New-York tribune., 1902-03-19
THE FIGHT IN THE CAUCUS.
PLAN TO GIVE A REBATE TO CUBA

Washington, March 1S.-The Republican mem
bers of the House OF Representatives met in
general conference tonight 10 consider the
Cuban tariff question. this being the fifth gath
ering held for the purpose of seeking to recon
Gle the differences existing on this subject
About one hundred and forty members were
present Including Speaker Henderson, Chairman
Payne of the Ways and Means Committee. and
others who have figured prominently in the
contest.
Representative Overstreet. Of Indiana. pro-
posed at the outset that the discussion be lin
!ted 10 an hour on each side saying that the
arguments on the subject had been thoroughly
exhausted and the time had come for action
This view was approved by the conference with
2 reservation that the agreement, did not con,nsl
a vote at the close Of the two hours
Chairman Payne made a statement OF the
olfhcultles encountered By the arbitrating con-
ference which has been seeking for several davs
10 bring the two elements together. He frankly
confessed that nothing had been accomplished
as each side had adhered firmly to its original
position Mr.. Payne said the position Of the
WAYS and Means Committee now was in effect
that presented by Mr.. Sibley at the last con-
ference-namely, for 20 per cent reciprocity
limited 10 December. 1903.
OPPOsITIONrs REBATE PLAN
Representative Dick. Of Ohio. one Of the con-
ferTees for the element opposing the WAYS and
Means Committee, concurred with Mr. Payne
that no progress had been made by the arbitra-
tors toward reaching a solution At the same
time he said he still hopeful Of an ultimate
agreement. and he urged deliberate action in
order that harmony might prevail in the end
NJ. Dick closed by presenting resolutions ex-
pressing the views Of the opposition conferrees,
as follows
Resolved, That il is the sense Of this CON
ference that the Committee on Ways and Means
De directed to report 10 the House bill for the
ieLef OF Cuba substantially embOdyng the fol-
lowing provisions
That the President he authorized to enter into
a commercial agreement with the government
ef cuba when the same shall have been or
ganlzed and established, whereby. on account Of
ne relations which have existed between the
tnued States and Cuba since 1898 and in con-
slder5uon Of such reduction Of duties as shall
ee satisfactory 10 the President on goods wares
shd merchandise, the growth or product of the
Onlteo States. imported into Cuba he shall
agree r. pay each year for three years 10 the
government Of Cuba a sum Of money equivalent
10 % per cent Of the duties collected and paid
mo me Treasury Of the United States on goods
wares and merchandise the growth or the prod
country.
OPPOSING TARIFF REDUCTIONS.
IN support Of these resolutions Mr. Dick sub
mitted the following formal statement for his
side:
Aehering to the statement We have heretofore
Aaoe To this conference expressing our rea -
Ii's JOY opposing reduction Of the duties on
me products of Cuba. and I'm the interest Of
iisalIlonN. and for the purpose Of afording re
- - 'upa. II such relief is needed, and mindful
u me TACT recently developed that during the
.ast hseal year there sas deficit in the public
e"SuIy of the island II cuba Of nearly S5DO,0OO
- submit rhe foregoing resolution with the
herefor u Jul
First-It viii AFFORD relief botb m the govern
Ishl and 70 the people Of Cuba
ptcond-It makes certain that Cuba and her
pps'pie ana no one else VIII be the beneiciaries
u cur action
sIhird-By its adoption We keep faith with
- ~ Ggeop4e Of thi- country and with the people
nfos1Tth-It does not violate our national party
ftsSLo oflns Of i.~G and 1900.
fnth-It Goes not disturb existing conditions
IN this country ''s '''''
20 esfth-lt does not alter or modify any schedu q
ie present tariff law
doeFenfh-It does not iniure cr discourage any
oproeSc oposec industry or prevent its further devel-
Elghth-It avoids an inopportlne agitation Of
nohs nsTsiis affecting Industrial cpdti0ns Of un-
FGIaAeled prosperity
ca.I alIhth-lt would secure reciprocal trade CON
The .,is @ IroIl Cuba, and give tine 10 ascertain
- taiue of such trade relations betveeu the
70 republics under existing conditions
,5enth-Its reciprocal feature furnishes con
~ aGon which makes the proposed measure
peter. so o.D'eo consGtuiionality. IT is as com
sion. IoI congress 10 purchase trade conces-
n.-, rom foreign countries as 10 r1lrcha Sc
t.al OF coalinR stations
he entnLlt is sustained by precedent since
le,is,ID Di4sHinent Of our government and par
aiiy by The legislation refunding duties col
Continued NTH paee