The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1902-10-28
Palma and the Treaty..

interest In CUBA is likely TO De renewed
by the action Of President Palma returning
the reciprocity treaty submitted by Sec
rotary Hay, with the comment that its
acceptance would be "ruinous" to Cuba.
It was announced from Havana, a. few
days ago, that Palma and his advisers had
decided to accept the treaty, which pro-
vides for a 20 per cent reduction. 1t Is
reported that counter proposition has
been sent to Washington with the treaty
which seems to have been rejected because
1t would reduce the. customs revenue of
the island.
Mr.. Abad who was commissioner for the
economic interests Of Cuba during the last
session of congress and is now in New
York, says that the treaty provides for
20 per cent reduction on Cuban products,
while Cuba was to give the United States
reduction Of 70 per cent on her import
duties. It was expected that the treaty
would be accepted by the Cuban govern
ment and that public sentiment in this
country, which has been very strongly
manifested in favor Of giving commercial
aid to Cuba as against the obduracy of
the senate at the last session Of congress,
would compel that body to abandon the
theory of an Interchangeable tariff law:
1t is to be hoped that Cuba herself will
not interpose any obstruction to a settle
ment of the reciprocity question, although
it must be admitted that 20 per cent re-
duction of duties is a rather meager con-
cession on the part Of nation Of the
financial caliber Of our own. Had a re-
duction Of 80 1-3 per cent been given last
winter, conditions in Cuba would be much
brighter than they are to-day.
The tariff fight last. winter and spring
was blunder on the part of the republic
cans who stand for high protection in
fexibly and uncomprornisingly-a tactical
blunder, which has done more than any
thing else to; weaken the policy they ad-
vocate, by calling public attention to tar
if inequalities; and the obstinacy Of those
who. deny that changed industrial and
commercial conditions necessitate change
of policies and methods has rather
quickened the gravitation Of pub
lie sentiment to more liberal policy
adapted to the changed conditions. If
the republicans at the congressional cleo
lions next week obtain a working ma
jor1ty in the house, and that seems prob
able, the experiences of the past year
must be taken to heart and wrought into
party action or the party may get a severe
jolt two years hence.
Meantime Cuba Is getting along well,
considering the obstacles which have
troubled her through the results Of the
omitted duty Of our own country. The
government has not contracted any debts
and has a million and quarter dollars in
the treasury, which Is double the amount
held in May, and President Palma Is gain
ing In influence constantly. The radical
element Is also, far less formidable than
it appeared few months ago. It is unfor-
tunate that investors Of capital in Cuba
are handicapped by confusion Of laws
formerly in force and modified by military
regime, or superseded by others under the
American military governors, so that they
are not certain where they stand, and the
Cuban government Is not energetic enough
to have the difficulties removed. The pres
ident of the Spanish american Light and
Power company in Havana, an American
corporation, with a capital of SO, 0OO, 900,
states that they are constantly threatened
with disregard Of their vested rights.
Such conditions as these will disappear
with the strong development of the indus
trial and commercial forces Of the island.
Congress, at the coming short session,
should find time to give to- Cuba the ef-
fective aid within it's power to promote
these favorable conditions. It is to the
interest Of the United States to faithfully
complete it's work in, Cuba.