Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-06-26
THE FUTURE OF CUBA
Many Members Of Congress Advo-
cate Annexing the Island.
Two PROPOSITIONS are PENDING.


Washington, June Whatever
disposition may be made Of the Gu.
ban reciprocity proposition at this
session, 1t Is now reasonably certain
that annexation Of the islands, as a
solution Of the vexed question, will
be brought before congress at its
next session. Cuban annexation has
been freely discussed, and has q
number Of ardent advocates in both
the senate and house, but the move
ment in that direction has not as
sumed tangible proportions until
quite recently. Mr.. Newlands, of Ne
vada, introduced resolution some
time ago, providing for inviting Cuba
to seek annexation, and Senator
Elkins has offered an annexation
measure in the senate. Neither OF
these documents attracted much at
tention at the time of their pre-
sentation, but some OF the leaders
in both branches Of congress are now
seriously considering annexation as
the proper method of settling the
economic questions which have al
ready arisen, and more serious ones
which are certain to come up with
the development OF the island and
the growth Of trade.
While 1t is probable that Presi-
dent Roosevelt will succeed in secur-
ing, by treaty, reciprocal trade rela-
tions with the island affecting su-
gar, tobacco and other commodities
now produced by Cuba, 1t is general
ly admitted that the relief, If II
proves to be such, will be but tempo
rary. As other industries are devel-
oped In Cuba the kindred enterprises
in the United States will be affected,
just as the beet sugar enterprises
are now affected, and the tariff rela-
lions between the two republics will |
be constantly before congress for ad-
justment. This is the view of Sena-
tor Elkins and others who believe
that the solution lies in annexation,
and they will endeavor to press this
view to the attention Of congress as
soon as possible.
1t is not contended that the reso-
luton offered by Senator Elkins or
that presented by Mr.. Newlands is
in proper form for the disposition of
adoption, but both were simply cal
culated to direct congressional atten-
ton to the question. The resolu-
ton OF Senator Elkins proceeds on
the theory that Cuba desires annexa-
lion, and gives the sanction of con-
yress that the territory belonging to
the republic of Cuba be erected into
q new state, on certain conditions,
including the ratification by congress
OF the constitution of the new state,
the ceding by it to the union of all
public property, and the making of
certain arrangements for the pay
ment of the debts and liabilities of
said republic. The president, how
ever, is given authority to negotiate
With the republic for its admission
% the United States, through a
reaty or otherwise. should he pre-
'er that course to the one pointed
tut In Mr.. Elkins' resolution.
The resolution submitted by Mr..
Vewlands provides for the admission
IT Cuban sugars at rs per cent. less
han the Dingley tariff, in considera-
ion of a reciprocal arrangement on
he part OF Cuba, and invites the Gu.
ian republic to become state in the
Inion, to include such other West
ndia islands belonging to the United
'tates as may be deemed advisable.
'y admitting Cuba to the union, su.
ar would come in free, which Mr..
'ewlands estimates would amount
o a gift of about $25,OOOOOO a year :
Forth striving for. He studied this !
uestion very thoroughly when the G
eclproclty bill was before the ways c
nd means committee and secured v
he uniform answer from witnesses v
the effect that Cuba would wei.