The Washington times., 1902-06-24

There were 10 conferences or eau
cuses at the Senate yesterday on the
question of Cuban reciprocity, but there
were one or two very serious talks at
the White House. At the Capitol it
seems to be taken for granted that
nothing more will be heard of the ques-
ton until after the Congressional elec-
tions next fall .-.-.-...
The President is not yet willing to ad-
init that all hope is lost for this ses-
sion of Congress. but 1t is practically
certain now that no action will be taken.
The President had conferences yester-
DAY with the Secretary of State and the
Secretary of War, at the conclusion of
which the admission was made that, ow-
ing TO unexpected difficulties, it would
te impossible &c negotiate treaty with
Cuba and send it to the Senate during
the present week, as the President had
intended to do.
Tho President does not admit that he
has abandoned his intention to call an
extra session OF the Senate as soon as
the present session adjourns. but It is
more than likely that he win withhold
action until after the fall elections and
then call special session Of the Sen
ate to consider a treaty which ne will
have negotiated with the Cuban gov
ernment in the meantime.
Plenipotentiary Power.
Senior Quesada, the Cuban minister to
Washington, has been given power to
sign a reciprocity treaty. but it has been
- tot n
the short time remaining of the pres
ent session of Congress.
49, When the President conceived the idea
last week OF srucfug In reciprocity
treaty, having learned that the spoener
compromise bill could not pass, it was
thought that the Insular Bureau of the
War Department could prepare a con-
vention satisfactory to both the United
States and Cuba in a very few days
based on the tariff schedules. prepared
by Colonel Bliss, of the army. formerly
collector of customs at Havana.
These schedules were arranged about
a year ago with a view of having them
put into effect as substitute for the
military tariff which is still In force. 1t
was finally decided. however. that as
the republic was so soon 10 succeed
the military government, it would be
better not TO promulgate the proposed
new tariff. Now IL has been discoYered
that the Cuban government and the rep
resentatives Of some of the big busi-
ness interests of Cuba are not pleased
with the provisions OF the tariff ar
ranged by Colonel Bliss, and that it
would not be possible to have it consid-
cred, amended, and accepted in time to
be sent TO Congress before final ad-
iournment next week.
Fear of Complications.
1t is feared also that complications
might arise between Cuba and foreign
governments If a comprehensive tariff
treaty should be negotiated now 1t is
the general opinion. therefore, that no
further efforts to bring about reduc-
tion in the Cuban tariff will be made at
this session Of Congress, but that the |
whole question viii 90 over TO a special |
session Of the Senate to be called to |
meet early IN November.
Economic Disturbances Feared.
General Leonard Wood. who is still in
Washington, Is very much concerned |
oyer the failure of Congress to act. and
Is inclined to believe that when the |
Cuban people learn that Congress has /
adjourned without acting on the recon-
nendafion of the President for COM
nercial relief there VIII be very seri
ous economic disturbance In the Island,
amounting. indeed. to a financial panic.
General Wood does not fear q reYolu-
lion. as has been reported, but thinks
that commercial and industrial distress
will be made inevitable.