New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-12-21
THE CUBAN CUSTOMS DUTIES TROUBLE
BELIEF IN MADRID THAT THE PRESIDENT DOES
NOT FAVOR FURTHER REPRIsAI.s-A STATE
MENT nv MINISTER Mf'RI-ACA


MENT BY MINISTER MURUAGA
Madrid. Dec. 2o-It is not believed in political cir
cles here that Is the intention Of President Cevc
land to increase the duty sugar imported into
the United States from Cuba that he will rec
ommend enforce other reprsals in consequence
OF the increased Cuban duty United States -four.
In the Chamber OF Deputies yesterday Senior
Canalejas the Finance Minister, made an APP
peal Opposition in regard to the proposed re-
vision OF the customs tariffs. urging them 10 assist
the Government to effect settlement of the ques-
ton which would be beneficial 10 the country.
Washington, Dec 20.-Senor Muruaga. the Spanish
Minister in Washington consented to-day to make "a
statement OF the position OF his Government IN the
controversy with the United States Cuban Gus
toms duties The trouble he said. grew out OF the
abrogaton of the reciprocity treaty with Spain by
which certain American products were to be admit
ted free OF duty into Cuba in consideration OF the
free admission OF certain Cuban products TO the
ports OF the United States. Continuing. he said:
II is claimed by the United States that there has
received at Cuban ports from the United states IN
der the act OF Congress OF August 1890. the Presi
dent OF the United states Is allowed to reialiate
against country which unjustly discriminaieS
SHSi as;S agant n he United States at cuban ports h
President would have The right 10 ret9llaie but
tion? 1t is discrimination without foundation. But
there Is firm foundation FOR what Spain has done
treaty made by Mr.. Blaine ana tn. spanish 'o|fii-
ment with reference to Cuba; II was agreed that
certain Cuban products should be admitted free TO
the United States. and others should pay duties oi
% and 80 per cent. In consideration OF similar ai
vantages given products OF the United States re-
ceiyed at Cuban ports. When the new tarin was
enacted in this country. the United States Govern
gave notice that this reciprocity Arrangement
had been abrogated. Spain. In turn, placed in force
the duties formerly assessed and cannot see now
such action b. called unjust discrimination
the contrary. there Is difference OF IS cent
in favor OF American products admitted to Cuban
can ports. In other words. America Assesses an
duty Of 30 per cent on articles from cuba.
while Spain assesses American articles received at
Cuban ports only "a per cent.
Ii ls claimed by the United States that there Is
unjust Discriminate by Spain In favor OF Canada
against this country concerning -four exported from
Canada Cuba. The explanation Is simple. the
Spanish Government has understanding with
Great Britain that Canadian flour shall be assessed
a low rate OF duty in exchange for hxing low
The United states Is not unjustiy discriminate ed
against In this instance for u can obtain similar
favors through lowering the duties on articles ex-
ported from Cuba to the United States There IS no
disposition on the part OF Spain to discriminate
against this country NY Government Is willing 10
make new reciprocal arrangement WIN the l mteu
States at any time.
Hanins Taylor the United States Minister to Spain.
is managing the OF the United States at Madrid
THE MAJESTIC HAS 1872 BAGS OF MAIL
Queenstown. Dec 3O-The steamship Majestic.
which touched at Queenstown to-day carries l6'2
hays OF mall This is said to be the heaviest mail
ever carried from England TO America