The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1902-08-21
ROCKY ROAD
FOR CUBANS
Small Chance That
Reciprocity
Wins.
EXTRA SESSION
MAY BE CALLED
Former Senator Thurston Discusses
Situation at Capital as Affect
ing Sugar Situation.

ANY plan for the reduction OF the
tariff on sugar IN favor of Cuba WIN
have rocky road, in my opinion"
said former Senator John NJ. Thurston,
of Nebraska, now practicing his pro-
fession at the Capitol, when seen at
the Hawaiian Hotel yesterday after
noon. Seantor Thurston. eoming as he
does from one of ,Ae States first to en-
ter upon the beet sugar industry, has
taken the greatest interest in the fight
of the Cuban sugar planters. Continu-
ing he said:
The representatives of the beet SUI
gar states, the western men primarily
stand solidly against any reduction in
the rates which would permit the pro-
duct of Cuba to enter the United states
in competition with beet sugar and the
cane sugar of our own country. The
fight was a hard one and there seems
of the senators who made the strug-
gle against the passage Of the bill.
Il am Of opinion that there may be
an extraordinary session of the Senate
for the purpose Of considering a reci-
procity treaty with Cuba. The ad-
ministration is strongly in favor OF
some action and it may take this form.
Still 1 am not convinced that the SEN
ate would agree to such treaty.
despite the power Of the President The
objectors are as strong as ever and the
result may be deadlock just as IT was
before. The situation is a peculiar one
in Nebraska, for there when the con-
vention was held, the senators sent a
letter explaining their stand against
Cuba which was received by the con-
vention and simply placed on file, the
platform containing a strong recipro-
city plank"
Does the failure of reciprocity or
Tariff concessions Of any kind mean
that Cuba will try to be admitted into
he United States?" was asked.
II do not think so. The Cubans are
90 much interested in their new found
and self government to
sacrifice it now and there
would be great opposition to any such
move. What the result win be Is very
,ard TO forecast, and there seems no
ne who would risk an opinion as TO
low the Senate would vote, il vote
vas reached"
Senator Thurston while taking the
rip here partially for his health and
or rest, is the attorney representing
he Gehrs in their fight for the Kohala
yater franchise. He said that In his
pinion the probable outcome OF the
citation before the Senate would be a
eneral law permitting companies
,ant.ng to construct bitches, to cross
he public domain just as is done in
he United States at this time. He viii
tay here long enough TO present the
natter to the commission when it be-
ms its hearings but expects now TO.
e able TO get away by the middle Of
eptember. Asked as to the political
utlook, he said:
THE Democrats as usual are dis
nfted. There seems no chance that
ley can get together They have no
.ader and the situation appears
opeless one for them. think the Re
ublicans viii carry the elections, al
lough Of course the longer party u
power the harder it is to keep Office.
he Democrats seemed to be about 10
et such organization and to make such
Sc of opportunities as 70 give them
phting chance some months ago, but
,at has passed and the general opinion
that they will fail to make gains.