Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-12-23
CUBAN RECIPROCITY
TO TREATY BEING
DISSIPATED.
Why Minnesota, Michigan and Cali
fornia Senators Will Not OPP
pose Its Ratification.

Michigan and Minnesota have withdrawn
their open opposition to the Cuban reciproc-
ity treaty, and will not attempt to defeat
It. California still holds out against the
tariff reductions proposed, but will not try
to hold up the treaty. The treaty must be
ratified before January 81, unless negotia-
tions should be completed for an extension
Of time
The treaty, If. ratified, will accomplish
what was sought by the bill that was be-
fore Congress at the last session, namely,
tariff concessions to Cuba. The bill was
fought because 1t lowered the duty on sugar
and tobacco. The treaty does the same.
The Minnesota delegation have quit the
fight because they found that the sentiment
of the people Of their state was against
them. Minnesota is not a manufacturing
state, except in the production Of flour,
which, 1t Is true, would be staple article
of export to Cuba under increased trade
growing out Of the treaty. 1t is said, how
ever, that the sentiment Of Minnesota was
in favor of helping Cuba materially, and
that the arguments of the anti-reduction-
lists could not convince the mass of the
people
Conclusion Of Beet Sugar Growers.
Michigan has quit the contest because the
beet sugar growers have concluded that
they can adjust their business to a reduc-
tion Of 20 per cent in the tariff. Since the
last session some beet sugar refineries have
been bought in by the sugar trust. Through
the opera tion Of the treaty the sugar trust
will secure its raw aterial for the refining
OF sugar at a reduction of 70 per cent In
the tariff.
California still holds out against tariff re-
duction. California is interested in sugar
looks with suspicion upon reciprocity
treaties with tropical countries, having the
British West Indies reciprocity treaty in
view. The California senators will not vote
for the treaty, but in the face Of changing
sentiment in the Senate they feel that they
cannot hold out against the sentiment Of
the country.
Since the beet sugar and tobacco interests
have abandoned the fight it Is pointed out
that the treaty is likely to become more
popular. 1t provides for reduction of the
Cuban duties on goods entering the island,
ranging from 20 to 40 per cent in amount.
Glass, iron, steel, machinery, pottery, salt
fish. cutlery, shoes, butter, drugs, bottled
beer, twine, rope, &C., in fact, all of the
staple articles of American manufacture re-
ceived concessions from Cuba in the treaty.
Political Considerations.
The political considerations in the cement
ing Of closer trade relations between the two
governments are well understood, and are
Of more concern to this government than
the commercial features. The executive
branch realizes the gravity of the political
considerations and is glad to have good bus
mess reasons to urge for the ratification Of
the treaty.
While on the surface everything looks
smiling and lovely for the treaty, 1T may
not be out Of place to remark that its
friends are keeping sharp lookout for pit
falls. With only two months of this Con-
gress in which to work. 1t is realized that
there will be such a pressure from all sides
in behalf Of other subjects Of legislation
that the t.eaty will have to be given special
attention. Neither the lukewarmness of
supposed friends nor possible secret hostility
Of persons not well disposed to the treaty
will be overlooked.