The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-30
PRESIDENT HARD AT WORK
Attempting to Convert Sena-
 tors to His Views.
The Standpatters May Jofn With the Representatives of Beet Sugar States and Prevent RatiAoa-
 ton of the Compact.

Washington, Dec. 2e.-ConsiderabIe O. position is developing to the ratification of the Cuban reciprocity treaty now pending in the Senate. It is not taking quits the form that the opposition to the Cuban Legislation took last spring. but it is suf- fcient in substance to give concern to the friends of the treaty.
 From time to time. as opportunity of. fers. the President is discussing the mat ter with Senators. particularly with those who are known to have objected to fhe enactment of legizlation extending tarift concessions to the Cuban republic
 Several weeks ago 1t appeared thaA the treaty when presented to the Senate would be ratified without dffflcuity. but some Senators now are taking as strong grounds against the treaty as they took against the Legislation proposed at the last session of Congress.
 Are of Two Glasses.
 These Senators are of two classes. those who are opposed on principle to any ''tarin tinkering" anl those who repre- sent States whose products may be af-. fected by the concessions extended to Cuba by the pending treaty.
 Senators of the first class might be in- duced to support the treaty, inasmuch a4 1t does not involve, in their view, an at tack on the system of protection, were it not for their apprehension that the rat1- fication of the Cuban treaty may lead to 6 demand from other countries that they too, be accorded special tariff concessions by the United States. It has been indi- cated to the President that in the event of the ratification by the Cuban treaty a demand may be expected from Germany within thirty days for concessions siimalar to those accorded Cuba,
 The most distinct desire of the German Empei or. it is pointed out, is for the ex- tension of the foreign commerce of his empire. He, of course. regards Cuba as nation foreign to the United States. and so far as that point is concerned, on an equality with Germany. If tariff con- sessions are granted to Cuba, Germany. under the most favored nation clause. will request that she be given similar concession. That request may take the form almost of demand. If 1t be not granted ,the fear is expressed that Ger many will initiate legislation that will bs inimical to the industrial development of this country. so far as Germany is con- cerned. ever if it should not curtaif American commerce already established Ah 6eA many ana itS' poSSe2&louS.
 Others Will Want Gut.
 The same argument is applied to other countries, Germany being used simply as an example of what may be expected of all of the great foreign nations with which the United States has extensise commercial relations.
 Today the President had an hours cons ference with Senator Scott of West vfr- gfnia. during which they discussed ths reciprocity question in all it's phases. Senator Scott is offering no captious op- position to the Cuban treaty, but he as particularly desirous that nothing shoul0 be done that in the end might result sn any concession on the part of the Urifad States from its present tarin policy.
 The President, 1t Is understood, believes that the pending treaty with Cuba win ba ratified. He desires that it should be ratified as promptly as possible and with as little friction as may be. He says in the proposed ratification there is no pos sible assault on the tariff system of thtss country ,and believes that it would he simply the redemption of a promise. df. rect or implied, made to the Cuban pec.- | pie when they were in the throes of the or ganization of their Government In this view the President Is supported by a large majority of the Republican Senators. While some trouble is anticipated in et- | fecting the ratification of the treaty. IA Is believed generally that ratification win not be delayed seriously -