The Irish standard., 1902-06-21
URGES CONGRESS
TO KEEP FAITH.
President Roosevelt Sends Special Message That
Body Regarding Reciprocity with Cuba-Asks
That Special Concessions Be Granted.

Washington. June l4.-The president
Friday sent the following message to
congress:
ITO the Senate and House OF Representa-
tives: | deem it important before the ad-
5ournment Of the present session of congress
to call attention to the following express
s:ons in the message which iii the discharge
OF the duty imposed upon me- by the cors,i
tuition ! sent 10 congress OH the first Tues
cay OF December last:
Elsewhere l have discussed the uucs-
tion OF reciprocity In the case of Cuba.
however, there are weighly reasons of
morality ard OF national interest why the
policy shou," be held TO have peculiar APP
p.ca,!on. ard i most earnestly ask your
attention TO the wisdom. ind, et TO the vital
need, OF providing for a substantial reduce
tloh IN the tariff duties OF Cuban imports
INTO the United States. Cuba has III her
constitution affirmed what we desired, that
she should stand. in International matters.
In closer ana more friendly relations with
us than with any other power; ard We are
bound ny every consideration of honor and
tApeoleEcH to pass CummI rcial meas urcs
IN the interest of her material we'll
being"
Voiced McNinlcN's Sentiments.
This recommendation was merely Civ
Ing practical effect to Pre- siteLt McKin-
leNs words. when, in his messages of De-
cember .. 1855. and December ., 1899. he
wrote:
1T Is important that our relations with
thls people (of CubD shall be of the
most friendly character and our CONNER
clal relations close ard reciprocal. We
nave accepted q trust, the fulnllment Of
winch calls for the sternest integrity of
purpose and the exercise of the highest
wisdom. The new Cuba yet to ari 50
from the ashes of the past must needs
be bound to us by ties Of singular init
macy and strength il its enduring well
fare is to be assured. The greatest bless
ing which can come TO Cuba is the res
toration of her agricultural and industrial
prosperity
Appeal from Palma.
yesterday. June 10, received. by
cable. from the American minister In
Cuba, most earnest appeal from Presi-
dent Palma for "lewiSlative relief before
it is too late and (his) country financial.
ly ruined"
THE granting of reciprocity with Cuba
Is a proposition which stands entirely
alone. The reasons for it far outweic h
those for granting reciprocity with any
other nation. and are entirely consistent
with preserving intact the protective Sys-
ten under which this country has thrivcn
SO marvelously. The present tariff law
was designed to promote the adoption OF
sucn u reciprocity treaty. and expressly
provided for a reduction not to exceed
~ per cent. upon goods coming from
particular country. leaving the tariff
rates on the same articles unchanged as
regards all other countries. Objection
has been made to the granting of the re
duction on the ground that the substah-
tial benefit would not go to the agricul-
tural producer Of sugar. but would in
ure TO the American sugar reiiners. In
my judgment provision can, and should
be. made which will guarantee us against
this possibility; without having recourse
TO Il measure of doubtful policy, such a.
bounty in the form OF Il rebate.
The Real Issue.
1.-THE question as to which If any of the
different schedules of the tariff ought
most properly to be revised does not Gil
ter into this matter in any way or shape
We are concerned with getting a friend
~ reciprocal arrangement with Cuba
This arrangement applies to all the arti
I cles that Cuba grows or produces. II
is not In our power to determine what
these articles shall be; and any discus
sion Of the tariff as 1t affects spcca
schedules. or countries other than Cuba
is wholly aside from the subject matter
to which ! call your attention.
GrOundlexs ApprchenxiOns.
"Some of our citizens oppose the low.
cring of the tariff on Cuban products
just as three years ago they opposed Tho
admission of the Hawaiian islands. lest
free trade with them might ruin certain