New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-22

| Spanish officials are for time retained under
the military authority, for the performance or
various clerical and other duties and the reglIla-
tons with which they are familiar can be en-
forced for the time with less friction than
/ Others. One distinction seems TO be overlooked
by some business men. namely. that the military
authority of the United States does not extend
10 points which 1t has not yet occupied and
which Spain has not evacuated There Spanish
law remains in force. TO be odiiied only after
the commissions have established regulations
for the mode and time of evacuation. com
plicated state Of things Is thus unavoidable
while the transition is in progress. Thus we
a marked reduction in duties in Santiago
Province at ports where the American forces
are in actual possession. but reported advance
Of 20 per cent over the old Spanish duties at
Havana where Spanish authority still controls.
While the transfer of authority is in progress
such difficulties can only h. reached through
agreements by the various commissions
1t is not 10 be assumed that the pending
tariff and regulations now made operative
where American forces have taken control will
he permanently retained. Some changes which
the President found obviously desirable were
made at the outset. and others will presumably
that they are advisable But it is the apparent
purpose 10 keep steadily in mind the temporary
character of the military authority now exer-
ciscd as 10 tariff duties and port charges While
that authority is the only one changes must
be made 10y the President. commandcr-in-
chief When Congress comes 10 lcgislate re-
garding the status Of any property added 10 the
Nations domain or of any territory held in
ftt,tts fu...t .i.t.f MI
stable government. it will then be called upon
10 provide such II schedule of duties AMI taxes
A. it may regard best suited 10 the special re-
lafons Of each island with this country.
The immense advantages Of the change TO
minimum Spanish dirir> viii be- felt 10y Ameri
can business, men in many branches Of Industry
and trade For a time II will extend only 10
the trade with those ports where American au-
ihorty has been established. and thus extends
at once 10 the important ports of Porto Rico ana
of Eastern cuba and to the most important port
Of the Philippine group The great quantity Of
supplies which must be speedily needed for the
replrnishment Of merchants stocks and Of
household stores In the regions dependent upon
such ports viii be- largely drawn from this coun-
Try This new demand will make ESPECIAL diff
ference in the tour and grain trade. the bust
hess in packed meats and provisions. in cotton
aud other textile goods. IN articles 81 foot wear.
ana in all kinds Of machinery. The lack of
proper wharyes ~ Ponce for instance already
caiIscs much Inconvenience 10 shippers. AMI
great quantities Of goods are piled along the
shores. that the cutlery for American enter
prise and work ~ that port j. already loud.
Bur the development Of an unaccu>tomcl trade
with people long used 10 other sources Of supply
must Of necessity br somewhat gradual. ~ must
Ice She removal of Spanish authority from ports
not vet turned over lo American control