Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-12
THE b PROBLEM.

Late information from Cuba points to
standing between the island republic
and the United States before the rela-
tions of the two countries are estab-
lished on a secure basis. There is being
manifested by a political element in
Cuba a purpose to antagonize the re-
quirements of this country under the
Plat amendment, regardless Of any
commercial considerations. This ele-
ment is represented to be quite indif-
ferent to the question of tariff regula-
lions, having regard only for future
political conditions. 1t insists that Cuba
shall not be bound by the terms which
the United States imposed, but shall
assert its absolute and unconditional in
dependence and it appears that this ele-
ment is gaining in popular support.
Another fact in the situation is the in
iuence which Europeans are exerting
and to which is said TO be largely due
the indifference which the Cubans are
exhibiting in the matter of trade rela-
ions with the United States. These
Europeans, it is stated. tell the Cubans
that If they fail to get from this
try such terms as they deem to be -es-
sential to their prosperity, then they
may look to European countries for the
concessions the United States %withholds,
This, there is no doubt, has strengthened
fha AaVnand for Iorrar forfff oonnocofOno
on our part than were at first thought
Of by the Cubans and melted a spirit of
independence in this matter that was
not looked for a few months ago, or
when the pending trade negotiations
were entered upon. One Havana CORE
spondent says that many Cubans and
many Europeans, both officials and mer-
chants. resident in Cuba, think that the
United States should cut the existing
tariff rates on Cuban products in two.
Failing a reduction of 80 per cent on
the customs duties imposed by the
United States on Cuban products, it is
the opinion of these persons that Cuba
should make arrangements with Eu-
ropean nations to secure an equal ad-
vantage in European markets.
Thus 1t is that we have not only to
deal with a political element in the
island, said to be growing steadily
stronger, which is organized In opposi.
ton to the Plat amendment, giving the
United States an important voice in
Cuban affairs. but also with a foreign
influence that is evidently being effect
lively exerted in a commercial way. II
is manifest, therefore, that the situation
is Of a nature that promises to be per
picking and disturbing. The politica
element which demands a large measure
of freedom for Cuba has obtained con
troll Of one branch Of the Cuban con
gress and is likely to secure control Of
the other branch. 1t may then attemp
to ignore the conditions imposed by thii
country and in that event the cours,
to be taken by the United States would
become a very serious one. AS to tn,
future of trade relations nothing is We
assured. Negotiations are in progress
but 40 one can say what the result viii
be. Very little has been said on tn
subject at Washington since the Assem-
bling of congress and there appears n
reason to believe that there has bee
any important change of sentiment o.
the question since the last session
From every point Of view the ~situatio,
in regard to Cuba is unsatisfactory.