The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-03-03
ASKS REDUCTION OF DUTY
Cuba's Appeal for Lower Tax on
Tobacco and Sugar.
The Economic Delegation Pleased
with Its Reception-Siatem Is
sued Outlining Plans and Pur-
po.es-Iouis " de Abnd TO Remain.

pOses-Louis '. de Anna TO hehfhih-
The Cuban delegation on economic at
fairs. which has been in Washington for
about two weeks, has prepared the fol-
lowing statement of its plan of organiza-
ton and purposes:
On the l4th of January a convention
representing all the political agricultural,
and commercial interests, as well as the
municipalities of Cuba, assembled in Ha-
vana. At this meeting 1t was determined
that, after having waited two years for
the American Government to take action
which would promote the commercial in
terests of Cuba. ii was time some step
should be taken to bring about a change
in the unfavorable conditions now exist
ing. 4 committee was then appointed to
make recommendations. This committee,
after carefully considering the matter,
made the following recommendations:
'First-The greatest possible reduction
OF import duties on Cuban exports into
the United States. and especially on SUI
gar and tobacco. the latter in the leaf as
well as manufactured. taking into con-
sideration the different conditions of said
articles.
Second-The adjustment of export
duties on tobacco and articles manufac-
from Cuba into other countries
'Third-Tbe appointment of a Cuban
American commission to revise the Gu
ban tariffs on a basis OF reciprocity.
The committee which made the recon-
mendauons was composed of the follow
ing gentlemen: Messrs. F'idel S. p ezra
for the Union Democratica; Alfredo
Zayas, President of the Economic Socie-
~ of friends of the Country: F. Cuervo,
for the Planters and Farmers Associa-
ton; Garcia Marques, for the Cigar and
Cigarette Manufacturers onion: Lauren
20 Rodrigues, of the Chamber of Com
merce of Cuba Carlos Faraga. OF the Ma
uonal party; ana l.. V. de Abad, as lead
er of the movement, all of whom are very
prominent and highly respected citizens
OF Cuba Mr.. Zayas was the only one
who was member of the Constitutional
Convention.
In order to carry out these measures,
as well as others which may be asked
in the future. ii was ordered that a COM
mittee or delegation be appointed to go to
Washington for the purpose of laying
before the President the reforms desired.
The convention also appointed an Execu-
tive Committee to direct proceedings from
Havana and with which the delegates at
Washington should confer until the de
sired objects were attained.
The Executive Committee referred to
above consists of two represent atiVeS
from each corporation and political party.
Mr.. Zayas. the president is also presi-
dent OF the Society OF Friends OF the
Country, which is an economic corpora
ton, organized in 1886 by Captain General
ID. Luis de las Cases, and the vice presi-
dent. Garcia Marques, is the president OF
the Cigar and Cigarette Manufacturers
Union or Cuba.
The members Of the delegation in
Washington are Louis V. Place. a promi-
nent merchan: Of Havana. who is con-
nected with various steamship lines and
different enterprises: Alberto Broch, own
er OF one of the largest sugar planta-
tons In the Province OF Mat1nzas; Do
mlngo Nillamii director of the Havana
Commercial Company. and one of the old
and prominent manufacturers of the
island; and the secretary. Louis V. de
Ahad. is an engineer and well known pub
Usher and staitstician of Havana
The delegation has written the PRIEST
dent asking for the granting of the meas
ures recommended 10y the economic con-
yention.
Two of the requests have been already
practically granted one of them is for
the appointment of Cuban-American
Commission to revise the Cuban tariffs,
and the other is the adjustment OF the
export duties which 1t is understood the
American Administration considers a
heavy burden on the agriculturists Of
Cuba. and unjust.
The tobacco planters, whose interests
have so severely suffered during the war
are now paying taxes which are contrary
TO the economic principles Of the United
States and. in consequence thereof. this
burden has greatly discouraged the Gu
bans.
With respect TO an arrangement con-
corning modus vivendi with Cuba the
American Administration is in accord
with the wishes Of the Cuban sugar and
tobacco planters, but the matter must
be first thoroughly considered by Con-
gress. nothing can be done at present ON
account 81 lack of time.
The delegation is much pleased with the
courteous reception extended to them by
the President. the Secretary of War. and
meny other high officials of the Govern
ment.
III order 10 have permanent representa-
ton, Mr.. Abad. who has been the lead
iIg spirit in this, so far. successful move
ment. will remain at Washington and
continue the work of the Cuban Delega-
fion ON Economic Affairs. the effect of
which has been to bring the Administ ra-
lion into closer relations with the con-
servatiye element OF Cuba, which have
remained separated since the occupation
Of the island by the Americans.