Evening star., 1901-11-20
Possible Concessions to Those Pro-
ducts of Cuba.
Observation-Disclosures PROSPECT
High Protectionists Oppose ANY
Such Proposition.
MANUFACTURERS WILLING

Information is at hand indicating the
probability of some very important devel-
opments early in this session of Congress
in connection with tariff arrangements with
Cuba. There is said to be strong sentiment
in influential quarters in the Senate in IA
vor Of granting concessions to Cuba on her
imports Of tobacco and sugar into the
United States.
The element of interest in the situation is
the fact that this disposition is entertained
by some Senators who have heretofore been
recognized as the stanchest advocates OF
the protective tariff system. They declare
their attitude in this case to be consistent,
however, and explain it on the ground that
present concessions would be the lesser OF
two evils-that If something isn't done for
the Cubans. annexation is inevitable and
free trade would follow; a contingency that
Is intoleEable to the protectionlsts
1t is said that il will be contended by
some Senators that it is not neces-
sary to wait for the establishment of
Cuban government: that Congress
can pass a resolution amending the Ding
ley act so as to provide that sugar i'm
ported from Cuba shall pay 20 per cent less
duty than other sugars, and that Cuban to-
bacco shall be given discount II is
claimed that such resolution would not be
obnoxious to the most favored nation
clauses in treaties with foreign countries.
from the fact that Cuba is still the ward OF
this government, and that we can regulate
tariff arrangements for the dependency.
Bitter fractional Fight.
The intimation that a proposition of the
nature of the foregoing is likely TO be
made, means, IT is said, that If such
tariff concessions are attempted one of
the bitterest factional fights the repub-
lican party has ever engaged I'm will be
vrifp
over the Porto Rican tariff will not be a
circumstance to it.
The American Protective Tariff League
and the high protectionists generally
absolutely set against any concession 10
Cuba. Their opposition is centered against
reduction of the sugar tariff and the duties
on tobacco, but they claim that the princi-
pie of protection is the main stake. They
do not believe that concessions are neces-
sary to obviate possible annexation; they
think the spirit of protection to home pro-
ducers prevailing in this country will keep
Cuba out of the Union. -s-g
They have won over to their side the
friends of the beet-sugar growers of the
west and the tobacco raisers of every sec
tion and are prepared to make stin fight
in the House and Senate against any prop
osition to let down the tariff bars TO Cuban
planters.
Opposed to them will be the strong senti-
ment of charity that will be aroused in
the public In Cuba's favor. Several prom
inent republicans senators have said re-
Gently that IL the Cubans are not given
partial relief they will soon be in such
state that the whole people Of the United
States Will be aroused and annexation of
Cuba will be the outcome.
1t is pointed out that the Cubans have
lost the market they formerly possessed
in Spain. Their products pay duty now as
every other import They find the doors
of the United States customs houses
closed to them, except when they can pay
stiff rate of duty, and in this plight Il is
claimed they are suffering.
The high protectionists and the beet-su-
gar men raise the cry that concessions
to Cuba will rebound mainly to the benefit
OF the sugar trust of this country. They
demand that Cuba shall be given her in
dependence and then left to work out her
own economic salvation along with the
other nations of the world
Charity begins at home" is their motto:
Tets look out for our own producers first
Still Another Factor.
There is still another factor in the situa-
ton, however, which will be represented
II the fight opens in Congress, as some ex-
pect. American manufacturers who want
to sell machinery, clothing and foot wear
to Cuba; wholesalers who want to dis
pose of lard. salt fish, dairy products and
bacon; the steel and iron men who want
to ship rails, locomotives. nails and wire;
all these will acquiesce in the proposed
tarln concessions on sugar and tobacco,
assuming, of course, that similar advan-
tage will be given American trade.
There have been rumors lately in con-
gressional circles that President Roosevelt
is very much inclined to recommend con-
cessions to Cuba. These reports have
caused great disquietude among the high
protectfonists. They have accordingly sent
a number of men to the President TO urge
him against such stand
The Cubans side of the case will be
heard in a few days, as a delegation of
Cubans is now in this country to present
an appeal to the President and Congress-
for reduction in the tariff duties on their
products.