The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-14
AFFAIRS IN CUBA.
Sugar and Tobacco Men Protest
Against Higher Taxation.

HAVANA. March 1S.-The commission
which is engaged in working out a system
of Internal revenue for the island has got
into a tangle which will require Governor
General Woods adjudication. Strangely
enough. Horado Rubens, the American
members of the commission. is fighting to
prevent taxation of the sugar and tobacco
interests, while Sub-Secretarv of the
Treasury Canelo who is a Cuban. has
planned to tax sugar 10 cents per bag and
tobacco settings from 10 to 20 cents per
plant, the proceeds to be devoted to re-
building the highways, which are now in
depiorable condition, hindering the proper
development Of the sugar ard tobacco in
dustries.
-ir. Rubens opposes these taxes on the
ground that sugar and tobacco are the ba-
SIS OF the islands wealth. The strain of
the war has fallen most heavily on the
planters, whose estates, II not ruined, are
encountered by enormous mortgages. Mr.
kuoenS argues that to Increase taxation on
the planters, who are already discouraged,
would lend not only to decrease their
profits. but would prevent those who have
not commenced the rehabilitation OF their
estates from undertaking it. He points out
that the last revolution was brought on by
the sugar planters because of Spanish ag-
erosion.
The Planters Association is in fun ac-
cord with Mr.. Rubens. When the ques-
ton comes before General Wood this as
ISOLATION will use its influence to prevent
the proposed taxes. A committee. headed
by Mayor Lacoste, who is president Of the
association, visited Secretary Of War Root
today and there was general discussion
CT the prospects.
Most of Mr.. Roots day was occupied by
visitors. many Populations visiting him.
Certainly no complaint is justified among
the Cubans that the Secretary is bottled up
after the number of visitors he received
today Tomorrow Mr.. Root and General
Wood will go by boat to Mariana. The
Secretary will probably remain here the
rest of the week. He will not go 10 Glen
fuegos owing TO lack of time.
The Cuban papers are still munching the
Runcie cud. Some insist that he should
leave the island. which naturally. he re-
fuses to do until he is so disposed. His
position is peculiar. lie has accepted no
pay for any of the work he has done here
He is not an officehoider or carpet bagger
in any sense. lie was under obligation to
General Wood, and was here as his friend
TO give him advice when called on. When
the North American Review published
the Cub9ns he ceased all work on the
finance, law, ard electoral commissions.
Though for obvious reasons no announce
ment was made of his retirement his
resignation was rendered before the storm
broke, SO that really he was not forced out
by the howl. Never having tesn a pail
employe of the intervening Government,
he feels that he Is entitld to stay here as
long as he pleases, and to speak now as he
nj hna har hill Of he oil
CATION being made against him that he is
disgruntled by the loss of his position.
The Spanish leaders are reported TO Re
exercised over the fact that comparatively
few Spaniards are preserving Their nation
ality by registration. 1t is impossible now
for all who have not registered to do so il
they wished as there is not sufficient time
| The Spanish Club at NataDzas has Issued
a circular on this subject. setting forth the
advantages of registration as Spanish citi-
| zens. 1t is hoped that this will increase
| the registration.