The Washington times., 1901-11-27
The PEACE OF
CUBA0UR CARE.
Secretary Root Emphasizes
It in Annual Report.
RECIPROCAL TARIFFS ADVOCATED.
Public Policy Demands Preserva-
ton of Islands Independence,
Quiet, and Health r acJmmen-
dations on Important Subjects.

dations on Important Subjects.
There are the weightiest reasons Of
American pubiic policy. says Secretary
Root in his annual report to the Presi-
dent, made public today. for the enact
ment CT reciprocal trade Arrangements
with Cuba at the earliest possible date.
This conclusion is stated not only IN .iew
OF the moral obligations Of the United
States to the new republic. but from
three conditions described as essential TO
this country's welfare. as hereafter stated,
An obstnrIe TO Prosperity.
Mr.. Root says that the government OF
the island during the rast year has been
peaceful and orderly" and after review
ing the work accomplished by the army
Of occupation. he declares:
THE chief apparent obstacle 70 the fu-
ture prosperity of the island IS TO be
found in its commercial relations with the
United States, and the necessity OF secur-
Eng some reciprocal arrangement under
which a concession shall be made from
the tariff duties now imposed by he
United States upon the principal Cuban
products.
Reduction of Duties Urged.
"Our present duty to Cuba can be per-
formed by the making Of such a reciprc-
cal tariff arrangement with her as Presi-
dent Mckinley urged in his last words to
his countrymen at Buffalo on the 5th Of
September. A reasonable reduction in our
duties upon Cuban sugar and tobacco. in
exchange for fairly compensatory reduc-
tions OF Cuban duties upon American
products. will answer the purpose and
strongly urge that such an arrangement
be promptly made Il would involve no
sacrifice, but would be as advantageous
TO US as it would be to Cuba.
Reasons for Prompt Action.
aside from the moral obligation to
which We committed ourselves when We
drove Spain out of Cuba. and aside from
the ordinary considerations OF commercial
advantage involved in a reciprocity treaty.
there are the weightiest reasons Of Amer
lean public policy pointing in the same dl-
Tection; for the peace Of Cuba is necessary
to the peace OF the United States; the
hearth Of Cuba is necessary to the health
Of the United States; the independence
of Cuba is necessary TO the safety Of the
United States. The same considerations
which led to tho war with Spain now re-
uuire that commercial arrangement he
made under which Cuba can live. The
condition of the sugar and tobacco indus
tries in Cuba is already such that the
earliest possible action by Congress upon
this subject is desirable"
District Park improvements.
Concerning the work of the newly con-
stituted District Park Commission, Mr..
Root says:
In admirable spirit that commission
reeks TO restore and develop the original
designs of President Washington and
LEnfant; and the plans which they are
about to present for the work to be done
Hereafter in making the Capital City
more beautiful have the hearty approval
and sympathy OF the War Department.
and viii, if they shall happily be adopted,
have that Departments cordial co-opera-
ton"
The retirement OF Generals Merritt.
Brooks and Otis as lieutenant generals
is recommended as slight rccognitiCu
OF the obligations Of the country to these
oihcers-' The suggestion is made that
TIE provision nov in force for retiring
naval officers at the next higher grade |
10 that attained in active service Be ex- |
tended to the army.
The Transport Service.
The adyisability Of selling all the re-
naming transports on the Atlantic is
urged. The Secretary adds:
1T is not practicable now TO discoa-
tinue the transport service upon the Pa
sFff hut 7 do - !,
the United States should own and opcr-
ate a feet Of passenger and freight yes-
sells in time Of peace. It would be grati-
flying if the American merchant marine
could furnish vessels TO transport our
wen and supplies as part OF a regular
commerce between the United States and
the Philippines under contracts which
would enable the Government. in case of
war TO put the vessels under the control
OF regular clicers Cf the army or navy
for transport purposes, upon reasonable |
compensation. It is desirable that
authority be given TO Congress TO make
such contracts in case opportunities for
such an arrangement should be afforded
in the future.
Recommendations are made That the
President be now empowered to organize
inc volunteer forces whenever called out.
IN the name. provided for BY tie act Of |
March ., 1893, for The organization Of the |
volunteer force which has recently re- |
turned from the Philippines, wiJh such |
notifications as shall be necessary." and !
the establishment by law Of a general |
stait, Of which the War College Board |
shall form part"
WorI. tn the Philippines.
The most important single military
event of the year" is the yalue placed by
Secretary Root On General Funston's cap
ture Of Aguualdo. The field work OF the
army n the Philippines i5 heartily com
mended. Recent disturbances in Samar
are minimized as unfortunately TO be
expected The army in the Philippines
has been reduced since the last annual
report from 2 aG7 officers and Il .727 en-
listed men. 10 III clicers ana a, ,I2s en-
listed men.
The reduction Of expenses Of admins
traaon. the s'mpliiication Of management
by the consolidation Of the military de-
paTimcnts into two only, the sale OF com
Hiissary stores to teachers and other
civilians and the visits Of high officials
Of the War Department are referred 10
briefly.
THANKSGIVING DAY COLE