of produce and cheaper
transportation, may be able to over
come the slight discrimination that is
still retained in favor of the Spanish
farmer and miller.
The maintenance of the municipal
duties is another reservation. AS to
these the Spanish minister says: RE
specting the North American articles of
food, drink and fuel specified in the
annexed transitory schedule. which
were imported into said islands,
the government of Spain, with
restricting the rights of the mu-
nicipal councils, will seek to
have the latter impose upon the m
no greater municipal duties than those
which national product pay, and that
they shall not materially increase the
price of said articles
This means that the government of
Spain will not attempt to abolish these
ancient municipal duties; but the influ-
ence of the Spanish cabinet will he eS-
erted to prevent these local taxes from
adding to the price of the imports.