The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-02-06

is needed for the promotion OF the high
est interests OF both countries.
Despite rumors- regarding formidable
opposition to any action favorable to the
island. there is excellent reason to be
Heye that the Ways and Means Commit
tee VIII report a bill for tariff comes
sions 10 Cuba under a broad and practical
reciprocity arrangement that will not
conflict with the favored nation clause
IN all the treaties of amity between the
United states and other nations. A re-
port that eight Of the majority members
CT that committee and one OF the minor
lIy-Mr. Robertson, OF LOuisiana-were
determined 20 stand out to the end
against reporting a bill to pave the way
Tor reciprocity with Cuba is not given
much credence. However. II this state
ment should prove true. OF course the
Senate Gill have to take the initiative
and force the House to terms. as the
Senate always I0es when il finds no other
way OF gaining us point.
This anticipated action by the WAYS
and Means Committee is expected as soon
after the revenue reduction bill passes
the House as practicable. and there is no
room for doubt that the Cuban bill will
get through in spite OF the claims now
being made by agents Of the beet root
lobby that a sufficient number of Repub-
lican members have been pledged by petit
tion to defeat the measure.
Treasury Not Endangered.
Before the debate on the revenue reduc-
ton bill closes in the House it viii be
shown that even If that measure becomes
a law just as framed BY the Ways and
Means Committee. tariff concessions still
can be made TO Cuba without encangeriHg
the Treasury's ability to meet all national
obligations and then have a substantial
surplus left should the Senate not amend
the Payne bin by retaining any Of the
taxes that measure seeks 20 abolish. the
total reduction Of revenues would not ex-
coed $4,000 600. roughly estimated. There
is now ia the Treasury the enormous sur
plus OF SI75 00O. 600. Thus II the Ways
ana Means Committees bill should be
come a Law IL would not Iop OF enough
revenue TO check the accumulation Of a
surplus in excess OF that required for the
maintenance OF the currency on a safe
basis
Estimating the loss in revenues that
would follow tariff concessions TO Cuba
at $4,000 0OO-a figure much too high. in
the opinion of experts-there would still
be room for a large surplus, based on
present estimates Of Treasury receipts
anu rh lri4tAA aAa " MEM the Dement'S Euaf
would accrEe TO the general commerce OF
the country from increased trade WITH
Cuba that would follow reciprocity are
counted il is seen that all the arguments
even from the strict business point Of
view are on the side Of those who are
cOntending for substantial tariff reduc-
tiCus to Cuba
Attitude Of Sugar MRgnatea.
The cIamor Of the beet root rnagn-.as
that concessions TO Cuba would inil-e
their industry has about lost its force
IN Washington. as it has been shown re-
peatcdly that the tariff reduction sought
on Cuban sugar would not affect prevail
ing prices in this country. However.
these interests still claim victory and
are credited with the circulation OF the
report that Governor General Wood was
to be reprimanded for expressing 10 Sen
ators his views on the subject. In CHiciaI
quarters. on the other hand. IL is POSI-
lively declared that there is no thought
OF taking such action against General
Wood.