The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-04-03
EDGAR NOW
AN INSURGENI'.
He Returns From Washing
tonta Supporter Of Min.
nesota M. C's.
According to, His Idea Their
Attitude Is Eminently
Correct.
Their Opposition Expected to
Result in Genuine Tar
iff Revision.

w. G. Edgar, editor of the Northwestern
Miller. who returned yesterday from an
eastern trip including several days in
Washington, says that the Minnesota DEL
egaton in congress should be commended
rather than criticized for its attitude
against the Cuban reciprocity measure;
that the delegations stand is based on
sound principle and that the 20 per
cent reduction proposed for one year will
go into the pockets of the, sugar trust and
spectators, as the Cuban sugar crop is
now practically under their control.
Mr.. Edgar also says that to increase
the American flour trade with Cuba a
concession must be granted to the island
that will be of some assistance in attract
ing Americans and other flour eaters to
Cuba. as the increase will not come
through the demand Of the poorer native
classes. 80 per cent reduction would
be more like it, but the present measure
will not give the Cuban people relief, nor
would it increase the sale of American
Hour in Cuba $50 barrels. Mr.. Edgar
was under the impression when he went
east that the attitude of the Minnesota
delegation was wrong. After more thor
oughly investigating the question he IS
convinced it is right. He says: ..s...
Minnesota and Cuba.
The delegation is standing for principle
and ought to be commended rather than
criticized. The delegation is not in favor Of
bogus reciprocity and that is what this Cuban
STiVn xlrilli rCr IN trtxr
Cuban people al the assistance they may re-
qulre, In no sense is it opposed to the prin-
ciple OF meeting our obligations toward the
island. 1t will consent to proposition to
appropriate the necessary amount for the re-
lief Of Cuba from the national treasury. but
it is not willing to turn this relief into the
pockets of the sugar trust spectators and
sugar brokers. ... E.le, 2
1t is proposed to reduce the tariff on Cuban
sugar 20 per cent for one year. This 20 per
cent reduction is admittedly inadequate. If
we are going at this thing with the Intention
of benefting Cuba, so per cent would be more
like it and that, too, for such a period rs
will make it certain that the producers of
Cuba are to profit by it. AS it is, 20 per
cent for one year will not reach the planters
but will be absorbed by the trust. The trust
and its agents are already practically in
control OF the Cuban sugar crop, which is
stored in warehouses in the principal ceners
Of the island. This 20 per cent reduction
would mean a neat present to the trust Of
about $4,000 GOETHE benefits would be di-
verified from the Cuban people.
A Snap for the Trust.
That the trust will benefit by this measure
more than any other interest is clearly shown
in the forecasts of the stock market. Hold
ers of sugar stocks expect them to advance
as soon as this legislation passes The argu-
ment that it is for the benefit of the Cuban
people Is manifestly absurd. Members of our
delegation say that all Of the genuine reci-
prOcity treaties now before the senate negoti-
ated by Mr.. Kasson have been defeated by the
same senators who are now advocating this
Cuban reciprocity measure. The Minnesota
delegation believe in and Will champion genu-
inc reciprocity but the sena TORS who are
working for this Cuban measure have blocked
all efforts to promote genuine reciprocity.
The ratification of these treaties would neces-
sarily mean reduction in duties on trust goods
such as iron, steel, paper and other COM
modities. These senators are determined
there shall be no legislation or reciprocity
which shall affect these already over protected
commodities. They determined to pass
the present Cuban measure. ~ Fl
The very influence which has been arrayed
against the reciprocity treaties would profit
by this bill and incidentally the beet sugar
industry furnishing the only competition with
the sugar trust in this country, would be-
discouraged. Our delegation has been whipped
into line in the past by this element in Wash
ington and it has decided TO make d
stand for the broader principle of reciprocity
as opposed to such counterfeit as this. The
delegation is unit and it has much influence
It's members are clear-headed, competent and
honest. Its position Is certainly not pleas
ant one, and if it is not taken on principle
no. other reason can be assigned, as it would
be much easier and peasanter to fall into
line with the majority. 1t is now exposed
to the opposition of a powerful element and
the criticism of mistaken and msinformed
constituents at home. But is is sick and
tired of being whipped into line for humbug
legislation such as this Cuban measure,
brought out under the guise of reciprocity and
philanthropy.
Broader Reciprocity Favored.
The delegation expresses itself as DESTROYS
of securing reciprocity treaties not only with
comparatively insignificant islands but with
the big nations OF the earth. This will be
opposed by many senator's now SO solicitous
for the passage of the Cuban bill. The dele
CATION simply favors reciprocity which reci-
procates buts is opposed to the counterfeit
measures designed to favor certain interests
a eXuensa of othars with 1ass FIJI