New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-06-08
THE ISLANDS AND THE REVENUE.

Within few miles Of the corked bottle IN
which the Spanish fleet now floats so helpiessly
lie iron mines which have in each or the last
four years shipped to this country over 302ooo
tons of ore Beginning In 1894 with only
q 10s tons, the Juragua Company shipped 70
this country In 1890 no less than 362.OtS tons.
then paying the Treasury S27l.ool duty. In
1892 that company shipped 32252i tons. ana
the Slgua began shipments with $50 IONS hh'-
Ing already built and equipped standard gauge
railroad from its mines, and the ore pockets on
tho bier II was then building were such as 10
load 900 tons in six hours. The next year the
Juragun shipped 34S,G63 tons. and the Sigua
ii 100 the duties on both being S2i3,Ol3. Then
the Sigua stopped. and has shipped no more
since. and the Juragua shipped less than nall
az much the next year. but in 1888 again sent
bltber 81 OJ2 TONS and the Spansh-American
Comnanv started with 1892 tons. In 1876 the
Juragua shipped 20S.200 TONS and the Spanish
American 111.5S4. making 4O9.SS3 tons. In the
last fiscal year these companies shipped 3'G,o4o
tons TO this country but the war has greatly
diminished the movement. and the quantity
from each company this year is not known
These mines. bought developed, owned and
worked by American companies supply steel
making works near Philadelphia and Baltimore.
and rs much Of the steel has gone into Govern
ment vessels and armor II IS likely that prod
nets OF .Jnrngua about twelve miles east OF
Santiago have returned TO the nelghborhood or
their origin and helped toward bringing free
dom for her people and all other Cubans. A
railroad runs directly south and thence along
the coast to the harbor behind Moro Fort. and
the pier Of the company is a mile or two below
the city. But for Admiral Cervcra's anxiety
to get a safe hiding place. that particular part
OF Cuba. though interesting to American prop
erty-owners would probably not have been Sc
lected for any military movement as the roads
are not the most convenient for army use.
This Incident suggests that the results OF the
war will probably involve some modification
Of the revenue laws When Cuba Is free or
territory of the United States these iron mines
will hardly pay as much revenue ms they have
paid. but that Is relatively a small matter.
What revenue is TO he derived hereafter from
the sugar and tobacco and molasses and other
products OF Cuba and Porto Rico: or course
nothing can he decided in advance ms to the
form OF government Of these islands in future.
They will not belong to Spain. it may be con-
sldercd highly probable. nor pay any revenue
10 Spain. Whatever else the United States may
III
not turn over these islands to the Spanish Gov
eminent Nor Is II by any means certain how
soon stable and wholesome free government
can he established on either OF them. good
many thousand Of the brave men who go 10
these Islands for military purposes will prob
ably be attracted by their advantages and do
eide to remain there after the war ends. ana
their enterprise and skill will enormously nd
vance the productivcness OF the Islands But
they will naturally prefer and make most zeal
Gus efforts 10 secure n government by their
own countrymen. solid, liberal and just. Their
representations will naturally induce others to
ton them who will share the same feeling.
Nor can II be expected that the people OF the
United States Will be entirely indifferent 70 the
wishes OF sons or brothers or other country
men. who have honornbly served the United
States, and found homes and acquired estates
In these Islands.
No doubt the quality OF the population will
be radically changed In short time or the
1,111,303 whites and 52o2i5 coored inhabitants
Of Cuba NJ the census ten years ago great
number have lost their lives during the war,
and others perhaps may before the war ends,
but in place OF them an occupying army OF
American settlers may he expected II anncxa-
ION ~ cOnNU'T'u III III Ii''h''' a. WV
Rico still has about 100000 whites and 100000
colored inhabitants. the number and origin OF
the population would probably be revolutionized
speedily IN case Of American occupation. When
II Is remembered what n flood OF migration
followed the opening Of Texas TO settlement by
Americans. It is not difficult 10 see that people
OF energy and influence from this country Will
be quick 10 seize the advantages which drop
from the nerveless hands Of Spain. But In
case Of annexation. or even II for time the
islands were held rs in some sense wards or
the Nation until new governments could be
firmly established. this country Will have to
tnke into account important changes respecting
its revenue under existing laws not merely IN
duties on imports Of sugar. molasscs, rice, iron,
copper and many other products but as well In
the workings Of It's internal revenue laws.