The Washington times., 1902-06-03
Will Show a United
Front Against Any Gu
ban Tariff Cut.
A LUNCHEON And CONFERENCE
Twenty Republicans, Sufficient to De-
feat Administration Plan, Decide to
Oppose Proposition-Will Consent to
a Rebate Bill.

/ Eighteen Republican opponents TO
reciprocity with Cube yesterday after
noon. in the rooms OF Senator ElkiHs'
committee. over sumptuous luncheon.
came to an agreement to stand to-
gether against any straight reciprocity
bill
If their agreement is kept the plan of
the Administration to aid Cuba by re-
ciprocal tariff reduction will be de-
feated utterly
The agreement reached was that no
hill is desirable, but that if the Admin
istration Senators. so called, insist on
a measure a rebate will be agreed to of
20 per cent or more on all tariff on
Cuban goods TO be paid to the Cubar
s1vernment direct. and by that govern
ent distributed to the planters as it
may see fit.
favor of the House bill as passed. No
agreement was made regarding it, and
il is understood that those who advo-
Gated it will stand by the agreement for
the rebate proposition or no bill.
Twenty Senators Agree.
The eighteen men who attended the
caucus and who voted for the agree
ment were: Senators Dietrich, Kitt-
redge. Elkins, Scott, Burrows, Clapp,
Millard. Gamble. Burton. Perkins, Bard.
Pritchard. Nelson, Mason. Foster OF
Washington. Kearns. and Jones OF Ne
vada. They represent what has been
called the beot-sugar element in the
Senate. though a number of them rep
resent States having no beet-sugar
Interests. In addition to these Senators.
two-Mr. Simon and Mr.. Wellington
who were not present, sent word to the
conference that they would stand by
any agreement reached.
The Democrats in the Senate are prac-
tically unanimous against reciprocal
tariff relations with Cuba. on the theory
that anything Of the kind would be
direct benefit to the Sugar Trust. One
Of the most prominent Senator's at the
meeting yesterday made the statement
that the Democrats will vote as a unit
against reciprocity bill II is certain
thai very few Of the party are in favor
of any bill.
The conferces now divide the Senate |
~ in the following manner.
For the Administration plaa OF a |
straight reciprocal tariff bill thirty-fiye |
'otes. all Republicans; against any such |
Jill, thirty-three Democratic votes and |
wenty Republican: total. ffty-three, a
OF eighteen votes. They assert
hat there is absolutely no chance what
'ver that any such bill can be forced
through the Senate at this session.
Concessions TO Beet Sugar Men.
The Administration Senators have been
making concessions TO the beet sugar
men for a month or more. 1t was be-
loved at first that a straightout reci
,rocity bill on the basis Of % per cent
could be carried by a prac;i-
ally unanimous Republican vote. 1t be-
ame evident very shortly after the bill
ame over from the House. however.
hat this was entirely TOO rosy a view
4 the strength of the party hold on the
Deet sugar Senator's.
short time ago Senator Aldrich. for
he Administration Senators, proposed TO
ONE OF the Western men-Mr. Bard and
ir- Perkins, Of California. among them.
I Is understood-that the bill should
oniain provision that Cuba should
dopt the United States immigration and
ontract labor laws. If these Western
,enators would vote for IT, The effect
I this concession does not seem TO have
zen great as all the Western men at
ended the conference yesterday and
igned the agreement to stand together,
y day or two ago Mr.. Aldrich made the
ur'her concession that the bill should
lakc a reduction in the tariff on sugar
nd tobacco only. and that the tariff
hould remain unchanged on all other
IMPORTS from the island. This was in
ended to secure the votes of the out
iders who had no direct beet sugar in
arests. but H. too failed
There Is much speculation as to what
i'll be the result of the new develop
rent in the situation. The beet sugar
zen express the greatest confidence that
heir position is impregnable.
III Mr.. Aldrich can get over these
ghteen votes against him in the Repub-
CONTINUED ON Eighth Page) "