Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-08
Cuban Reciprocity Bill in the
House.
VOTE: YEAS, 80 NAYS
MR.. McCLELLAN'S PROMPT DE-
MAND FOR A DIVISION.
Chairman Payne Explains the Measure
of the Ways and Means
Committee.

The debate upon the Cuban reciprocity
bill opened in the House today. There was
much activity among the leaders on both
sides before the House convened. in antici-
patton of the coming battle, and when the
Speaker called the House to order at noon
the attendance on the floor unusually
Large. After the approval of the journal
some routine business was transacted.
Mr. Lacey GowaD asked unanimous con-
sent for the consideration of a bill to pro-
tect game and fish in Alaska. He explain
cd that when the Alaska code was enacted
year ago 1t did not include game laws
and the result had been an enormous
slaughter Of game during the last season.
There was no objection and the bill was
passed
The Battle Opened.
Mr.. Payne chairman of the ways and
means committee and leader of the major
ity. then moved that the House go into
committee of the whole fo- the considera-
zion Of the Cuban reciprocity bill.
The battle began Immediately. Mr.. Taw-
ney tMinn). as "A parliamentary inquiry, de-
mdnded TO know upon what theory the bill
was privileged.
Mr. Payne replied that the bill was one at
fecting revenue. and the Speaker sustained
that view. ThereupOn Mr.. Robertson Ua)
raised the point of order that the bill did
not come within the purview of the rule.
His contention was that the bill proposed
10 authorize reciprocal trade relations with
Cuba-that it was not a bill to raise or re-
duCe revenue and not amenable as such.
The Speaker held that under a long line
of precedents the bill was privileged.
Mr. NewlandS (Nev) attempted to obtain
a ruling of the chair upon the question of
whether amendments affecting the general
reduction of the tariff would be in order,
but the Speaker declined to rule upon a
question not before the House.
MIR. Robertson U-a) attempted to propose
a proposition as to the length of general
debate. but Mr.. Payne cut him off with a
demand for the regular order
The first test of strength came upon the
motion to go into committee of the whole.
The Motion Carried.
\ Iaughable incident occurred upon the
division. On the viva voce vote the chorus
OF noes was louder than the ayes" and
tn Speaker announced that the noes seem
To- have it He lifted his gavel and looked
a Mr.. Payne, the majority leader, ex-
pecting him to demand a division, but Mr..
Payne made no move.
The noes have it." announced the
Speaker. simultaneously Mr.. Mcclellan On.
" saved the day by shouting division!
I demand a division The result of the
rising vote was watched with great in
dozen republicans demanded tellerS. and
Mr.. Fordney CNich) and Mr.. Underwood
tAldD demanded the yeas and nays The
rpIi call followed
Many OF those who had voted against the
motion on the rising vote changed their
attitude. when they We're placed on record
and the friends of reciprocity won an easy
victory. the motion being carried-11I to 81
rot present 16.
Accordingly, the House went into com
mittee of the whole tCMr. Sherman of New
York in the chair. 1t was decided that
the time should be equally divided for and
against the bill.
Mr.. Payne's Argument.
Mr.. Payne then began his argument. In
opening he pointed out the peculiar rela-
tiOns existing between the United States
ami Cuba growing out of the Spanish war,
t. which he remarked incidentally he had
been opposed. and the limitations placed
upon Cuban independence by the Plat
amendment and the obligations which it
placed upon the United States. Ii was our
duty. he argued. to see that the new gov
eminent was started under the best aus
pices. and to do all in our power TO make
the experiment successful.
lie then proceeded TO describe the indus
trial conditions in Cuba growing out of the
depression Of the sugar industry. upon
which the prosperity Of the island rested
he gave hgures brought out in the hearings
and reports
II Cuba was to have a chance to become
q free and independent republic he de-
ciared that IL was absolutely neCe ssary to
tide her over the present crisis. The 20
Der cent reduction would save the planters
from bankruptcy until the removal of the
bounty system in Europe which the Rrus-
SIS conference abolished to take effect
september /. 1893. II was hoped this would
result IN the return of sugar to its normal
price.
Mr. Payne declared that he had not been
T-ItE make this uc.SSfou lIpril :. no
came convinced that It would injure no
Am. rlctn industry. He charged that a por-
lion II the opposition to this bill was in
reality seeking to bring about free trade
with Cuba IL was noticeable that Mr.
Payne addressed his remarks almost en-
tir'tE u those republic leans who are oppos-
Ing reciprocity He seldom even looked
Over toward the democrats on the other
Side Of the political aisle. MIR. PAYNE was
very iuslstent in his contention that the
Cuban planters would reap the entire ad-
Vtn;aS" IF the ~ per cent reduction of the
duty ana that the sugar trust would get
nothing
MIR Payne said in his opinion the Cuban
bill could become law by May ~ when
tn Cuban republic would be established
III" believed that in time the United States
exports 20 Cuba would amount to $2opGoO,-
pi While he did not want Cuba annexed
ne believed that in time she would be a
part IF the United States.
MI. Newlands in Opposition.
Mr. Payne concluded his speech just be-
for o'clock and Mr.. Newlands CNevD
Was recognized in opposition to the bill
Mr. Newlands stated at the outset that
h. was opposed to any tariff concessions 10
Cuba which We're not accompanied by an
invitation on the par tot the United States
70 have her become part of this country
lie directed attention to the fact that It
would not cheaper sugar any to the Amer
lean consumer to give Cuba the concessions
provided for in the pending bill
The entire sugar production of Cuba he
said combined with our own. including
that OF Porto Rico and Hawaii eGuaIed