New-York tribune., 1902-01-28
THE CUBAN ANNEXATION ARGUMENT.

1HE % BAN ANNEXATION ARGC HbNI'
A particularly strong argument in favor of
reciprocity with Cuba is put forward without its
always being meant as such by those who are
talking of annexation of that island to the
United States Some of whom wiser counsels
We're to be expected are openly advocating such
annexation a preferable alternative to reci-
procity, while others reluctantly recognize it as
something sure to be strongly urged If reciproc-
ity is denied. 1t is really deplorabe to find such
a paper as THE Atlanta Constitution" and such
q man as ex-senator Henderson, of Missouri,
openly urging Cuban annexation and declaring
that there is but one salvation for Cuba, and
that is admission into the United States as
sovereign State OF our Union" Yet such opln-
ions are held. and are expressed. by consider
able number of persons. We must regard them
as grayely i'll advised, but at the same time
we must regard them a fact, and as factor
in the problem of Cuban affairs: and thus must
further regard them as furnishing a powerful
argument in favor of Immediately giving to
Cuba generous measure of reciprocity. If the
latter did nothing more than to avert the men,
ace of Cuban annexation, its vast beneficence to
this nation would be abundantly vindicated.
That it would do so is d be believed. Signif-
cant testimony given Saturday to the
Ways and Means Committee of the House of
Representatives by Colonel Tasker H. Bliss. of
the United States Army. who has been Collector
of Customs at Havana ever since our occupation
of the island. Certainly he must be regarded as
an authority upon the subject, and as an i'm
partial witness, moved by neither political nor
business considerations. He declared that in
his opinion great majority OF the Cubans were
willing TO be annexed to the United States as
either a State or a Territory preliminary TO
Statehood. Personally he was not convinced of
the wisdom of any such annexation. But-and
this is the best point in his testimony-he be-
lieved reciprocity would be more welcome to
them than annexation and commercial union
would postpone or avert political union. If that
be so, and we believe 1t is, then in the name of
common sense and patriotism let us have reci
procity right straight away.
The force of this argument must appeal 10
those even who are opposing concessions to
Cuban sugar and tobacco. For while reciprocity
will mean a reduction of duties OF not more
than so per cent, annexation would mean their
entire abolition. If sugar and tobacco in
dustries cannot compete with Cuba at half their
present rate of protection. what would become
of them under free trade? We are not threat
ening them with Cuban annexation as bogie
The Tribune has been and will continue TO be
resolutely and aggressively opposed to the ad-
mission Of Cuba into this Union. no matter what
may be done concerning reciprocity. But we
would earnestly urge the opponents of rec-
procity to beware lest by their opposition they
encourage the growth of sentiment in favor Of
annexation-in favor. that is TO say of some
thing which according to their own showing
would be absolutely ruinous to them, and which
certainly would be regarded with dsmay akin
to despair by thoughtful citizens of the United
States Of America. We cannot believe that this
nation will ever act so madly to admit any
outlying islands into Statehood in this Union
Neither do we believe it will give encourage
ment to so fatal an error by refusing to Cuba
the reasonable. just and profitable alternative,
which is dictated by the highest considerations
Of national honor and of national interest.