The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-03-31
IT'S A PLAIN DUTY
Former Senator Washburn Discusses
Reduction Of, the Cuban Tariff.
A50 PER CENT DECREASE IS DUE
ti0ns Made During His Re-
/ ,g .ag cent Cuban Trip. T.

Former Senator w, D. Washburn, who |
returned yesterday from Cuba, says that
the Island is entitled to 30 per cent re-
duction in tariff. Reciprocity with the ;
United States is necessary II the island is
to prosper and be freed from the hnan-
cial distress which now threatens it. He
says that nine-tent his of the influential
Cubanss.are looking forward to annexa-
ton. $IS4 Ks, Il
Mr.. Washburn fears that il persisted in,
the efforts being made in congress against
concessions to Cuba will result in trouble
in republican ranks. President Roose-
yelt, he believes, has strengthened him
self with the people generally by his stand
7 in favor of Cuba. 80 ts.:a i.-.-....s ~
Mr.fiWashburn was accompanied on his
trip, which included a thirty days stay
in Havana, by Mrs. Washburn, his son |
CadaWallader, and a, niece, Miss Wash
burn OF Portland. Me- In an interview he
said: -. = i
With us the Cuban question is a matter of
duty. This government is responsible for the
welfare or the island and justice demands
that CUBA be granted reciprocity with the
sugar tariff as a basis. Nothing short of a
! 40 per cent reduction in the tariff should be
| considered, and the friends of reciprocity
should insist on 80 per cent. I do not think
reduction Of 20 or 80 per cent will be of
material benefit to the island -
Cuba Is Frustrated. ~" 4
While In Cuba learned much from General
Wood, prominent planters OF the island, and
business men Of Hayana regarding the oondi-
t1on OF affairs. Cuba to-day is practically
Frustrated and is in almost bad a condi-
ton as@Was the south at the close Of the civil
war. Under present conditions Cuban sugar
must be sold in the United States at loss !
There are in Havana, and other central
points. large quantities Of sugar stored,
awaiting a lower duty. This product is being
| gradually eaten UP by the high priced loans.
the rate 3Of interest being from 10 to II per
cent. Cuba has made much progress as far
as cleanliness and good government is con-
cerned but it's future prosperity depends upon
| the tariff policy of the, United States
| There is question but that reciprocity
| would result in much benefit to both Cuba
and the United States. In fact the United
States is sure to realize 100 fold from any
| concessions which it makes to Cuba. l can
! not understand the present attitude Of the
Minnesota delegation In congress in opposing
| the measure. These northwestern states areI
among those which would be most benefited
| by reciprocity The natural resources of
Cuba are the greatest and the most varied
| Of any territory Of It's extent on the globe
l was told that not per cent Of the arabic
! land Is under cultivation. II liberal policy
| is inaugurated by the United States, American
capital and enterprise will bring about a
wonderful change and secure excellent re-.
! suits. II &our tariff policy toward Cuba is
narrow and nggardly. capital will not go
there The northwest will find a good market
| in Cuba for it's -four and corn and pork
products. Give Cuba opportunity to pros
| per and her consumption Of our products will
increase. 49, $50 -.s..- 5ls..s- z,e-,. .-aL,..