New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-04-09
CHAIRMAN PAYNE'S ARGUMENT.

Accordingly the House went into Committee OF
the Whole, with Mr.. Sherman. OF New-York, In the
chair. It was decided that the time should be
equally divided for and against the bill
Mr. Payne then began his argument. He pointed
the peculiar relations existing between the
United States and Cuba growing out Of the war, TO
which. he remarked incidentally, he had been OPP
posed and the limitations placed on Cuban indie
pendence by the Plat amendment and the oohga-
tions which it placed the United States. It was
our DUTY he argued to see that the govern
started under the best auspices and to
DO all in power to make the experiment sue
cessful He then described the industrial condi-
tons in Cuba growing of the depression or the
sugar industry, which the prosperity OF the
island rested, and he gave figures brought out In
the hearings and reports If Cuba was TO have
chance become free and Independent repuphc
it was absolutely necessary to tide her over the
present crisis The % per cent reduction would
save the planters from bankruptcy until the re-
rnoval of the bounty system in Europe, which the
Brussels Conference abolished, to take effect on
September l. 1903. 1t was hoped that this would re-
suit in the return of sugar to its normal price.
Mr.. Payne said that he had not been ready to
make this concession until he became convinced
that it would inture American industry. He
charged that portion OF the opposition to the bill
was in reality seeking to bring about free trade
with Cuba. 1t was noticeable that Mr.. Payne ad-
dressed his remarks almost entirely to the Repub-
lcans who oppose reciprocity. He seldom even
looked toward the Democrats the other side OF
ton that the Cuban planters would reap the entire
advantage of the 20 per cent reduction of duty and
that the Sugar Trust would get nothing
Mr. Payne produced a report from General Wood
which showed that up April 5s4 259 tons Of cane
had been ground of which the trust held options on
32S5 tons other Americans 2195 tons and 1915 tons
had been exported to the United States The re-
mainder, General Wood reported was held by
Cuban planters or commission houses. That sugar.
Mr.. Payne said, being held by the Cubans
awaiting action by Congress.
rs 1t also fair to assume, asked w A
Smith Of Michigan. that the Sugar Trust which
is the principal customer OF the Cuban planters. IS
also holding OFF awaiting action by CongressE
Mr. Payne said he could not be prevented from
trying TO help Cuba by lear Of the Sugar Trust
BENEFITS TO THE UNITED STATES.
Mr. Payne then turned his attention to the bene-
fits which would accrue to the United States. He
said II had been predicted that In few years we
would have the bulk of the Cuban trade, and that
our exports to that country would reach s2oO.Woec
He also dwelt on the other advantages such as the
exclusion Of cheap labor from Cuba by the enact
1nent of our immigration and labor laws
do you propose treat Cuba as If she We're a
mart of the United States?" asked Mr.. Lloyd, Oh
Missouri
Cuba is not a part of the United states
replied Mr.. Payne Il do not want her to be- put
I believe she will be- and, believing, am III
favor of preparing her as best we can for the
day of her Incorporation within our limits
w A Smith, of Michigan. created some ainuse-
ment by reading extract from speech maze
by Mr. Payne during the consideratiotn OF TN, tne
enpar Industry was established this country the
tariff would be disturbed for twenty-five wen yeaf
and we invested 100000 in Michigan IN the IN
dustry."
MR. NEwLANDS IN OPPOSITION.
Mr. Newlands of Nevada. delivered the opening
speech against the bill. He took the ground that
there should be no concession 10 Cuba unless II
was accompanied by a cordial invitation TO become
a part Of the United States The concession TO
Cuba, he said, would not cheaper sugar to tho
American consumer. He declared that the Repub-
lican party in disregard of the Teller resolu-
ton had sharply curtailed the independence of
Cuba by forcing upon it the adoption of the Platt
amendment. The purpose OF the Republican party
SO many Irritating restrictions on her sovereignty
as make her position intoerable-to make her
a humble suppliant for annexation. If the reso-
luton included an invitation to Cuba to become ONE
he would vote for temporary reduction so as to
give cuba an opportunity 81 aepeFa'0n without
MCCLELLAN FOR GREATER CONCESSION.
Mr. Mcclellan. of New-York, a member of the
Ways and Means Committee. who favors greater
concession to Cuba than is granted by the Payne
bill followed. He told OF the interview between
President Mckinley and the Cuban commissioners
when the President advised them to return to
smendment president Mckinley" said he. told
them to trust the United States. We can pay no
higher tribute to the martyred Presidents Il, mems s
estimate of his country and his countrymen he
w" Mr. M Mcciean insisted reciprocity had been
Democratic doctrine since inoas % e s on
cession would not afford sufficient relief to Cuba
and he gase nof Se rae of reducpon Failing in
that At he would vote for the bill. because it would
The House adjourned at sos p m