New-York tribune., 1902-05-07
PALMA DEFINES POLICY.
PLANS OF PRESIDENT ELECT
TO IMPROVE CUBA.
WANTS LOWER TARIFF RATES FROM
UNITED STATES-ECONOMY
IN SALARIES
IN SALARIES.
Copyright 1902: BY The Tribune Association)

NNcpSrlEht' ISu%. by Inc 1Elpune AsscClatlonJ
GBY CABLE To TEE TRIBUNEl
Cienfuegos, May 6.-The President elect. Cen
al Palma. gave to The Tribunes correspondent
to-day the first statement regarding the subjects
which he will embody in his first message to
Congress and his treatment of them. All Cuba
has long been awaiting this outline of the
message. as on the Presidents treatment of the
various important points to be covered depends
in measure the future of Cuba. and him
viii devolve the solution of the proberpr that
confront the country.
General Palma has had many conferences on
this trip with men who know the country's con-
ditions thoroughly, and there are now few Gu
bans who know the needs of the country better
than he He said:
Until l returned to Cuba my knowledge of
affairs was the result of reports made to by
others. Since my personal observations made
on this trip I can speak with more freedom and
authority. 1 am more convinced now than ever
that Cuba needs greater tariff reduction from
the United States than Congress has allowed. 1t
is absolutely necessary to the welfare of the
country that we should have a reasonable re-
duction. not only on sugar and tobacco. but on
all Cuban products.
General Palma regrets that the tariff question
has not been finally settled for on it's DISPOSE
ton, he thinks. depends the terms for COM
mercial treaty between the two countries.
He was anxious that the ratification of this
treaty should be one of the first acts of the new
government. and he is greatly disappointed over
the delay. He added:
First 1 wish it understood, it is extremely
important that it should be. that our govern
ment will grant equal rights to all. These rights
will be guaranteed to every resident of Cuba
regardless of religion, race or nationality. This
will be one of our cardinal principles. and we
expect every one to assist in work of
structon.
The agricultural and educational departments
are to receive probably the first and greatest
attention.
The Presdent-eect has studied the system in
vogue in the Department Of Agriculture at
Washington, and as far possible will use it
as a pattern He is particularly enthusiastic
over California's seedless oranges which he
thinks, can be grown here with success, and
the Cuban orange industry is large, it would be
profitable The President will appoint TWO
men who speak English as commission to go
TO Washington to study methods of irrigation
of the Department of Agriculture. The gov
ernment intends to distribute seeds and in other
ways TO foster this industry. for from agricut-
ure must be derived the bulk OF the revenues,
There is to be an increase in the educational
facilities as General Palma is a strong advocate
for the proper education of children Eduardo
Yero Superintendent of Public instruction, has
been ordered by the President-elect to submit
a detailed report at Havana of the present con-
ditions.
The raising of cattle will receive attention.
General Palma hopes in four years this will be
restored to the condition in which it was before
the war
There are to be no War Navy Minister'S as
in the United States. The Treasury Department
will have charge of the revenue cutters and also
of the small coast paUro boats Coast artillery
and the rural guards are to be the only military
forces in Cuba. The latter force, which does po
lice duty. will be increased. The President will
recommend the retention of the Isle of Pines for
the establishment of a quarantine hospital or
asylum He argues that on account of its shall
low waters il is useless to the United States.
The question of the payment of the Cuban
army is to be deferred until the country has
some surplus in the treasury. For the present
American currency and Span silver will con-
tinue In circulation, with the American dollar as
standard of value.
other industries, such as rubber and cotton.
are 10 be encouraged.
Economy Is to he the keynote of General
Palma's policy lie does not believe in super
auous offices and eXorbitant salaries There Is
an understand between the President elect and
The United states Government that no naval or
coaIinR station Is 10 be established at Havana,
None other than the Cuban flag should Ay there.
he said bat he did not object To stations at
Guantanamo, ClenfueGos and Nipe