The Washington times., 1902-06-15
Mr.. EIkinS Defends His
RepublicaniSm and 10y
atty to the President.
OFFERS ALTERNATIVE PLANS
believes Tariff Reciprocity Would Re
suit in Final Admission of the Island
Into Union-Willing to Accept Re
bate, House Bill, or Annexation.

Senator. ElEins, the leader of the Re
publican opposition to any bill proyid-
ing for straight reciprocity with Cuba,
yesterday introduced q joint resolution
in the Senate providing for the annexa-
tion of Cuba and the admission of the
State of Cuba into the Union.
The resolution was offered by Senator
Eikins as another possible solution OF
the difficulty that the Republican party
now finds Itself in on the Cuban ques-
tion. The Senator states that he is not
welded to this proposition, though he
believes it TO be a good one.
Four Alternatives.
He would be willing to accept re-
bate plan or the House bill as it was
passed. He would also be entirely agree
able to a commercial treaty with Cuba
properly formulated and ratified.
He asserts that he is not disloyal to
the President or to the Republican
party, but on the contrary extremely
anxious that some plan may be adopted
on which all may agree.
IIr. Elllins Defines His Position.
Senator Elkins said yesterday 10 a
Times reporter regarding his measure.
and the Cuban situation in general.
My position is clear, and l believe
unanswerable by any fair man who has
not had his view distorted by prejudice.
/ do not believe that the Republican
party should be divided. and the vast
sum OF $50. 100000 expended. and the eco
nomic traditions of the party set aside |
and the enmity of other nations OF the |
world, far better customers than Cuba, |
aroused because of discrimination by
any such bill as is proposed.
Il was originally opposed to any aid
being extended TO the Cubans. 1 be-
lieved that enough had been done for
them in giving them their independence.
But l am loyal to the President and to
the party, and am willing to accept any
policy which does not seem to me en-
tirely mistaken.
Il am willing to vote for CONNER
cial treaty with Cuba. or for some plan
of rebate whereby the Cubans them
selves or the Cuban government will
get the benft of our generosity, and no
one else. l am willing to accept the
House bill as it was passed. Finally.
am in earnest regarding the proposition
for the annexation of Cuba now, which
it seems to me, would be better than
paying out $50 100000, disturbing our
tariff and dividing the Republican party.
and then at the end of five years. after
all the injury is done, admitting Cuba
into the Union.
Would Inure to Benefit of Trusts.
IF the proposition to give e straight
out reciprocal reduction to Cuba is
adopted there can be no doubt that II
will inure TO the beneat of the sugar
trust and the steel trust. and the other
big combinations ard interests which c
import from the island In the case of =
sugar. it is very certain that. with the l
price OF raw and refined sugars un- c
changed, as they Will be, neither the =
planters nor the Iaborers can reap apv c
benefit. nor can the consumers in this |
country. The only other party TO The |
is the refner. c
Il shall attend the Republican caucus
next week. I have never failed 10 at /
END caucus yet And shall express y
ny views. Further than that cannot. G
y course, say anything at this time" Il