New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-02-09
NETWORK DAILY TRIBUNE FEBRUARY

equitable terms it he's been satisfied with the
removal of the flag discriminating duties, without
acting upon the assumption that anything and
everything can be rightfully demanded in ex-
change for the only market that remains for cane
sugar. Because Spain and the United States are
high-tarin countries il does not follow that
should have all the advantages of diplomatic
bargain and the other none whatever.
Then, too, Cuba is not to be left out of the ac-
count. The discriminating tariff may protect
Spanish farmers, manufacturers and shippers but
il is ruinOus to the industrial interests of the
island. The sugar-planter derives no benefit what
ever from determinations against the exports of
the only market where he can sell his product.
He loses heavily by tariff system which pro-
tects Spain at the expense of Cuba. He loses
because the purchasing power of sugar is seri-
ously deprecated by laws which compel him to
buy, not where he sells his product, but in the
dearest markct That the planters understand
this is ev cent from the demands which the COM
missioneIs instructed TO present at Madrid
While asking for the immediate abrogation of
the provisional increase Of 20 per cent on for
eign Imports sanctioned last June, they recon-
mended the re-establishment of the 10 per cent
adj valorem duty on goods coming from Spain.
Only mark the anomaly. They desire to have
the general tariff heavily reduced and the duties
on imports from Spain, which have been taken
off under the law of 1882, in good part restored.
This is because they find it necessary to place
their imports from the United States and Spain
on a level in order to raise the exchangeable value
of their own exports The present tariff system,
while it protects Spanish industries and shipping,
is highly destructive to Cuban interests. That
is TACT which makes the blundeIs of American
diplomacy doubly costly. First, the interests Of
the American export and carrying trades have
la.t. ifnnl rU (f.tn. hoe hann Il rix
from bad to worse. Too long has American
diplomacy been Playing the game Of Spain and
actively aiding in completing the ruin Of Cuba
1t is the knowledge that the State Depart
ment has become conscious Of the full value of
the free market offered tentatively to all sugar
producing countries, and permanently to those
which Will pay Tor IL by reasonable concessions
to the export trade of the United States, that
encourages well-informed Cubans to hope for the
future Of their country. Spain can do nothing
for them. IL cannot take the place of a
market Of 63,000,U00 sugar consumers 1t will
continue TO- exact discriminating duties on foreign
imports received here, and thereby TO cheaper
sugar, and to discount the only medium of eX-
change, until it is compelled TO grant large
measure of genuine reciprocal trade Cuba can
not bring much pressure TO- bear upon Spain. But
the United States cannot he depended upon after
this year to furnish market for cane sugar
gratuitously. Free sugar must be paid for, and
promptly, too, or the market will go to the other
cane-producing countries Of this Continent, and
TO the beet-sugar interests of Europe and the
United States The Northern Republic has been
a giant sleeping while the little men of Spanish
Lilliput have enmeshed him with the sllken bonds
of diplomacy. He is awakening now and has re-
sources of power at his command which are lire
sistibe.
1t is nay own Judgment. after making as care
full an examination Of the field as has been prac-
tioable during short visit to the island, that the
State Department will make mistake If il allows
itself 70 be drawn prematurely into negotiations
with Spain respecting reciprocity Its energies
can find more profitable employment in arranging
commercial treaties with Brazil, Mexico Venezuela
and Santo Domingo Let Spain go TO Washington
when it is compelled to do ~ public opinion III
Cuba, and by the collapse Of its Own policy OF
unreciprOcal protection. The longer it waits the
larger will De the concessions TO be made when
supported by strong feeling here in favor OF
annexation. After January l, 1892 the President
will have power to enforce the demands for
reciprocity. Firm, decisive and uncOmprOmising
action is needed in the interest not only of the
American export trade, but also Of Cuba, whose
salvation depends upon release from the present
barren and exhausting policy of Spain. Let duties
on Cuban sugar be reimpOsed and there VIII he
discrimination in favor of the competing in
dustres of Brazil and other countries which are
willing to make treaties with the United States
stood either in Madrid or Havana. 1t will he
loud warning like President Cleveand's procla-
nation in 1886 threatening TO reimp0se the re-
taatory duties on Spanish bottoms If American
ships were not accorded their full privileges
under the commercial agreement of 1884 That
menace sufhced to liberate the forces of public
opinion on the island, to alarm Spanish ship
owners and to compel the Government at Madrid
TO accede TO the American demand Reciprocity
is mighty power which the President and the
Secretary of State hold in reserve; and il is q
force which can be employed so q TO promote the
material interests and highest welfare of the
Spanish West Indies as well as to enlarge the
American export trade l. N. T.