The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1902-06-14
CRIsIs Is Ar nAND.

II Is impossible 10 predict with any de-
gree of confidence the probable effect of
the message on the reciprocity situation.
II is now squarely up to tho beet sugar ele-
ment to say whether or not II will re-
spond to the appeal 10 stand by the admin
istration in the interest of party harmony
or continue the fight along the limos that
have been so plainly marked out for some
time past.
The leaders of the administration still
assert that they Will be able to pass
straight reciprocity bill and the leaders OF
the insurgents" are equally positive that
such thing can not he done. Public
opinion, so far as II can he observed here,
seems to incline to the latter view. On
the whole. the republican party Is closer
to a dangerous split than It has been In
years, and students Of politics say that a
division Is inevitable. no matter which way
the question Is decided, II the beet sugar
men rccede from their position and join
the admnistratlonists in passing n straight
measure, the party VIII very likely lose
control of the States in which the beet
sugar industry 1ourishes while, II the in
surcent element combines With the demo
Gratis aud defeats the reciprocity plan, the
schism Will be all the more pronounced.
Then, aside from all this, there Is the fact
that the president has come squarely out
for a piece Of legislation in an attempt TO
influence which the sugar trust has spent
money, and for the furtherance of which
the funds Of the island Of Cuba has been
freely used. This fact alone It * thought
In many quarters. completely counterdct'
whatever effect the proceedings against the
beef trust and the railway merger may
have had. Altogether the situation Is 0
most critical one. and one which can hard
! liz end In good for the republican party.
TEXT or THE MESSAGE.
| Following IS the text OF the message:
"To the Senate aud House Of Representa-
| tivos.
II deem it important before the adjourn
ment of the present session Of congress e
call attention TO the following expressions
In the message which, In the discharge o.
the duty imposed upon me by the constitu
ton, sent TO congress on the trst Tues
day OF December, last:
..Elsewhere have discussed the question
OF reciprocity. In the case OF Cuba, now
ever, there are weighty reasons Of moralit!
! and OF National import why the pole!
should be held to have a particular appll
cation, and most earnestly ask your at
tention 10 the wisdom, indeed, to the |rita
need of providing for substantial reduc
tion In the tariff duties on Cuban Import
into the United States. Cuba has ia he
constitution affirmed what We desired tina
she should stand IN International matter
in closer and more friendly relations witt
us than With any other power; and we ar
bound by every consideration Of honor an
expediency to pass commercial measure
in the interest OF her material wellbeing.
"This recommendation was merely glvin
practical effect TO President Mckinley
words when, in his messages OF Deeembe
). 1858, and December 8, 1880, he wrote
1T is important that our relations wit
this people lof cubal shall be Of the mos
friendly character. and GU commercial re