The Washington times., 1902-01-26
CUBANS WANT
ANNEXATION.
Colonel Bliss Discusses Reci-
procity Before Committee.
NO DISTRESS ON TEE ISLAND.
Collector at Havana Declares Re.
duction ON Sugar Tariff Is
Imperative.


Means Committee OF the House yester-
day en- the question OF reciprocity with
Cuba. Col. Tasker H. Bliss, collector of
customs at Havana. made a statement in
direct defiance of the reports coming
daily from Cuba as to the distressed con-
dition of her people.
Colonel Bliss said in answer to 4 ques-
tion from Chairman Payne:
No Distress in Cuba.
There is no distress in Cuba at pres
ent. Everyone who is willing to work
has it. 1t has been months since l have
seen beggar in the streets of Havana q"
The committee seemed to be completely
astonishcd at this information, for hardly
day has passed that they have not re-
ceiyed cablegranis from all parts Of Cuba
practically claiming that poverty and
want were rife all over the island. Colonel
Bliss did say, however, that he would not
answer for the conditions in Cuba should
there not be lowering of the tariff on
sugar.
He showed by some carefully prepared
figures that Cuba bought sec ,OGO, coo of i'm
ports, only SOS 0G0. 600 of which went to the
United States. The United States, it
seems has a practical monopoly of such
articles as fresh beef and railroad iron,
but on many other articles. amounting to
$4,000, Goo the United States was only
benefited to the extent of $40 900.
. Spaninrds LoaninE Money.
The witness stated that the majority of
the merchants in Cuba were Spaniards,
and that they made practice OF loaning
money on sugar estates.
In report to General Brooke in 1899,
Colonel Bliss reported that. in his opin-
ion. the removal of all duties On Cuban
exports would have but little effect on i'm
portations from the United States. But
since that time he has changed his mind.
giving as 4 reason in replying to
question from Representative Newlands
that constant intercourse with the peo-
pie of Cuba had changed his mind.
Did you not say in 1900,'' persisted Mr..
Newlands, lit was almost impossible to
accomplish anything in changing ma
tive sentiment that resisted the
purchase of goods IN the United States?"
The colonel said he had. but for many
reasons thought otherwise at present
Nouid Welcome Annexation.
Colonel Bliss said that he thought Cuba
would welcome annexation to the United
States. whether she came in as a State or
Territory; in fact, she would accept any
thing for the sake of recognition. He said
that this sentiment existed among all
classes in Cuba, Spaniards as well as
Cubans, the exception being among a GER
tain class of Cuban politicians.
In following Colonel Bliss, Senior Louis
Place made so witty and satirical 4 speech
in defence of his position as head of the
Cuban delegation that it left doubtful
impression on the committee as TO wheth-
er the senor regarded the matter at issue
as a light and airy matter, or considered,
as enc Congressman remarked after the
hearing THAT the Cubans had a cinch
on winning their fight
Senor Place is a stout, wellgroomed
fellow. with q face more of the German
type than the Cuban. He speaks English
with a fascinating and at the same
time an amusing accent. His gasticula-
tions are characteristic of his race, and
as he waved his arms over his head.
talking at a railroad rate. he kept the
committee laughing constantly.
Committeeman Applaud Place.
When he finished in a perfect whirl-
wind OF sarcasm, Chairman Payne lead
his colleagues in the applause, humping
vigorously on the table where. he was
seated.
Senior Place said that he had never re-
allied what an important country Cuba
was until ne had attended the hearings of
the committee.
Il feel now. gentlemen he said. I'VE
are one big people, so afraid is every
body OF Cuba. Yes; she will ruin mes
seurs, the sugar beet gentlemen; mes
sieurs the sugar cane gentlemen, those
grandees of Louisiana. And as for her
cigars, she ships to many to the United
States every year. Thirty million, eh,
That only allowed two cigars to each man
a year"
Everybody laughed at this.
You expect wonders of Cuba" he con-
tinued, his face expressive with irony
over his jampot collar. You expect US,
pouf. TO blow in a tube-out comes sugar
ting ling ring a bell, out comes cigar.
All, poor Cuba
He said it seemed TO him the objection
of reciprocity with his country was not
so much on account Of the Cubans as the
Sugar Trust.
He was succeeded by Senior Mendoza
who continued the merrimeHt, when he
described the character of Cuban poiiti-
clans.
They are not like yours he said, bow
ing very gravely TO Chairman Payne
They do not own money like politicians
in America
The hearing will be resumed on Tues
da..
CONCpEC0 m DEOTnNkTp