Evening star., 1902-03-19
CUBAN RECIPROCITY
Bill to Be Prepared by Chair
man Payne.
A LIMITING SECTION
EFFORT NOW BEING MADE TO Al
LAY PARTY FRICTION.
Will Be No Rule to Prevent Tariff Re-
duction Amendments - Beet
Sugar Men to Confer.
A LIMITING SECTION

The House leaders having secured the in
dorsement OF formal conference Of re-
publicans for their Cuban reciprocity meas
ure. are now considering plans for passing
the bill through the House. The object is
to accomplish that end with as little party
friction as possible Satisfaction Of the
victor is entirely subordinated to concern
and consideration for the feelings Of the
vanquished II the latter term may be ap-
piled without offense to those whose views
were not accepted by the majority.
1t is the belief Of the House leaders that
1t will not be necessary or advisable to ac.
company the bill when reported with a
rule shutting off tariff amendments They
think that such amendments would 30
clearly be out of order that it would be
needless to stipulate they should not be Of
fered
The Beet Sugar Men.
If the bin comes In without a rule some
think the strategical position Of the bill
will in reality be strengthened. II an
amendment is offered proposing to change
or reduce the general tariff schedule, the
speaker will rule it out of order. A major
ity of his party stand ready to support his
ruling which 1T is contended is sustained
by uniform line Of decisions.
Then, the republicans who would appeal
from the decision and vote with the demo-
Gratis to overrule II will have to place them
selves squareiy outside the party lines. 1t
is claimed. They will be hauled to the
front of the stage and the calcium light OF
party fealty turned full upon them. The
leaders do not believe the beet sugar re-
puhlicans can afford to stand in that light.
The beet sugar men can vote against the
passage Of the bill. 1t will carry just the
same, although with the aid of democratic
votes. If the beet sugar men feel that 1t
is necessary for them to vote against the
r,,t1l 1,,, h,~l ~l.nra ON
that account. although the leaders would
prefer that the bill should have clear re-
publican majority.
Elaborating the contention that amend
ments to change the general tariff schedules
will not be germane to the bail, this illustra-
tion is cited: The bill will stipulate that
the immigration laws OF the United States
shall be adopted by Cuba. Can it be ar
gued, 1t is asked, that an amendment
changing our immigration laws would be
in order? In other words, 1t is insisted that
a bill of this specific character cannot be
used as a vehicle for altering the general
tariff laws of the United States.
The only disturbing element in the future
situation. as the House leaders view 1t, is
the possibility of efforts being made to re-
open the question of tariff revision. They
action were designed more for effect upon
pending negotiations than as likely to ma
terlalize. Such threats have been loud and
frequent
1t was with considerable bitterness that
Representative Dick Of Ohio said in last
nights conference. addressing the ways
and means leaders: "You propose free
trade for the farmers and protection for
the trusts" That remark expressed vol
umes of the thoughts of the beet sugar
protectionists upon the subject.
To Allay Party Irritation.
The House leaders think they will be able
to appease the irritation of the beet sugar
men and obviate the likelihood OF serious
party detection when the rub comes. All
their efforts will be directed to that end
between now and the time when the bill
Is to be called up
The beet sugar protectionists will hold
conference before the end of the week to
agree, If possible, upon a program OF action
when the Cuban reciprocity bill is brought
into the House. They are interesting them
selves to ascertain, II possible, how many
will agree to stick II radical opposition
is decided upon.
The Proposed Bill.
Chairman Payne of the ways and means
committee stated today that the bill will
have two sections. The first will give the
President authority to negotiate reciproci-
ty agreement with Cuba, granting 20 per
cent concessions on all goods. The second
section will cover the so-called Sibley
amendment limiting the duration OF the
reciprocity period to December /, 1903.
Mr.. Payne has not yet determined when
the bill will be brought before the ways
and means committee, in order to be re-
ported to the House.