New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-22

Of the American people in their demand for
tariff concessions This belief has been marked
factor in keeping down i'll feeling. and also In
relieving the strain in business circles; because
IL carried with it confidence in ultimate reel
procity legislation Day after day the Havana
newspapers have republished the comments of
the American press. and in this manner the real
sentiment Of the United States has been under
stood. A Earring note and then. or a sheer
has not changed the feeling of confidence.
one newspaper owner has worked himself into
a state of mind where he thinks that there is no
real purpose Of making tariff concessions on the
basis Of reciprocity any other basis. lie
is sincere in thinking that all the promises mace
have been merely promises TO the ear. and that
ultimately nothing will be allowed TO come from
them. But his columns in reproducing the
opinions OF the American press do not bear out
the stand which he has taken. This editor is an
avowed anneXationist. He is cynical, and he
looks upon everything that the United States
may do as a means 10 the one end which he de-
sires. He therefore would be satisfied to have
reciprocity legislation enacted the quick
est of bringing annexation. Whether
this would be the outcome Of such refusal is one
OF those debatable questions. which would re-
qure q long letter TO examine on ali sides.
Again with regard to the various propositions
originating in the House of Representatives, it
may he said that they will not satisfy either the
sugar planters. the merchants or the politicians
Of Cuba. They are disappointing and this feel
ing Of appointment Will be voiced. They will
be accepted as a beginning. and they will also
be taken token that the pledges of the
United States be kept. But the genuine
Industrial and commercial interests of the ISL
and. well as the political interests. will ask
something more. They will be thankful for any
sign that some measure Of relief is TO be grant
ed, and the present tension in financial circles
viii be what relieved.
Yet all this will be only temporary The
planters and the merchants are going TO incur
the charge Of ingratitude by the beet sugar
raisers, because if they are given a crumb or
two they viii follow this up 6y asking for at
least a quarter of loaf They viii be able 10
show that the action Of the Brussels Conference
viii not help the Cuban sugar industry in time
10 be of benefit in relieving the present situa-
uon. which has been caused largely through the
uncertainty what would be done in Wash
ington, and when it would be done. All the
agencies which have been employed TO get the
Cuban case before the Ways and Means Com
mittee will combine thei- FORCES IN order TO in
huence the Senate. The knowledge that the
Senate is the real representative body in this
matter of Cuban reciprocity is quite as pro
nounCed in Cuba it is in the United States.
The Planters Association and the Chambers Of
Commerce Will make a special effort to have
the Senate go into the merits of Cuban indus
trial conditions, and the hope is yet entertained
that this body Will show something of the states
manship in dealing with the Cuban situation
which has been lacking in the Hous-.
The planters and the merchants are not likely
10 be influenced by the unpleasant things the
beet sugar representatives may say Of them.
They have notion also that when the Senate
gets 10 considering Cuban commerce IL will see
that broad policy is demanded by the interests
OF the United States. well as for the relief of
the island. It is easy to make out case for
reduction Of SO l-3 or 80 per cent on Cuban
sugar II the island is to be started on the high
way Of prosperity. Yet II may be said with
some truth that - per cent is better than moth
ing. Planters will get benefit If only 20 per cent
is conceded but the commerce Of the United
States will not be benefited proprouonately on
this basis.
Collector Bliss in reviewing the imports and
exports is quite outspoken in saying that if the
manufacturers and exporters OF the United
States TO control the Cuban market in goods
which heretofore have been shipped by their
European competitors they must have more
than 20 per cent Of tariff concessions. Some
staple American products can get along without
advantage mis- is not true or cottons ana
variety OF other manufactured products The
Havana commercial representatives will seek
20 impress this the Senate.
II is probable that opportunity also will be
given to explain the policy Of President-elect
Palma. which is dependent so largely on the
tariff Of the United States Word has come
from the President-eect il is said that he looks
upon the Department Of Agriculture about
the most important Of his Cabinet portfolio.
Political conditions are OF less concern to him
than Industrial prospects Some OF the Cuban
politicians finding this out. and dis
pleased that he is little disposed 10 dwell
ideals and distractions.
II is common talk that other disagreeable
prises are in store for them. The hints of the
peculiar notions. as they called, of the first
President Of the Cuban Republic causing
the germs Of an opposition party to develop.
But in his purpose TO look to the agriculture of
the island as the basis of fits prosperity Mr..
Palma Will have the sunonrt not only Of the
great mass Of the country people. hut also Of the
large class Of merchants and business men
whose sentiments toward independent gov
eminent not very kindly. So long as he
directs his policy with view to inSuring
terial prosperity they viii sustain him. And
20 insure material prosperity Il is necessary to
encourage Cuban agriculture. which means the
production Of sugar and tobacco. and this in
turn means market in the United States There
are other interesting features which relate TO
the conditions that viii SURROUND the Inaugural
zion OF the new Cuban government but they
must he left for future letter.