Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1898-03-12

some casual illusions to General Lee, not
meant as any intimation that his recall
was desired. F
The minister was then asked II he viewed
the present condition of affairs between
the United States and Spain as indicating
war. After moments hesitation. he an
swered gravely:
Il am sure the United States does not
want war. just as am sure that the Span
ish government does not want war, and
will do everything honorable in its power
to avert such calamity
Senior Polos first official business. after
his credentials are presented to the presi-
dent will be in connection with the new
commercial treaty between the United
States, Spain and Cuba. He comes fully
instructed on this subject and before leaV-
ing Madrid he talked over the several plans
with the United States minister. Mr.. Wood
ford. 1t is not yet determined whether
there shall be two treaties, with Spain and
Cuba separately. or one with Spain which
shall include Cuba. Until the minister meets
our reciprocity commissioner. Mr.. kasson,
he does not care to discuss the scheme of
commercial exchange which is under con-
sideration. From other sources, however,.
the general plans were learned.
The Proposed Tariff Treaty.
So far as the proposed treaty will affect
Spain, it is probable that the leading tariff
concessions granted to American imports
will be on machinery. electrical appliances
of all kinds and various woods which are
used largely in Spain. American petroleum
and cotton are the principal American I'M
ports in Spain, but it is not probable that
duties will be reduced on these articles
They enjoy a monopoly in the Spanish mar
ket. and to this extent they receive all the
benefit which Spain feels warranted in
giving them They are, moreover, among
the leading revenue producing articles. and
the present rates are said to be such that
they could not be lowered without inJurl-
ously affecting the revenue.
In this connection it is said that Ameri-
can cotton is finding a large market in
Spain, and that in the Catalona district,
particularly at Barcelona, mammoth cot
ton factories are building. In speaking OF
this to a friend, Senor Polo stated that
Americans would be surprised to know that
the output of Spanish manufactured cot
tons was now nearing, if not exceeding,
the output in the United States.
AS to the concessions which Spain hopes
to secure in the United States, it is under
stood that fruits will figure largely.
An Important Concession.
The arrangement with Cuba will depend
largely on the wishes of the Cuban dele
gates, whose views have not been made
known to Senor Polo. In one respect. how
ever, Spain will make a notable concession
as between Cuba and the United States.
Heretofore, Spain has insisted on certain
preferential duties. by which. in the case
Cuban market. Spain now recognizes the
hardship Of compelling Cubans to go across
the ocean for their supply of the chief
staple of food, when that article can be
secured in abundance at a much lower
rate from the wheat supplies Of the United
States. In view Of this feeling, the pro-
posed treaties will do away with the Span
ish preferential rate on -four. and will
leave the United States and Cuba to effect
an arrangement by which this country will
hereafter supply the Cubans with this first
necessary of life. How far the United
States can grant reciprocal concessions
missioner KaSSon.
Senior Polo was formally received in his
official capacity by Secretary Sherman and
partment at II o'clock this morning. He
was accompanied by Senior DuBoSc, who
has had a charge % OF the sspaI spanish n Legation
LONE, and was by him introduced to the
secretary and assistant secretary Of state.
dicated by appointment and were received
Immediately upon their arrival at the de-
partment. Their visit was comparatively
brief and the conversation was purely per-
functory. being devoted almost entirely to
the consideration of the arrangements for
the minister's call formally upon the presi-
dent for the presentation Of his credentials.
This ceremony would have been observed
to-day, but for the fact that the president
was engaged with his cabinet at the time
usually allotted to such functions. It was
therefore arranged that Minister Polo
should be given an audience by the presi-
den dent at the White White House etc t9-morroW moro morn
retary of state at the state department
a few minutes before the hour fixed for
the audience with the president and will
accompany him to the White House. In
view of the strained relations now existing
between the United States and Spain, more
than usual interest attaches to the ad-
dresses which will be exchanged between
the chief executive and the Spanish min
lister on this occasion. These addresses will
be prepared with unusual care and will be
watched with interest. inasmuch as they
may be to some extent significant Of the
sentiments of the representatives Of the
two governments on the vital questions now
at issue between them.