The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-04-04
NO RELIEF AT ALL.
President Palma Discusses the
Twenty Per Cent Proposal.

New York, April 4-Tomas Estrada
Palma, president of the Cuban republic,
addressed the New York chamber OF
commerce today Mr.. Palma, who was
introduced by Morris K Jessup, presi-
dent of the chamber, said that in his
judgment commerce was the most i'm
portant wheel in the complex mechan-
ism of a political body. It was an eff
Gent factor in developing the resources
of a country, in promoting and build
ing up its industries and in fostering
the energies of the people and carrying
their activities beyond the boundaries
of the nation into all parts OF the
world-even those which are not with
in the pale of civilization. still more, >
he continued eff we look on the moral
aspect of the commercial movements OF
a country, we find that by its blessed
effects order and peace are assured
within and feelings of friendship and
good will strengthened without. In
modern times commerce has materially
developed it's real force, attaining the
character of a powerful factor in the
social relations Of man It is prin-
cipally due to the interests created by
it that nations are anxious for peace
and devote their efforts to smotherInS
old grudges, which otherwise might
break out at any time on the slightest
pretext.
with my conviction that the best
and surest way to attach one country
to another consists in building up and
strengthening the trade relations
through reciprocal exchange of prod
ucts and the development of other IN
terests in the same line, who entertain
for Cuba my native country, the great
est love and feel at the same time deep
gratitude to the United States, where
for Is years have met with the most
kind, generous and cordial hospitality,
am anxious to see both countries close
" connected and firmly united by a
reciprocal commercial treaty, drawn
on the most favorable terms, q treaty
to the end that Cuba become the larg-
est market in America for the prod
uets of the United States and that this
country raise the bar now placed
against the Cuban products, especially
sugar and tobacco, which are the prin~
cfpaI staples of the island and consft-
tute the only basis we have 30 start
on in unfolding other industries.
sOn the Chamber OF Commerce OF New
York and each one of its estimable uena-
bers depends in great measure the atta1Il-
rnent Of that advantageous result, as the
enormous amount 81 business which this
chamber represents certainly needs a vast
an immense field, and Cuba, lying within
grounds for prof table. trade
I therefore aVan myself Of this oppor-
support in order to obtain from the con-
gress of the United States-the house ana
the senate-a substantial reduction Of the
duties on sugar and topacco. a fe11c-toli
larger than that recommended by the c0fn-
0ittee on ways ana means. III the 4t0etaes
which viii ip no way afford any relief to
the present distress Of the CUBAN pro-
ducers.
After Senior Palma's speech a vote Of
thanks was extended to him and a resola-
ton was offered by Francis B. Thurber
in favor of 80 per cent reduction N the
present Cuban tariff After much discus
sion the resolution was referred to the
committee on foreign trade with the pro-
viso that such committee report at q sPe-
cial meeting one week from today
Charles N Sehwab. president Of the
United States Steel corporation, was elect
ed a member Of the chamber.