New-York tribune., 1891-02-06
rxpoRTS OF CuBAN PORTS.

rtian,Ta1os 95lo per cent. 80 pr Ve"U'
This is an exhibit which discloses at glance
the re,sonableness Of the American demand LOT
rac,nrocitv. The tropical produce of Cuba is
sbinned almost wholly to the United States 1hat
is tbe only market remaining open to it. 1t Is
tho natural base of all supplies of food and manu-
features received in exchange for vast surplus
stock Of cane sugar Spanish tariff law diverts
a large share of Cuban imports from the Unlted
States 10 Europe. Reciprocity will set IN opera
tion the normal economic law of supply and de-
mand. II will enable Cuba TO buy freely IN 'he
only market in which it can sell its sugar
commercial agreement based upon equality OF
privilege for the flags of Spain and the Cnlted
States was concluded in February. 1884 Inc
non-enforcernent of that compact in Cuban ports
hos been q constant source of complaint on the
mart of American shipping and exporting interests
Copsul-General Williams directed the attention
NJ the State Department TO several instances IN
which American vessels compelled to pay
tonnage dues when Spanish vessels were exempt,
and TO other cases in which higher rates of duties
we're levied upon cargoes carried under the
American flag than were imposed upon the
oargoes of Spanish vessels. long diplomatic
correspondence respecting determinations founded
on the transshipment of cargoes in American
and Spanish vessels ensued, and Presldent
Cleveland in 1856 gave notice or the re-
vocation of the agreement of lsS4 and the lmposl-
ton of discriminating duty Of per cent against
ca,oocs in Spanish vessels entering American ports
This decisive action, which was effected manly
tbrouch the energy and sagacity of the Consul
General brought Spain 10 its senses An agree
nent was made between Secretary Bayard and the
Snanish Minister providing for the absolute equal
ization Of tonnage and import dues so far as Ameri
president restored the modus vivendi, which has
continued in operation, subject to several amend
ments While various controversies have arisen
respecting exemptions from tonnage dues the prii-
cinlo has been established that so far rs the GUS
toms law is concerned vessels under the TWO hags
must be treated on terms Of equality IN American
and Spanish ports Spain, however, oVefTeacheu
the limited States in another way, as shall ex'
plain in another letter.
SnanisL rapacity has devised an ingenious method
of barassing American shipping interests oy a
system Of fines imposed for clerical errors anu
shortages Of cargo in which there is no Intent I"
defraud the Government OF the lshhd' Ior eN-
annie Ward steamer in loading cargo recently
nj the New-Yorll wharf left ashore TWO plou9ns
rho e.,or was discovered and q dispatch sent 70
tbe Custom House at WatanzaS announcing tha' III"
nloncbs called for on the manifest would be sent
nv Ito next steamer The telegram was received
bo,or, the steamer arrived but fine OF SiOO was
;nposd. although the ploughs were shipped thc
,ey, ,,eek Another steamer was fined $500 LOT
sbor+ace ~ four tierces of lard under similar
circumstances These instances might DE muIui-
piled Indefinitely.
r1o,, .bora &c another CLASS OF trivial errors
ubic, furnish ODD ,rtunites for the eXactlon oil
nanoAies The steamer Cienfucgos was heavily
fred for having in the manifest generic "Oru'
adrp,s instead of q specific term. Other vessels
lave heen fined for the most trivial clerical errors
7 have been informed by one OF the captains Vi
tho Ward line that he seldom makes voyage 10
Cnh without having fine imposed upon MS snip
AT he first port which he enters ne employs anu
nav, q Custom House official 10 examine the mani
fes, critcally ard find out If 1t oe correct Ill lor
but notwithstanding this precautIon liheS are ie
for Incorrect transations and clerical errors Edo
Custom House has it's own system OIL ih'elPic"V
tion and special phr1scoloey' and manifest .'''
will pass inspection at one VIII ho' "U ""o''eI
Snonish vessels entering Cuban ports are not suo'
lected 10 these harassing annoyahccS'
vessels alone are fined for technical errois'
The ales of the State Department al "asnins
,on a-o crommed with correspondence rea'ins 10
-. o." 90. ,iis character and the question has been
,onea,ellv raised at Madrid In the Uni'ed o'aVtS
..nai,i.o oro never imposed when there has evil
s,I, hoo, No breach of good faith on the P'rU
Of tbe shipper but in Cuba advantage Is taken
Of every ,echncM irregularity. The moie'y SSs.
tenn by which the informer receives poi w" o -
the fine stimulates the zeal OF custo" Ho''
operators Ore Collector levieS pehdlS "'iu -
is confirmed by the Council of Administrator
The Couain-General, when appeal is made TO lin,'
refers tbe case TO the Colonial once IN Mauiiu
When the papers are returned ai'er ions .;,,oT |
with q recommendation that the fine be reini''e''
II i teo late 10 refund it. The iniormer mas re-
ceiyed his share and cannot be compelied 70 give
/, nm A new Collector of Customs coniesSes ni'
inability 10 revise and reverse decision oi -,
predecessor. Diplomatic correspondence Na'
carried on for years in relation to these cases
out effect. The customs officials have their NV
ing 70 make by their wits at the expense OF amer
lean slipowners They ply their trade "i'h ui''
ceasing industry. ,..,;na-
This system of fning is virtually diScfi'hina-
hon acoinst American vessels in Spanish poroS'
and is contrary to the principle of equality OF nHs'